Study on the Integrated Geophysic Methods and Application of Advanced Geological Detection for Complicated Tunnel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhou, L.; Xiao, G.

2014-12-01

The engineering geological and hydrological conditions of current tunnels are more and more complicated, as the tunnels are elongated with deeper depth. In constructing these complicated tunnels, geological hazards prone to occur as induced by unfavorable geological bodies, such as fault zones, karst or hydrous structures, etc. The working emphasis and difficulty of the advanced geological exploration for complicated tunnels are mainly focused on the structure and water content of these unfavorable geological bodies. The technical aspects of my paper systematically studied the advanced geological exploration theory and application aspects for complicated tunnels, with discussion on the key technical points and useful conclusions. For the all-aroundness and accuracy of advanced geological exploration results, the objective of my paper is targeted on the comprehensive examination on the structure and hydrous characteristic of the unfavorable geological bodies in complicated tunnels. By the multi-component seismic modeling on a more real model containing the air medium, the wave field response characteristics of unfavorable geological bodies can be analyzed, thus providing theoretical foundation for the observation system layout, signal processing and interpretation of seismic methods. Based on the tomographic imaging theory of seismic and electromagnetic method, 2D integrated seismic and electromagnetic tomographic imaging and visualization software was designed and applied in the advanced drilling hole in the tunnel face, after validation of the forward and inverse modeling results on theoretical models. The transmission wave imaging technology introduced in my paper can be served as a new criterion for detection of unfavorable geological bodies. After careful study on the basic theory, data processing and interpretation, practical applications of TSP and ground penetrating radar (GPR) method, as well as serious examination on their application examples, my paper formulated a suite of comprehensive application system of seismic and electromagnetic methods for the advanced geological exploration of complicated tunnels. This research is funded by National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No. 41202223) .

Development of a low cost method to estimate the seismic signature of a geothermal field form ambient noise analysis.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Tibuleac, Ileana

2016-06-30

A new, cost effective and non-invasive exploration method using ambient seismic noise has been tested at Soda Lake, NV, with promising results. The material included in this report demonstrates that, with the advantage of initial S-velocity models estimated from ambient noise surface waves, the seismic reflection survey, although with lower resolution, reproduces the results of the active survey when the ambient seismic noise is not contaminated by strong cultural noise. Ambient noise resolution is less at depth (below 1000m) compared to the active survey. In general, the results are promising and useful information can be recovered from ambient seismic noise,more » including dipping features and fault locations.« less

Application of seismic interferometric migration for shallow seismic high precision data processing: A case study in the Shenhu area

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wei, Jia; Liu, Huaishan; Xing, Lei; Du, Dong

2018-02-01

The stability of submarine geological structures has a crucial influence on the construction of offshore engineering projects and the exploitation of seabed resources. Marine geologists should possess a detailed understanding of common submarine geological hazards. Current marine seismic exploration methods are based on the most effective detection technologies. Therefore, current research focuses on improving the resolution and precision of shallow stratum structure detection methods. In this article, the feasibility of shallow seismic structure imaging is assessed by building a complex model, and differences between the seismic interferometry imaging method and the traditional imaging method are discussed. The imaging effect of the model is better for shallow layers than for deep layers because coherent noise produced by this method can result in an unsatisfactory imaging effect for deep layers. The seismic interference method has certain advantages for geological structural imaging of shallow submarine strata, which indicates continuous horizontal events, a high resolution, a clear fault, and an obvious structure boundary. The effects of the actual data applied to the Shenhu area can fully illustrate the advantages of the method. Thus, this method has the potential to provide new insights for shallow submarine strata imaging in the area.

Elastic Reverse Time Migration (RTM) From Surface Topography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Akram, Naveed; Chen, Xiaofei

2017-04-01

Seismic Migration is a promising data processing technique to construct subsurface images by projecting the recorded seismic data at surface back to their origins. There are numerous Migration methods. Among them, Reverse Time Migration (RTM) is considered a robust and standard imaging technology in present day exploration industry as well as in academic research field because of its superior performance compared to traditional migration methods. Although RTM is extensive computing and time consuming but it can efficiently handle the complex geology, highly dipping reflectors and strong lateral velocity variation all together. RTM takes data recorded at the surface as a boundary condition and propagates the data backwards in time until the imaging condition is met. It can use the same modeling algorithm that we use for forward modeling. The classical seismic exploration theory assumes flat surface which is almost impossible in practice for land data. So irregular surface topography has to be considered in simulation of seismic wave propagation, which is not always a straightforward undertaking. In this study, Curved grid finite difference method (CG-FDM) is adapted to model elastic seismic wave propagation to investigate the effect of surface topography on RTM results and explore its advantages and limitations with synthetic data experiments by using Foothill model with topography as the true model. We focus on elastic wave propagation rather than acoustic wave because earth actually behaves as an elastic body. Our results strongly emphasize on the fact that irregular surface topography must be considered for modeling of seismic wave propagation to get better subsurface images specially in mountainous scenario and suggest practitioners to properly handled the geometry of data acquired on irregular topographic surface in their imaging algorithms.

Elastic Reverse Time Migration (RTM) From Surface Topography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Naveed, A.; Chen, X.

2016-12-01

Seismic Migration is a promising data processing technique to construct subsurface images by projecting the recorded seismic data at surface back to their origins. There are numerous Migration methods. Among them, Reverse Time Migration (RTM) is considered a robust and standard imaging technology in present day exploration industry as well as in academic research field because of its superior performance compared to traditional migration methods. Although RTM is extensive computing and time consuming but it can efficiently handle the complex geology, highly dipping reflectors and strong lateral velocity variation all together. RTM takes data recorded at the surface as a boundary condition and propagates the data backwards in time until the imaging condition is met. It can use the same modeling algorithm that we use for forward modeling. The classical seismic exploration theory assumes flat surface which is almost impossible in practice for land data. So irregular surface topography has to be considered in simulation of seismic wave propagation, which is not always a straightforward undertaking. In this study, Curved grid finite difference method (CG-FDM) is adapted to model elastic seismic wave propagation to investigate the effect of surface topography on RTM results and explore its advantages and limitations with synthetic data experiments by using Foothill model with topography as the true model. We focus on elastic wave propagation rather than acoustic wave because earth actually behaves as an elastic body. Our results strongly emphasize on the fact that irregular surface topography must be considered for modeling of seismic wave propagation to get better subsurface images specially in mountainous scenario and suggest practitioners to properly handled the geometry of data acquired on irregular topographic surface in their imaging algorithms.

Seismic Prediction While Drilling (SPWD): Seismic exploration ahead of the drill bit using phased array sources

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jaksch, Katrin; Giese, Rüdiger; Kopf, Matthias

2010-05-01

In the case of drilling for deep reservoirs previous exploration is indispensable. In recent years the focus shifted more on geological structures like small layers or hydrothermal fault systems. Beside 2D- or 3D-seismics from the surface and seismic measurements like Vertical Seismic Profile (VSP) or Seismic While Drilling (SWD) within a borehole these methods cannot always resolute this structures. The resolution is worsen the deeper and smaller the sought-after structures are. So, potential horizons like small layers in oil exploration or fault zones usable for geothermal energy production could be failed or not identified while drilling. The application of a device to explore the geology with a high resolution ahead of the drill bit in direction of drilling would be of high importance. Such a device would allow adjusting the drilling path according to the real geology and would minimize the risk of discovery and hence the costs for drilling. Within the project SPWD a device for seismic exploration ahead of the drill bit will be developed. This device should allow the seismic exploration to predict areas about 50 to 100 meters ahead of the drill bit with a resolution of one meter. At the GFZ a first prototype consisting of different units for seismic sources, receivers and data loggers has been designed and manufactured. As seismic sources four standard magnetostrictive actuators and as receivers four 3-component-geophones are used. Every unit, actuator or geophone, can be rotated in steps of 15° around the longitudinal axis of the prototype to test different measurement configurations. The SPWD prototype emits signal frequencies of about 500 up to 5000 Hz which are significant higher than in VSP and SWD. An increased radiation of seismic wave energy in the direction of the borehole axis allows the view in areas to be drilled. Therefore, every actuator must be controlled independently of each other regarding to amplitude and phase of the source signal to maximize the energy of the seismic source in order to reach a sufficient exploration range. The next step for focusing is to use the method of phased array. Dependent of the seismic wave velocities of the surrounding rock, the distance of the actuators to each other and the used frequencies the signal phases for each actuator can be determined. Since one year several measurements with the prototype have been realized under defined conditions at a test site in a mine. The test site consists of a rock block surrounded from three galleries with a dimension of about 100 by 200 meters. For testing the prototype two horizontal boreholes were drilled. They are directed to one of the gallery to get a strong reflector. The quality of the data of the borehole seismics in amplitude and frequency spectra show overall a good signal-to-noise ratio and correlate strongly with the fracture density along the borehole and are associated with a lower signal-to-noise ratio. Additionally, the geophones of the prototype show reflections from ahead and rearward in the seismic data. In particular, the reflections from the gallery ahead are used for the calibration of focusing. The direct seismic wave field indicates distinct compression and shear waves. The analysis of several seismic measurements with a focus on the direct seismic waves shows that the phased array technology explicit can influence the directional characteristics of the radiated seimic waves. The amplitudes of the seismic waves can be enhanced up to three times more in the desired direction and simultaneously be attenuated in the reverse direction. A major step for the directional investigation in boreholes has accomplished. But the focusing of the seismic waves has to be improved to maximize the energy in the desired direction in more measurements by calibrating the initiating seismic signals of the sources. A next step this year is the development of a wireline prototype for application in vertical boreholes with depths not more than 2000 meters are planned. The prototype must be modified and adapted to the conditions in deep boreholes with respect to pressure and temperature. This project is funded by the German Federal Environment Ministry.

Field test investigation of high sensitivity fiber optic seismic geophone

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Meng; Min, Li; Zhang, Xiaolei; Zhang, Faxiang; Sun, Zhihui; Li, Shujuan; Wang, Chang; Zhao, Zhong; Hao, Guanghu

2017-10-01

Seismic reflection, whose measured signal is the artificial seismic waves ,is the most effective method and widely used in the geophysical prospecting. And this method can be used for exploration of oil, gas and coal. When a seismic wave travelling through the Earth encounters an interface between two materials with different acoustic impedances, some of the wave energy will reflect off the interface and some will refract through the interface. At its most basic, the seismic reflection technique consists of generating seismic waves and measuring the time taken for the waves to travel from the source, reflect off an interface and be detected by an array of geophones at the surface. Compared to traditional geophones such as electric, magnetic, mechanical and gas geophone, optical fiber geophones have many advantages. Optical fiber geophones can achieve sensing and signal transmission simultaneously. With the development of fiber grating sensor technology, fiber bragg grating (FBG) is being applied in seismic exploration and draws more and more attention to its advantage of anti-electromagnetic interference, high sensitivity and insensitivity to meteorological conditions. In this paper, we designed a high sensitivity geophone and tested its sensitivity, based on the theory of FBG sensing. The frequency response range is from 10 Hz to 100 Hz and the acceleration of the fiber optic seismic geophone is over 1000pm/g. sixteen-element fiber optic seismic geophone array system is presented and the field test is performed in Shengli oilfield of China. The field test shows that: (1) the fiber optic seismic geophone has a higher sensitivity than the traditional geophone between 1-100 Hz;(2) The low frequency reflection wave continuity of fiber Bragg grating geophone is better.

Seismic reflection response from cross-correlations of ambient vibrations on non-conventional hidrocarbon reservoir

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huerta, F. V.; Granados, I.; Aguirre, J.; Carrera, R. Á.

2017-12-01

Nowadays, in hydrocarbon industry, there is a need to optimize and reduce exploration costs in the different types of reservoirs, motivating the community specialized in the search and development of alternative exploration geophysical methods. This study show the reflection response obtained from a shale gas / oil deposit through the method of seismic interferometry of ambient vibrations in combination with Wavelet analysis and conventional seismic reflection techniques (CMP & NMO). The method is to generate seismic responses from virtual sources through the process of cross-correlation of records of Ambient Seismic Vibrations (ASV), collected in different receivers. The seismic response obtained is interpreted as the response that would be measured in one of the receivers considering a virtual source in the other. The acquisition of ASV records was performed in northern of Mexico through semi-rectangular arrays of multi-component geophones with instrumental response of 10 Hz. The in-line distance between geophones was 40 m while in cross-line was 280 m, the sampling used during the data collection was 2 ms and the total duration of the records was 6 hours. The results show the reflection response of two lines in the in-line direction and two in the cross-line direction for which the continuity of coherent events have been identified and interpreted as reflectors. There is certainty that the events identified correspond to reflections because the time-frequency analysis performed with the Wavelet Transform has allowed to identify the frequency band in which there are body waves. On the other hand, the CMP and NMO techniques have allowed to emphasize and correct the reflection response obtained during the correlation processes in the frequency band of interest. The results of the processing and analysis of ASV records through the seismic interferometry method have allowed us to see interesting results in light of the cross-correlation process in combination with the Wavelet analysis and conventional seismic reflection techniques. Therefore it was possible to recover the seismic response on each analyzed source-receiver pair, allowing us to obtain the reflection response of each analyzed seismic line.

Seismic Waves in Rocks with Fluids and Fractures

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Berryman, J G

2006-02-06

Seismic wave propagation through the earth is often strongly affected by the presence of fractures. When these fractures are filled with fluids (oil, gas, water, CO{sub 2}, etc.), the type and state of the fluid (liquid or gas) can make a large difference in the response of the seismic waves. This paper will summarize some early work of the author on methods of deconstructing the effects of fractures, and any fluids within these fractures, on seismic wave propagation as observed in reflection seismic data. Methods to be explored here include Thomsen's anisotropy parameters for wave moveout (since fractures often inducemore » elastic anisotropy), and some very convenient fracture parameters introduced by Sayers and Kachanov that permit a relatively simple deconstruction of the elastic behavior in terms of fracture parameters (whenever this is appropriate).« less

Passive Seismic for Hydrocarbon Indicator : Between Expectation and Reality

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pandito, Riky H. B.

2018-03-01

In between 5 – 10 years, in our country, passive seismic method became more popular to finding hydrocarbon. Low price, nondestructive acquisition and easy to mobilization is the best reason for choose the method. But in the other part, some people are pessimistically to deal with the result. Instrument specification, data condition and processing methods is several points which influence characteristic and interpretation passive seismic result. In 2010 one prospect in East Java Basin has been measurement constist of 112 objective points and several calibration points. Data measurement results indicate a positive response. Furthermore, in 2013 exploration drliing conducted on the prospect. Drill steam test showes 22 MMCFD in objective zone, upper – late oligocene. In 2015, remeasurement taken in objective area and show consistent responses with previous measurement. Passive seismic is unique method, sometimes will have difference results on dry, gas and oil area, in field production and also temporary suspend area with hidrocarbon content.

Crustal wavespeed structure of North Texas and Oklahoma based on ambient noise cross-correlation functions and adjoint tomography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhu, H.

2017-12-01

Recently, seismologists observed increasing seismicity in North Texas and Oklahoma. Based on seismic observations and other geophysical measurements, some studies suggested possible links between the increasing seismicity and wastewater injection during unconventional oil and gas exploration. To better monitor seismic events and investigate their mechanisms, we need an accurate 3D crustal wavespeed model for North Texas and Oklahoma. Considering the uneven distribution of earthquakes in this region, seismic tomography with local earthquake records have difficulties to achieve good illumination. To overcome this limitation, in this study, ambient noise cross-correlation functions are used to constrain subsurface variations in wavespeeds. I use adjoint tomography to iteratively fit frequency-dependent phase differences between observed and predicted band-limited Green's functions. The spectral-element method is used to numerically calculate the band-limited Green's functions and the adjoint method is used to calculate misfit gradients with respect to wavespeeds. 25 preconditioned conjugate gradient iterations are used to update model parameters and minimize data misfits. Features in the new crustal model M25 correlates with geological units in the study region, including the Llano uplift, the Anadarko basin and the Ouachita orogenic front. In addition, these seismic anomalies correlate with gravity and magnetic observations. This new model can be used to better constrain earthquake source parameters in North Texas and Oklahoma, such as epicenter location and moment tensor solutions, which are important for investigating potential relations between seismicity and unconventional oil and gas exploration.

Combined Application of Shallow Seismic Reflection and High-resolution Refraction Exploration Approach to Active Fault Survey, Central Orogenic Belt, China

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lin, S.; Luo, D.; Yanlin, F.; Li, Y.

2016-12-01

Shallow Seismic Reflection (SSR) is a major geophysical exploration method with its exploration depth range, high-resolution in urban active fault exploration. In this paper, we carried out (SSR) and High-resolution refraction (HRR) test in the Liangyun Basin to explore a buried fault. We used NZ distributed 64 channel seismic instrument, 60HZ high sensitivity detector, Geode multi-channel portable acquisition system and hammer source. We selected single side hammer hit multiple overlay, 48 channels received and 12 times of coverage. As there are some coincidence measuring lines of SSR and HRR, we chose multi chase and encounter observation system. Based on the satellite positioning, we arranged 11 survey lines in our study area with total length for 8132 meters. GEOGIGA seismic reflection data processing software was used to deal with the SSR data. After repeated tests from the aspects of single shot record compilation, interference wave pressing, static correction, velocity parameter extraction, dynamic correction, eventually got the shallow seismic reflection profile images. Meanwhile, we used Canadian technology company good refraction and tomographic imaging software to deal with HRR seismic data, which is based on nonlinear first arrival wave travel time tomography. Combined with drilling geological profiles, we explained 11 measured seismic profiles. Results show 18 obvious fault feature breakpoints, including 4 normal faults of south-west, 7 reverse faults of south-west, one normal fault of north-east and 6 reverse faults of north-east. Breakpoints buried depth is 15-18 meters, and the inferred fault distance is 3-12 meters. Comprehensive analysis shows that the fault property is reverse fault with northeast incline section, and fewer branch normal faults presenting southwest incline section. Since good corresponding relationship between the seismic interpretation results, drilling data and SEM results on the property, occurrence, broken length of the fault, we considered the Liangyun fault to be an active fault which has strong activity during the Neogene Pliocene and early Pleistocene, Middle Pleistocene period. The combined application of SSR and HRR can provide more parameters to explain the seismic results, and improve the accuracy of the interpretation.

Calibration method helps in seismic velocity interpretation

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Guzman, C.E.; Davenport, H.A.; Wilhelm, R.

1997-11-03

Acoustic velocities derived from seismic reflection data, when properly calibrated to subsurface measurements, help interpreters make pure velocity predictions. A method of calibrating seismic to measured velocities has improved interpretation of subsurface features in the Gulf of Mexico. In this method, the interpreter in essence creates a kind of gauge. Properly calibrated, the gauge enables the interpreter to match predicted velocities to velocities measured at wells. Slow-velocity zones are of special interest because they sometimes appear near hydrocarbon accumulations. Changes in velocity vary in strength with location; the structural picture is hidden unless the variations are accounted for by mappingmore » in depth instead of time. Preliminary observations suggest that the presence of hydrocarbons alters the lithology in the neighborhood of the trap; this hydrocarbon effect may be reflected in the rock velocity. The effect indicates a direct use of seismic velocity in exploration. This article uses the terms seismic velocity and seismic stacking velocity interchangeably. It uses ground velocity, checkshot average velocity, and well velocity interchangeably. Interval velocities are derived from seismic stacking velocities or well average velocities; they refer to velocities of subsurface intervals or zones. Interval travel time (ITT) is the reciprocal of interval velocity in microseconds per foot.« less

Seismic instantaneous frequency extraction based on the SST-MAW

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Naihao; Gao, Jinghuai; Jiang, Xiudi; Zhang, Zhuosheng; Wang, Ping

2018-06-01

The instantaneous frequency (IF) extraction of seismic data has been widely applied to seismic exploration for decades, such as detecting seismic absorption and characterizing depositional thicknesses. Based on the complex-trace analysis, the Hilbert transform (HT) can extract the IF directly, which is a traditional method and susceptible to noise. In this paper, a robust approach based on the synchrosqueezing transform (SST) is proposed to extract the IF from seismic data. In this process, a novel analytical wavelet is developed and chosen as the basic wavelet, which is called the modified analytical wavelet (MAW) and comes from the three parameter wavelet. After transforming the seismic signal into a sparse time-frequency domain via the SST taking the MAW (SST-MAW), an adaptive threshold is introduced to improve the noise immunity and accuracy of the IF extraction in a noisy environment. Note that the SST-MAW reconstructs a complex trace to extract seismic IF. To demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method, we apply the SST-MAW to synthetic data and field seismic data. Numerical experiments suggest that the proposed procedure yields the higher resolution and the better anti-noise performance compared to the conventional IF extraction methods based on the HT method and continuous wavelet transform. Moreover, geological features (such as the channels) are well characterized, which is insightful for further oil/gas reservoir identification.

Phase-Shifted Based Numerical Method for Modeling Frequency-Dependent Effects on Seismic Reflections

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Xuehua; Qi, Yingkai; He, Xilei; He, Zhenhua; Chen, Hui

2016-08-01

The significant velocity dispersion and attenuation has often been observed when seismic waves propagate in fluid-saturated porous rocks. Both the magnitude and variation features of the velocity dispersion and attenuation are frequency-dependent and related closely to the physical properties of the fluid-saturated porous rocks. To explore the effects of frequency-dependent dispersion and attenuation on the seismic responses, in this work, we present a numerical method for seismic data modeling based on the diffusive and viscous wave equation (DVWE), which introduces the poroelastic theory and takes into account diffusive and viscous attenuation in diffusive-viscous-theory. We derive a phase-shift wave extrapolation algorithm in frequencywavenumber domain for implementing the DVWE-based simulation method that can handle the simultaneous lateral variations in velocity, diffusive coefficient and viscosity. Then, we design a distributary channels model in which a hydrocarbon-saturated sand reservoir is embedded in one of the channels. Next, we calculated the synthetic seismic data to analytically and comparatively illustrate the seismic frequency-dependent behaviors related to the hydrocarbon-saturated reservoir, by employing DVWE-based and conventional acoustic wave equation (AWE) based method, respectively. The results of the synthetic seismic data delineate the intrinsic energy loss, phase delay, lower instantaneous dominant frequency and narrower bandwidth due to the frequency-dependent dispersion and attenuation when seismic wave travels through the hydrocarbon-saturated reservoir. The numerical modeling method is expected to contribute to improve the understanding of the features and mechanism of the seismic frequency-dependent effects resulted from the hydrocarbon-saturated porous rocks.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Cleveland, K. Michael; VanDeMark, Thomas F.; Ammon, Charles J.

We report that double-difference methods applied to cross-correlation measured Rayleigh wave time shifts are an effective tool to improve epicentroid locations and relative origin time shifts in remote regions. We apply these methods to seismicity offshore of southwestern Canada and the U.S. Pacific Northwest, occurring along the boundaries of the Pacific and Juan de Fuca (including the Explorer Plate and Gorda Block) Plates. The Blanco, Mendocino, Revere-Dellwood, Nootka, and Sovanco fracture zones host the majority of this seismicity, largely consisting of strike-slip earthquakes. The Explorer, Juan de Fuca, and Gorda spreading ridges join these fracture zones and host normal faultingmore » earthquakes. Our results show that at least the moderate-magnitude activity clusters along fault strike, supporting suggestions of large variations in seismic coupling along oceanic transform faults. Our improved relative locations corroborate earlier interpretations of the internal deformation in the Explorer and Gorda Plates. North of the Explorer Plate, improved locations support models that propose northern extension of the Revere-Dellwood fault. Relocations also support interpretations that favor multiple parallel active faults along the Blanco Transform Fault Zone. Seismicity of the western half of the Blanco appears more scattered and less collinear than the eastern half, possibly related to fault maturity. We use azimuthal variations in the Rayleigh wave cross-correlation amplitude to detect and model rupture directivity for a moderate size earthquake along the eastern Blanco Fault. Lastly, the observations constrain the seismogenic zone geometry and suggest a relatively narrow seismogenic zone width of 2 to 4 km.« less

Interactive Visualization of Complex Seismic Data and Models Using Bokeh

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Chai, Chengping; Ammon, Charles J.; Maceira, Monica

Visualizing multidimensional data and models becomes more challenging as the volume and resolution of seismic data and models increase. But thanks to the development of powerful and accessible computer systems, a model web browser can be used to visualize complex scientific data and models dynamically. In this paper, we present four examples of seismic model visualization using an open-source Python package Bokeh. One example is a visualization of a surface-wave dispersion data set, another presents a view of three-component seismograms, and two illustrate methods to explore a 3D seismic-velocity model. Unlike other 3D visualization packages, our visualization approach has amore » minimum requirement on users and is relatively easy to develop, provided you have reasonable programming skills. Finally, utilizing familiar web browsing interfaces, the dynamic tools provide us an effective and efficient approach to explore large data sets and models.« less

Interactive Visualization of Complex Seismic Data and Models Using Bokeh

DOE PAGES

Chai, Chengping; Ammon, Charles J.; Maceira, Monica; ...

2018-02-14

Visualizing multidimensional data and models becomes more challenging as the volume and resolution of seismic data and models increase. But thanks to the development of powerful and accessible computer systems, a model web browser can be used to visualize complex scientific data and models dynamically. In this paper, we present four examples of seismic model visualization using an open-source Python package Bokeh. One example is a visualization of a surface-wave dispersion data set, another presents a view of three-component seismograms, and two illustrate methods to explore a 3D seismic-velocity model. Unlike other 3D visualization packages, our visualization approach has amore » minimum requirement on users and is relatively easy to develop, provided you have reasonable programming skills. Finally, utilizing familiar web browsing interfaces, the dynamic tools provide us an effective and efficient approach to explore large data sets and models.« less

Seismic properties of fluid bearing formations in magmatic geothermal systems: can we directly detect geothermal activity with seismic methods?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Grab, Melchior; Scott, Samuel; Quintal, Beatriz; Caspari, Eva; Maurer, Hansruedi; Greenhalgh, Stewart

2016-04-01

Seismic methods are amongst the most common techniques to explore the earth's subsurface. Seismic properties such as velocities, impedance contrasts and attenuation enable the characterization of the rocks in a geothermal system. The most important goal of geothermal exploration, however, is to describe the enthalpy state of the pore fluids, which act as the main transport medium for the geothermal heat, and to detect permeable structures such as fracture networks, which control the movement of these pore fluids in the subsurface. Since the quantities measured with seismic methods are only indirectly related with the fluid state and the rock permeability, the interpretation of seismic datasets is difficult and usually delivers ambiguous results. To help overcome this problem, we use a numerical modeling tool that quantifies the seismic properties of fractured rock formations that are typically found in magmatic geothermal systems. We incorporate the physics of the pore fluids, ranging from the liquid to the boiling and ultimately vapor state. Furthermore, we consider the hydromechanics of permeable structures at different scales from small cooling joints to large caldera faults as are known to be present in volcanic systems. Our modeling techniques simulate oscillatory compressibility and shear tests and yield the P- and S-wave velocities and attenuation factors of fluid saturated fractured rock volumes. To apply this modeling technique to realistic scenarios, numerous input parameters need to be indentified. The properties of the rock matrix and individual fractures were derived from extensive literature research including a large number of laboratory-based studies. The geometries of fracture networks were provided by structural geologists from their published studies of outcrops. Finally, the physical properties of the pore fluid, ranging from those at ambient pressures and temperatures up to the supercritical conditions, were taken from the fluid physics literature. The results of this study allow us to describe the seismic properties as a function of hydrothermal and geological features. We use it in a forward seismic modeling study to examine how the seismic response changes with temporally and/or spatially varying fluid properties.

Very-long-period seismic signals - filling the gap between deformation and seismicity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Neuberg, Jurgen; Smith, Paddy

2013-04-01

Good broadband seismic sensors are capable to record seismic transients with dominant wavelengths of several tens or even hundreds of seconds. This allows us to generate a multi-component record of seismic volcanic events that are located in between the conventional high to low-frequency seismic spectrum and deformation signals. With a much higher temporal resolution and accuracy than e.g. GPS records, these signals fill the gap between seismicity and deformation studies. In this contribution we will review the non-trivial processing steps necessary to retrieve ground deformation from the original velocity seismogram and explore which role the resulting displacement signals have in the analysis of volcanic events. We use examples from Soufriere Hills volcano in Montserrat, West Indies, to discuss the benefits and shortcomings of such methods regarding new insights into volcanic processes.

Improving Thin Bed Identification in Sarawak Basin Field using Short Time Fourier Transform Half Cepstrum (STFTHC) method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nizarul, O.; Hermana, M.; Bashir, Y.; Ghosh, D. P.

2016-02-01

In delineating complex subsurface geological feature, broad band of frequencies are needed to unveil the often hidden features of hydrocarbon basin such as thin bedding. The ability to resolve thin geological horizon on seismic data is recognized to be a fundamental importance for hydrocarbon exploration, seismic interpretation and reserve prediction. For thin bedding, high frequency content is needed to enable tuning, which can be done by applying the band width extension technique. This paper shows an application of Short Time Fourier Transform Half Cepstrum (STFTHC) method, a frequency bandwidth expansion technique for non-stationary seismic signal in increasing the temporal resolution to uncover thin beds and improve characterization of the basin. A wedge model and synthetic seismic data is used to quantify the algorithm as well as real data from Sarawak basin were used to show the effectiveness of this method in enhancing the resolution.

Development of a low cost method to estimate the seismic signature of a geothermal field from ambient seismic noise analysis, Authors: Tibuleac, I. M., J. Iovenitti, S. Pullammanapallil, D. von Seggern, F.H. Ibser, D. Shaw and H. McLahlan

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tibuleac, I. M.; Iovenitti, J. L.; Pullammanappallil, S. K.; von Seggern, D. H.; Ibser, H.; Shaw, D.; McLachlan, H.

2015-12-01

A new, cost effective and non-invasive exploration method using ambient seismic noise has been tested at Soda Lake, NV, with promising results. Seismic interferometry was used to extract Green's Functions (P and surface waves) from 21 days of continuous ambient seismic noise. With the advantage of S-velocity models estimated from surface waves, an ambient noise seismic reflection survey along a line (named Line 2), although with lower resolution, reproduced the results of the active survey, when the ambient seismic noise was not contaminated by strong cultural noise. Ambient noise resolution was less at depth (below 1000m) compared to the active survey. Useful information could be recovered from ambient seismic noise, including dipping features and fault locations. Processing method tests were developed, with potential to improve the virtual reflection survey results. Through innovative signal processing techniques, periods not typically analyzed with high frequency sensors were used in this study to obtain seismic velocity model information to a depth of 1.4km. New seismic parameters such as Green's Function reflection component lateral variations, waveform entropy, stochastic parameters (Correlation Length and Hurst number) and spectral frequency content extracted from active and passive surveys showed potential to indicate geothermal favorability through their correlation with high temperature anomalies, and showed potential as fault indicators, thus reducing the uncertainty in fault identification. Geothermal favorability maps along ambient seismic Line 2 were generated considering temperature, lithology and the seismic parameters investigated in this study and compared to the active Line 2 results. Pseudo-favorability maps were also generated using only the seismic parameters analyzed in this study.

Pennsylvanian Tyler stratigraphic seismic concepts

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Moore, C.E.; Archer, R.J.

Recent drilling in the Rattler Butte area of central Montana has renewed interest in the Pennsylvanian Tyler Formation as a drilling objective. New production in this area, coupled with the surrounding well density, provides an ideal situation for further development of Tyler stratigraphic-seismic exploration concepts and methods. Both geologic and geophysical Tyler thickness maps have proven to be useful tools in delineating eroded Heath and subsequent lower Tyler deposition. Seismic modeling has revealed a series of possible Tyler-Heath erosional edge characteristics, providing another tool for Tyler-Heath boundary definition. In modeling specific seismic sand signatures, it was found that seismic charactermore » and amplitude are dependent upon both formation thickness and lithology. Detailed mapping of the study area also revealed a new environmental interpretation of the Tyler. Unlike the fluvial system to the north, the Tyler regime in the Rattler Butte area appears to have fluctuated among fluvial, deltaic, and marine systems. Two hydrocarbon occurrence patterns have been noted within the Tyler: (1) although reservoir quality sands are present throughout the Tyler, those within the lower Tyler are more likely to contain hydrocarbons, and (2) close proximity to the Tyler-Heath erosional edge increases the chances of discovering oil-filled Tyler sands. Combined use of these exploration tools should greatly enhance the chances for successful lower Tyler exploration.« less

Enhanced Structural Interpretation Using Multitrace Seismic Attribute For Oligo-Miocene Target at Madura Strait Offshore

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pratama Wahyu Hidayat, Putra; Hary Murti, Antonius; Sudarmaji; Shirly, Agung; Tiofan, Bani; Damayanti, Shinta

2018-03-01

Geometry is an important parameter for the field of hydrocarbon exploration and exploitation, it has significant effect to the amount of resources or reserves, rock spreading, and risk analysis. The existence of geological structure or fault becomes one factor affecting geometry. This study is conducted as an effort to enhance seismic image quality in faults dominated area namely offshore Madura Strait. For the past 10 years, Oligo-Miocene carbonate rock has been slightly explored on Madura Strait area, the main reason because migration and trap geometry still became risks to be concern. This study tries to determine the boundary of each fault zone as subsurface image generated by converting seismic data into variance attribute. Variance attribute is a multitrace seismic attribute as the derivative result from amplitude seismic data. The result of this study shows variance section of Madura Strait area having zero (0) value for seismic continuity and one (1) value for discontinuity of seismic data. Variance section shows the boundary of RMKS fault zone with Kendeng zone distinctly. Geological structure and subsurface geometry for Oligo-Miocene carbonate rock could be identified perfectly using this method. Generally structure interpretation to identify the boundary of fault zones could be good determined by variance attribute.

Evaluating geophysical lithology determination methods in the central offshore Nile Delta, Egypt

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Nada, H.; Shrallow, J.

1994-12-31

Two post stack and one prestack geophysical techniques were used to extract lithology and fluid information from seismic data. The purpose of this work was to evaluate the effectiveness of such methods in helping to find more hydrocarbons and reduce exploration risk in Egypt`s Nile Delta. Amplitude Variations with Offset (AVO) was used as a direct hydrocarbon indicator. CDP gathers were sorted into common angle gathers. The angle traces from 0--10 degrees were stacked to form a near angle stack and those from 30--40 degrees were stacked to form a far angle stack. Comparison of the far and near anglemore » stacks indicate areas which have seismic responses that match gas bearing sand models in the Pliocene and Messinian. Seismic Sequence Attribute mapping was used to measure the reflectivity of a seismic sequence. The specific sequence attribute measured in this study was the Maximum Absolute Amplitude of the seismic reflections within a sequence. Post stack seismic inversion was used to convert zero phase final migrated data to pseudo acoustic impedance data to interpret lithology from seismic data. All three methods are useful in the Nile Delta for identifying sand prone areas, but only AVO can be used to detect fluid content.« less

Application of random seismic inversion method based on tectonic model in thin sand body research

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dianju, W.; Jianghai, L.; Qingkai, F.

2017-12-01

The oil and gas exploitation at Songliao Basin, Northeast China have already progressed to the period with high water production. The previous detailed reservoir description that based on seismic image, sediment core, borehole logging has great limitations in small scale structural interpretation and thin sand body characterization. Thus, precise guidance for petroleum exploration is badly in need of a more advanced method. To do so, we derived the method of random seismic inversion constrained by tectonic model.It can effectively improve the depicting ability of thin sand bodies, combining numerical simulation techniques, which can credibly reducing the blindness of reservoir analysis from the whole to the local and from the macroscopic to the microscopic. At the same time, this can reduce the limitations of the study under the constraints of different geological conditions of the reservoir, accomplish probably the exact estimation for the effective reservoir. Based on the research, this paper has optimized the regional effective reservoir evaluation and the productive location adjustment of applicability, combined with the practical exploration and development in Aonan oil field.

Gas Reservoir Identification Basing on Deep Learning of Seismic-print Characteristics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cao, J.; Wu, S.; He, X.

2016-12-01

Reservoir identification based on seismic data analysis is the core task in oil and gas geophysical exploration. The essence of reservoir identification is to identify the properties of rock pore fluid. We developed a novel gas reservoir identification method named seismic-print analysis by imitation of the vocal-print analysis techniques in speaker identification. The term "seismic-print" is referred to the characteristics of the seismic waveform which can identify determinedly the property of the geological objectives, for instance, a nature gas reservoir. Seismic-print can be characterized by one or a few parameters named as seismic-print parameters. It has been proven that gas reservoirs are of characteristics of negative 1-order cepstrum coefficient anomaly and Positive 2-order cepstrum coefficient anomaly, concurrently. The method is valid for sandstone gas reservoir, carbonate reservoir and shale gas reservoirs, and the accuracy rate may reach up to 90%. There are two main problems to deal with in the application of seismic-print analysis method. One is to identify the "ripple" of a reservoir on the seismogram, and another is to construct the mapping relationship between the seismic-print and the gas reservoirs. Deep learning developed in recent years is of the ability to reveal the complex non-linear relationship between the attribute and the data, and of ability to extract automatically the features of the objective from the data. Thus, deep learning could been used to deal with these two problems. There are lots of algorithms to carry out deep learning. The algorithms can be roughly divided into two categories: Belief Networks Network (DBNs) and Convolutional Neural Network (CNN). DBNs is a probabilistic generative model, which can establish a joint distribution of the observed data and tags. CNN is a feedforward neural network, which can be used to extract the 2D structure feature of the input data. Both DBNs and CNN can be used to deal with seismic data. We use an improved DBNs to identify carbonate rocks from log data, the accuracy rate can reach up to 83%. DBNs is used to deal with seismic waveform data, more information is obtained. The work was supported by NSFC under grant No. 41430323 and No. 41274128, and State Key Lab. of Oil and Gas Reservoir Geology and Exploration.

Precise relative locations for earthquakes in the northeast Pacific region

DOE PAGES

Cleveland, K. Michael; VanDeMark, Thomas F.; Ammon, Charles J.

2015-10-09

We report that double-difference methods applied to cross-correlation measured Rayleigh wave time shifts are an effective tool to improve epicentroid locations and relative origin time shifts in remote regions. We apply these methods to seismicity offshore of southwestern Canada and the U.S. Pacific Northwest, occurring along the boundaries of the Pacific and Juan de Fuca (including the Explorer Plate and Gorda Block) Plates. The Blanco, Mendocino, Revere-Dellwood, Nootka, and Sovanco fracture zones host the majority of this seismicity, largely consisting of strike-slip earthquakes. The Explorer, Juan de Fuca, and Gorda spreading ridges join these fracture zones and host normal faultingmore » earthquakes. Our results show that at least the moderate-magnitude activity clusters along fault strike, supporting suggestions of large variations in seismic coupling along oceanic transform faults. Our improved relative locations corroborate earlier interpretations of the internal deformation in the Explorer and Gorda Plates. North of the Explorer Plate, improved locations support models that propose northern extension of the Revere-Dellwood fault. Relocations also support interpretations that favor multiple parallel active faults along the Blanco Transform Fault Zone. Seismicity of the western half of the Blanco appears more scattered and less collinear than the eastern half, possibly related to fault maturity. We use azimuthal variations in the Rayleigh wave cross-correlation amplitude to detect and model rupture directivity for a moderate size earthquake along the eastern Blanco Fault. Lastly, the observations constrain the seismogenic zone geometry and suggest a relatively narrow seismogenic zone width of 2 to 4 km.« less

Seismic modeling of complex stratified reservoirs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lai, Hung-Liang

Turbidite reservoirs in deep-water depositional systems, such as the oil fields in the offshore Gulf of Mexico and North Sea, are becoming an important exploration target in the petroleum industry. Accurate seismic reservoir characterization, however, is complicated by the heterogeneous of the sand and shale distribution and also by the lack of resolution when imaging thin channel deposits. Amplitude variation with offset (AVO) is a very important technique that is widely applied to locate hydrocarbons. Inaccurate estimates of seismic reflection amplitudes may result in misleading interpretations because of these problems in application to turbidite reservoirs. Therefore, an efficient, accurate, and robust method of modeling seismic responses for such complex reservoirs is crucial and necessary to reduce exploration risk. A fast and accurate approach generating synthetic seismograms for such reservoir models combines wavefront construction ray tracing with composite reflection coefficients in a hybrid modeling algorithm. The wavefront construction approach is a modern, fast implementation of ray tracing that I have extended to model quasi-shear wave propagation in anisotropic media. Composite reflection coefficients, which are computed using propagator matrix methods, provide the exact seismic reflection amplitude for a stratified reservoir model. This is a distinct improvement over conventional AVO analysis based on a model with only two homogeneous half spaces. I combine the two methods to compute synthetic seismograms for test models of turbidite reservoirs in the Ursa field, Gulf of Mexico, validating the new results against exact calculations using the discrete wavenumber method. The new method, however, can also be used to generate synthetic seismograms for the laterally heterogeneous, complex stratified reservoir models. The results show important frequency dependence that may be useful for exploration. Because turbidite channel systems often display complex vertical and lateral heterogeneity that is difficult to measure directly, stochastic modeling is often used to predict the range of possible seismic responses. Though binary models containing mixtures of sands and shales have been proposed in previous work, log measurements show that these are not good representations of real seismic properties. Therefore, I develop a new approach for generating stochastic turbidite models (STM) from a combination of geological interpretation and well log measurements that are more realistic. Calculations of the composite reflection coefficient and synthetic seismograms predict direct hydrocarbon indicators associated with such turbidite sequences. The STMs provide important insights to predict the seismic responses for the complexity of turbidite reservoirs. Results of AVO responses predict the presence of gas saturation in the sand beds. For example, as the source frequency increases, the uncertainty in AVO responses for brine and gas sands predict the possibility of false interpretation in AVO analysis.

Exploring the Geological Structure of the Continental Crust.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Oliver, Jack

1983-01-01

Discusses exploration and mapping of the continental basement using the seismic reflection profiling technique as well as drilling methods. Also discusses computer analysis of gravity and magnetic fields. Points out the need for data that can be correlated to surface information. (JM)

Evaluation of the site effect with Heuristic Methods

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Torres, N. N.; Ortiz-Aleman, C.

2017-12-01

The seismic site response in an area depends mainly on the local geological and topographical conditions. Estimation of variations in ground motion can lead to significant contributions on seismic hazard assessment, in order to reduce human and economic losses. Site response estimation can be posed as a parameterized inversion approach which allows separating source and path effects. The generalized inversion (Field and Jacob, 1995) represents one of the alternative methods to estimate the local seismic response, which involves solving a strongly non-linear multiparametric problem. In this work, local seismic response was estimated using global optimization methods (Genetic Algorithms and Simulated Annealing) which allowed us to increase the range of explored solutions in a nonlinear search, as compared to other conventional linear methods. By using the VEOX Network velocity records, collected from August 2007 to March 2009, source, path and site parameters corresponding to the amplitude spectra of the S wave of the velocity seismic records are estimated. We can establish that inverted parameters resulting from this simultaneous inversion approach, show excellent agreement, not only in terms of adjustment between observed and calculated spectra, but also when compared to previous work from several authors.

Development of 3-axis precise positioning seismic physical modeling system in the simulation of marine seismic exploration

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, D.; Shin, S.; Ha, J.; Lee, D.; Lim, Y.; Chung, W.

2017-12-01

Seismic physical modeling is a laboratory-scale experiment that deals with the actual and physical phenomena that may occur in the field. In seismic physical modeling, field conditions are downscaled and used. For this reason, even a small error may lead to a big error in an actual field. Accordingly, the positions of the source and the receiver must be precisely controlled in scale modeling. In this study, we have developed a seismic physical modeling system capable of precisely controlling the 3-axis position. For automatic and precise position control of an ultrasonic transducer(source and receiver) in the directions of the three axes(x, y, and z), a motor was mounted on each of the three axes. The motor can automatically and precisely control the positions with positional precision of 2''; for the x and y axes and 0.05 mm for the z axis. As it can automatically and precisely control the positions in the directions of the three axes, it has an advantage in that simulations can be carried out using the latest exploration techniques, such as OBS and Broadband Seismic. For the signal generation section, a waveform generator that can produce a maximum of two sources was used, and for the data acquisition section, which receives and stores reflected signals, an A/D converter that can receive a maximum of four signals was used. As multiple sources and receivers could be used at the same time, the system was set up in such a way that diverse exploration methods, such as single channel, multichannel, and 3-D exploration, could be realized. A computer control program based on LabVIEW was created, so that it could control the position of the transducer, determine the data acquisition parameters, and check the exploration data and progress in real time. A marine environment was simulated using a water tank 1 m wide, 1 m long, and 0.9 m high. To evaluate the performance and applicability of the seismic physical modeling system developed in this study, single channel and multichannel explorations were carried out in the marine environment and the accuracy of the modeling system was verified by comparatively analyzing the exploration data and the numerical modeling data acquired.

GDP: A new source for shallow high-resolution seismic exploration

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rashed, Mohamed A.

2009-06-01

Gas-Driven Piston (GDP) is a new source for shallow seismic exploration. This source works by igniting a small amount of gas inside a closed chamber connected to a vertical steel cylinder. The gas explosion drives a steel piston, mounted inside the cylinder, downward so that the piston's thick head hits a steel base at the end of the cylinder generating a strong shock wave into the ground. Experimental field tests conducted near Ismailia, Egypt, prove that the portable, inexpensive and environmentally benign GDP generates stronger seismic waves than the sledgehammer that is commonly used in shallow seismic exploration. Tests also show that GDP is a highly repeatable and controllable and that its seismic waves contain a good amount of high frequencies which makes the GDP an excellent source for shallow seismic exploration.

Instantaneous Frequency Attribute Comparison

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yedlin, M. J.; Margrave, G. F.; Ben Horin, Y.

2013-12-01

The instantaneous seismic data attribute provides a different means of seismic interpretation, for all types of seismic data. It first came to the fore in exploration seismology in the classic paper of Taner et al (1979), entitled " Complex seismic trace analysis". Subsequently a vast literature has been accumulated on the subject, which has been given an excellent review by Barnes (1992). In this research we will compare two different methods of computation of the instantaneous frequency. The first method is based on the original idea of Taner et al (1979) and utilizes the derivative of the instantaneous phase of the analytic signal. The second method is based on the computation of the power centroid of the time-frequency spectrum, obtained using either the Gabor Transform as computed by Margrave et al (2011) or the Stockwell Transform as described by Stockwell et al (1996). We will apply both methods to exploration seismic data and the DPRK events recorded in 2006 and 2013. In applying the classical analytic signal technique, which is known to be unstable, due to the division of the square of the envelope, we will incorporate the stabilization and smoothing method proposed in the two paper of Fomel (2007). This method employs linear inverse theory regularization coupled with the application of an appropriate data smoother. The centroid method application is straightforward and is based on the very complete theoretical analysis provided in elegant fashion by Cohen (1995). While the results of the two methods are very similar, noticeable differences are seen at the data edges. This is most likely due to the edge effects of the smoothing operator in the Fomel method, which is more computationally intensive, when an optimal search of the regularization parameter is done. An advantage of the centroid method is the intrinsic smoothing of the data, which is inherent in the sliding window application used in all Short-Time Fourier Transform methods. The Fomel technique has a larger CPU run-time, resulting from the necessary matrix inversion. Barnes, Arthur E. "The calculation of instantaneous frequency and instantaneous bandwidth.", Geophysics, 57.11 (1992): 1520-1524. Fomel, Sergey. "Local seismic attributes.", Geophysics, 72.3 (2007): A29-A33. Fomel, Sergey. "Shaping regularization in geophysical-estimation problems." , Geophysics, 72.2 (2007): R29-R36. Stockwell, Robert Glenn, Lalu Mansinha, and R. P. Lowe. "Localization of the complex spectrum: the S transform."Signal Processing, IEEE Transactions on, 44.4 (1996): 998-1001. Taner, M. Turhan, Fulton Koehler, and R. E. Sheriff. "Complex seismic trace analysis." Geophysics, 44.6 (1979): 1041-1063. Cohen, Leon. "Time frequency analysis theory and applications."USA: Prentice Hall, (1995). Margrave, Gary F., Michael P. Lamoureux, and David C. Henley. "Gabor deconvolution: Estimating reflectivity by nonstationary deconvolution of seismic data." Geophysics, 76.3 (2011): W15-W30.

Exploration of buried carbonate aquifers by the inverse and forward modelling of the Controlled Source Audio-Magnetotelluric data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Šumanovac, Franjo; Orešković, Jasna

2018-06-01

On the selected cases, Gotalovec in the area of Pannonian basin and Baška in the Dinaridic karst area, that are representing a common hydrogeological model in both regions of Croatia, CSAMT data together with data of other geophysical methods (electrical resistivity tomography, electrical sounding and seismic reflection) enabled the definition of a reliable prognostic geological model. The model consists of carbonate aquifer which underlies an impermeable thick package of clastic deposits. There are great variations of the dolomitic aquifer depths in the Gotalovec area due to strong tectonic activity, while in the Baška area depth changes are caused by the layer folding. The CSAMT method provides the most complete data on lithological and structural relationships in cases of hydrogeological targets deeper than 100 m. Based on the presented models we can conclude that the CSAMT method can provide greater exploration depth than electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) and can be considered as a fundamental geophysical method for exploration of buried carbonate aquifers, deeper than 100 m. But, the CSAMT research may demonstrate its advantages only in the case of very dense layout of CSAMT stations (25-50 m), due to the greater sensitivity to noise in relation to resistivity methods. Interpretation of CSAMT data is more complex in relation to resistivity methods, and a forward modelling method sometimes gives better results than an inversion due to possibility of the use of additional data acquired by other geophysical methods (ERT, electrical sounding and seismic reflection). At greater depths, the resolution of all electrical methods including the CSAMT method is significantly reduced, and seismic reflection can be very useful to resolve deeper lithological interfaces.

Modeling of time-lapse multi-scale seismic monitoring of CO2 injected into a fault zone to enhance the characterization of permeability in enhanced geothermal systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, R.; Borgia, A.; Daley, T. M.; Oldenburg, C. M.; Jung, Y.; Lee, K. J.; Doughty, C.; Altundas, B.; Chugunov, N.; Ramakrishnan, T. S.

2017-12-01

Subsurface permeable faults and fracture networks play a critical role for enhanced geothermal systems (EGS) by providing conduits for fluid flow. Characterization of the permeable flow paths before and after stimulation is necessary to evaluate and optimize energy extraction. To provide insight into the feasibility of using CO2 as a contrast agent to enhance fault characterization by seismic methods, we model seismic monitoring of supercritical CO2 (scCO2) injected into a fault. During the CO2 injection, the original brine is replaced by scCO2, which leads to variations in geophysical properties of the formation. To explore the technical feasibility of the approach, we present modeling results for different time-lapse seismic methods including surface seismic, vertical seismic profiling (VSP), and a cross-well survey. We simulate the injection and production of CO2 into a normal fault in a system based on the Brady's geothermal field and model pressure and saturation variations in the fault zone using TOUGH2-ECO2N. The simulation results provide changing fluid properties during the injection, such as saturation and salinity changes, which allow us to estimate corresponding changes in seismic properties of the fault and the formation. We model the response of the system to active seismic monitoring in time-lapse mode using an anisotropic finite difference method with modifications for fracture compliance. Results to date show that even narrow fault and fracture zones filled with CO2 can be better detected using the VSP and cross-well survey geometry, while it would be difficult to image the CO2 plume by using surface seismic methods.

Exploring Large-Scale Cross-Correlation for Teleseismic and Regional Seismic Event Characterization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dodge, Doug; Walter, William; Myers, Steve; Ford, Sean; Harris, Dave; Ruppert, Stan; Buttler, Dave; Hauk, Terri

2013-04-01

The decrease in costs of both digital storage space and computation power invites new methods of seismic data processing. At Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory(LLNL) we operate a growing research database of seismic events and waveforms for nuclear explosion monitoring and other applications. Currently the LLNL database contains several million events associated with tens of millions of waveforms at thousands of stations. We are making use of this database to explore the power of seismic waveform correlation to quantify signal similarities, to discover new events not in catalogs, and to more accurately locate events and identify source types. Building on the very efficient correlation methodologies of Harris and Dodge (2011) we computed the waveform correlation for event pairs in the LLNL database in two ways. First we performed entire waveform cross-correlation over seven distinct frequency bands. The correlation coefficient exceeds 0.6 for more than 40 million waveform pairs for several hundred thousand events at more than a thousand stations. These correlations reveal clusters of mining events and aftershock sequences, which can be used to readily identify and locate events. Second we determine relative pick times by correlating signals in time windows for distinct seismic phases. These correlated picks are then used to perform very high accuracy event relocations. We are examining the percentage of events that correlate as a function of magnitude and observing station distance in selected high seismicity regions. Combining these empirical results and those using synthetic data, we are working to quantify relationships between correlation and event pair separation (in epicenter and depth) as well as mechanism differences. Our exploration of these techniques on a large seismic database is in process and we will report on our findings in more detail at the meeting.

Exploring Large-Scale Cross-Correlation for Teleseismic and Regional Seismic Event Characterization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dodge, D.; Walter, W. R.; Myers, S. C.; Ford, S. R.; Harris, D.; Ruppert, S.; Buttler, D.; Hauk, T. F.

2012-12-01

The decrease in costs of both digital storage space and computation power invites new methods of seismic data processing. At Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) we operate a growing research database of seismic events and waveforms for nuclear explosion monitoring and other applications. Currently the LLNL database contains several million events associated with tens of millions of waveforms at thousands of stations. We are making use of this database to explore the power of seismic waveform correlation to quantify signal similarities, to discover new events not in catalogs, and to more accurately locate events and identify source types. Building on the very efficient correlation methodologies of Harris and Dodge (2011) we computed the waveform correlation for event pairs in the LLNL database in two ways. First we performed entire waveform cross-correlation over seven distinct frequency bands. The correlation coefficient exceeds 0.6 for more than 40 million waveform pairs for several hundred thousand events at more than a thousand stations. These correlations reveal clusters of mining events and aftershock sequences, which can be used to readily identify and locate events. Second we determine relative pick times by correlating signals in time windows for distinct seismic phases. These correlated picks are then used to perform very high accuracy event relocations. We are examining the percentage of events that correlate as a function of magnitude and observing station distance in selected high seismicity regions. Combining these empirical results and those using synthetic data, we are working to quantify relationships between correlation and event pair separation (in epicenter and depth) as well as mechanism differences. Our exploration of these techniques on a large seismic database is in process and we will report on our findings in more detail at the meeting.

Crustal wavespeed structure of North Texas and Oklahoma based on ambient noise cross-correlation functions and adjoint tomography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhu, Hejun

2018-04-01

Recently, seismologists observed increasing seismicity in North Texas and Oklahoma. Based on seismic observations and other geophysical measurements, numerous studies suggested links between the increasing seismicity and wastewater injection during unconventional oil and gas exploration. To better monitor seismic events and investigate their triggering mechanisms, we need an accurate 3D crustal wavespeed model for the study region. Considering the uneven distribution of earthquakes in this area, seismic tomography with local earthquake records have difficulties achieving even illumination. To overcome this limitation, in this study, ambient noise cross-correlation functions are used to constrain subsurface variations in wavespeeds. I use adjoint tomography to iteratively fit frequency-dependent phase differences between observed and predicted band-limited Green's functions. The spectral-element method is used to numerically calculate the band-limited Green's functions and the adjoint method is used to calculate misfit gradients with respect to wavespeeds. Twenty five preconditioned conjugate gradient iterations are used to update model parameters and minimize data misfits. Features in the new crustal model TO25 correlates well with geological provinces in the study region, including the Llano uplift, the Anadarko basin and the Ouachita orogenic front, etc. In addition, there are relatively good correlations between seismic results with gravity and magnetic observations. This new crustal model can be used to better constrain earthquake source parameters in North Texas and Oklahoma, such as epicenter location as well as moment tensor solutions, which are important for investigating triggering mechanisms between these induced earthquakes and unconventional oil and gas exploration activities.

Multi-azimuth 3D Seismic Exploration and Processing in the Jeju Basin, the Northern East China Sea

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yoon, Youngho; Kang, Moohee; Kim, Jin-Ho; Kim, Kyong-O.

2015-04-01

Multi-azimuth(MAZ) 3D seismic exploration is one of the most advanced seismic survey methods to improve illumination and multiple attenuation for better image of the subsurface structures. 3D multi-channel seismic data were collected in two phases during 2012, 2013, and 2014 in Jeju Basin, the northern part of the East China Sea Basin where several oil and gas fields were discovered. Phase 1 data were acquired at 135° and 315° azimuths in 2012 and 2013 comprised a full 3D marine seismic coverage of 160 km2. In 2014, phase 2 data were acquired at the azimuths 45° and 225°, perpendicular to those of phase 1. These two datasets were processed through the same processing workflow prior to velocity analysis and merged to one MAZ dataset. We performed velocity analysis on the MAZ dataset as well as two phases data individually and then stacked these three datasets separately. We were able to pick more accurate velocities in the MAZ dataset compare to phase 1 and 2 data while velocity picking. Consequently, the MAZ seismic volume provide us better resolution and improved images since different shooting directions illuminate different parts of the structures and stratigraphic features.

Application of Carbonate Reservoir using waveform inversion and reverse-time migration methods

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, W.; Kim, H.; Min, D.; Keehm, Y.

2011-12-01

Recent exploration targets of oil and gas resources are deeper and more complicated subsurface structures, and carbonate reservoirs have become one of the attractive and challenging targets in seismic exploration. To increase the rate of success in oil and gas exploration, it is required to delineate detailed subsurface structures. Accordingly, migration method is more important factor in seismic data processing for the delineation. Seismic migration method has a long history, and there have been developed lots of migration techniques. Among them, reverse-time migration is promising, because it can provide reliable images for the complicated model even in the case of significant velocity contrasts in the model. The reliability of seismic migration images is dependent on the subsurface velocity models, which can be extracted in several ways. These days, geophysicists try to obtain velocity models through seismic full waveform inversion. Since Lailly (1983) and Tarantola (1984) proposed that the adjoint state of wave equations can be used in waveform inversion, the back-propagation techniques used in reverse-time migration have been used in waveform inversion, which accelerated the development of waveform inversion. In this study, we applied acoustic waveform inversion and reverse-time migration methods to carbonate reservoir models with various reservoir thicknesses to examine the feasibility of the methods in delineating carbonate reservoir models. We first extracted subsurface material properties from acoustic waveform inversion, and then applied reverse-time migration using the inverted velocities as a background model. The waveform inversion in this study used back-propagation technique, and conjugate gradient method was used in optimization. The inversion was performed using the frequency-selection strategy. Finally waveform inversion results showed that carbonate reservoir models are clearly inverted by waveform inversion and migration images based on the inversion results are quite reliable. Different thicknesses of reservoir models were also described and the results revealed that the lower boundary of the reservoir was not delineated because of energy loss. From these results, it was noted that carbonate reservoirs can be properly imaged and interpreted by waveform inversion and reverse-time migration methods. This work was supported by the Energy Resources R&D program of the Korea Institute of Energy Technology Evaluation and Planning (KETEP) grant funded by the Korea government Ministry of Knowledge Economy (No. 2009201030001A, No. 2010T100200133) and the Brain Korea 21 project of Energy System Engineering.

Seismic model study of Patrick Draw field, Wyoming: a stratigraphic trap in the Upper Cretaceous Almond Formation

USGS Publications Warehouse

Anderson, Robert C.; Ryder, Robert T.

1978-01-01

The Patrick Draw field, located on the eastern flank of the Rock Springs uplift in the Washakie basin of southwestern Wyoming, was discovered in 1959 without the use of geophysical methods. The field is a classic example of a stratigraphic trap, where Upper Cretaceous porous sandstone units pinch out on a structural nose. Two-dimensional seismic modeling was used to construct the seismic waveform expressions of the Patrick Draw field, and to better understand how to explore for other 'Patrick Draw' fields. Interpretation of the model shows that the detection of the reservoir sand is very difficult, owing to a combination of acoustic contrasts and bed thickness. Because the model included other major stratigraphic units in the subsurface, several stratigraphic traps are suggested as potential exploration targets.

Methods and systems for low frequency seismic and infrasound detection of geo-pressure transition zones

DOEpatents

Shook, G. Michael; LeRoy, Samuel D.; Benzing, William M.

2006-07-18

Methods for determining the existence and characteristics of a gradational pressurized zone within a subterranean formation are disclosed. One embodiment involves employing an attenuation relationship between a seismic response signal and increasing wavelet wavelength, which relationship may be used to detect a gradational pressurized zone and/or determine characteristics thereof. In another embodiment, a method for analyzing data contained within a response signal for signal characteristics that may change in relation to the distance between an input signal source and the gradational pressurized zone is disclosed. In a further embodiment, the relationship between response signal wavelet frequency and comparative amplitude may be used to estimate an optimal wavelet wavelength or range of wavelengths used for data processing or input signal selection. Systems for seismic exploration and data analysis for practicing the above-mentioned method embodiments are also disclosed.

Systems for low frequency seismic and infrasound detection of geo-pressure transition zones

DOEpatents

Shook, G. Michael; LeRoy, Samuel D.; Benzing, William M.

2007-10-16

Methods for determining the existence and characteristics of a gradational pressurized zone within a subterranean formation are disclosed. One embodiment involves employing an attenuation relationship between a seismic response signal and increasing wavelet wavelength, which relationship may be used to detect a gradational pressurized zone and/or determine characteristics thereof. In another embodiment, a method for analyzing data contained within a response signal for signal characteristics that may change in relation to the distance between an input signal source and the gradational pressurized zone is disclosed. In a further embodiment, the relationship between response signal wavelet frequency and comparative amplitude may be used to estimate an optimal wavelet wavelength or range of wavelengths used for data processing or input signal selection. Systems for seismic exploration and data analysis for practicing the above-mentioned method embodiments are also disclosed.

Multichannel analysis of surface waves (MASW) - Active and passive methods

USGS Publications Warehouse

Park, C.B.; Miller, R.D.; Xia, J.; Ivanov, J.

2007-01-01

The conventional seismic approaches for near-surface investigation have usually been either high-resolution reflection or refraction surveys that deal with a depth range of a few tens to hundreds meters. Seismic signals from these surveys consist of wavelets with frequencies higher than 50 Hz. The multichannel analysis of surface waves (MASW) method deals with surface waves in the lower frequencies (e.g., 1-30 Hz) and uses a much shallower depth range of investigation (e.g., a few to a few tens of meters). ?? 2007 Society of Exploration Geophysicists.

SEISVIZ3D: Stereoscopic system for the representation of seismic data - Interpretation and Immersion

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

von Hartmann, Hartwig; Rilling, Stefan; Bogen, Manfred; Thomas, Rüdiger

2015-04-01

The seismic method is a valuable tool for getting 3D-images from the subsurface. Seismic data acquisition today is not only a topic for oil and gas exploration but is used also for geothermal exploration, inspections of nuclear waste sites and for scientific investigations. The system presented in this contribution may also have an impact on the visualization of 3D-data of other geophysical methods. 3D-seismic data can be displayed in different ways to give a spatial impression of the subsurface.They are a combination of individual vertical cuts, possibly linked to a cubical portion of the data volume, and the stereoscopic view of the seismic data. By these methods, the spatial perception for the structures and thus of the processes in the subsurface should be increased. Stereoscopic techniques are e. g. implemented in the CAVE and the WALL, both of which require a lot of space and high technical effort. The aim of the interpretation system shown here is stereoscopic visualization of seismic data at the workplace, i.e. at the personal workstation and monitor. The system was developed with following criteria in mind: • Fast rendering of large amounts of data so that a continuous view of the data when changing the viewing angle and the data section is possible, • defining areas in stereoscopic view to translate the spatial impression directly into an interpretation, • the development of an appropriate user interface, including head-tracking, for handling the increased degrees of freedom, • the possibility of collaboration, i.e. teamwork and idea exchange with the simultaneous viewing of a scene at remote locations. The possibilities offered by the use of a stereoscopic system do not replace a conventional interpretation workflow. Rather they have to be implemented into it as an additional step. The amplitude distribution of the seismic data is a challenge for the stereoscopic display because the opacity level and the scaling and selection of the data have to fit to each other. Also the data selection may depend on the visualization task. Not only can the amplitude data be used but also different seismic attribute transformations. The development is supplemented by interviews, to analyse the efficiency and manageability of the stereoscopic workplace environment. Another point of investigation is the immersion, i.e. the increased concentration on the observed scene when passing through the data, triggered by the stereoscopic viewing. This effect is reinforced by a user interface which is so intuitive and simple that it does not draw attention away from the scene. For the seismic interpretation purpose the stereoscopic view supports the pattern recognition of geological structures and the detection of their spatial heterogeneity. These are topics which are relevant for the actual geothermal exploration in Germany.

State-coupled low-temperature geothermal-resource-assessment program, Fiscal Year 1980. Final technical report

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Icerman, L.; Starkey, A.; Trentman, N.

1981-08-01

Magnetic, gravity, seismic-refraction, and seismic-reflection profiles across the Las Alturas Geothermal Anomaly, New Mexico, are presented. Studies in the Socorro area include the following: seismic measurements of the tertiary fill in the Rio Grande Depression west of Socorro, geothermal data availability for computer simulation in the Socorro Peak KGRA, and ground water circulation in the Socorro Geothermal Area. Regional geothermal exploration in the Truth or Consequences Area includes: geological mapping of the Mud Springs Mountains, hydrogeology of the thermal aquifer, and electrical-resistivity investigation of the geothermal potential. Other studies included are: geothermal exploration with electrical methods near Vado, Chamberino, andmore » Mesquite; a heat-flow study of Dona Ana County; preliminary heat-flow assessment of Southeast Luna County; active fault analysis and radiometric dating of young basalts in southern New Mexico; and evaluation of the geothermal potential of the San Juan Basin in northwestern New Mexico.« less

Final Project Report: Imaging Fault Zones Using a Novel Elastic Reverse-Time Migration Imaging Technique

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Huang, Lianjie; Chen, Ting; Tan, Sirui

Imaging fault zones and fractures is crucial for geothermal operators, providing important information for reservoir evaluation and management strategies. However, there are no existing techniques available for directly and clearly imaging fault zones, particularly for steeply dipping faults and fracture zones. In this project, we developed novel acoustic- and elastic-waveform inversion methods for high-resolution velocity model building. In addition, we developed acoustic and elastic reverse-time migration methods for high-resolution subsurface imaging of complex subsurface structures and steeply-dipping fault/fracture zones. We first evaluated and verified the improved capabilities of our newly developed seismic inversion and migration imaging methods using synthetic seismicmore » data. Our numerical tests verified that our new methods directly image subsurface fracture/fault zones using surface seismic reflection data. We then applied our novel seismic inversion and migration imaging methods to a field 3D surface seismic dataset acquired at the Soda Lake geothermal field using Vibroseis sources. Our migration images of the Soda Lake geothermal field obtained using our seismic inversion and migration imaging algorithms revealed several possible fault/fracture zones. AltaRock Energy, Inc. is working with Cyrq Energy, Inc. to refine the geologic interpretation at the Soda Lake geothermal field. Trenton Cladouhos, Senior Vice President R&D of AltaRock, was very interested in our imaging results of 3D surface seismic data from the Soda Lake geothermal field. He planed to perform detailed interpretation of our images in collaboration with James Faulds and Holly McLachlan of University of Nevada at Reno. Using our high-resolution seismic inversion and migration imaging results can help determine the optimal locations to drill wells for geothermal energy production and reduce the risk of geothermal exploration.« less

Correlation of Geophysical and Geotechnical Methods for Sediment Mapping in Sungai Batu, Kedah

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zakaria, M. T.; Taib, A.; Saidin, M. M.; Saad, R.; Muztaza, N. M.; Masnan, S. S. K.

2018-04-01

Exploration geophysics is widely used to map the subsurface characteristics of a region, to understand the underlying rock structures and spatial distribution of rock units. 2-D resistivity and seismic refraction methods were conducted in Sungai Batu locality with objective to identify and map the sediment deposit with correlation of borehole record. 2-D resistivity data was acquire using ABEM SAS4000 system with Pole-dipole array and 2.5 m minimum electrode spacing while for seismic refraction ABEM MK8 seismograph was used to record the seismic data and 5 kg sledgehammer used as a seismic source with geophones interval of 5 m spacing. The inversion model of 2-D resistivity result shows that, the resistivity values <100 Ωm was interpreted as saturated zone with while high resistivity values >500 Ωm as the hard layer for this study area. The seismic result indicates that the velocity values <2000 m/s represent as the highly-weathered soil consists of clay and sand while high velocity values >3600 m/s interpreted as the hard layer in this locality.

Groundwater exploration in a Quaternary sediment body by shear-wave reflection seismics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pirrung, M.; Polom, U.; Krawczyk, C. M.

2008-12-01

The detailed investigation of a shallow aquifer structure is the prerequisite for choosing a proper well location for groundwater exploration drilling for human drinking water supply and subsequent managing of the aquifer system. In the case of shallow aquifers of some 10 m in depth, this task is still a challenge for high-resolution geophysical methods, especially in populated areas. In areas of paved surfaces, shallow shear-wave reflection seismics is advantageous compared to conventional P-wave seismic methods. The sediment body of the Alfbach valley within the Vulkaneifel region in Germany, partly covered by the village Gillenfeld, was estimated to have a maximum thickness of nearly 60 m. It lies on top of a complicated basement structure, constituted by an incorporated lava flow near the basement. For the positioning of new well locations, a combination of a SH-wave land streamer receiver system and a small, wheelbarrow-mounted SH-wave source was used for the seismic investigations. This equipment can be easily applied also in residential areas without notable trouble for the inhabitants. The results of the 2.5D profiling show a clear image of the sediment body down to the bedrock with high resolution. Along a 1 km seismic profile, the sediment thickness varies between 20 to more than 60 m in the centre of the valley. The reflection behaviour from the bedrock surface corroborates the hypothesis of a basement structure with distinct topography, including strong dipping events from the flanks of the valley and strong diffractions from subsurface discontinuities. The reflection seismic imaging leads to an estimation of the former shape of the valley and a reconstruction of the flow conditions at the beginning of the sedimentation process.

Deghosting based on the transmission matrix method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Benfeng; Wu, Ru-Shan; Chen, Xiaohong

2017-12-01

As the developments of seismic exploration and subsequent seismic exploitation advance, marine acquisition systems with towed streamers become an important seismic data acquisition method. But the existing air-water reflective interface can generate surface related multiples, including ghosts, which can affect the accuracy and performance of the following seismic data processing algorithms. Thus, we derive a deghosting method from a new perspective, i.e. using the transmission matrix (T-matrix) method instead of inverse scattering series. The T-matrix-based deghosting algorithm includes all scattering effects and is convergent absolutely. Initially, the effectiveness of the proposed method is demonstrated using synthetic data obtained from a designed layered model, and its noise-resistant property is also illustrated using noisy synthetic data contaminated by random noise. Numerical examples on complicated data from the open SMAART Pluto model and field marine data further demonstrate the validity and flexibility of the proposed method. After deghosting, low frequency components are recovered reasonably and the fake high frequency components are attenuated, and the recovered low frequency components will be useful for the subsequent full waveform inversion. The proposed deghosting method is currently suitable for two-dimensional towed streamer cases with accurate constant depth information and its extension into variable-depth streamers in three-dimensional cases will be studied in the future.

Blind tests of methods for InSight Mars mission: Open scientific challenge

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Clinton, John; Ceylan, Savas; Giardini, Domenico; Khan, Amir; van Driel, Martin; Böse, Maren; Euchner, Fabian; Garcia, Raphael F.; Drilleau, Mélanie; Lognonné, Philippe; Panning, Mark; Banerdt, Bruce

2017-04-01

The Marsquake Service (MQS) will be the ground segment service within the InSight mission to Mars, which will deploy a single seismic station on Elysium Planitia in November 2018. The main tasks of the MQS are the identification and characterisation of seismicity, and managing the Martian seismic event catalogue. In advance of the mission, we have developed a series of single station event location methods that rely on a priori 1D and 3D structural models. In coordination with the Mars Structural Service, we expect to use iterative inversion techniques to revise these structural models and event locations. In order to seek methodological advancements and test our current approaches, we have designed a blind test case using Martian synthetics combined with realistic noise models for the Martian surface. We invite all scientific parties that are interested in single station approaches and in exploring the Martian time-series to participate and contribute to our blind test. We anticipate the test will can improve currently developed location and structural inversion techniques, and also allow us explore new single station techniques for moment tensor and magnitude determination. The waveforms for our test case are computed employing AxiSEM and Instaseis for a randomly selected 1D background model and event catalogue that is statistically consistent with our current expectation of Martian seismicity. Realistic seismic surface noise is superimposed to generate a continuous time-series spanning 6 months. The event catalog includes impacts as well as Martian quakes. The temporal distribution of the seismicity in the timeseries, as well as the true structural model, are not be known to any participating parties including MQS till the end of competition. We provide our internal tools such as event location codes, suite of background models, seismic phase travel times, in order to support researchers who are willing to use/improve our current methods. Following the deadline of our blind test in late 2017, we plan to combine all outcomes in an article with all participants as co-authors.

A comparison of Q-factor estimation methods for marine seismic data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kwon, J.; Ha, J.; Shin, S.; Chung, W.; Lim, C.; Lee, D.

2016-12-01

The seismic imaging technique draws information from inside the earth using seismic reflection and transmission data. This technique is an important method in geophysical exploration. Also, it has been employed widely as a means of locating oil and gas reservoirs because it offers information on geological media. There is much recent and active research into seismic attenuation and how it determines the quality of seismic imaging. Seismic attenuation is determined by various geological characteristics, through the absorption or scattering that occurs when the seismic wave passes through a geological medium. The seismic attenuation can be defined using an attenuation coefficient and represented as a non-dimensional variable known as the Q-factor. Q-factor is a unique characteristic of a geological medium. It is a very important material property for oil and gas resource development. Q-factor can be used to infer other characteristics of a medium, such as porosity, permeability and viscosity, and can directly indicate the presence of hydrocarbons to identify oil and gas bearing areas from the seismic data. There are various ways to estimate Q-factor in three different domains. In the time domain, pulse amplitude decay, pulse rising time, and pulse broadening are representative. Logarithm spectral ratio (LSR), centroid frequency shift (CFS), and peak frequency shift (PFS) are used in the frequency domain. In the time-frequency domain, Wavelet's Envelope Peak Instantaneous Frequency (WEPIF) is most frequently employed. In this study, we estimated and analyzed the Q-factor through the numerical model test and used 4 methods: the LSR, CFS, PFS, and WEPIF. Before we applied these 4 methods to observed data, we experimented with the numerical model test. The numerical model test data is derived from Norsar-2D, which is the basis of the ray-tracing algorithm, and we used reflection and normal incidence surveys to calculate Q-factor according to the array of sources and receivers. After the numerical model test, we chose the most accurate of the 4 methods by comparing Q-factor through reflection and normal incidence surveys. We applied the method to the observed data and proved its accuracy.

Geological and Seismic Data Mining For The Development of An Interpretation System Within The Alptransit Project

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Klose, C. D.; Giese, R.; Löw, S.; Borm, G.

Especially for deep underground excavations, the prediction of the locations of small- scale hazardous geotechnical structures is nearly impossible when exploration is re- stricted to surface based methods. Hence, for the AlpTransit base tunnels, exploration ahead has become an essential component of the excavation plan. The project de- scribed in this talk aims at improving the technology for the geological interpretation of reflection seismic data. The discovered geological-seismic relations will be used to develop an interpretation system based on artificial intelligence to predict hazardous geotechnical structures of the advancing tunnel face. This talk gives, at first, an overview about the data mining of geological and seismic properties of metamorphic rocks within the Penninic gneiss zone in Southern Switzer- land. The data results from measurements of a specific geophysical prediction system developed by the GFZ Potsdam, Germany, along the 2600 m long and 1400 m deep Faido access tunnel. The goal is to find those seismic features (i.e. compression and shear wave velocities, velocity ratios and velocity gradients) which show a significant relation to geological properties (i.e. fracturing and fabric features). The seismic properties were acquired from different tomograms, whereas the geolog- ical features derive from tunnel face maps. The features are statistically compared with the seismic rock properties taking into account the different methods used for the tunnel excavation (TBM and Drill/Blast). Fracturing and the mica content stay in a positive relation to the velocity values. Both, P- and S-wave velocities near the tunnel surface describe the petrology better, whereas in the interior of the rock mass they correlate to natural micro- and macro-scopic fractures surrounding tectonites, i.e. cataclasites. The latter lie outside of the excavation damage zone and the tunnel loos- ening zone. The shear wave velocities are better indicators for rock fracturing than compression wave velocities. The velocity ratios indicate the mica content and the water content of the rocks.

Is 3D true non linear traveltime tomography reasonable ?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Herrero, A.; Virieux, J.

2003-04-01

The data sets requiring 3D analysis tools in the context of seismic exploration (both onshore and offshore experiments) or natural seismicity (micro seismicity surveys or post event measurements) are more and more numerous. Classical linearized tomographies and also earthquake localisation codes need an accurate 3D background velocity model. However, if the medium is complex and a priori information not available, a 1D analysis is not able to provide an adequate background velocity image. Moreover, the design of the acquisition layouts is often intrinsically 3D and renders difficult even 2D approaches, especially in natural seismicity cases. Thus, the solution relies on the use of a 3D true non linear approach, which allows to explore the model space and to identify an optimal velocity image. The problem becomes then practical and its feasibility depends on the available computing resources (memory and time). In this presentation, we show that facing a 3D traveltime tomography problem with an extensive non-linear approach combining fast travel time estimators based on level set methods and optimisation techniques such as multiscale strategy is feasible. Moreover, because management of inhomogeneous inversion parameters is more friendly in a non linear approach, we describe how to perform a jointly non-linear inversion for the seismic velocities and the sources locations.

Development of Deep-tow Autonomous Cable Seismic (ACS) for Seafloor Massive Sulfides (SMSs) Exploration.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Asakawa, Eiichi; Murakami, Fumitoshi; Tsukahara, Hitoshi; Saito, Shutaro; Lee, Sangkyun; Tara, Kenji; Kato, Masafumi; Jamali Hondori, Ehsan; Sumi, Tomonori; Kadoshima, Kazuyuki; Kose, Masami

2017-04-01

Within the EEZ of Japan, numerous surveys exploring ocean floor resources have been conducted. The exploration targets are gas hydrates, mineral resources (manganese, cobalt or rare earth) and especially seafloor massive sulphide (SMS) deposits. These resources exist in shallow subsurface areas in deep waters (>1500m). For seismic explorations very high resolution images are required. These cannot be effectively obtained with conventional marine seismic techniques. Therefore we have been developing autonomous seismic survey systems which record the data close to the seafloor to preserve high frequency seismic energy. Very high sampling rate (10kHz) and high accurate synchronization between recording systems and shot time are necessary. We adopted Cs-base atomic clock considering its power consumption. At first, we developed a Vertical Cable Seismic (VCS) system that uses hydrophone arrays moored vertically from the ocean bottom to record close to the target area. This system has been successfully applied to SMS exploration. Specifically it fixed over known sites to assess the amount of reserves with the resultant 3D volume. Based on the success of VCS, we modified the VCS system to use as a more efficient deep-tow seismic survey system. Although there are other examples of deep-tow seismic systems, signal transmission cables present challenges in deep waters. We use our autonomous recording system to avoid these problems. Combining a high frequency piezoelectric source (Sub Bottom Profiler:SBP) that automatically shots with a constant interval, we achieve the high resolution deep-tow seismic without data transmission/power cable to the board. Although the data cannot be monitored in real-time, the towing system becomes very simple. We have carried out survey trial, which showed the systems utility as a high-resolution deep-tow seismic survey system. Furthermore, the frequency ranges of deep-towed source (SBP) and surface towed sparker are 700-2300Hz and 10-200Hz respectively. Therefore we can use these sources simultaneously and distinguish the records of each source in the data processing stage. We have developed new marine seismic survey systems with autonomous recording for the exploration of the ocean floor resources. The applications are vertical cable seismic (VCS) and deep-tow seismic (ACS). These enable us the recording close to the seafloor and give the high resolution results with a simple, cost-effective configuration.

Reconstructing the Seismic Wavefield using Curvelets and Distributed Acoustic Sensing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Muir, J. B.; Zhan, Z.

2017-12-01

Distributed Acoustic Sensing (DAS) offers an opportunity to produce cost effective and uniquely dense images of the surface seismic wavefield - DAS also produces extremely large data volumes that require innovative methods of data reduction and seismic parameter inversion to handle efficiently. We leverage DAS and the super-Nyquist sampling enabled by compressed sensing of the wavefield in the curvelet domain to produce accurate images of the horizontal velocity within a target region, using only short ( 1-10 minutes) records of either active seismic sources or ambient seismic signals. Once the wavefield has been fully described, modern "tomographic" techniques, such as Helmholtz tomography or Wavefield Gradiometry, can be employed to determine seismic parameters of interest such as phase velocity. An additional practical benefit of employing a wavefield reconstruction step is that multiple heterogeneous forms of instrumentation can be naturally combined - therefore in this study we also explore the addition of three component nodal seismic data into the reconstructed wavefield. We illustrate these techniques using both synthetic examples and data taken from the Brady Geothermal Field in Nevada during the PoroTomo (U. Wisconsin Madison) experiment of 2016.

Integrated exploration for low-temperature geothermal resources in the Honey Lake basin, California

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Schimschal, U.

An integrated exploration study is presented to locate low-temperature geothermal reservoirs in the Honey Lake area of northern California. Regional studies to locate the geothermal resources included gravity, infrared, water-temperature, and water-quality analyses. Five anomalies were mapped from resistivity surveys. Additional study of three anomalies by temperature-gradient and seismic methods was undertaken to define structure and potential of the geothermal resource. The gravity data show a graben structure in the area. Seismic reflection data, indicate faults associated with surface-resistivity and temperature-gradient data. The data support the interpretation that the shallow reservoirs are replenished along the fault zones by deeply circulatingmore » heated meteoric waters.« less

Integrated exploration for low-temperature geothermal resources in the Honey Lake Basin, California

USGS Publications Warehouse

Schimschal, U.

1991-01-01

An integrated exploration study is presented to locate low-temperature geothermal reservoirs in the Honey Lake area of northern California. Regional studies to locate the geothermal resources included gravity, infra-red, water-temperature, and water-quality analyses. Five anomalies were mapped from resistivity surveys. Additional study of three anomalies by temperature-gradient and seismic methods was undertaken to define structure and potential of the geothermal resource. The gravity data show a graben structure in the area. Seismic reflection data indicate faults associated with surface-resistivity and temperature-gradient data. The data support the interpretation that the shallow reservoirs are replenished along the fault zones by deeply circulating heated meteoric waters. -Author

Microseismic monitoring: a tool for reservoir characterization.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shapiro, S. A.

2011-12-01

Characterization of fluid-transport properties of rocks is one of the most important, yet one of most challenging goals of reservoir geophysics. There are some fundamental difficulties related to using active seismic methods for estimating fluid mobility. However, it would be very attractive to have a possibility of exploring hydraulic properties of rocks using seismic methods because of their large penetration range and their high resolution. Microseismic monitoring of borehole fluid injections is exactly the tool to provide us with such a possibility. Stimulation of rocks by fluid injections belong to a standard development practice of hydrocarbon and geothermal reservoirs. Production of shale gas and of heavy oil, CO2 sequestrations, enhanced recovery of oil and of geothermal energy are branches that require broad applications of this technology. The fact that fluid injection causes seismicity has been well-established for several decades. Observations and data analyzes show that seismicity is triggered by different processes ranging from linear pore pressure diffusion to non-linear fluid impact onto rocks leading to their hydraulic fracturing and strong changes of their structure and permeability. Understanding and monitoring of fluid-induced seismicity is necessary for hydraulic characterization of reservoirs, for assessments of reservoir stimulation and for controlling related seismic hazard. This presentation provides an overview of several theoretical, numerical, laboratory and field studies of fluid-induced microseismicity, and it gives an introduction into the principles of seismicity-based reservoir characterization.

Estimation of Random Medium Parameters from 2D Post-Stack Seismic Data and Its Application in Seismic Inversion

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, X.; Zhu, P.; Gu, Y.; Xu, Z.

2015-12-01

Small scale heterogeneities of subsurface medium can be characterized conveniently and effectively using a few simple random medium parameters (RMP), such as autocorrelation length, angle and roughness factor, etc. The estimation of these parameters is significant in both oil reservoir prediction and metallic mine exploration. Poor accuracy and low stability existed in current estimation approaches limit the application of random medium theory in seismic exploration. This study focuses on improving the accuracy and stability of RMP estimation from post-stacked seismic data and its application in the seismic inversion. Experiment and theory analysis indicate that, although the autocorrelation of random medium is related to those of corresponding post-stacked seismic data, the relationship is obviously affected by the seismic dominant frequency, the autocorrelation length, roughness factor and so on. Also the error of calculation of autocorrelation in the case of finite and discrete model decreases the accuracy. In order to improve the precision of estimation of RMP, we design two improved approaches. Firstly, we apply region growing algorithm, which often used in image processing, to reduce the influence of noise in the autocorrelation calculated by the power spectrum method. Secondly, the orientation of autocorrelation is used as a new constraint in the estimation algorithm. The numerical experiments proved that it is feasible. In addition, in post-stack seismic inversion of random medium, the estimated RMP may be used to constrain inverse procedure and to construct the initial model. The experiment results indicate that taking inversed model as random medium and using relatively accurate estimated RMP to construct initial model can get better inversion result, which contained more details conformed to the actual underground medium.

Detecting Seismic Activity with a Covariance Matrix Analysis of Data Recorded on Seismic Arrays

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Seydoux, L.; Shapiro, N.; de Rosny, J.; Brenguier, F.

2014-12-01

Modern seismic networks are recording the ground motion continuously all around the word, with very broadband and high-sensitivity sensors. The aim of our study is to apply statistical array-based approaches to processing of these records. We use the methods mainly brought from the random matrix theory in order to give a statistical description of seismic wavefields recorded at the Earth's surface. We estimate the array covariance matrix and explore the distribution of its eigenvalues that contains information about the coherency of the sources that generated the studied wavefields. With this approach, we can make distinctions between the signals generated by isolated deterministic sources and the "random" ambient noise. We design an algorithm that uses the distribution of the array covariance matrix eigenvalues to detect signals corresponding to coherent seismic events. We investigate the detection capacity of our methods at different scales and in different frequency ranges by applying it to the records of two networks: (1) the seismic monitoring network operating on the Piton de la Fournaise volcano at La Réunion island composed of 21 receivers and with an aperture of ~15 km, and (2) the transportable component of the USArray composed of ~400 receivers with ~70 km inter-station spacing.

Borehole prototype for seismic high-resolution exploration

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Giese, Rüdiger; Jaksch, Katrin; Krauß, Felix; Krüger, Kay; Groh, Marco; Jurczyk, Andreas

2014-05-01

Target reservoirs for the exploitation of hydrocarbons or hot water for geothermal energy supply can comprise small layered structures, for instance thin layers or faults. The resolution of 2D and 3D surface seismic methods is often not sufficient to determine and locate these structures. Borehole seismic methods like vertical seismic profiling (VSP) and seismic while drilling (SWD) use either receivers or sources within the borehole. Thus, the distance to the target horizon is reduced and higher resolution images of the geological structures can be achieved. Even these methods are limited in their resolution capabilities with increasing target depth. To localize structures more accuracy methods with higher resolution in the range of meters are necessary. The project SPWD -- Seismic Prediction While Drilling aims at s the development of a borehole prototype which combines seismic sources and receivers in one device to improve the seismic resolution. Within SPWD such a prototype has been designed, manufactured and tested. The SPWD-wireline prototype is divided into three main parts. The upper section comprises the electronic unit. The middle section includes the upper receiver, the upper clamping unit as well as the source unit and the lower clamping unit. The lower section consists of the lower receiver unit and the hydraulic unit. The total length of the prototype is nearly seven meters and its weight is about 750 kg. For focusing the seismic waves in predefined directions of the borehole axis the method of phased array is used. The source unit is equipped with four magnetostrictive vibrators. Each can be controlled independently to get a common wave front in the desired direction of exploration. Source signal frequencies up to 5000 Hz are used, which allows resolutions up to one meter. In May and September 2013 field tests with the SPWD-wireline prototype have been carried out at the KTB Deep Crustal Lab in Windischeschenbach (Bavaria). The aim was to proof the pressure-tightness and the functionality of the hydraulic system components of the borehole device. To monitor the prototype four cameras and several moisture sensors were installed along the source and receiver units close to the extendable coupling stamps where an infiltration of fluid is most probably. The tests lasted about 48 hours each. It was possible to extend and to retract the coupling stamps of the prototype up to a depth of 2100 m. No infiltration of borehole fluids in the SPWD-tool was observed. In preparation of the acoustic calibration measurements in the research and education mine of the TU Bergakademie Freiberg seismic sources and receivers as well as the recording electronic devices were installed in the SPWD-wireline prototype at the GFZ. Afterwards, the SPWD-borehole device was transported to the GFZ-Underground-Lab and preliminary test measurements to characterize the radiation pattern characteristics have been carried out in the newly drilled vertical borehole in December 2013. Previous measurements with a laboratory borehole prototype have demonstrated a dependency of the radiated seismic energy from the predefined amplification direction, the wave type and the signal frequencies. SPWD is funded by the German Federal Environment Ministry

Method for identifying subsurface fluid migration and drainage pathways in and among oil and gas reservoirs using 3-D and 4-D seismic imaging

DOEpatents

Anderson, R.N.; Boulanger, A.; Bagdonas, E.P.; Xu, L.; He, W.

1996-12-17

The invention utilizes 3-D and 4-D seismic surveys as a means of deriving information useful in petroleum exploration and reservoir management. The methods use both single seismic surveys (3-D) and multiple seismic surveys separated in time (4-D) of a region of interest to determine large scale migration pathways within sedimentary basins, and fine scale drainage structure and oil-water-gas regions within individual petroleum producing reservoirs. Such structure is identified using pattern recognition tools which define the regions of interest. The 4-D seismic data sets may be used for data completion for large scale structure where time intervals between surveys do not allow for dynamic evolution. The 4-D seismic data sets also may be used to find variations over time of small scale structure within individual reservoirs which may be used to identify petroleum drainage pathways, oil-water-gas regions and, hence, attractive drilling targets. After spatial orientation, and amplitude and frequency matching of the multiple seismic data sets, High Amplitude Event (HAE) regions consistent with the presence of petroleum are identified using seismic attribute analysis. High Amplitude Regions are grown and interconnected to establish plumbing networks on the large scale and reservoir structure on the small scale. Small scale variations over time between seismic surveys within individual reservoirs are identified and used to identify drainage patterns and bypassed petroleum to be recovered. The location of such drainage patterns and bypassed petroleum may be used to site wells. 22 figs.

Method for identifying subsurface fluid migration and drainage pathways in and among oil and gas reservoirs using 3-D and 4-D seismic imaging

DOEpatents

Anderson, Roger N.; Boulanger, Albert; Bagdonas, Edward P.; Xu, Liqing; He, Wei

1996-01-01

The invention utilizes 3-D and 4-D seismic surveys as a means of deriving information useful in petroleum exploration and reservoir management. The methods use both single seismic surveys (3-D) and multiple seismic surveys separated in time (4-D) of a region of interest to determine large scale migration pathways within sedimentary basins, and fine scale drainage structure and oil-water-gas regions within individual petroleum producing reservoirs. Such structure is identified using pattern recognition tools which define the regions of interest. The 4-D seismic data sets may be used for data completion for large scale structure where time intervals between surveys do not allow for dynamic evolution. The 4-D seismic data sets also may be used to find variations over time of small scale structure within individual reservoirs which may be used to identify petroleum drainage pathways, oil-water-gas regions and, hence, attractive drilling targets. After spatial orientation, and amplitude and frequency matching of the multiple seismic data sets, High Amplitude Event (HAE) regions consistent with the presence of petroleum are identified using seismic attribute analysis. High Amplitude Regions are grown and interconnected to establish plumbing networks on the large scale and reservoir structure on the small scale. Small scale variations over time between seismic surveys within individual reservoirs are identified and used to identify drainage patterns and bypassed petroleum to be recovered. The location of such drainage patterns and bypassed petroleum may be used to site wells.

Airgun inter-pulse noise field during a seismic survey in an Arctic ultra shallow marine environment.

PubMed

Guan, Shane; Vignola, Joseph; Judge, John; Turo, Diego

2015-12-01

Offshore oil and gas exploration using seismic airguns generates intense underwater pulses that could cause marine mammal hearing impairment and/or behavioral disturbances. However, few studies have investigated the resulting multipath propagation and reverberation from airgun pulses. This research uses continuous acoustic recordings collected in the Arctic during a low-level open-water shallow marine seismic survey, to measure noise levels between airgun pulses. Two methods were used to quantify noise levels during these inter-pulse intervals. The first, based on calculating the root-mean-square sound pressure level in various sub-intervals, is referred to as the increment computation method, and the second, which employs the Hilbert transform to calculate instantaneous acoustic amplitudes, is referred to as the Hilbert transform method. Analyses using both methods yield similar results, showing that the inter-pulse sound field exceeds ambient noise levels by as much as 9 dB during relatively quiet conditions. Inter-pulse noise levels are also related to the source distance, probably due to the higher reverberant conditions of the very shallow water environment. These methods can be used to quantify acoustic environment impacts from anthropogenic transient noises (e.g., seismic pulses, impact pile driving, and sonar pings) and to address potential acoustic masking affecting marine mammals.

Mobile geophysics for searching and exploration of Domanic hydrocarbon deposits

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Borovsky, M. Ya; Uspensky, B. V.; Valeeva, S. E.; Borisov, A. S.

2018-05-01

There are noted features of shale hydrocarbons occurrence. It is shown the role of geophysical prospecting in the geological prospecting process for non-traditional sources of hydrocarbon. There are considered the possibilities of non-seismic methods for forecasting, prospecting, exploration and preparation of Domanikovian hydrocarbons accumulations for exploration. It is emphasized the need for geophysical studies of tectonic disturbances. Modern aerogeophysical instrumentation and methodological support allows to combine high-precision magneto-prospecting with gravimetric and gamma spectrometry. This combination of geophysical methods contributes to the diagnosis of active and latent faults.

The use of vertical seismic profiles in seismic investigations of the earth

USGS Publications Warehouse

Balch, Alfred H.; Lee, M.W.; Miller, J.J.; Ryder, Robert T.

1982-01-01

During the past 8 years, the U.S. Geological Survey has conducted an extensive investigation on the use of vertical seismic profiles (VSP) in a variety of seismic exploration applications. Seismic sources used were surface air guns, vibrators, explosives, marine air guns, and downhole air guns. Source offsets have ranged from 100 to 7800 ft. Well depths have been from 1200 to over 10,000 ft. We have found three specific ways in which VSPs can be applied to seismic exploration. First, seismic events observed at the surface of the ground can be traced, level by level, to their point of origin within the earth. Thus, one can tie a surface profile to a well log with an extraordinarily high degree of confidence. Second, one can establish the detectability of a target horizon, such as a porous zone. One can determine (either before or after surface profiling) whether or not a given horizon or layered sequence returns a detectable reflection to the surface. The amplitude and character of the reflection can also be observed. Third, acoustic properties of a stratigraphic sequence can be measured and sometimes correlated to important exploration parameters. For example, sometimes a relationship between apparent attenuation and sand percentage can be established. The technique shows additional promise of aiding surface exploration indirectly through studies of the evolution of the seismic pulse, studies of ghosts and multiples, and studies of seismic trace inversion techniques. Nearly all current seismic data‐processing techniques are adaptable to the processing of VSP data, such as normal moveout (NMO) corrections, stacking, single‐and multiple‐channel filtering, deconvolution, and wavelet shaping.

Characterization of deep geothermal energy resources using Electro-Magnetic methods, Belgium

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Loveless, Sian; Harcout-Menou, Virginie; De Ridder, Fjo; Claessens, Bert; Laenen, Ben

2014-05-01

Sedimentary basins in Northwest Europe have significant potential for low to medium enthalpy, deep geothermal energy resources. These resources are currently assessed using standard exploration techniques (seismic investigations followed by drilling of a borehole). This has enabled identification of geothermal resources but such techniques are extremely costly. The high cost of exploration remains one of the main barriers to geothermal project development due to the lack of capital in the geothermal industry. We will test the possibility of using the Electro-Magnetic (EM) methods to aid identification of geothermal resources in conjunction with more traditional exploration methods. An EM campaign could cost a third of a seismic campaign and is also often a passive technology, resulting in smaller environmental impacts than seismic surveys or drilling. EM methods image changes in the resistivity of the earth's sub-surface using natural or induced frequency dependant variations of electric and magnetic fields. Changes in resistivity can be interpreted as representing different subsurface properties including changes in rock type, chemistry, temperature and/or hydraulic transmissivity. While EM techniques have proven to be useful in geothermal exploration in high enthalpy areas in the last 2-3 years only a handful of studies assess their applicability in low enthalpy sedimentary basins. Challenges include identifying which sub-surface features cause changes in electrical resistivity as low enthalpy reservoirs are unlikely to exhibit the hydrothermally altered clay layer above the geothermal aquifer that is typical for high enthalpy reservoirs. Yet a principal challenge is likely to be the high levels of industrialisation in the areas of interest. Infrastructure such as train tracks and power cables can create a high level of background noise that can obfuscate the relevant signal. We present our plans for an EM campaign in the Flemish region of Belgium. Field techniques will be developed to increase the signal-noise ratio and identify background noise. Firstly, surface noise will be filtered off by non-parametric approaches such as proper orthogonal decomposition. Secondly, the EM signal and newly acquired seismic data will be combined to obtain a multi-dimensional earth model via an inversion process. Typically, these identification procedures are non-unique, resulting in multiple possible scenarios that cannot be distinguished based on the information at hand. To this end standard approaches) use a regularisation term including an apriori model. Here, Bayesian approaches will also be used, in which expert knowledge is used to guide the outcome to reasonable solutions. We will assess the reduction in uncertainty and therefore risks that EM methods can provide when used in combination with seismic surveys for geothermal exploration prior to drilling. It may also be possible to use this technique for monitoring the evolution of geothermal systems. Such techniques may prove to be extremely valuable for the future development of geothermal energy resources.

Seismic data compression speeds exploration projects

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Galibert, P.Y.

As part of an ongoing commitment to ensure industry-wide distribution of its revolutionary seismic data compression technology, Chevron Petroleum Technology Co. (CPTC) has entered into licensing agreements with Compagnie Generale de Geophysique (CGG) and other seismic contractors for use of its software in oil and gas exploration programs. CPTC expects use of the technology to be far-reaching to all of its industry partners involved in seismic data collection, processing, analysis and storage. Here, CGG--one of the world`s leading seismic acquisition and processing companies--talks about its success in applying the new methodology to replace full on-board seismic processing. Chevron`s technology ismore » already being applied on large off-shore 3-D seismic surveys. Worldwide, CGG has acquired more than 80,000 km of seismic data using the data compression technology.« less

Automated seismic detection of landslides at regional scales: a Random Forest based detection algorithm

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hibert, C.; Michéa, D.; Provost, F.; Malet, J. P.; Geertsema, M.

2017-12-01

Detection of landslide occurrences and measurement of their dynamics properties during run-out is a high research priority but a logistical and technical challenge. Seismology has started to help in several important ways. Taking advantage of the densification of global, regional and local networks of broadband seismic stations, recent advances now permit the seismic detection and location of landslides in near-real-time. This seismic detection could potentially greatly increase the spatio-temporal resolution at which we study landslides triggering, which is critical to better understand the influence of external forcings such as rainfalls and earthquakes. However, detecting automatically seismic signals generated by landslides still represents a challenge, especially for events with small mass. The low signal-to-noise ratio classically observed for landslide-generated seismic signals and the difficulty to discriminate these signals from those generated by regional earthquakes or anthropogenic and natural noises are some of the obstacles that have to be circumvented. We present a new method for automatically constructing instrumental landslide catalogues from continuous seismic data. We developed a robust and versatile solution, which can be implemented in any context where a seismic detection of landslides or other mass movements is relevant. The method is based on a spectral detection of the seismic signals and the identification of the sources with a Random Forest machine learning algorithm. The spectral detection allows detecting signals with low signal-to-noise ratio, while the Random Forest algorithm achieve a high rate of positive identification of the seismic signals generated by landslides and other seismic sources. The processing chain is implemented to work in a High Performance Computers centre which permits to explore years of continuous seismic data rapidly. We present here the preliminary results of the application of this processing chain for years of continuous seismic record by the Alaskan permanent seismic network and Hi-Climb trans-Himalayan seismic network. The processing chain we developed also opens the possibility for a near-real time seismic detection of landslides, in association with remote-sensing automated detection from Sentinel 2 images for example.

Full Waveform Modelling for Subsurface Characterization with Converted-Wave Seismic Reflection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Triyoso, Wahyu; Oktariena, Madaniya; Sinaga, Edycakra; Syaifuddin, Firman

2017-04-01

While a large number of reservoirs have been explored using P-waves seismic data, P-wave seismic survey ceases to provide adequate result in seismically and geologically challenging areas, like gas cloud, shallow drilling hazards, strong multiples, highly fractured, anisotropy. Most of these reservoir problems can be addressed using P and PS seismic data combination. Multicomponent seismic survey records both P-wave and S-wave unlike conventional survey that only records compressional P-wave. Under certain conditions, conventional energy source can be used to record P and PS data using the fact that compressional wave energy partly converts into shear waves at the reflector. Shear component can be recorded using down going P-wave and upcoming S-wave by placing a horizontal component geophone on the ocean floor. A synthetic model is created based on real data to analyze the effect of gas cloud existence to PP and PS wave reflections which has a similar characteristic to Sub-Volcanic imaging. The challenge within the multicomponent seismic is the different travel time between P-wave and S-wave, therefore the converted-wave seismic data should be processed with different approach. This research will provide a method to determine an optimum converted point known as Common Conversion Point (CCP) that can solve the Asymmetrical Conversion Point of PS data. The value of γ (Vp/Vs) is essential to estimate the right CCP that will be used in converted-wave seismic processing. This research will also continue to the advanced processing method of converted-wave seismic by applying Joint Inversion to PP&PS seismic. Joint Inversion is a simultaneous model-based inversion that estimates the P&S-wave impedance which are consistent with the PP&PS amplitude data. The result reveals a more complex structure mirrored in PS data below the gas cloud area. Through estimated γ section resulted from Joint Inversion, we receive a better imaging improvement below gas cloud area tribute to the converted-wave seismic as additional constrain.

Considering potential seismic sources in earthquake hazard assessment for Northern Iran

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Abdollahzadeh, Gholamreza; Sazjini, Mohammad; Shahaky, Mohsen; Tajrishi, Fatemeh Zahedi; Khanmohammadi, Leila

2014-07-01

Located on the Alpine-Himalayan earthquake belt, Iran is one of the seismically active regions of the world. Northern Iran, south of Caspian Basin, a hazardous subduction zone, is a densely populated and developing area of the country. Historical and instrumental documented seismicity indicates the occurrence of severe earthquakes leading to many deaths and large losses in the region. With growth of seismological and tectonic data, updated seismic hazard assessment is a worthwhile issue in emergency management programs and long-term developing plans in urban and rural areas of this region. In the present study, being armed with up-to-date information required for seismic hazard assessment including geological data and active tectonic setting for thorough investigation of the active and potential seismogenic sources, and historical and instrumental events for compiling the earthquake catalogue, probabilistic seismic hazard assessment is carried out for the region using three recent ground motion prediction equations. The logic tree method is utilized to capture epistemic uncertainty of the seismic hazard assessment in delineation of the seismic sources and selection of attenuation relations. The results are compared to a recent practice in code-prescribed seismic hazard of the region and are discussed in detail to explore their variation in each branch of logic tree approach. Also, seismic hazard maps of peak ground acceleration in rock site for 475- and 2,475-year return periods are provided for the region.

Seismic based characterization of total organic content from the marine Sembar shale, Lower Indus Basin, Pakistan

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aziz, Omer; Hussain, Tahir; Ullah, Matee; Bhatti, Asher Samuel; Ali, Aamir

2018-02-01

The exploration and production of unconventional resources has increased significantly over the past few years around the globe to fulfill growing energy demands. Hydrocarbon potential of these unconventional petroleum systems depends on the presence of significant organic matter; their thermal maturity and the quality of present hydrocarbons i.e. gas or oil shale. In this work, we present a workflow for estimating Total Organic Content (TOC) from seismic reflection data. To achieve the objective of this study, we have chosen a classic potential candidate for exploration of unconventional reserves, the shale of the Sembar Formation, Lower Indus Basin, Pakistan. Our method includes the estimation of TOC from the well data using the Passey's ΔlogR and Schwarzkofp's methods. From seismic data, maps of Relative Acoustic Impedance (RAI) are extracted at maximum and minimum TOC zones within the Sembar Formation. A geostatistical trend with good correlation coefficient (R2) for cross-plots between TOC and RAI at well locations is used for estimation of seismic based TOC at the reservoir scale. Our results suggest a good calibration of TOC values from seismic at well locations. The estimated TOC values range from 1 to 4% showing that the shale of the Sembar Formation lies in the range of good to excellent unconventional oil/gas play within the context of TOC. This methodology of source rock evaluation provides a spatial distribution of TOC at the reservoir scale as compared to the conventional distribution generated from samples collected over sparse wells. The approach presented in this work has wider applications for source rock evaluation in other similar petroliferous basins worldwide.

Seismic zonation of Port-Au-Prince using pixel- and object-based imaging analysis methods on ASTER GDEM

USGS Publications Warehouse

Yong, Alan; Hough, Susan E.; Cox, Brady R.; Rathje, Ellen M.; Bachhuber, Jeff; Dulberg, Ranon; Hulslander, David; Christiansen, Lisa; and Abrams, Michael J.

2011-01-01

We report about a preliminary study to evaluate the use of semi-automated imaging analysis of remotely-sensed DEM and field geophysical measurements to develop a seismic-zonation map of Port-au-Prince, Haiti. For in situ data, VS30 values are derived from the MASW technique deployed in and around the city. For satellite imagery, we use an ASTER GDEM of Hispaniola. We apply both pixel- and object-based imaging methods on the ASTER GDEM to explore local topography (absolute elevation values) and classify terrain types such as mountains, alluvial fans and basins/near-shore regions. We assign NEHRP seismic site class ranges based on available VS30 values. A comparison of results from imagery-based methods to results from traditional geologic-based approaches reveals good overall correspondence. We conclude that image analysis of RS data provides reliable first-order site characterization results in the absence of local data and can be useful to refine detailed site maps with sparse local data.

Exploration geophysics calculator programs for use on Hewlett-Packard models 67 and 97 programmable calculators

USGS Publications Warehouse

Campbell, David L.; Watts, Raymond D.

1978-01-01

Program listing, instructions, and example problems are given for 12 programs for the interpretation of geophysical data, for use on Hewlett-Packard models 67 and 97 programmable hand-held calculators. These are (1) gravity anomaly over 2D prism with = 9 vertices--Talwani method; (2) magnetic anomaly (?T, ?V, or ?H) over 2D prism with = 8 vertices?Talwani method; (3) total-field magnetic anomaly profile over thick sheet/thin dike; (4) single dipping seismic refractor--interpretation and design; (5) = 4 dipping seismic refractors--interpretation; (6) = 4 dipping seismic refractors?design; (7) vertical electrical sounding over = 10 horizontal layers--Schlumberger or Wenner forward calculation; (8) vertical electric sounding: Dar Zarrouk calculations; (9) magnetotelluric planewave apparent conductivity and phase angle over = 9 horizontal layers--forward calculation; (10) petrophysics: a.c. electrical parameters; (11) petrophysics: elastic constants; (12) digital convolution with = 10-1ength filter.

Determining Crust and Upper Mantle Structure by Bayesian Joint Inversion of Receiver Functions and Surface Wave Dispersion at a Single Station: Preparation for Data from the InSight Mission

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jia, M.; Panning, M. P.; Lekic, V.; Gao, C.

2017-12-01

The InSight (Interior Exploration using Seismic Investigations, Geodesy and Heat Transport) mission will deploy a geophysical station on Mars in 2018. Using seismology to explore the interior structure of the Mars is one of the main targets, and as part of the mission, we will use 3-component seismic data to constrain the crust and upper mantle structure including P and S wave velocities and densities underneath the station. We will apply a reversible jump Markov chain Monte Carlo algorithm in the transdimensional hierarchical Bayesian inversion framework, in which the number of parameters in the model space and the noise level of the observed data are also treated as unknowns in the inversion process. Bayesian based methods produce an ensemble of models which can be analyzed to quantify uncertainties and trade-offs of the model parameters. In order to get better resolution, we will simultaneously invert three different types of seismic data: receiver functions, surface wave dispersion (SWD), and ZH ratios. Because the InSight mission will only deliver a single seismic station to Mars, and both the source location and the interior structure will be unknown, we will jointly invert the ray parameter in our approach. In preparation for this work, we first verify our approach by using a set of synthetic data. We find that SWD can constrain the absolute value of velocities while receiver functions constrain the discontinuities. By joint inversion, the velocity structure in the crust and upper mantle is well recovered. Then, we apply our approach to real data from an earth-based seismic station BFO located in Black Forest Observatory in Germany, as already used in a demonstration study for single station location methods. From the comparison of the results, our hierarchical treatment shows its advantage over the conventional method in which the noise level of observed data is fixed as a prior.

Homing in on sweet spots in Cretaceous Austin chalk

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Thomas, G.E.; Sonnenberg, F.P.

1993-11-29

In discussing the nature and causes of fracturing in the Cretaceous Austin chalk of south central Texas, many geologists and operators involved in horizontal drilling of the chalk consider regional rock stress as the probable main cause of the fractures. If Austin chalk fractures are mainly the result of regional extensional stress without localizing factors, then fractured sweet spots are randomly distributed and successful exploration is more or less a matter of luck, usually dependent upon the coincidental placement of a seismic line. But if local, deep-seated structure or basement topography are the main causes of sweet spots, then amore » successful exploration method would be to first delineate the basement paleo structure or topography and secondly, place a seismic line to confirm the delineated features. Finding localities of maximum fracturing and production would than be based on scientific logic rather than luck. It is the purpose of this article to present the results of an examination of these alternative causes for the Austin chalk fracturing in the hope of determining the most cost effective exploration method for the fractured chalk reservoir.« less

Seismic source models for very-long period seismic signals on White Island, New Zealand

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jiwani-Brown, Elliot; Neuberg, Jurgen; Jolly, Art

2015-04-01

Very-long-period seismic signals (VLP) from White Island have a duration of only a few tens of seconds and a waveform that indicates an elastic (or viscoelastic) interaction of a source region with the surrounding medium; unlike VLP signals on some other volcanoes that indicate a step function recorded in the near field of the seismic source, White Island VLPs exhibit a Ricker waveform. We explore a set of isotropic, seismic source models based on the interaction between magma and water/brine in direct contact. Seismic amplitude measurements are taken into account to estimate the volume changes at depth that can produce the observed displacement at the surface. Furthermore, the influence of different fluid types are explored.

Applying Binary Forecasting Approaches to Induced Seismicity in the Western Canada Sedimentary Basin

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kahue, R.; Shcherbakov, R.

2016-12-01

The Western Canada Sedimentary Basin has been chosen as a focus due to an increase in the recent observed seismicity there which is most likely linked to anthropogenic activities related to unconventional oil and gas exploration. Seismicity caused by these types of activities is called induced seismicity. The occurrence of moderate to larger induced earthquakes in areas where critical infrastructure is present can be potentially problematic. Here we use a binary forecast method to analyze past seismicity and well production data in order to quantify future areas of increased seismicity. This method splits the given region into spatial cells. The binary forecast method used here has been suggested in the past to retroactively forecast large earthquakes occurring globally in areas called alarm cells. An alarm cell, or alert zone, is a bin in which there is a higher likelihood for earthquakes to occur based on previous data. The first method utilizes the cumulative Benioff strain, based on earthquakes that had occurred in each bin above a given magnitude over a time interval called the training period. The second method utilizes the cumulative well production data within each bin. Earthquakes that occurred within an alert zone in the retrospective forecast period contribute to the hit rate, while alert zones that did not have an earthquake occur within them in the forecast period contribute to the false alarm rate. In the resulting analysis the hit rate and false alarm rate are determined after optimizing and modifying the initial parameters using the receiver operating characteristic diagram. It is found that when modifying the cell size and threshold magnitude parameters within various training periods, hit and false alarm rates are obtained for specific regions in Western Canada using both recent seismicity and cumulative well production data. Certain areas are thus shown to be more prone to potential larger earthquakes based on both datasets. This has implications for the potential link between oil and gas production and induced seismicity observed in the Western Canada Sedimentary Basin.

Signal Quality and the Reliability of Seismic Observations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zeiler, C. P.; Velasco, A. A.; Pingitore, N. E.

2009-12-01

The ability to detect, time and measure seismic phases depends on the location, size, and quality of the recorded signals. Additional constraints are an analyst’s familiarity with a seismogenic zone and with the seismic stations that record the energy. Quantification and qualification of an analyst’s ability to detect, time and measure seismic signals has not been calculated or fully assessed. The fundamental measurement for computing the accuracy of a seismic measurement is the signal quality. Several methods have been proposed to measure signal quality; however, the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) has been adopted as a short-term average over the long-term average. While the standard SNR is an easy and computationally inexpensive term, the overall statistical significance has not been computed for seismic measurement analysis. The prospect of canonizing the process of cataloging seismic arrivals hinges on the ability to repeat measurements made by different methods and analysts. The first step in canonizing phase measurements has been done by the IASPEI, which established a reference for accepted practices in naming seismic phases. The New Manual for Seismological Observatory Practices (NMSOP, 2002) outlines key observations for seismic phases recorded at different distances and proposes to quantify timing uncertainty with a user-specified windowing technique. However, this added measurement would not completely remove bias introduced by different techniques used by analysts to time seismic arrivals. The general guideline to time a seismic arrival is to record the time where a noted change in frequency and/or amplitude begins. This is generally achieved by enhancing the arrivals through filtering or beam forming. However, these enhancements can alter the characteristics of the arrival and how the arrival will be measured. Furthermore, each enhancement has user-specified parameters that can vary between analysts and this results in reduced ability to repeat measurements between analysts. The SPEAR project (Zeiler and Velasco, 2009) has started to explore the effects of comparing measurements from the same seismograms. Initial results showed that experience and the signal quality are the leading contributors to pick differences. However, the traditional SNR method of measuring signal quality was replaced by a Wide-band Spectral Ratio (WSR) due to a decrease in scatter. This observation brings up an important question of what is the best way to measure signal quality. We compare various methods (traditional SNR, WSR, power spectral density plots, Allan Variance) that have been proposed to measure signal quality and discuss which method provides the best tool to compare arrival time uncertainty.

Geodetic survey as a means of improving fast MASW (Multichannel Analysis Of Surface Waves) profiling in difficult terrain/land conditions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Matuła, Rafał; Lewińska, Paulina

2018-01-01

This paper revolves around newly designed and constructed system that can make 2D seismic measurement in natural, subsoil conditions and role of land survey in obtaining accurate results and linking them to 3D surface maps. A new type of land streamer, designed for shallow subsurface exploration is described in this paper. In land seismic data acquisition methods a vehicle tows a line of seismic cable, lying on construction called streamer. The measurements of points and shots are taken while the line is stationary, arbitrary placed on seismic profile. Exposed land streamer consists of 24 innovatory gimballed 10 Hz geophones. It eliminates the need for hand `planting' of geophones, reducing time and costs. With the use of current survey techniques all data obtained with this instrument are being transferred in to 2D and 3D maps. This process is becoming more automatic.

Future Directions of Electromagnetic Methods for Hydrocarbon Applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Strack, K. M.

2014-01-01

For hydrocarbon applications, seismic exploration is the workhorse of the industry. Only in the borehole, electromagnetic (EM) methods play a dominant role, as they are mostly used to determine oil reserves and to distinguish water from oil-bearing zones. Throughout the past 60 years, we had several periods with an increased interest in EM. This increased with the success of the marine EM industry and now electromagnetics in general is considered for many new applications. The classic electromagnetic methods are borehole, onshore and offshore, and airborne EM methods. Airborne is covered elsewhere (see Smith, this issue). Marine EM material is readily available from the service company Web sites, and here I will only mention some future technical directions that are visible. The marine EM success is being carried back to the onshore market, fueled by geothermal and unconventional hydrocarbon applications. Oil companies are listening to pro-EM arguments, but still are hesitant to go through the learning exercises as early adopters. In particular, the huge business drivers of shale hydrocarbons and reservoir monitoring will bring markets many times bigger than the entire marine EM market. Additional applications include support for seismic operations, sub-salt, and sub-basalt, all areas where seismic exploration is costly and inefficient. Integration with EM will allow novel seismic methods to be applied. In the borehole, anisotropy measurements, now possible, form the missing link between surface measurements and ground truth. Three-dimensional (3D) induction measurements are readily available from several logging contractors. The trend to logging-while-drilling measurements will continue with many more EM technologies, and the effort of controlling the drill bit while drilling including look-ahead-and-around the drill bit is going on. Overall, the market for electromagnetics is increasing, and a demand for EM capable professionals will continue. The emphasis will be more on application and data integration (bottom-line value increase) and less on EM technology and modeling exercises.

Characterization of seismic properties across scales: from the laboratory- to the field scale

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Grab, Melchior; Quintal, Beatriz; Caspari, Eva; Maurer, Hansruedi; Greenhalgh, Stewart

2016-04-01

When exploring geothermal systems, the main interest is on factors controlling the efficiency of the heat exchanger. This includes the energy state of the pore fluids and the presence of permeable structures building part of the fluid transport system. Seismic methods are amongst the most common exploration techniques to image the deep subsurface in order to evaluate such a geothermal heat exchanger. They make use of the fact that a seismic wave caries information on the properties of the rocks in the subsurface through which it passes. This enables the derivation of the stiffness and the density of the host rock from the seismic velocities. Moreover, it is well-known that the seismic waveforms are modulated while propagating trough the subsurface by visco-elastic effects due to wave induced fluid flow, hence, delivering information about the fluids in the rock's pore space. To constrain the interpretation of seismic data, that is, to link seismic properties with the fluid state and host rock permeability, it is common practice to measure the rock properties of small rock specimens in the laboratory under in-situ conditions. However, in magmatic geothermal systems or in systems situated in the crystalline basement, the host rock is often highly impermeable and fluid transport predominately takes place in fracture networks, consisting of fractures larger than the rock samples investigated in the laboratory. Therefore, laboratory experiments only provide the properties of relatively intact rock and an up-scaling procedure is required to characterize the seismic properties of large rock volumes containing fractures and fracture networks and to study the effects of fluids in such fractured rock. We present a technique to parameterize fractured rock volumes as typically encountered in Icelandic magmatic geothermal systems, by combining laboratory experiments with effective medium calculations. The resulting models can be used to calculate the frequency-dependent bulk modulus K(ω) and shear modulus G(ω), from which the P- and S-wave velocities V P(ω) and V S(ω) and the quality factors QP(ω) and QS(ω) of fluid saturated fractured rock volumes can be estimated. These volumes are much larger and contain more complex structures than the rock samples investigated in the laboratory. Thus, the derived quantities describe the elastic and anelastic (energy loss due to wave induced fluid flow) short-term deformation induced by seismic waves at scales that are relevant for field-scale seismic exploration projects.

Applied Geophysics Opportunities in the Petroleum Industry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Olgaard, D. L.; Tikku, A.; Roberts, J. C.; Martinez, A.

2012-12-01

Meeting the increasing global demand for energy over the next several decades presents daunting challenges to engineers and scientists, including geoscientists of all disciplines. Many opportunities exist for geophysicists to find and produce oil and gas in a safe, environmentally responsible and affordable manner. Successful oil and gas exploration involves a 'Plates to Pores' approach that integrates multi-scale data from satellites, marine and land seismic and non-seismic field surveys, lab experiments, and even electron microscopy. The petroleum industry is at the forefront of using high performance computing to develop innovative methods to process and analyze large volumes of seismic data and perform realistic numerical modeling, such as finite element fluid flow and rock deformation simulations. Challenging and rewarding jobs in exploration, production and research exist for students with BS/BA, MS and PhD degrees. Geophysics students interested in careers in the petroleum industry should have a broad foundation in science, math and fundamental geosciences at the BS/BA level, as well as mastery of the scientific method, usually gained through thesis work at MS and PhD levels. Field geology or geophysics experience is also valuable. Other personal attributes typical for geoscientists to be successful in industry include a passion for solving complex geoscience problems, the flexibility to work on a variety of assignments throughout a career and skills such as teamwork, communication, integration and leadership. In this presentation we will give examples of research, exploration and production opportunities for geophysicists in petroleum companies and compare and contrast careers in academia vs. industry.

The Role of Faulting on the Growth of a Carbonate Platform: Evidence from 3D Seismic Analysis and Section Restoration

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nur Fathiyah Jamaludin, Siti; Pubellier, Manuel; Prasad Ghosh, Deva; Menier, David; Pierson, Bernard

2014-05-01

Tectonics in addition to other environmental factors impacts the growth of carbonate platforms and plays an important role in shaping the internal architecture of the platforms. Detailed of faults and fractures development and healing in carbonate environment have not been explored sufficiently. Using 3D seismic and well data, we attempt to reconstruct the structural evolution of a Miocene carbonate platform in Central Luconia Province, offshore Malaysia. Luconia Province is located in the NW coast of Borneo and has become one of the largest carbonate factories in SE Asia. Seismic interpretations including seismic attribute analysis are applied to the carbonate platform to discern its sedimentology and structural details. Detailed seismic interpretations highlight the relationships of carbonate deposition with syn-depositional faulting. Branching conjugate faults are common in this carbonate platform and have become a template for reef growth, attesting lateral facies changes within the carbonate environments. Structural restoration was then appropriately performed on the interpreted seismic sections based on sequential restoration techniques, and provided images different from those of horizon flattening methods. This permits us to compensate faults' displacement, remove recent sediment layers and finally restore the older rock units prior to the fault motions. It allows prediction of platform evolution as a response to faulting before and after carbonate deposition and also enhances the pitfalls of interpretation. Once updated, the reconstructions allow unravelling of the un-seen geological features underneath the carbonate platform, such as paleo-structures and paleo-topography which in turn reflects the paleo-environment before deformations took place. Interestingly, sections balancing and restoration revealed the late-phase (Late Oligocene-Early Miocene) rifting of South China Sea, otherwise difficult to visualize on seismic sections. Later it is shown that this carbonate platform was possibly originated from two or more connected reef build-ups. The platform evolution in terms of tectonic influences on carbonate growth and development may serve as a case example for re-evaluation of pre-Late Miocene structures as a new potential target for hydrocarbon exploration in Central Luconia Province. Eventually, techniques used in this study might be of interest to oil and gas explorers in carbonate system.

Detailed seismic velocity structure of the ultra-slow spread crust at the Mid-Cayman Spreading Center from travel-time tomography and synthetic seismograms

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Harding, J.; Van Avendonk, H. J.; Hayman, N. W.; Grevemeyer, I.; Peirce, C.

2017-12-01

The Mid-Cayman Spreading Center (MCSC), an ultraslow-spreading center in the Caribbean Sea, has formed highly variable oceanic crust. Seafloor dredges have recovered extrusive basalts in the axial deeps as well as gabbro on bathymetric highs and exhumed mantle peridotite along the only 110 km MCSC. Wide-angle refraction data were collected with active-source ocean bottom seismometers in April, 2015, along lines parallel and across the MCSC. Travel-time tomography produces relatively smooth 2-D tomographic models of compressional wave velocity. These velocity models reveal large along- and across-axis variations in seismic velocity, indicating possible changes in crustal thickness, composition, faulting, and magmatism. It is difficult, however, to differentiate between competing interpretations of seismic velocity using these tomographic models alone. For example, in some areas the seismic velocities may be explained by either thin igneous crust or exhumed, serpentinized mantle. Distinguishing between these two interpretations is important as we explore the relationships between magmatism, faulting, and hydrothermal venting at ultraslow-spreading centers. We therefore improved our constraints on the shallow seismic velocity structure of the MCSC by modeling the amplitude of seismic refractions in the wide-angle data set. Synthetic seismograms were calculated with a finite-difference method for a range of models with different vertical velocity gradients. Small-scale features in the velocity models, such as steep velocity gradients and Moho boundaries, were explored systematically to best fit the real data. With this approach, we have improved our understanding of the compressional velocity structure of the MCSC along with the geological interpretations that are consistent with three seismic refraction profiles. Line P01 shows a variation in the thinness of lower seismic velocities along the axis, indicating two segment centers, while across-axis lines P02 and P03 show variations in igneous crustal thickness and exhumed mantle in some areas.

Basic exploration geophysics

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Robinson, E.S.

1988-01-01

An introduction to geophysical methods used to explore for natural resources and to survey earth's geology is presented in this volume. It is suitable for second-and third-year undergraduate students majoring in geology or engineering and for professional engineering and for professional engineers and earth scientists without formal instruction in geophysics. The author assumes the reader is familiar with geometry, algebra, and trigonometry. Geophysical exploration includes seismic refraction and reflection surveying, electrical resistivity and electromagnetic field surveying, and geophysical well logging. Surveying operations are described in step-by-step procedures and are illustrated by practical examples. Computer-based methods of processing and interpreting datamore » as well as geographical methods are introduced.« less

Proceedings, Seminar on Probabilistic Methods in Geotechnical Engineering

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hynes-Griffin, M. E.; Buege, L. L.

1983-09-01

Contents: Applications of Probabilistic Methods in Geotechnical Engineering; Probabilistic Seismic and Geotechnical Evaluation at a Dam Site; Probabilistic Slope Stability Methodology; Probability of Liquefaction in a 3-D Soil Deposit; Probabilistic Design of Flood Levees; Probabilistic and Statistical Methods for Determining Rock Mass Deformability Beneath Foundations: An Overview; Simple Statistical Methodology for Evaluating Rock Mechanics Exploration Data; New Developments in Statistical Techniques for Analyzing Rock Slope Stability.

Numerical investigations on mapping permeability heterogeneity in coal seam gas reservoirs using seismo-electric methods

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gross, L.; Shaw, S.

2016-04-01

Mapping the horizontal distribution of permeability is a key problem for the coal seam gas industry. Poststack seismic data with anisotropy attributes provide estimates for fracture density and orientation which are then interpreted in terms of permeability. This approach delivers an indirect measure of permeability and can fail if other sources of anisotropy (for instance stress) come into play. Seismo-electric methods, based on recording the electric signal from pore fluid movements stimulated through a seismic wave, measure permeability directly. In this paper we use numerical simulations to demonstrate that the seismo-electric method is potentially suitable to map the horizontal distribution of permeability changes across coal seams. We propose the use of an amplitude to offset (AVO) analysis of the electrical signal in combination with poststack seismic data collected during the exploration phase. Recording of electrical signals from a simple seismic source can be closer to production planning and operations. The numerical model is based on a sonic wave propagation model under the low frequency, saturated media assumption and uses a coupled high order spectral element and low order finite element solver. We investigate the impact of seam thickness, coal seam layering, layering in the overburden and horizontal heterogeneity of permeability.

The Naiades: A Mars Scout Proposal for Electromagnetic and Seismic Exploration for Groundwater on Mars

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Grimm, R. E.

2002-09-01

Detection of subsurface, liquid water is an overarching objective of the Mars Exploration Program (MEP) because of its impacts on life, climate, geology, and preparation for human exploration. Although planned orbital radars seek to map subsurface water, methods with more robust depth-penetration, discrimination, and characterization capabilities are necessary to "ground truth" any results from such radars. Low-frequency electromagnetic (EM) methods exploit induction rather than wave propagation and are sensitive to electrical conductivity rather than dielectric constant. Saline martian groundwater will be a near-ideal EM target, especially as the overburden is likely very dry. The Naiades Mars Scout - named for the Greek mythological nymphs of springs, rivers, lakes, and fountains - comprise twin Landers directed to a high-priority region for groundwater investigation. Broadband measurements of natural EM fields will be used to perform passive soundings. If natural sources are weak, active soundings will be performed using a small transmitter. The two Landers are positioned within several tens of kilometers of each other so that coherence techniques can improve data quality; useful data can, however, be acquired by a single Lander. Additional mission objectives include detection of ground ice, characterization of natural EM fields, measurement of electrical properties, constraints on planetary heat flow, measurement of crustal magnetism, characterization of seismicity, seismic imaging of the interior, and assessment of landing-site geomorphology. A short-period seismometer and a wide-angle camera complete the payload to achieve these objectives. The Naiades mission strongly resonates with the main "Follow the Water" theme of the MEP, but in ways that are not currently within the its scope or that of international partners. The combination of established terrestrial methods for groundwater exploration, robust flight systems, and cost effectiveness proposed for the Naiades is a relatively low-risk approach to answering key questions about water on Mars within the Scout framework

Detecting Seismic Events Using a Supervised Hidden Markov Model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Burks, L.; Forrest, R.; Ray, J.; Young, C.

2017-12-01

We explore the use of supervised hidden Markov models (HMMs) to detect seismic events in streaming seismogram data. Current methods for seismic event detection include simple triggering algorithms, such as STA/LTA and the Z-statistic, which can lead to large numbers of false positives that must be investigated by an analyst. The hypothesis of this study is that more advanced detection methods, such as HMMs, may decreases false positives while maintaining accuracy similar to current methods. We train a binary HMM classifier using 2 weeks of 3-component waveform data from the International Monitoring System (IMS) that was carefully reviewed by an expert analyst to pick all seismic events. Using an ensemble of simple and discrete features, such as the triggering of STA/LTA, the HMM predicts the time at which transition occurs from noise to signal. Compared to the STA/LTA detection algorithm, the HMM detects more true events, but the false positive rate remains unacceptably high. Future work to potentially decrease the false positive rate may include using continuous features, a Gaussian HMM, and multi-class HMMs to distinguish between types of seismic waves (e.g., P-waves and S-waves). Acknowledgement: Sandia National Laboratories is a multi-mission laboratory managed and operated by National Technology and Engineering Solutions of Sandia, LLC., a wholly owned subsidiary of Honeywell International, Inc., for the U.S. Department of Energy's National Nuclear Security Administration under contract DE-NA-0003525.SAND No: SAND2017-8154 A

Target-oriented retrieval of subsurface wave fields - Pushing the resolution limits in seismic imaging

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vasconcelos, Ivan; Ozmen, Neslihan; van der Neut, Joost; Cui, Tianci

2017-04-01

Travelling wide-bandwidth seismic waves have long been used as a primary tool in exploration seismology because they can probe the subsurface over large distances, while retaining relatively high spatial resolution. The well-known Born resolution limit often seems to be the lower bound on spatial imaging resolution in real life examples. In practice, data acquisition cost, time constraints and other factors can worsen the resolution achieved by wavefield imaging. Could we obtain images whose resolution beats the Born limits? Would it be practical to achieve it, and what are we missing today to achieve this? In this talk, we will cover aspects of linear and nonlinear seismic imaging to understand elements that play a role in obtaining "super-resolved" seismic images. New redatuming techniques, such as the Marchenko method, enable the retrieval of subsurface fields that include multiple scattering interactions, while requiring relatively little knowledge of model parameters. Together with new concepts in imaging, such as Target-Enclosing Extended Images, these new redatuming methods enable new targeted imaging frameworks. We will make a case as to why target-oriented approaches to reconstructing subsurface-domain wavefields from surface data may help in increasing the resolving power of seismic imaging, and in pushing the limits on parameter estimation. We will illustrate this using a field data example. Finally, we will draw connections between seismic and other imaging modalities, and discuss how this framework could be put to use in other applications

Seismic-zonation of Port-au-Prince using pixel- and object-based imaging analysis methods on ASTER GDEM

USGS Publications Warehouse

Yong, A.; Hough, S.E.; Cox, B.R.; Rathje, E.M.; Bachhuber, J.; Dulberg, R.; Hulslander, D.; Christiansen, L.; Abrams, M.J.

2011-01-01

We report about a preliminary study to evaluate the use of semi-automated imaging analysis of remotely-sensed DEM and field geophysical measurements to develop a seismic-zonation map of Port-au-Prince, Haiti. For in situ data, Vs30 values are derived from the MASW technique deployed in and around the city. For satellite imagery, we use an ASTER GDEM of Hispaniola. We apply both pixel- and object-based imaging methods on the ASTER GDEM to explore local topography (absolute elevation values) and classify terrain types such as mountains, alluvial fans and basins/near-shore regions. We assign NEHRP seismic site class ranges based on available Vs30 values. A comparison of results from imagery-based methods to results from traditional geologic-based approaches reveals good overall correspondence. We conclude that image analysis of RS data provides reliable first-order site characterization results in the absence of local data and can be useful to refine detailed site maps with sparse local data. ?? 2011 American Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing.

A method of directly extracting multiwave angle-domain common-image gathers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Han, Jianguang; Wang, Yun

2017-10-01

Angle-domain common-image gathers (ADCIGs) can provide an effective way for migration velocity analysis and amplitude versus angle analysis in oil-gas seismic exploration. On the basis of multi-component Gaussian beam prestack depth migration (GB-PSDM), an alternative method of directly extracting multiwave ADCIGs is presented in this paper. We first introduce multi-component GB-PSDM, where a wavefield separation is proceeded to obtain the separated PP- and PS-wave seismic records before migration imaging for multiwave seismic data. Then, the principle of extracting PP- and PS-ADCIGs using GB-PSDM is presented. The propagation angle can be obtained using the real-value travel time of Gaussian beam in the course of GB-PSDM, which can be used to calculate the incidence and reflection angles. Two kinds of ADCIGs can be extracted for the PS-wave, one of which is P-wave incidence ADCIGs and the other one is S-wave reflection ADCIGs. In this paper, we use the incident angle to plot the ADCIGs for both PP- and PS-waves. Finally, tests of synthetic examples show that the method introduced here is accurate and effective.

Marine EM: The Past, The Present, and The Future

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Constable, S.

2016-12-01

The high cost of deepwater exploration motivated the development of commercial marine magnetotelluric (MT) exploration in 1995, but it wasn't until marine controlled-source electromagnetic (CSEM) methods burst upon the industry scene with the formation of three new contractors in 2002 that things got really exciting. Now the bubble has burst and the excitement has diminished, but marine EM remains an important tool for offshore exploration. Early mistakes were made as a result of poor instrumentation and a lack of good interpretation tools - unlike seismics, EM relies heavily on inversion to produce useful results - but both equipment and inversion codes have improved significantly. Still, there are mistakes that can be made. Rock anisotropy and seawater conductivity have to be handled appropriately. A strong galvanic response means that there is a resistivity/thickness ambiguity when imaging reservoirs, but the inductive nature of the data means that multi-frequency inversions are very much better than using single frequencies. Resolution will never be as good as for seismic methods, but is much better than for potential field methods and conductivity may often be a more diagnostic property than acoustic impedance. EM images resistivity, not hydrocarbon content, and false positives occasionally occur, but false negatives are rare. That is, without a CSEM signature there is little chance of discovering economical hydrocarbons. This should bode well for the future of the method.

Method can improve efficiency of heli-portable seismic operations

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Kingsbury, O.J.

1995-11-13

There are regions of the world where the only viable means of conducting a seismic survey on land must involve helicopters as a primary means of transport. The high operating cost of helicopters means that such heliportable work is expensive compared with the more common land and marine surveys. This article is addressed to exploration companies contemplating heliportable seismic surveys. Its aim is to show how these operations work and to enable a dramatic reduction in the cost and timescale of future operations compared with numerous operations this writer has witnessed and been involved with in recent years. The coremore » of this article concerns distinct designs of drilling machinery used in these activities and the most efficient ways of configuring this machinery in the field.« less

Seismoelectric Effects based on Spectral-Element Method for Subsurface Fluid Characterization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Morency, C.

2017-12-01

Present approaches for subsurface imaging rely predominantly on seismic techniques, which alone do not capture fluid properties and related mechanisms. On the other hand, electromagnetic (EM) measurements add constraints on the fluid phase through electrical conductivity and permeability, but EM signals alone do not offer information of the solid structural properties. In the recent years, there have been many efforts to combine both seismic and EM data for exploration geophysics. The most popular approach is based on joint inversion of seismic and EM data, as decoupled phenomena, missing out the coupled nature of seismic and EM phenomena such as seismoeletric effects. Seismoelectric effects are related to pore fluid movements with respect to the solid grains. By analyzing coupled poroelastic seismic and EM signals, one can capture a pore scale behavior and access both structural and fluid properties.Here, we model the seismoelectric response by solving the governing equations derived by Pride and Garambois (1994), which correspond to Biot's poroelastic wave equations and Maxwell's electromagnetic wave equations coupled electrokinetically. We will show that these coupled wave equations can be numerically implemented by taking advantage of viscoelastic-electromagnetic mathematical equivalences. These equations will be solved using a spectral-element method (SEM). The SEM, in contrast to finite-element methods (FEM) uses high degree Lagrange polynomials. Not only does this allow the technique to handle complex geometries similarly to FEM, but it also retains exponential convergence and accuracy due to the use of high degree polynomials. Finally, we will discuss how this is a first step toward full coupled seismic-EM inversion to improve subsurface fluid characterization. This work was performed under the auspices of the U.S. Department of Energy by Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory under Contract DE-AC52-07NA27344.

Joint probabilistic determination of earthquake location and velocity structure: application to local and regional events

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Beucler, E.; Haugmard, M.; Mocquet, A.

2016-12-01

The most widely used inversion schemes to locate earthquakes are based on iterative linearized least-squares algorithms and using an a priori knowledge of the propagation medium. When a small amount of observations is available for moderate events for instance, these methods may lead to large trade-offs between outputs and both the velocity model and the initial set of hypocentral parameters. We present a joint structure-source determination approach using Bayesian inferences. Monte-Carlo continuous samplings, using Markov chains, generate models within a broad range of parameters, distributed according to the unknown posterior distributions. The non-linear exploration of both the seismic structure (velocity and thickness) and the source parameters relies on a fast forward problem using 1-D travel time computations. The a posteriori covariances between parameters (hypocentre depth, origin time and seismic structure among others) are computed and explicitly documented. This method manages to decrease the influence of the surrounding seismic network geometry (sparse and/or azimuthally inhomogeneous) and a too constrained velocity structure by inferring realistic distributions on hypocentral parameters. Our algorithm is successfully used to accurately locate events of the Armorican Massif (western France), which is characterized by moderate and apparently diffuse local seismicity.

Benefits of rotational ground motions for planetary seismology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Donner, S.; Joshi, R.; Hadziioannou, C.; Nunn, C.; van Driel, M.; Schmelzbach, C.; Wassermann, J. M.; Igel, H.

2017-12-01

Exploring the internal structure of planetary objects is fundamental to understand the evolution of our solar system. In contrast to Earth, planetary seismology is hampered by the limited number of stations available, often just a single one. Classic seismology is based on the measurement of three components of translational ground motion. Its methods are mainly developed for a larger number of available stations. Therefore, the application of classical seismological methods to other planets is very limited. Here, we show that the additional measurement of three components of rotational ground motion could substantially improve the situation. From sparse or single station networks measuring translational and rotational ground motions it is possible to obtain additional information on structure and source. This includes direct information on local subsurface seismic velocities, separation of seismic phases, propagation direction of seismic energy, crustal scattering properties, as well as moment tensor source parameters for regional sources. The potential of this methodology will be highlighted through synthetic forward and inverse modeling experiments.

Rock formation characterization for CO2-EOR and carbon geosequestration; 3D seismic amplitude and coherency anomalies, Wellington Field, Kansas, USA

USGS Publications Warehouse

Ohl, D.; Raef, A.; Watnef, L.; Bhattacharya, S.

2011-01-01

In this paper, we present a workflow for a Mississipian carbonates characterization case-study integrating post-stack seismic attributes, well-logs porosities, and seismic modeling to explore relating changes in small-scale "lithofacies" properties and/or sub-seismic resolution faulting to key amplitude and coherency 3D seismic attributes. The main objective of this study is to put emphasis on reservoir characterization that is both optimized for and subsequently benefiting from pilot tertiary CO2-EOR in preparation for future carbon geosequestration in a depleting reservoir and a deep saline aquifer. The extracted 3D seismic coherency attribute indicated anomalous features that can be interpreted as a lithofacies change or a sub-seismic resolution faulting. A 2D finite difference modeling has been undertaken to understand and potentially build discriminant attributes to map structural and/or lithofacies anomalies of interest especially when embarking upon CO2-EOR and/or carbon sequestration monitoring and management projects. ?? 2011 Society of Exploration Geophysicists.

Exposure to seismic survey alters blue whale acoustic communication

PubMed Central

Di Iorio, Lucia; Clark, Christopher W.

2010-01-01

The ability to perceive biologically important sounds is critical to marine mammals, and acoustic disturbance through human-generated noise can interfere with their natural functions. Sounds from seismic surveys are intense and have peak frequency bands overlapping those used by baleen whales, but evidence of interference with baleen whale acoustic communication is sparse. Here we investigated whether blue whales (Balaenoptera musculus) changed their vocal behaviour during a seismic survey that deployed a low-medium power technology (sparker). We found that blue whales called consistently more on seismic exploration days than on non-exploration days as well as during periods within a seismic survey day when the sparker was operating. This increase was observed for the discrete, audible calls that are emitted during social encounters and feeding. This response presumably represents a compensatory behaviour to the elevated ambient noise from seismic survey operations. PMID:19776059

Seismic Data Analysis throught Multi-Class Classification.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Anderson, P.; Kappedal, R. D.; Magana-Zook, S. A.

2017-12-01

In this research, we conducted twenty experiments of varying time and frequency bands on 5000seismic signals with the intent of finding a method to classify signals as either an explosion or anearthquake in an automated fashion. We used a multi-class approach by clustering of the data throughvarious techniques. Dimensional reduction was examined through the use of wavelet transforms withthe use of the coiflet mother wavelet and various coefficients to explore possible computational time vsaccuracy dependencies. Three and four classes were generated from the clustering techniques andexamined with the three class approach producing the most accurate and realistic results.

Patterns in Seismicity at Mt St Helens and Mt Unzen

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lamb, Oliver; De Angelis, Silvio; Lavallee, Yan

2014-05-01

Cyclic behaviour on a range of timescales is a well-documented feature of many dome-forming volcanoes. Previous work on Soufrière Hills volcano (Montserrat) and Volcán de Colima (Mexico) revealed broad-scale similarities in behaviour implying the potential to develop general physical models of sub-surface processes [1]. Using volcano-seismic data from Mt St Helens (USA) and Mt Unzen (Japan) this study explores parallels in long-term behaviour of seismicity at two dome-forming systems. Within the last twenty years both systems underwent extended dome-forming episodes accompanied by large Vulcanian explosions or dome collapses. This study uses a suite of quantitative and analytical techniques which can highlight differences or similarities in volcano seismic behaviour, and compare the behaviour to changes in activity during the eruptive episodes. Seismic events were automatically detected and characterized on a single short-period seismometer station located 1.5km from the 2004-2008 vent at Mt St Helens. A total of 714 826 individual events were identified from continuous recording of seismic data from 22 October 2004 to 28 February 2006 (average 60.2 events per hour) using a short-term/long-term average algorithm. An equivalent count will be produced from seismometer recordings over the later stages of the 1991-1995 eruption at MT Unzen. The event count time-series from Mt St Helens is then analysed using Multi-taper Method and the Short-Term Fourier Transform to explore temporal variations in activity. Preliminary analysis of seismicity from Mt St Helens suggests cyclic behaviour of subannual timescale, similar to that described at Volcán de Colima and Soufrière Hills volcano [1]. Frequency Index and waveform correlation tools will be implemented to analyse changes in the frequency content of the seismicity and to explore their relations to different phases of activity at the volcano. A single station approach is used to gain a fine-scale view of variations in seismic behaviour at both volcanoes with a focus on comparisons with changes in activity with the hope of gaining a greater understanding of sub-surface processes occurring within the volcanic systems. This approach and the techniques above were successfully implemented at Redoubt Volcano (USA) [2] which also concluded that these techniques may serve an important role in future real-time eruption monitoring efforts. [1] Lamb O., Varley N., Mather T. et al., in prep Similar Cyclic Behaviour at two lava domes, Volcán de Colima (Mexico) and Soufrière Hills volcano (Montserrat), with implications for monitoring. [2] Ketner, D. & Power, J., 2013. Characterization of seismic events during the 2009 eruption of Redoubt Volcano, Alaska. Journal of Volcanology and Geothermal Research, 259, pp.45-62

Storage of fluids and melts at subduction zones detectable by seismic tomography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Luehr, B. G.; Koulakov, I.; Rabbel, W.; Brotopuspito, K. S.; Surono, S.

2015-12-01

During the last decades investigations at active continental margins discovered the link between the subduction of fluid saturated oceanic plates and the process of ascent of these fluids and partial melts forming a magmatic system that leads to volcanism at the earth surface. For this purpose the geophysical structure of the mantle and crustal range above the down going slap has been imaged. Information is required about the slap, the ascent paths, as well as the reservoires of fluids and partial melts in the mantle and the crust up to the volcanoes at the surface. Statistically the distance between the volcanoes of volcanic arcs down to their Wadati Benioff zone results of approximately 100 kilometers in mean value. Surprisingly, this depth range shows pronounced seismicity at most of all subduction zones. Additionally, mineralogical laboratory investigations have shown that dehydration of the diving plate has a maximum at temperature and pressure conditions we find at around 100 km depth. The ascent of the fluids and the appearance of partial melts as well as the distribution of these materials in the crust can be resolved by seismic tomographic methods using records of local natural seismicity. With these methods these areas are corresponding to lowered seismic velocities, high Vp/Vs ratios, as well as increased attenuation of seismic shear waves. The anomalies and their time dependence are controlled by the fluids. The seismic velocity anomalies detected so far are within a range of a few per cent to more than 30% reduction. But, to explore plate boundaries large and complex amphibious experiments are required, in which active and passive seismic investigations should be combined to achieve best results. The seismic station distribution should cover an area from before the trench up to far behind the volcanic chain, to provide under favorable conditions information down to 150 km depth. Findings of different subduction zones will be compared and discussed.

Finite-Difference Numerical Simulation of Seismic Gradiometry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aldridge, D. F.; Symons, N. P.; Haney, M. M.

2006-12-01

We use the phrase seismic gradiometry to refer to the developing research area involving measurement, modeling, analysis, and interpretation of spatial derivatives (or differences) of a seismic wavefield. In analogy with gradiometric methods used in gravity and magnetic exploration, seismic gradiometry offers the potential for enhancing resolution, and revealing new (or hitherto obscure) information about the subsurface. For example, measurement of pressure and rotation enables the decomposition of recorded seismic data into compressional (P) and shear (S) components. Additionally, a complete observation of the total seismic wavefield at a single receiver (including both rectilinear and rotational motions) offers the possibility of inferring the type, speed, and direction of an incident seismic wave. Spatially extended receiver arrays, conventionally used for such directional and phase speed determinations, may be dispensed with. Seismic wave propagation algorithms based on the explicit, time-domain, finite-difference (FD) numerical method are well-suited for investigating gradiometric effects. We have implemented in our acoustic, elastic, and poroelastic algorithms a point receiver that records the 9 components of the particle velocity gradient tensor. Pressure and particle rotation are obtained by forming particular linear combinations of these tensor components, and integrating with respect to time. All algorithms entail 3D O(2,4) FD solutions of coupled, first- order systems of partial differential equations on uniformly-spaced staggered spatial and temporal grids. Numerical tests with a 1D model composed of homogeneous and isotropic elastic layers show isolation of P, SV, and SH phases recorded in a multiple borehole configuration, even in the case of interfering events. Synthetic traces recorded by geophones and rotation receivers in a shallow crosswell geometry with randomly heterogeneous poroelastic models also illustrate clear P (fast and slow) and S separation. Finally, numerical tests of the "point seismic array" concept are oriented toward understanding its potential and limitations. Sandia National Laboratories is a multiprogram science and engineering facility operated by Sandia Corporation, a Lockheed-Martin company, for the United States Department of Energy under contract DE- AC04-94AL85000.

West Central Texas. Homework pays off for Originala in Haskell County

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Mickey, V.

1983-03-01

Originala Petroleum Corp., Fort Worth, is finding Bend Conglomerate and Caddo oil in NW Haskell County, Texas. The most encouraging find to date is the company's No. 1 June L. White, which potentialed in Sept. 1981 for 493 bopd from perforations in the Caddo at 5638-60 ft. This discovery, along with promising Bend Conglomerate drill stem test and log shows in other wells in the region, support continued exploration efforts in this geologically complex province. The key to overcoming the exploration challenges in NW. Haskell County is to depend primarily upon seismic data to give structural control. Accurate seismic interpretationmore » is only a part of the preparation, and is integrated with other geologic data-collecting methods such as gravity and structural mapping based solely on subsurface control.« less

Zephyr: Open-source Parallel Seismic Waveform Inversion in an Integrated Python-based Framework

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Smithyman, B. R.; Pratt, R. G.; Hadden, S. M.

2015-12-01

Seismic Full-Waveform Inversion (FWI) is an advanced method to reconstruct wave properties of materials in the Earth from a series of seismic measurements. These methods have been developed by researchers since the late 1980s, and now see significant interest from the seismic exploration industry. As researchers move towards implementing advanced numerical modelling (e.g., 3D, multi-component, anisotropic and visco-elastic physics), it is desirable to make use of a modular approach, minimizing the effort developing a new set of tools for each new numerical problem. SimPEG (http://simpeg.xyz) is an open source project aimed at constructing a general framework to enable geophysical inversion in various domains. In this abstract we describe Zephyr (https://github.com/bsmithyman/zephyr), which is a coupled research project focused on parallel FWI in the seismic context. The software is built on top of Python, Numpy and IPython, which enables very flexible testing and implementation of new features. Zephyr is an open source project, and is released freely to enable reproducible research. We currently implement a parallel, distributed seismic forward modelling approach that solves the 2.5D (two-and-one-half dimensional) viscoacoustic Helmholtz equation at a range modelling frequencies, generating forward solutions for a given source behaviour, and gradient solutions for a given set of observed data. Solutions are computed in a distributed manner on a set of heterogeneous workers. The researcher's frontend computer may be separated from the worker cluster by a network link to enable full support for computation on remote clusters from individual workstations or laptops. The present codebase introduces a numerical discretization equivalent to that used by FULLWV, a well-known seismic FWI research codebase. This makes it straightforward to compare results from Zephyr directly with FULLWV. The flexibility introduced by the use of a Python programming environment makes extension of the codebase with new methods much more straightforward. This enables comparison and integration of new efforts with existing results.

Time-marching multi-grid seismic tomography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tong, P.; Yang, D.; Liu, Q.

2016-12-01

From the classic ray-based traveltime tomography to the state-of-the-art full waveform inversion, because of the nonlinearity of seismic inverse problems, a good starting model is essential for preventing the convergence of the objective function toward local minima. With a focus on building high-accuracy starting models, we propose the so-called time-marching multi-grid seismic tomography method in this study. The new seismic tomography scheme consists of a temporal time-marching approach and a spatial multi-grid strategy. We first divide the recording period of seismic data into a series of time windows. Sequentially, the subsurface properties in each time window are iteratively updated starting from the final model of the previous time window. There are at least two advantages of the time-marching approach: (1) the information included in the seismic data of previous time windows has been explored to build the starting models of later time windows; (2) seismic data of later time windows could provide extra information to refine the subsurface images. Within each time window, we use a multi-grid method to decompose the scale of the inverse problem. Specifically, the unknowns of the inverse problem are sampled on a coarse mesh to capture the macro-scale structure of the subsurface at the beginning. Because of the low dimensionality, it is much easier to reach the global minimum on a coarse mesh. After that, finer meshes are introduced to recover the micro-scale properties. That is to say, the subsurface model is iteratively updated on multi-grid in every time window. We expect that high-accuracy starting models should be generated for the second and later time windows. We will test this time-marching multi-grid method by using our newly developed eikonal-based traveltime tomography software package tomoQuake. Real application results in the 2016 Kumamoto earthquake (Mw 7.0) region in Japan will be demonstrated.

Tectonics of East Siberian Sea Basin and its influence on petroleum systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Karpov, Yury; Antonina, Stoupakova; Anna, Suslova; Mariia, Agasheva

2016-04-01

The East Siberian Sea basin (ESSB) is the largest part of the Siberian Arctic shelf, extending for over 1000 km from New Siberian Islands archipelago to Wrangel Island. Nowadays East Siberian Sea margin is considered as a region with probable high petroleum potential. This part of Russian Arctic shelf is the least studied. The major problems in geological investigation of East Siberian Sea shelf are absence of deep wells in area and low seismic exploration maturity. Only general conclusions on its geology and hydrocarbon systems can be drawn based on limited seismic, gravity and magnetic data, supported by projection of onshore geological data to offshore. So, that's why now only complex geological and seismic stratigraphy interpretations are provided. Today we have several concepts and can summarize the tectonic history of the basin. The basin is filled with siliclastic sediments. In the deepest depocentres sediments thickness exceed 8 km in average. Seismic data was interpreted using methods of seismic stratigraphy. Stratigraphic interpretation was possible to achieve because seismic reflections follow chronostratigraphic correlations. Finally, main seismic horizons were indicated. Each indicated horizon follows regional stratigraphic unconformity. In case of absence of deep wells in ESSB, we can only prove possible source rocks by projection of data about New Siberian Islands archipelago source rocks on offshore. The petroleum potential of these rocks was investigated by several authors [1, 2, 3]. Perspective structures, investigated in ESSB were founded out by comparing seismogeological cross-sections with explored analogs in other Russian and foreign onshore and offshore basins. The majority of structures could be connected with stratigraphic and fault traps. New data on possible petroleum plays was analyzed, large massif of data on geology and tectonic history of the region was collected, so now we can use method of basin modelling to evaluate hydrocarbon saturation in most perspective prospects. Factors of tectonic history, high thickness of sediments in basin, founded possible oil and gas source rocks promise success in future exploration, but in ESSB we also recommend further geophysical investigations (seismic, gravy and magnetic) and well testing of some most perspective prospects, despite of high cost of these activities. We suppose, that investigations of ESSB should be continued to receive positive effects for Russian national economy in the nearest future. References [1] Kirillova (eds) [2013] Geological setting and petroleum potential of sedimentary basins of East Siberian Sea continental margin, v. 1, (in Russian) 249. [2] Sobolev (eds) [2012] Investigation of main sequences of Paleozoic and Meso-Cenozoic sedimentary and magmatic complexes of New Siberian Islands Archipelago, (in Russian), 143. [3] Suprunenko (eds) [2005] Petroleum zoning of Russian East Arctic shelf, Comparative analysis of petroleum potential of this aquatories with definition of perspective prospects and choise of most perspective objects for future projects, v. 1, (in Russian), 264.

Contributions to a shallow aquifer study by reprocessed seismic sections from petroleum exploration surveys, eastern Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

USGS Publications Warehouse

Woodward, D.

1994-01-01

The US Geological Survey, in cooperation with the National Drilling Company of Abu Dhabi, is conducting a 4-year study of the fresh and slightly saline groundwater resources of the eastern Abu Dhabi Emirate. Most of this water occurs in a shallow aquifer, generally less than 150 m deep, in the Al Ain area. A critical part of the Al Ain area coincides with a former petroleum concession area where about 2780 km of vibroseis data were collected along 94 seismic lines during 1981-1983. Field methods, acquistion parameters, and section processing were originally designed to enhance reflections expected at depths ranging from 5000 to 6000 m, and subsurface features directly associated with the shallow aquifer system were deleted from the original seismic sections. The original field tapes from the vibroseis survey were reprocessed in an attempt to extract shallow subsurface information (depths less than 550 m) for investigating the shallow aquifer. A unique sequence of reproccessing parameters was established after reviewing the results from many experimental tests. Many enhancements to the resolution of shallow seismic reflections resulted from: (1) application of a 20-Hz, low-cut filter; (2) recomputation of static corrections to a datum nearer the land surface; (3) intensive velocity analyses; and (4) near-trace muting analyses. The number, resolution, and lateral continuity of shallow reflections were greatly enhanced on the reprocessed sections, as was the delineation of shallow, major faults. Reflections on a synthetic seismogram, created from a borehole drilled to a depth of 786 m on seismic line IQS-11, matcheddprecisely with shallow reflections on the reprocessed section. The 33 reprocessed sections were instrumental in preparing a map showing the major structural features that affect the shallow aquifer system. Analysis of the map provides a better understanding of the effect of these shallow features on the regional occurrence, movement, and quality of groundwater in the concession area. Results from this study demonstrate that original seismic field tapes collected for deep petroleum exploration can be reprocessed to explore for groundwater. ?? 1994.

Imaging the Ferron Member of the Mancos Shale formation using reprocessed high-resolution 2-D seismic reflection data: Emery County, Utah

USGS Publications Warehouse

Taylor, D.J.

2003-01-01

Late in 1982 and early in 1983, Arco Exploration contracted with Rocky Mountain Geophysical to acquired four high-resolution 2-D multichannel seismic reflection lines in Emery County, Utah. The primary goal in acquiring this data was an attempt to image the Ferron Member of the Upper Cretaceous Mancos Shale. Design of the high-resolution 2-D seismic reflection data acquisition used both a short geophone group interval and a short sample interval. An explosive energy source was used which provided an input pulse with broad frequency content and higher frequencies than typical non-explosive Vibroseis?? sources. Reflections produced by using this high-frequency energy source when sampled at a short interval are usually able to resolve shallow horizons that are relatively thin compared to those that can be resolved using more typical oil and gas exploration seismic reflection methods.The U.S. Geological Survey-Energy Resources Program, Geophysical Processing Group used the processing sequence originally applied by Arco in 1984 as a guide and experimented with processing steps applied in a different order using slightly different parameters in an effort to improve imaging the Ferron Member horizon. As with the Arco processed data there are sections along all four seismic lines where the data quality cannot be improved upon, and in fact the data quality is so poor that the Ferron horizon cannot be imaged at all.Interpretation of the seismic and core hole data indicates that the Ferron Member in the study area represent a deltaic sequence including delta front, lower delta plain, and upper delta plain environments. Correlating the depositional environments for the Ferron Member as indicated in the core holes with the thickness of Ferron Member suggests the presence of a delta lobe running from the northwest to the southeast through the study area. The presence of a deltaic channel system within the delta lobe complex might prove to be an interesting conventional exploration target along with the coal-bed methane production already proven in the area. ?? 2003 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Exploring seismicity using geomagnetic and gravity data - a case study for Bulgaria

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Trifonova, P.; Simeonova, S.; Solakov, D.; Metodiev, M.

2012-04-01

Seismicity exploration certainly requires comprehensive analysis of location, orientation and length distribution of fault and block systems with a variety of geophysical methods. In the present research capability of geomagnetic and gravity anomalous field data are used for revealing of buried structures inside the earth's upper layers. Interpretation of gravity and magnetic data is well known and often applied to delineate various geological structures such as faults, flexures, thrusts, borders of dislocated blocks etc. which create significant rock density contrast in horizontal planes. Study area of the present research covers the territory of Bulgaria which is part of the active continental margin of the Eurasian plate. This region is a typical example of high seismic risk area. The epicentral map shows that seismicity in the region is not uniformly distributed in space. Therefore the seismicity is described in distributed geographical zones (seismic source zones). Each source zone is characterized by its specific tectonic, seismic, and geological particulars. From the analysis of the depth distribution it was recognized that the earthquakes in the region occurred in the Earth's crust. Hypocenters are mainly located in the upper crust, and only a few events are related to the lower crust. The maximum depth reached is about 50 km in southwestern Bulgaria; outside, the foci affect only the surficial 30-35 km. Maximum density of seismicity involves the layer between 5 and 25 km. This fact determines the capability of potential fields data to reveal crustal structures and to examine their parameters as possible seismic sources. Results showed that a number of geophysically interpreted structures coincide with observed on the surface dislocations and epicenter clusters (well illustrated in northern Bulgaria) which confirms the reliability of the applied methodology. The complicated situation in southern Bulgaria is demonstrated by mosaics structure of geomagnetic field, complex configuration of gravity anomalies and spatial seismicity distribution. Well defined (confirmed by geophysical, geological and seismological data) are the known earthquake source zones (such as Sofia, Kresna, Maritsa, Yambol ) in this part of the territory of Bulgaria. Worth while are the results where no surface structures are present (e.g. Central Rhodope zone and East Rhodope zone, where the 2006 Kurdzhali earthquake sequence is realized). In those cases, gravity and magnetic interpretations proved to be a suitable enough technique which allows determining of position and parameters of the geological structures in depth.

Detecting and characterizing coal mine related seismicity in the Western U.S. using subspace methods

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chambers, Derrick J. A.; Koper, Keith D.; Pankow, Kristine L.; McCarter, Michael K.

2015-11-01

We present an approach for subspace detection of small seismic events that includes methods for estimating magnitudes and associating detections from multiple stations into unique events. The process is used to identify mining related seismicity from a surface coal mine and an underground coal mining district, both located in the Western U.S. Using a blasting log and a locally derived seismic catalogue as ground truth, we assess detector performance in terms of verified detections, false positives and failed detections. We are able to correctly identify over 95 per cent of the surface coal mine blasts and about 33 per cent of the events from the underground mining district, while keeping the number of potential false positives relatively low by requiring all detections to occur on two stations. We find that most of the potential false detections for the underground coal district are genuine events missed by the local seismic network, demonstrating the usefulness of regional subspace detectors in augmenting local catalogues. We note a trade-off in detection performance between stations at smaller source-receiver distances, which have increased signal-to-noise ratio, and stations at larger distances, which have greater waveform similarity. We also explore the increased detection capabilities of a single higher dimension subspace detector, compared to multiple lower dimension detectors, in identifying events that can be described as linear combinations of training events. We find, in our data set, that such an advantage can be significant, justifying the use of a subspace detection scheme over conventional correlation methods.

Seismic velocity uncertainties and their effect on geothermal predictions: A case study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rabbel, Wolfgang; Köhn, Daniel; Bahadur Motra, Hem; Niederau, Jan; Thorwart, Martin; Wuttke, Frank; Descramble Working Group

2017-04-01

Geothermal exploration relies in large parts on geophysical subsurface models derived from seismic reflection profiling. These models are the framework of hydro-geothermal modeling, which further requires estimating thermal and hydraulic parameters to be attributed to the seismic strata. All petrophysical and structural properties involved in this process can be determined only with limited accuracy and thus impose uncertainties onto the resulting model predictions of temperature-depth profiles and hydraulic flow, too. In the present study we analyze sources and effects of uncertainties of the seismic velocity field, which translate directly into depth uncertainties of the hydraulically and thermally relevant horizons. Geological sources of these uncertainties are subsurface heterogeneity and seismic anisotropy, methodical sources are limitations in spread length and physical resolution. We demonstrate these effects using data of the EU-Horizon 2020 project DESCRAMBLE investigating a shallow super-critical geothermal reservoir in the Larderello area. The study is based on 2D- and 3D seismic reflection data and laboratory measurements on representative rock samples under simulated in-situ conditions. The rock samples consistently show P-wave anisotropy values of 10-20% order of magnitude. However, the uncertainty of layer depths induced by anisotropy is likely to be lower depending on the accuracy, with which the spatial orientation of bedding planes can be determined from the seismic reflection images.

Simultaneous observations of ice motion, calving and seismicity on the Yahtse Glacier, Alaska. (Invited)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Larsen, C. F.; Bartholomaus, T. C.; O'Neel, S.; West, M. E.

2010-12-01

We observe ice motion, calving and seismicity simultaneously and with high-resolution on an advancing tidewater glacier in Icy Bay, Alaska. Icy Bay’s tidewater glaciers dominate regional glacier-generated seismicity in Alaska. Yahtse emanates from the St. Elias Range near the Bering-Bagley-Seward-Malaspina Icefield system, the most extensive glacier cover outside the polar regions. Rapid rates of change and fast flow (>16 m/d near the terminus) at Yahtse Glacier provide a direct analog to the disintegrating outlet systems in Greenland. Our field experiment co-locates GPS and seismometers on the surface of the glacier, with a greater network of bedrock seismometers surrounding the glacier. Time-lapse photogrammetry, fjord wave height sensors, and optical survey methods monitor iceberg calving and ice velocity near the terminus. This suite of geophysical instrumentation enables us to characterize glacier motion and geometry changes while concurrently listening for seismic energy release. We are performing a close examination of calving as a seismic source, and the associated mechanisms of energy transfer to seismic waves. Detailed observations of ice motion (GPS and optical surveying), glacier geometry and iceberg calving (direct observations and timelapse photogrammetry) have been made in concert with a passive seismic network. Combined, the observations form the basis of a rigorous analysis exploring the relationship between glacier-generated seismic events and motion, glacier-fiord interactions, calving and hydraulics. Our work is designed to demonstrate the applicability and utility of seismology to study the impact of climate forcing on calving glaciers.

Seismic Tomography of Siyazan - Shabran Oil and Gas Region Of Azerbaijan by Data of The Seismic Stations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yetirmishli, Gurban; Guliyev, Ibrahim; Mammadov, Nazim; Kazimova, Sabina; Ismailova, Saida

2016-04-01

The main purpose of the research was to build a reliable 3D model of the structure of seismic velocities in the earth crust on the territory of Siyazan-Shabran region of Azerbaijan, using the data of seismic telemetry stations spanning Siyazan-Shabran region (Siyazan, Altiagaj, Pirgulu, Guba, Khinalig, Gusar), including 7 mobile telemetry seismic stations. Interest to the problem of research seismic tomography caused by applied environmental objectives, such as the assessment of geological risks, engineering evaluation (stability and safety of wells), the task of exploration and mining operations. In the study region are being actively developed oil fields, and therefore, there is a risk of technogenic earthquakes. It was performed the calculation of first arrival travel times of P and S waves and the corresponding ray paths. Calculate 1D velocity model which is the initial model as a set of horizontal layers (velocity may be constant or changed linearly with depth on each layer, gaps are possible only at the boundaries between the layers). Have been constructed and analyzed the horizontal sections of the three-dimensional velocity model at different depths of the investigated region. By the empirical method was proposed density model of the sedimentary rocks at depths of 0-8 km.

Identifying High Potential Well Targets with 3D Seismic and Mineralogy

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Mellors, R. J.

2015-10-30

Seismic reflection the primary tool used in petroleum exploration and production, but use in geothermal exploration is less standard, in part due to cost but also due to the challenges in identifying the highly-permeable zones essential for economic hydrothermal systems [e.g. Louie et al., 2011; Majer, 2003]. Newer technology, such as wireless sensors and low-cost high performance computing, has helped reduce the cost and effort needed to conduct 3D surveys. The second difficulty, identifying permeable zones, has been less tractable so far. Here we report on the use of seismic attributes from a 3D seismic survey to identify and mapmore » permeable zones in a hydrothermal area.« less

Comparing methods suitable for monitoring marine mammals in low visibility conditions during seismic surveys.

PubMed

Verfuss, Ursula K; Gillespie, Douglas; Gordon, Jonathan; Marques, Tiago A; Miller, Brianne; Plunkett, Rachael; Theriault, James A; Tollit, Dominic J; Zitterbart, Daniel P; Hubert, Philippe; Thomas, Len

2018-01-01

Loud sound emitted during offshore industrial activities can impact marine mammals. Regulations typically prescribe marine mammal monitoring before and/or during these activities to implement mitigation measures that minimise potential acoustic impacts. Using seismic surveys under low visibility conditions as a case study, we review which monitoring methods are suitable and compare their relative strengths and weaknesses. Passive acoustic monitoring has been implemented as either a complementary or alternative method to visual monitoring in low visibility conditions. Other methods such as RADAR, active sonar and thermal infrared have also been tested, but are rarely recommended by regulatory bodies. The efficiency of the monitoring method(s) will depend on the animal behaviour and environmental conditions, however, using a combination of complementary systems generally improves the overall detection performance. We recommend that the performance of monitoring systems, over a range of conditions, is explored in a modelling framework for a variety of species. Copyright © 2017 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.

An alternative approach to probabilistic seismic hazard analysis in the Aegean region using Monte Carlo simulation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Weatherill, Graeme; Burton, Paul W.

2010-09-01

The Aegean is the most seismically active and tectonically complex region in Europe. Damaging earthquakes have occurred here throughout recorded history, often resulting in considerable loss of life. The Monte Carlo method of probabilistic seismic hazard analysis (PSHA) is used to determine the level of ground motion likely to be exceeded in a given time period. Multiple random simulations of seismicity are generated to calculate, directly, the ground motion for a given site. Within the seismic hazard analysis we explore the impact of different seismic source models, incorporating both uniform zones and distributed seismicity. A new, simplified, seismic source model, derived from seismotectonic interpretation, is presented for the Aegean region. This is combined into the epistemic uncertainty analysis alongside existing source models for the region, and models derived by a K-means cluster analysis approach. Seismic source models derived using the K-means approach offer a degree of objectivity and reproducibility into the otherwise subjective approach of delineating seismic sources using expert judgment. Similar review and analysis is undertaken for the selection of peak ground acceleration (PGA) attenuation models, incorporating into the epistemic analysis Greek-specific models, European models and a Next Generation Attenuation model. Hazard maps for PGA on a "rock" site with a 10% probability of being exceeded in 50 years are produced and different source and attenuation models are compared. These indicate that Greek-specific attenuation models, with their smaller aleatory variability terms, produce lower PGA hazard, whilst recent European models and Next Generation Attenuation (NGA) model produce similar results. The Monte Carlo method is extended further to assimilate epistemic uncertainty into the hazard calculation, thus integrating across several appropriate source and PGA attenuation models. Site condition and fault-type are also integrated into the hazard mapping calculations. These hazard maps are in general agreement with previous maps for the Aegean, recognising the highest hazard in the Ionian Islands, Gulf of Corinth and Hellenic Arc. Peak Ground Accelerations for some sites in these regions reach as high as 500-600 cm s -2 using European/NGA attenuation models, and 400-500 cm s -2 using Greek attenuation models.

Precisely relocated seismicity using 3-D seismic velocity model by double-difference tomography method and orogenic processes in central and southern Taiwan

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nagai, S.; Wu, Y.; Suppe, J.; Hirata, N.

2009-12-01

The island of Taiwan is located in the site of ongoing arc-continent collision zone between the Philippine Sea Plate and the Eurasian Plate. Numerous geophysical and geological studies are done in and around Taiwan to develop various models to explain the tectonic processes in the Taiwan region. The active and young tectonics and the associated high seismicity in Taiwan provide us with unique opportunity to explore and understand the processes in the region related to the arc-continent collision. Nagai et al. [2009] imaged eastward dipping alternate high- and low-velocity bodies at depths of 5 to 25 km from the western side of the Central Mountain Range to the eastern part of Taiwan, by double-difference tomography [Zhang and Thurber, 2003] using three temporary seismic networks with the Central Weather Bureau Seismic Network(CWBSN). These three temporary networks are the aftershock observation after the 1999 Chi-Chi Taiwan earthquake and two dense linear array observations; one is across central Taiwan in 2001, another is across southern Taiwan in 2005, respectively. We proposed a new orogenic model, ’Upper Crustal Stacking Model’ inferred from our tomographic images. To understand the detailed seismic structure more, we carry on relocating earthquakes more precisely in central and southern Taiwan, using three-dimensional velocity model [Nagai et al., 2009] and P- and S-wave arrival times both from the CWBSN and three temporary networks. We use the double-difference tomography method to improve relative and absolute location accuracy simultaneously. The relocated seismicity is concentrated and limited along the parts of boundaries between low- and high-velocity bodies. Especially, earthquakes occurred beneath the Eastern Central Range, triggered by 1999 Chi-Chi earthquake, delineate subsurface structural boundaries, compared with profiles of estimated seismic velocity. The relocated catalog and 3-D seismic velocity model give us some constraints to reconstruct the orogenic model in Taiwan. We show these relocated seismicity with P- and S-wave velocity profiles, with focal mechanisms [e.g. Wu et al., 2008] and spatio-temporal variation, in central and southern Taiwan and discuss tectonic processes in Taiwan.

Survey evaluation and design (SED): A case study in Garden Banks, Gulf of Mexico

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Johnson, G.; Hannan, A.; Mann, A.D.

1995-12-31

Hydrocarbon exploration in the Gulf of Mexico has reached its mature stages. Exploration objectives such as deep stratigraphic and pre-salt traps are becoming more dominant. As the exploration targets change, earlier 3D seismic surveys, designed for different objectives, become less able to meet the demands of the present day explorations. Some areas of the Gulf of Mexico will require reacquisition of new 3D seismic data, redesigned to meet new objectives. Garden Banks is one such area. A major advantage of performing a survey evaluation design (SED) in a mature area is the amount and diversity of available data. Geological profiles,more » reservoir characterizations, borehole wireline and surface seismic data, all serve to aid in the survey design. Given the exploration history and geological objectives, the geophysical analyses of resolution, signal loss, noise, fold, acquisition geometry, migration aperture, velocity anisotropy and others, may now be carried out in a much more specific manner. A thorough SED ensures that overall survey objectives will be met and reduces the possibility of over design on critical parameters. This generates the highest quality seismic survey for the most reasonable cost.« less

A Type of Non-cable Self-Posioning Seismograph Served For SinoProbe Project In China

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, H.; Lin, J.; Chen, Z.; Zhang, L.; Huaizhu, Z.; Zheng, F.; Seismic Instrument Design Team

2011-12-01

A type of cableless self-positioning telemetry seismograph designed for deep exploration is introduced in this article. The seismograph adopts 24-bit ADC and the analog circuits are designed carefully to attain a low noise level of 300nV RMS. It also uses 24-bit DAC and FPGA circuits to perform self-test including noise level, trace crosstalk, CMRR, harmonic distortion, geophone resitor testing, pulse testing, gain calibration and etc. As the testing result shows, the analog acquisition performances are similar to the most popular seismograph 428XL system from Sercel. However, the seismograph has a different structure with 428XL. It gets rid of cables and stores seismic data in mass non-volatile memory, and meanwhile it employs GPS combined with Compass global navigation satellite system to implement synchronous data aquisiton and self-positioning. In addition, the seismograph has a built-in WiFi module and can communicate with a cental server in Ad-hoc mode or AP mode depending on the distance between the seismograph and the central server. The working status and seismic data quality can be monitored through the WiFi network and some seismic data can be transmitted back on demand. When the distance between adjacent seismographs exceed 500 metres, the Compass global navigation satellite system which supports global communication can be used to send necessary data. At last, dynamic power management is emplyed and the system working voltage and frequency will be changed as the system runs into different status, and also all circuit modules can be switched off when not needed. Because of all the benefits listed above, the seismograph can be used in a variety of ways as needed, such as seismic network, deep seismic reflection exploration, wide-angle seismic reflection and refraction exploration, ore zone seismic exploration and etc. To sum up, the cable-less self-positioning seismograph employs mass non-volatile storage technology, global navigation satellite sytem, WiFi modules and dynamic power management technology to attain a flexible data acquisition system suitable for most of the seismic deep exploration in SinoProbe launched in China.

SEG and AAPG: common background, common problems, common future

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Larner, K.

1989-03-01

Today, products of the geophysical method are considered indispensable for geologic interpretation in petroleum exploration. Few exploration case histories today lack the evidence of seismic data upon which structural and stratigraphic interpretations have been constrained. Likewise, during the deep recession that exploration has been experiencing, exploration geophysicists are increasingly realizing that their tools have value only to the extent that they can yield geological and reservoir information that is more directly relevant to oil finding and field development than in the past. Geophysicists are now preoccupied with more than just their wavelets, static correction, and migration. As the papers inmore » this session indicate, geophysicists are extending their technology to estimate lithology, fluid content, monitoring of EOR efforts, and characterization and development of reservoirs. The three-dimensional seismic method, for example, is being brought right to the borehole with the use of the drill bit as the energy source. The futures of their two societies and their members are fully intertwined. Geologists and petroleum engineers who wish to gain considerably more information, cost-effectively, about their prospects, fields, and reservoirs must stay in touch with the exciting new developments from the geophysical community. Equally, geophysicists can maintain their relevance to oil finding only by staying closely in touch with developments in understanding of geology and the reservoir, and with the working interests and needs of geologists and petroleum engineers.« less

Modeling and Evaluation of Geophysical Methods for Monitoring and Tracking CO2 Migration

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Daniels, Jeff

2012-11-30

Geological sequestration has been proposed as a viable option for mitigating the vast amount of CO{sub 2} being released into the atmosphere daily. Test sites for CO{sub 2} injection have been appearing across the world to ascertain the feasibility of capturing and sequestering carbon dioxide. A major concern with full scale implementation is monitoring and verifying the permanence of injected CO{sub 2}. Geophysical methods, an exploration industry standard, are non-invasive imaging techniques that can be implemented to address that concern. Geophysical methods, seismic and electromagnetic, play a crucial role in monitoring the subsurface pre- and post-injection. Seismic techniques have beenmore » the most popular but electromagnetic methods are gaining interest. The primary goal of this project was to develop a new geophysical tool, a software program called GphyzCO2, to investigate the implementation of geophysical monitoring for detecting injected CO{sub 2} at test sites. The GphyzCO2 software consists of interconnected programs that encompass well logging, seismic, and electromagnetic methods. The software enables users to design and execute 3D surface-to-surface (conventional surface seismic) and borehole-to-borehole (cross-hole seismic and electromagnetic methods) numerical modeling surveys. The generalized flow of the program begins with building a complex 3D subsurface geological model, assigning properties to the models that mimic a potential CO{sub 2} injection site, numerically forward model a geophysical survey, and analyze the results. A test site located in Warren County, Ohio was selected as the test site for the full implementation of GphyzCO2. Specific interest was placed on a potential reservoir target, the Mount Simon Sandstone, and cap rock, the Eau Claire Formation. Analysis of the test site included well log data, physical property measurements (porosity), core sample resistivity measurements, calculating electrical permittivity values, seismic data collection, and seismic interpretation. The data was input into GphyzCO2 to demonstrate a full implementation of the software capabilities. Part of the implementation investigated the limits of using geophysical methods to monitor CO{sub 2} injection sites. The results show that cross-hole EM numerical surveys are limited to under 100 meter borehole separation. Those results were utilized in executing numerical EM surveys that contain hypothetical CO{sub 2} injections. The outcome of the forward modeling shows that EM methods can detect the presence of CO{sub 2}.« less

On the recovery of missing low and high frequency information from bandlimited reflectivity data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sacchi, M. D.; Ulrych, T. J.

2007-12-01

During the last two decades, an important effort in the seismic exploration community has been made to retrieve broad-band seismic data by means of deconvolution and inversion. In general, the problem can be stated as a spectral reconstruction problem. In other words, given limited spectral information about the earth's reflectivity sequence, one attempts to create a broadband estimate of the Fourier spectra of the unknown reflectivity. Techniques based on the principle of parsimony can be effectively used to retrieve a sparse spike sequence and, consequently, a broad band signal. Alternatively, continuation methods, e.g., autoregressive modeling, can be used to extrapolate the recorded bandwidth of the seismic signal. The goal of this paper is to examine under what conditions the recovery of low and high frequencies from band-limited and noisy signals is possible. At the heart of the methods we discuss, is the celebrated non-Gaussian assumption so important in many modern signal processing methods, such as ICA, for example. Spectral recovery from limited information tends to work when the reflectivity consist of a few well isolated events. Results degrade with the number of reflectors, decreasing SNR and decreasing bandwidth of the source wavelet. Constrains and information-based priors can be used to stabilize the recovery but, as in all inverse problems, the solution is nonunique and effort is required to understand the level of recovery that is achievable, always keeping the physics of the problem in mind. We provide in this paper, a survey of methods to recover broad-band reflectivity sequences and examine the role that these techniques can play in the processing and inversion as applied to exploration and global seismology.

Numerical comparisons of ground motion predictions with kinematic rupture modeling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yuan, Y. O.; Zurek, B.; Liu, F.; deMartin, B.; Lacasse, M. D.

2017-12-01

Recent advances in large-scale wave simulators allow for the computation of seismograms at unprecedented levels of detail and for areas sufficiently large to be relevant to small regional studies. In some instances, detailed information of the mechanical properties of the subsurface has been obtained from seismic exploration surveys, well data, and core analysis. Using kinematic rupture modeling, this information can be used with a wave propagation simulator to predict the ground motion that would result from an assumed fault rupture. The purpose of this work is to explore the limits of wave propagation simulators for modeling ground motion in different settings, and in particular, to explore the numerical accuracy of different methods in the presence of features that are challenging to simulate such as topography, low-velocity surface layers, and shallow sources. In the main part of this work, we use a variety of synthetic three-dimensional models and compare the relative costs and benefits of different numerical discretization methods in computing the seismograms of realistic-size models. The finite-difference method, the discontinuous-Galerkin method, and the spectral-element method are compared for a range of synthetic models having different levels of complexity such as topography, large subsurface features, low-velocity surface layers, and the location and characteristics of fault ruptures represented as an array of seismic sources. While some previous studies have already demonstrated that unstructured-mesh methods can sometimes tackle complex problems (Moczo et al.), we investigate the trade-off between unstructured-mesh methods and regular-grid methods for a broad range of models and source configurations. Finally, for comparison, our direct simulation results are briefly contrasted with those predicted by a few phenomenological ground-motion prediction equations, and a workflow for accurately predicting ground motion is proposed.

First seismic shear wave velocity profile of the lunar crust as extracted from the Apollo 17 active seismic data by wavefield gradient analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sollberger, David; Schmelzbach, Cedric; Robertsson, Johan O. A.; Greenhalgh, Stewart A.; Nakamura, Yosio; Khan, Amir

2016-04-01

We present a new seismic velocity model of the shallow lunar crust, including, for the first time, shear wave velocity information. So far, the shear wave velocity structure of the lunar near-surface was effectively unconstrained due to the complexity of lunar seismograms. Intense scattering and low attenuation in the lunar crust lead to characteristic long-duration reverberations on the seismograms. The reverberations obscure later arriving shear waves and mode conversions, rendering them impossible to identify and analyze. Additionally, only vertical component data were recorded during the Apollo active seismic experiments, which further compromises the identification of shear waves. We applied a novel processing and analysis technique to the data of the Apollo 17 lunar seismic profiling experiment (LSPE), which involved recording seismic energy generated by several explosive packages on a small areal array of four vertical component geophones. Our approach is based on the analysis of the spatial gradients of the seismic wavefield and yields key parameters such as apparent phase velocity and rotational ground motion as a function of time (depth), which cannot be obtained through conventional seismic data analysis. These new observables significantly enhance the data for interpretation of the recorded seismic wavefield and allow, for example, for the identification of S wave arrivals based on their lower apparent phase velocities and distinct higher amount of generated rotational motion relative to compressional (P-) waves. Using our methodology, we successfully identified pure-mode and mode-converted refracted shear wave arrivals in the complex LSPE data and derived a P- and S-wave velocity model of the shallow lunar crust at the Apollo 17 landing site. The extracted elastic-parameter model supports the current understanding of the lunar near-surface structure, suggesting a thin layer of low-velocity lunar regolith overlying a heavily fractured crust of basaltic material showing high (>0.4 down to 60 m) Poisson's ratios. Our new model can be used in future studies to better constrain the deep interior of the Moon. Given the rich information derived from the minimalistic recording configuration, our results demonstrate that wavefield gradient analysis should be critically considered for future space missions that aim to explore the interior structure of extraterrestrial objects by seismic methods. Additionally, we anticipate that the proposed shear wave identification methodology can also be applied to the routinely recorded vertical component data from land seismic exploration on Earth.

Use of acoustic tools to reveal otherwise cryptic responses of forest elephants to oil exploration.

PubMed

Wrege, Peter H; Rowland, Elizabeth D; Thompson, Bruce G; Batruch, Nikolas

2010-12-01

Most evaluations of the effects of human activities on wild animals have focused on estimating changes in abundance and distribution of threatened species; however, ecosystem disturbances also affect aspects of animal behavior such as short-term movement, activity budgets, and reproduction. It may take a long time for changes in behavior to manifest as changes in abundance or distribution. Therefore, it is important to have methods with which to detect short-term behavioral responses to human activity. We used continuous acoustic and seismic monitoring to evaluate the short-term effects of seismic prospecting for oil on forest elephants (Loxodonta cyclotis) in Gabon, Central Africa. We monitored changes in elephant abundance and activity as a function of the frequency and intensity of acoustic and seismic signals from dynamite detonation and human activity. Elephants did not flee the area being explored; the relative number of elephants increased in a seasonal pattern typical of elsewhere in the ecosystem. In the exploration area, however, they became more nocturnal. Neither the intensity nor the frequency of dynamite blasts affected the frequency of calling or the daily pattern of elephant activity. Nevertheless, the shift of activity to nocturnal hours became more pronounced as human activity neared each monitored area of forest. This change in activity pattern and its likely causes would not have been detected through standard monitoring methods, which are not sensitive to behavioral changes over short time scales (e.g., dung transects, point counts) or cover a limited area (e.g., camera traps). Simultaneous acoustic monitoring of animal communication, human, and environmental sounds allows the documentation of short-term behavioral changes in response to human disturbance. © 2010 Society for Conservation Biology.

Spectral-element simulations of wave propagation in complex exploration-industry models: Imaging and adjoint tomography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Luo, Y.; Nissen-Meyer, T.; Morency, C.; Tromp, J.

2008-12-01

Seismic imaging in the exploration industry is often based upon ray-theoretical migration techniques (e.g., Kirchhoff) or other ideas which neglect some fraction of the seismic wavefield (e.g., wavefield continuation for acoustic-wave first arrivals) in the inversion process. In a companion paper we discuss the possibility of solving the full physical forward problem (i.e., including visco- and poroelastic, anisotropic media) using the spectral-element method. With such a tool at hand, we can readily apply the adjoint method to tomographic inversions, i.e., iteratively improving an initial 3D background model to fit the data. In the context of this inversion process, we draw connections between kernels in adjoint tomography and basic imaging principles in migration. We show that the images obtained by migration are nothing but particular kinds of adjoint kernels (mainly density kernels). Migration is basically a first step in the iterative inversion process of adjoint tomography. We apply the approach to basic 2D problems involving layered structures, overthrusting faults, topography, salt domes, and poroelastic regions.

Exploration Geophysics

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Espey, H. R.

1977-01-01

Describes geophysical techniques such as seismic, gravity, and magnetic surveys of offshare acreage, and land-data gathering from a three-dimensional representation made from closely spaced seismic lines. (MLH)

Reprocessing Seismic Data - Using Wits Seismic Exploration Data to Image the Karoo Basin

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Webb, S. J.; Scheiber-Enslin, S. E.; Manzi, M. S.

2016-12-01

During the heyday of seismic exploration of the Witwatersrand Basin, Anglo American's Gold Division acquired several thousand kilometres of Vibroseis reflection seismic data. These data, acquired from 1983-1994, were collected with the goal of finding extensions to the Witwatersrand Basin. In a prescient move, over 500 line kilometres were collected at 16 s two way travel time (TWT), extending to depths of 50 -70 km and have provided critical insight into the formation of the Kaapvaal Craton. In addition to these deep seismic lines, Anglo American acquired an extensive network of heretofore unpublished seismic lines that were collected at 6 sec TWT extending well beyond the known limits of the Witwatersrand Basin. The South African government as part of the national geophysical program in the late 1980s acquired six research reflection seismic lines in varied geological settings accruing another 700 km of data. Many of these data are now hosted at the University of the Witwatersrand's newly established Seismic Research Centre and represent unprecedented coverage and research opportunities. With recent global interest in shale gas, attention focused on the Karoo Basin in South Africa. Early exploration seismic data acquired by Soekor in the 1970s has been lost; however, digitized paper records indicate clear reflection targets. Here we examine one of the AngloGold seismic lines that was acquired in the middle of the Karoo Basin just south of Trompsburg extending to the southeast towards Molteno. This 150 km long line crosses the edge of the Kaapvaal Craton and shows clear reflectors throughout the Karoo Basin. These include the well-defined base of the Karoo and a number of dolerite sills within it. Nearby gas escape structures have been identified on surface and it is likely that several disruptions along this line are related to these or to dykes associated with the sills.

DHI evaluation by combining rock physics simulation and statistical techniques for fluid identification of Cambrian-to-Cretaceous clastic reservoirs in Pakistan

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ahmed, Nisar; Khalid, Perveiz; Shafi, Hafiz Muhammad Bilal; Connolly, Patrick

2017-10-01

The use of seismic direct hydrocarbon indicators is very common in exploration and reservoir development to minimise exploration risk and to optimise the location of production wells. DHIs can be enhanced using AVO methods to calculate seismic attributes that approximate relative elastic properties. In this study, we analyse the sensitivity to pore fluid changes of a range of elastic properties by combining rock physics studies and statistical techniques and determine which provide the best basis for DHIs. Gassmann fluid substitution is applied to the well log data and various elastic properties are evaluated by measuring the degree of separation that they achieve between gas sands and wet sands. The method has been applied successfully to well log data from proven reservoirs in three different siliciclastic environments of Cambrian, Jurassic, and Cretaceous ages. We have quantified the sensitivity of various elastic properties such as acoustic and extended elastic (EEI) impedances, elastic moduli ( K sat and K sat- μ), lambda-mu-rho method ( λρ and μρ), P-to-S-wave velocity ratio ( V P/ V S), and Poisson's ratio ( σ) at fully gas/water saturation scenarios. The results are strongly dependent on the local geological settings and our modeling demonstrates that for Cambrian and Cretaceous reservoirs, K sat- μ, EEI, V P/ V S, and σ are more sensitive to pore fluids (gas/water). For the Jurassic reservoir, the sensitivity of all elastic and seismic properties to pore fluid reduces due to high overburden pressure and the resultant low porosity. Fluid indicators are evaluated using two metrics: a fluid indicator coefficient based on a Gaussian model and an overlap coefficient which makes no assumptions about a distribution model. This study will provide a potential way to identify gas sand zones in future exploration.

Development of Laboratory Seismic Exploration Experiment for Education and Demonstration

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kuwano, O.; Nakanishi, A.

2016-12-01

We developed a laboratory experiment to simulate a seismic refraction survey for educational purposes. The experiment is tabletop scaled experiment using the soft hydrogel as an analogue material of a layered crust. So, we can conduct the seismic exploration experiment in a laboratory or a classroom. The softness and the transparency of the gel material enable us to observe the wave propagation with our naked eyes, using the photoelastic technique. By analyzing the waveforms obtained by the image analysis of the movie of the experiment, one can estimate the velocities and the structure of the gel specimen in the same way as an actual seismic survey. We report details of the practical course and the public outreach activities using the experiment.

Vertical Cable Seismic (VCS) Survey for SMS exploration in Izena Cauldron, Okinawa-Trough

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Asakawa, Eiichi; Murakami, Fumitoshi; Tsukahara, Hitoshi; Mizohata, Shigeharu; Tara, Kenji

2015-04-01

In 2014, the Japanese government started the Cross-ministerial Strategic Innovation Promotion Program (SIP), which includes 'New-generation Offshore Exploration Techniques' as an area of interest. We proposed the Vertical Cable Seismic (VCS) survey technique for this program, especially for the exploration of Seafloor Massive Sulfides (SMS). VCS is a reflection seismic method that uses hydrophone arrays vertically moored from the seafloor to record acoustic waves generated by various acoustic sources. This method is useful to delineate detailed structures in a spatially-limited area below the seabed in the deep sea where conventional surface seismic is not effective. We have been developing an autonomous VCS system with the financial support of the Japanese government since 2009. We have carried out several VCS surveys and completed our VCS system. Izena Cauldron, Okinawa Trough is one of the most promising SMS areas around Japan. There are two high potential areas, the north and south mound. We carried out the first VCS survey around the north mound in 2011 and the second survey around the south mound in 2013 respectively. The first VCS survey in Izena Cauldron was carried out using a GI gun in September, 2011, with the objective of surveying the large-scale and deeper structure of the hydrothermal system. The water depth was 1,500-1,600m. Four VCS systems were deployed. The shooting lines covered an area of 9 km x 9 km with a shooting interval of about 25m and line spacing of 200m to 400m. In the second survey, we used a high-voltage sparker. The objective is to explore very shallow parts to delineate very thin SMS deposits. The survey area was about 4 km x 4km with a 12.5 m shooting interval and 100m to 200m line spacing. Three VCS systems were deployed in this survey. The result of the first GI gun VCS survey was a 3D PSDM volume of the subsurface structure. It extends 2,000m horizontally and down to 1,500m in depth. Further, by re-processing the data with a higher resolution to focus the very shallow parts, we found that this survey has enough potential to delineate the SMS deposits itself. In the second high-voltage sparker VCS survey we obtained high resolution field records and a very high resolution 3D volume down to 150m over an area of 400m x 200m. These results successfully delineated sub-seabed structures that suggest the existence of reflections about 30m beneath the seabed. This suggests the top interface of a buried SMS deposit. The detailed results of the both surveys are consistent with the information from a well drilled in the Izena Cauldron by JOGMEC These VCS survey results provide us useful SMS exploration information, and demonstrate that VCS is a suitable reflection seismic method to obtain high resolution 3D volumes just below the seabed. We consider our VCS system to have high potential to delineate SMS structures. The system will continue to be developed as part of the SIP project, along with other geophysical exploration techniques such as EM, magnetic and gravity.

Spatiotemporal evolution of the completeness magnitude of the Icelandic earthquake catalogue from 1991 to 2013

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Panzera, Francesco; Mignan, Arnaud; Vogfjörð, Kristin S.

2017-07-01

In 1991, a digital seismic monitoring network was installed in Iceland with a digital seismic system and automatic operation. After 20 years of operation, we explore for the first time its nationwide performance by analysing the spatiotemporal variations of the completeness magnitude. We use the Bayesian magnitude of completeness (BMC) method that combines local completeness magnitude observations with prior information based on the density of seismic stations. Additionally, we test the impact of earthquake location uncertainties on the BMC results, by filtering the catalogue using a multivariate analysis that identifies outliers in the hypocentre error distribution. We find that the entire North-to-South active rift zone shows a relatively low magnitude of completeness Mc in the range 0.5-1.0, highlighting the ability of the Icelandic network to detect small earthquakes. This work also demonstrates the influence of earthquake location uncertainties on the spatiotemporal magnitude of completeness analysis.

Quantification of source uncertainties in Seismic Probabilistic Tsunami Hazard Analysis (SPTHA)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Selva, J.; Tonini, R.; Molinari, I.; Tiberti, M. M.; Romano, F.; Grezio, A.; Melini, D.; Piatanesi, A.; Basili, R.; Lorito, S.

2016-06-01

We propose a procedure for uncertainty quantification in Probabilistic Tsunami Hazard Analysis (PTHA), with a special emphasis on the uncertainty related to statistical modelling of the earthquake source in Seismic PTHA (SPTHA), and on the separate treatment of subduction and crustal earthquakes (treated as background seismicity). An event tree approach and ensemble modelling are used in spite of more classical approaches, such as the hazard integral and the logic tree. This procedure consists of four steps: (1) exploration of aleatory uncertainty through an event tree, with alternative implementations for exploring epistemic uncertainty; (2) numerical computation of tsunami generation and propagation up to a given offshore isobath; (3) (optional) site-specific quantification of inundation; (4) simultaneous quantification of aleatory and epistemic uncertainty through ensemble modelling. The proposed procedure is general and independent of the kind of tsunami source considered; however, we implement step 1, the event tree, specifically for SPTHA, focusing on seismic source uncertainty. To exemplify the procedure, we develop a case study considering seismic sources in the Ionian Sea (central-eastern Mediterranean Sea), using the coasts of Southern Italy as a target zone. The results show that an efficient and complete quantification of all the uncertainties is feasible even when treating a large number of potential sources and a large set of alternative model formulations. We also find that (i) treating separately subduction and background (crustal) earthquakes allows for optimal use of available information and for avoiding significant biases; (ii) both subduction interface and crustal faults contribute to the SPTHA, with different proportions that depend on source-target position and tsunami intensity; (iii) the proposed framework allows sensitivity and deaggregation analyses, demonstrating the applicability of the method for operational assessments.

A Two-Radius Circular Array Method: Extracting Independent Information on Phase Velocities of Love Waves From Microtremor Records From a Simple Seismic Array

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tada, T.; Cho, I.; Shinozaki, Y.

2005-12-01

We have invented a Two-Radius (TR) circular array method of microtremor exploration, an algorithm that enables to estimate phase velocities of Love waves by analyzing horizontal-component records of microtremors that are obtained with an array of seismic sensors placed around circumferences of two different radii. The data recording may be done either simultaneously around the two circles or in two separate sessions with sensors distributed around each circle. Both Rayleigh and Love waves are present in the horizontal components of microtremors, but in the data processing of our TR method, all information on the Rayleigh waves ends up cancelled out, and information on the Love waves alone are left to be analyzed. Also, unlike the popularly used frequency-wavenumber spectral (F-K) method, our TR method does not resolve individual plane-wave components arriving from different directions and analyze their "vector" phase velocities, but instead directly evaluates their "scalar" phase velocities --- phase velocities that contain no information on the arrival direction of waves --- through a mathematical procedure which involves azimuthal averaging. The latter feature leads us to expect that, with our TR method, it is possible to conduct phase velocity analysis with smaller numbers of sensors, with higher stability, and up to longer-wavelength ranges than with the F-K method. With a view to investigating the capabilities and limitations of our TR method in practical implementation to real data, we have deployed circular seismic arrays of different sizes at a test site in Japan where the underground structure is well documented through geophysical exploration. Ten seismic sensors were placed equidistantly around two circumferences, five around each circle, with varying combinations of radii ranging from several meters to several tens of meters, and simultaneous records of microtremors around circles of two different radii were analyzed with our TR method to produce estimates for the phase velocities of Love waves. The estimates were then checked against "model" phase velocities that are derived from theoretical calculations. We have also conducted a check of the estimated spectral ratios against the "model" spectral ratios, where we mean by "spectral ratio" an intermediary quantity that is calculated from observed records prior to the estimation of the phase velocity in the data analysis procedure of our TR method. In most cases, the estimated phase velocities coincided well with the model phase velocities within a wavelength range extending roughly from 3r to 6r (r: array radius). It was found out that, outside the upper and lower resolution limits of the TR method, the discrepancy between the estimated and model phase velocities, as well as the discrepancy between the estimated and model spectral ratios, were accounted for satisfactorily by theoretical consideration of three factors: the presence of higher surface-wave modes, directional aliasing effects related to the finite number of sensors in the seismic array, and the presence of incoherent noise.

Introducing Seismic Tomography with Computational Modeling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Neves, R.; Neves, M. L.; Teodoro, V.

2011-12-01

Learning seismic tomography principles and techniques involves advanced physical and computational knowledge. In depth learning of such computational skills is a difficult cognitive process that requires a strong background in physics, mathematics and computer programming. The corresponding learning environments and pedagogic methodologies should then involve sets of computational modelling activities with computer software systems which allow students the possibility to improve their mathematical or programming knowledge and simultaneously focus on the learning of seismic wave propagation and inverse theory. To reduce the level of cognitive opacity associated with mathematical or programming knowledge, several computer modelling systems have already been developed (Neves & Teodoro, 2010). Among such systems, Modellus is particularly well suited to achieve this goal because it is a domain general environment for explorative and expressive modelling with the following main advantages: 1) an easy and intuitive creation of mathematical models using just standard mathematical notation; 2) the simultaneous exploration of images, tables, graphs and object animations; 3) the attribution of mathematical properties expressed in the models to animated objects; and finally 4) the computation and display of mathematical quantities obtained from the analysis of images and graphs. Here we describe virtual simulations and educational exercises which enable students an easy grasp of the fundamental of seismic tomography. The simulations make the lecture more interactive and allow students the possibility to overcome their lack of advanced mathematical or programming knowledge and focus on the learning of seismological concepts and processes taking advantage of basic scientific computation methods and tools.

Amplitude versus offset analysis to marine seismic data acquired in Nankai Trough, offshore Japan where methane hydrate exists

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hato, M.; Inamori, T.; Matsuoka, T.; Shimizu, S.

2003-04-01

Occurrence of methane hydrates in the Nankai Trough, located off the south-eastern coast of Japan, was confirmed by the exploratory test well drilling conducted by Japan’s Ministry of International Trade and Industry in 1999. Confirmation of methane hydrate has given so big impact to the Japan's future energy strategy and scientific and technological interest was derived from the information of the coring and logging results at the well. Following the above results, Japan National Oil Corporation (JNOC) launched the national project, named as MH21, for establishing the technology of methane hydrate exploration and related technologies such as production and development. As one of the research project for evaluating the total amount of the methane hydrate, Amplitude versus Offset (AVO) was applied to the seismic data acquired in the Nankai Trough area. The main purpose of the AVO application is to evaluate the validity of delineation of methane hydrate-bearing zones. Since methane hydrate is thought to accompany with free-gas in general just below the methane hydrate-bearing zones, the AVO has a possibility of describing the presence of free-gas. The free-gas is thought to be located just below the base of methane hydrate stability zone which is characterized by the Bottom Simulating Reflectors (BSRs) on the seismic section. In this sense, AVO technology, which was developed as gas delineation tools, can be utilized for methane hydrate exploration. The result of AVO analysis clearly shows gas-related anomaly below the BSRs. Appearance of the AVO anomaly has so wide variety. Some of the anomalies might not correspond to the free-gas existence, however, some of them may show free-gas. We are now going to develop methodology to clearly discriminate free-gas from non-gas zone by integrating various types of seismic methods such as seismic inversion and seismic attribute analysis.

Surface-Wave Relocation of Remote Continental Earthquakes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kintner, J. A.; Ammon, C. J.; Cleveland, M.

2017-12-01

Accurate hypocenter locations are essential for seismic event analysis. Single-event location estimation methods provide relatively imprecise results in remote regions with few nearby seismic stations. Previous work has demonstrated that improved relative epicentroid precision in oceanic environments is obtainable using surface-wave cross correlation measurements. We use intermediate-period regional and teleseismic Rayleigh and Love waves to estimate relative epicentroid locations of moderately-sized seismic events in regions around Iran. Variations in faulting geometry, depth, and intermediate-period dispersion make surface-wave based event relocation challenging across this broad continental region. We compare and integrate surface-wave based relative locations with InSAR centroid location estimates. However, mapping an earthquake sequence mainshock to an InSAR fault deformation model centroid is not always a simple process, since the InSAR observations are sensitive to post-seismic deformation. We explore these ideas using earthquake sequences in western Iran. We also apply surface-wave relocation to smaller magnitude earthquakes (3.5 < M < 5.0). Inclusion of smaller-magnitude seismic events in a relocation effort requires a shift in bandwidth to shorter periods, which increases the sensitivity of relocations to surface-wave dispersion. Frequency-domain inter-event phase observations are used to understand the time-domain cross-correlation information, and to choose the appropriate band for applications using shorter periods. Over short inter-event distances, the changing group velocity does not strongly degrade the relative locations. For small-magnitude seismic events in continental regions, surface-wave relocation does not appear simple enough to allow broad routine application, but using this method to analyze individual earthquake sequences can provide valuable insight into earthquake and faulting processes.

Applications of aerospace technology to petroleum exploration. Volume 1: Efforts and results

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jaffe, L. D.

1976-01-01

The feasibility of applying aerospace techniques to help solve significant problems in petroleum exploration is studied. Through contacts with petroleum industry and petroleum service industry, important petroleum exploration problems were identified. For each problem, areas of aerospace technology that might aid in its solution were also identified where possible. Topics selected for investigation include: seismic reflection systems; down-hole acoustic techniques; identification of geological analogies; drilling methods; remote geological sensing; and sea floor imaging and mapping. Specific areas of aerospace technology are applied to 21 concepts formulated from the topics of concern.

Natural or Induced: Identifying Natural and Induced Swarms from Pre-production and Co-production Microseismic Catalogs at the Coso Geothermal Field

USGS Publications Warehouse

Schoenball, Martin; Kaven, Joern; Glen, Jonathan M. G.; Davatzes, Nicholas C.

2015-01-01

Increased levels of seismicity coinciding with injection of reservoir fluids have prompted interest in methods to distinguish induced from natural seismicity. Discrimination between induced and natural seismicity is especially difficult in areas that have high levels of natural seismicity, such as the geothermal fields at the Salton Sea and Coso, both in California. Both areas show swarm-like sequences that could be related to natural, deep fluid migration as part of the natural hydrothermal system. Therefore, swarms often have spatio-temporal patterns that resemble fluid-induced seismicity, and might possibly share other characteristics. The Coso Geothermal Field and its surroundings is one of the most seismically active areas in California with a large proportion of its activity occurring as seismic swarms. Here we analyze clustered seismicity in and surrounding the currently produced reservoir comparatively for pre-production and co-production periods. We perform a cluster analysis, based on the inter-event distance in a space-time-energy domain to identify notable earthquake sequences. For each event j, the closest previous event i is identified and their relationship categorized. If this nearest neighbor’s distance is below a threshold based on the local minimum of the bimodal distribution of nearest neighbor distances, then the event j is included in the cluster as a child to this parent event i. If it is above the threshold, event j begins a new cluster. This process identifies subsets of events whose nearest neighbor distances and relative timing qualify as a cluster as well as a characterizing the parent-child relationships among events in the cluster. We apply this method to three different catalogs: (1) a two-year microseismic survey of the Coso geothermal area that was acquired before exploration drilling in the area began; (2) the HYS_catalog_2013 that contains 52,000 double-difference relocated events and covers the years 1981 to 2013; and (3) a catalog of 57,000 events with absolute locations from the local network recorded between 2002 and 2007. Using this method we identify 10 clusters of more than 20 events each in the pre-production survey and more than 200 distinct seismicity clusters that each contain at least 20 and up to more than 1000 earthquakes in the more extensive catalogs. The cluster identification method used yields a hierarchy of links between multiple generations of parent and offspring events. We analyze different topological parameters of this hierarchy to better characterize and thus differentiate natural swarms from induced clustered seismicity and also to identify aftershock sequences of notable mainshocks. We find that the branching characteristic given by the average number of child events per parent event is significantly different for clusters below than for clusters around the produced field.

Study on the application of seismic sedimentology in a stratigraphic-lithologic reservoir in central Junggar Basin

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yu, Yixin; Xia, Zhongmou

2017-06-01

This paper discusses the research idea of description for stratigraphic-lithologic reservoir based on seismic sedimentology methods. The sandstone reservoir of Jurrassic XiShanyao Formation in Junggar Basin is studied according to the theory and approaches of seismic sedimentology. By making full use of borehole data, the technologies of layer correlation based on the stratigraphic sequence framework, the forward seismic modeling, the stratal slicing and lithologic inversion are applied. It describes the range of denudation line, the distribution characteristics of sedimentary facies of the strata, the vertical and horizontal distribution of sand bodies and the favourable oil-gas bearing prospective area. The results shows that study area are dominated braided delta deposition including underwater distributary channel and distributary bay microfacies, the nip-out lines of the formation are northeast to southwest from north to south, the second Middle Jurassic sand body is the most widely distributed one among three sand bodies, the prospective oil-gas bearing area located in the south part and around the YG2 well area. The study result is effective on the practice of exploration in study area.

Viscoelasticity of multiphase fluids: future directions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tisato, Nicola; Spikes, Kyle; Javadpour, Farzam

2016-04-01

Recently, it has been demonstrated that rocks saturated with bubbly fluids attenuate seismic waves as the propagating elastic wave causes a thermodynamic disequilibrium between the liquid and the gas phases. The new attenuation mechanism, which is called wave-induced-gas-exsolution-dissolution (WIGED) and previously, was only postulated, opens up new perspectives for exploration geophysics as it could potentially improve the imaging of the subsurface. In particular, accounting for WIGED during seismic inversion could allow to better decipher seismic waves to disclose information about saturating phases. This will improve, for instance, the mapping of subsurface gas-plumes that might form during anthropogenic activities or natural phenomena such as those prior to volcanic eruptions. In the present contribution we will report the theory and the numerical method utilized to calculate the seismic-wave-attenuation related to WIGED and we will underline the assumptions and the limitations related to the theory. Then, we will present the experimental and the numerical strategy that we will employ to improve WIGED theory in order to incorporate additional effects, such as the role of interfacial tensions, or to extend it to fluid-fluid interaction

The Naiades: A Mars Scout Proposal for Electromagnetic and Seismic Groundwater Exploration

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Grimm, R. E.

2002-12-01

Detection of subsurface, liquid water is an overarching objective of the Mars Exploration Program (MEP) because of its impacts on life, climate, geology, and preparation for human exploration. Although planned orbital radars seek to map subsurface water, methods with more robust depth-penetration, discrimination, and characterization capabilities are necessary to "ground truth" any results from such radars. Low-frequency electromagnetic (EM) methods exploit induction rather than wave propagation and are sensitive to electrical conductivity rather than dielectric constant. Groundwater on Mars will likely be saline and therefore will present a near-ideal EM target, especially beneath very dry overburden. The Naiades Mars Scout - named for the Greek mythological nymphs of springs, rivers, lakes, and fountains - comprise twin Landers directed to a high-priority region for groundwater investigation. Broadband measurements of natural EM fields will be used for passive magnetotelluric, wave-tilt, and geomagnetic-depth soundings. Active, time-domain electromagnetic (TDEM) soundings will supplement natural sources (lightning?) above ~1 Hz. The two Landers are positioned within several tens of kilometers of each other so that remote references can improve natural-source data quality; useful results can, however, be acquired by a single Lander. The expected depth of exploration of the TDEM is several hundred meters or more, sufficient to determine whether putative groundwater near "gullies" is still extant. Low-frequency natural signals from the solar wind, ionosphere, and possibly crustal magnetospheres will enable passive soundings to 10 km or greater, sufficient to detect and characterize deep, stable groundwater. Additional mission objectives include detection of ground ice, characterization of natural EM fields, measurement of electrical properties of the atmosphere, dust, soil, and interior, constraints on planetary heat flow (from the thickness of the cryosphere), measurement of crustal magnetism, characterization of seismicity, seismic imaging of the interior, and assessment of landing-site geomorphology. A short-period seismometer and a wide-angle camera complete the payload to achieve these objectives. The Naiades mission strongly resonates with the main "Follow the Water" theme of the MEP, but in ways that are not currently within the scope of the MEP or that of NASA's international partners. The combination of established terrestrial methods for groundwater exploration, robust flight systems, and cost effectiveness proposed for the Naiades is a relatively low-risk approach to answering key questions about water on Mars within the Scout framework.

EMERALD: A Flexible Framework for Managing Seismic Data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

West, J. D.; Fouch, M. J.; Arrowsmith, R.

2010-12-01

The seismological community is challenged by the vast quantity of new broadband seismic data provided by large-scale seismic arrays such as EarthScope’s USArray. While this bonanza of new data enables transformative scientific studies of the Earth’s interior, it also illuminates limitations in the methods used to prepare and preprocess those data. At a recent seismic data processing focus group workshop, many participants expressed the need for better systems to minimize the time and tedium spent on data preparation in order to increase the efficiency of scientific research. Another challenge related to data from all large-scale transportable seismic experiments is that there currently exists no system for discovering and tracking changes in station metadata. This critical information, such as station location, sensor orientation, instrument response, and clock timing data, may change over the life of an experiment and/or be subject to post-experiment correction. Yet nearly all researchers utilize metadata acquired with the downloaded data, even though subsequent metadata updates might alter or invalidate results produced with older metadata. A third long-standing issue for the seismic community is the lack of easily exchangeable seismic processing codes. This problem stems directly from the storage of seismic data as individual time series files, and the history of each researcher developing his or her preferred data file naming convention and directory organization. Because most processing codes rely on the underlying data organization structure, such codes are not easily exchanged between investigators. To address these issues, we are developing EMERALD (Explore, Manage, Edit, Reduce, & Analyze Large Datasets). The goal of the EMERALD project is to provide seismic researchers with a unified, user-friendly, extensible system for managing seismic event data, thereby increasing the efficiency of scientific enquiry. EMERALD stores seismic data and metadata in a state-of-the-art open source relational database (PostgreSQL), and can, on a timed basis or on demand, download the most recent metadata, compare it with previously acquired values, and alert the user to changes. The backend relational database is capable of easily storing and managing many millions of records. The extensible, plug-in architecture of the EMERALD system allows any researcher to contribute new visualization and processing methods written in any of 12 programming languages, and a central Internet-enabled repository for such methods provides users with the opportunity to download, use, and modify new processing methods on demand. EMERALD includes data acquisition tools allowing direct importation of seismic data, and also imports data from a number of existing seismic file formats. Pre-processed clean sets of data can be exported as standard sac files with user-defined file naming and directory organization, for use with existing processing codes. The EMERALD system incorporates existing acquisition and processing tools, including SOD, TauP, GMT, and FISSURES/DHI, making much of the functionality of those tools available in a unified system with a user-friendly web browser interface. EMERALD is now in beta test. See emerald.asu.edu or contact john.d.west@asu.edu for more details.

Combination of different seismic methods and geotechnical sounding for a rapid characterization of the near-surface ground

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dietrich, P.; Kretschmer, F.; Vienken, T.; Popp, S.

2009-04-01

For economical and feasible seismic exploration of the near-surface ground, an approach has been developed for the joint application of reflection and refraction seismics as well as multi-channel analysis of surface waves (MASW). The measuring concept was tested within the research project COMEXTECH, dealing with the exploration of construction ground. Besides the overall characterization of the subsurface by refraction and reflection seismics, the MASW can be used for the derivation of relevant soil parameters such as soil stiffness. The centre of the measuring concept represents a land streamer, pulled by a vehicle equipped with the seismic source. The 24-channel land streamer may be tipped with different geophones, according to the focus of investigation. We used three fully equipped land streamers with 72 channels at all at the test site Nauen close to Berlin, Germany. The first 24 positions of the land streamer nearby the seismic source were filled with 4.5 Hz geophones. The next two land streamers were tipped with 14 Hz geophones, respectively. The idea behind this arrangement is that the positions close to the shot point, which are not utilisable for reflection seismics, can be used for the interpretation of surface waves. The signal was given with an accelerated weight drop mounted on a cross-country vehicle. Shots were arranged every meter, and four shots per shot point were executed for an increased signal/noise ratio. Three registration units (GeodeTM by Geometrics) were connected in series for signal recording. At the site, a profile of 164 m length was investigated in bidirectional manner in combination with geotechnical exploration technique. The purpose of bidirectional recording is to check the reliability and sensitivity of the seismic array and to increase the resolution of the image of the subsurface. By using the same shot points forth and back, a multiple overlap rate for certain common depth points (CDP) can be achieved, which is thought to result in an increased data quality. Geotechnical investigations comprise the use of Cone Penetrating Tests (CPT) for characterization of properties of the subsurface. Thereby the lithology may be derived by means of the friction ratio, which represents the ratio of the in-situ determined parameters of sleeve friction and cone resistance during CPT soundings. First results of data processing are available for the interpolated shear wave velocities (Vs) of the analysis of the Rayleigh-type surface waves on a multichannel record (MASW) by using the program SURFSEIS. The velocities are more or less laterally layered with zones of lower velocities (<180 m/s) in the upper subsurface and in about 5 m depth at the southern part of the profile. The strong increase of shear-wave velocities in 10 m depth and below (>250 m/s) is supposed to correspondent to a glacial moraine underlying the sandy sediments. The characterization of the near-surface ground by MASW corresponds well with the results of the nearby CPT soundings. By comparing the MASW results of the forward and backward recording of the profile, however, it turns out that the methodical approach of bidirectional seismic measurements still needs some tests. The produced 2-D Vs profiles show some marginal differences in the Vs-distribution in detail. Processing of seismic refraction and reflection data are in progress yet. In summery, the land streamer has the real advantage of fast data recording with a variable geophone array for different applications. The slight loss in quality of seismic data does not limit the use of the land streamer even on arable land. If carefully performed, geophones fitted on the land streamer still record data in an adequate quality for a feasible characterization of the subsurface, as shown in our study. Especially along long profiles the employment of a land streamer outplays stuck geophones by the fast progress in data recording due to the pulled array of geophones in a fixed geometry.

Seismic fiber optic multiplexed sensors for exploration and reservoir management

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Houston, Mark H.

2000-12-01

Reliable downhole communications, control and sensor networks will dramatically improve oil reservoir management practices and will enable the construction of intelligent or smart-well completions. Fiber optic technology will play a key role in the implementation of these communication, control and sensing systems because of inherent advantages of power, weight and reliability over more conventional electronic-based systems. Field test data, acquired using an array of fiber optic seismic hydrophones within a steam-flood, heavy oil- production filed, showed a significant improvement (10X in this specific case) in subsurface resolution as compared to conventional surface seismic acquisition. These results demonstrate the viability of using multiplexed fiber optic sensors for exploration and reservoir management in 3D vertical seismic profiling (VSP) surveys and in permanent sensor arrays for 4D surveys.

Vertical Cable Seismic Survey for Hydrothermal Deposit

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Asakawa, E.; Murakami, F.; Sekino, Y.; Okamoto, T.; Ishikawa, K.; Tsukahara, H.; Shimura, T.

2012-04-01

The vertical cable seismic is one of the reflection seismic methods. It uses hydrophone arrays vertically moored from the seafloor to record acoustic waves generated by surface, deep-towed or ocean bottom sources. Analyzing the reflections from the sub-seabed, we could look into the subsurface structure. This type of survey is generally called VCS (Vertical Cable Seismic). Because VCS is an efficient high-resolution 3D seismic survey method for a spatially-bounded area, we proposed the method for the hydrothermal deposit survey tool development program that the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) started in 2009. We are now developing a VCS system, including not only data acquisition hardware but data processing and analysis technique. Our first experiment of VCS surveys has been carried out in Lake Biwa, JAPAN in November 2009 for a feasibility study. Prestack depth migration is applied to the 3D VCS data to obtain a high quality 3D depth volume. Based on the results from the feasibility study, we have developed two autonomous recording VCS systems. After we carried out a trial experiment in the actual ocean at a water depth of about 400m and we carried out the second VCS survey at Iheya Knoll with a deep-towed source. In this survey, we could establish the procedures for the deployment/recovery of the system and could examine the locations and the fluctuations of the vertical cables at a water depth of around 1000m. The acquired VCS data clearly shows the reflections from the sub-seafloor. Through the experiment, we could confirm that our VCS system works well even in the severe circumstances around the locations of seafloor hydrothermal deposits. We have, however, also confirmed that the uncertainty in the locations of the source and of the hydrophones could lower the quality of subsurface image. It is, therefore, strongly necessary to develop a total survey system that assures a accurate positioning and a deployment techniques. We have carried out two field surveys in FY2011. One is a 3D survey with a boomer for a high-resolution surface source and the other one for an actual field survey in the Izena Cauldron an active hydrothermal area in the Okinawa Trough. Through these surveys, the VCS will become a practical exploration tool for the exploration of seafloor hydrothermal deposits.

EMERALD: Coping with the Explosion of Seismic Data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

West, J. D.; Fouch, M. J.; Arrowsmith, R.

2009-12-01

The geosciences are currently generating an unparalleled quantity of new public broadband seismic data with the establishment of large-scale seismic arrays such as the EarthScope USArray, which are enabling new and transformative scientific discoveries of the structure and dynamics of the Earth’s interior. Much of this explosion of data is a direct result of the formation of the IRIS consortium, which has enabled an unparalleled level of open exchange of seismic instrumentation, data, and methods. The production of these massive volumes of data has generated new and serious data management challenges for the seismological community. A significant challenge is the maintenance and updating of seismic metadata, which includes information such as station location, sensor orientation, instrument response, and clock timing data. This key information changes at unknown intervals, and the changes are not generally communicated to data users who have already downloaded and processed data. Another basic challenge is the ability to handle massive seismic datasets when waveform file volumes exceed the fundamental limitations of a computer’s operating system. A third, long-standing challenge is the difficulty of exchanging seismic processing codes between researchers; each scientist typically develops his or her own unique directory structure and file naming convention, requiring that codes developed by another researcher be rewritten before they can be used. To address these challenges, we are developing EMERALD (Explore, Manage, Edit, Reduce, & Analyze Large Datasets). The overarching goal of the EMERALD project is to enable more efficient and effective use of seismic datasets ranging from just a few hundred to millions of waveforms with a complete database-driven system, leading to higher quality seismic datasets for scientific analysis and enabling faster, more efficient scientific research. We will present a preliminary (beta) version of EMERALD, an integrated, extensible, standalone database server system based on the open-source PostgreSQL database engine. The system is designed for fast and easy processing of seismic datasets, and provides the necessary tools to manage very large datasets and all associated metadata. EMERALD provides methods for efficient preprocessing of seismic records; large record sets can be easily and quickly searched, reviewed, revised, reprocessed, and exported. EMERALD can retrieve and store station metadata and alert the user to metadata changes. The system provides many methods for visualizing data, analyzing dataset statistics, and tracking the processing history of individual datasets. EMERALD allows development and sharing of visualization and processing methods using any of 12 programming languages. EMERALD is designed to integrate existing software tools; the system provides wrapper functionality for existing widely-used programs such as GMT, SOD, and TauP. Users can interact with EMERALD via a web browser interface, or they can directly access their data from a variety of database-enabled external tools. Data can be imported and exported from the system in a variety of file formats, or can be directly requested and downloaded from the IRIS DMC from within EMERALD.

LANL seismic screening method for existing buildings

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Dickson, S.L.; Feller, K.C.; Fritz de la Orta, G.O.

1997-01-01

The purpose of the Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) Seismic Screening Method is to provide a comprehensive, rational, and inexpensive method for evaluating the relative seismic integrity of a large building inventory using substantial life-safety as the minimum goal. The substantial life-safety goal is deemed to be satisfied if the extent of structural damage or nonstructural component damage does not pose a significant risk to human life. The screening is limited to Performance Category (PC) -0, -1, and -2 buildings and structures. Because of their higher performance objectives, PC-3 and PC-4 buildings automatically fail the LANL Seismic Screening Method andmore » will be subject to a more detailed seismic analysis. The Laboratory has also designated that PC-0, PC-1, and PC-2 unreinforced masonry bearing wall and masonry infill shear wall buildings fail the LANL Seismic Screening Method because of their historically poor seismic performance or complex behavior. These building types are also recommended for a more detailed seismic analysis. The results of the LANL Seismic Screening Method are expressed in terms of separate scores for potential configuration or physical hazards (Phase One) and calculated capacity/demand ratios (Phase Two). This two-phase method allows the user to quickly identify buildings that have adequate seismic characteristics and structural capacity and screen them out from further evaluation. The resulting scores also provide a ranking of those buildings found to be inadequate. Thus, buildings not passing the screening can be rationally prioritized for further evaluation. For the purpose of complying with Executive Order 12941, the buildings failing the LANL Seismic Screening Method are deemed to have seismic deficiencies, and cost estimates for mitigation must be prepared. Mitigation techniques and cost-estimate guidelines are not included in the LANL Seismic Screening Method.« less

Academia vs Industry: vanishing boundaries between global earthquake seismology and exploration seismics.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

van der Hilst, R. D.

2011-12-01

Global seismology and exploration seismics have long lived in parallel universes, with little cross-fertilization of methodologies and with interaction between the associated communities often limited to company recruitment of students. Fortunately, this traditional separation of technology and people has begun to disappear. This is driven not only by continuing demands for human and financial resources (for companies and academia, respectively) but increasingly also by overlapping intellectual interest. First, 'waves are waves' (that is, the fundamental physics - and math to describe/handle it - is scale invariant) and many artificial boundaries are being removed by use of better wave theory, faster computers, and new data acquisition paradigms. For example, the development of dense sensor arrays (in USA, Europe, Asia - mostly China and Japan) is increasing the attraction (and need) of industry-style interrogation of massive data sets. Examples include large scale seismic exploration of Earth's deep interior with inverse scattering of teleseismic wavefields (e.g., Van der Hilst et al., Science, 2007). On the other hand, reservoir exploration and production benefits from expertise in earthquake seismology, both for better characterization of reservoirs and their overburden and for (induced) micro-earthquake analysis. Passive source methods (including but not restricted to ambient noise tomography) are providing new, economic opportunities for velocity analysis and monitoring, and studies of (micro)seismicity (e.g., source location, parameters, and moment tensor) allow in situ stress determination, tomographic velocity analysis with natural sources in the reservoir, and 4D monitoring (e.g., for hydrocarbon production, carbon sequestration, enhanced geothermal systems, and unconventional gas production). Second, the gap between the frequency ranges traditionally considered by both communities is being bridged by better theory, new sensor technology, and through extraction of new types of data, for instance through seismic interferometry (including ambient noise correlations). Third, there is growing interest in the same type of problem, from reservoir to continental scale. For instance, USArray enables systematic imaging (at basin scale and beyond) of continental crust, which is of interest for frontier exploration of natural resources companies, whereas the latter have many resources, including unique data sets and expertise, that can be used by the academic communities to improve multi-scale characterization and interpretation. The main challenge for successful interaction is the recognition of problems of common interest, the management of expectations (for instance concerning the types of problems students can work on and time scales of delivery), and the establishment of the right model for interaction. My presentation will be informed by my experience with energy companies as Director of MIT's Earth Resources Laboratory.

Identification and characterization of earthquake clusters: a comparative analysis for selected sequences in Italy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Peresan, Antonella; Gentili, Stefania

2017-04-01

Identification and statistical characterization of seismic clusters may provide useful insights about the features of seismic energy release and their relation to physical properties of the crust within a given region. Moreover, a number of studies based on spatio-temporal analysis of main-shocks occurrence require preliminary declustering of the earthquake catalogs. Since various methods, relying on different physical/statistical assumptions, may lead to diverse classifications of earthquakes into main events and related events, we aim to investigate the classification differences among different declustering techniques. Accordingly, a formal selection and comparative analysis of earthquake clusters is carried out for the most relevant earthquakes in North-Eastern Italy, as reported in the local OGS-CRS bulletins, compiled at the National Institute of Oceanography and Experimental Geophysics since 1977. The comparison is then extended to selected earthquake sequences associated with a different seismotectonic setting, namely to events that occurred in the region struck by the recent Central Italy destructive earthquakes, making use of INGV data. Various techniques, ranging from classical space-time windows methods to ad hoc manual identification of aftershocks, are applied for detection of earthquake clusters. In particular, a statistical method based on nearest-neighbor distances of events in space-time-energy domain, is considered. Results from clusters identification by the nearest-neighbor method turn out quite robust with respect to the time span of the input catalogue, as well as to minimum magnitude cutoff. The identified clusters for the largest events reported in North-Eastern Italy since 1977 are well consistent with those reported in earlier studies, which were aimed at detailed manual aftershocks identification. The study shows that the data-driven approach, based on the nearest-neighbor distances, can be satisfactorily applied to decompose the seismic catalog into background seismicity and individual sequences of earthquake clusters, also in areas characterized by moderate seismic activity, where the standard declustering techniques may turn out rather gross approximations. With these results acquired, the main statistical features of seismic clusters are explored, including complex interdependence of related events, with the aim to characterize the space-time patterns of earthquakes occurrence in North-Eastern Italy and capture their basic differences with Central Italy sequences.

Final Project Report - Revised Version

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Prasad, Manika; Carolyn, Koh

An over-arching goal of this research is to calibrate geophysical techniques for hydrate exploration, evaluation, and production monitoring. Extensive field data of hydrate-bearing sediments exist, but quantitative estimates of the amount and distribution of hydrates are difficult to determine. Thus, the primary project objectives were to relate seismic and acoustic velocities and attenuations to hydrate saturation and texture. The project aimed to collect seismic properties along with other measurements (e.g., complex resistivity, micro-focus x-ray computed tomography, etc.). The multiphysics dataset would enable researchers to understand not only the interaction between mineral surfaces and gas hydrates, but also how the hydratemore » formation method affects the hydrate-sediment system in terms of elastic properties.« less

Results of application of automatic computation of static corrections on data from the South Banat Terrain

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Milojević, Slavka; Stojanovic, Vojislav

2017-04-01

Due to the continuous development of the seismic acquisition and processing method, the increase of the signal/fault ratio always represents a current target. The correct application of the latest software solutions improves the processing results and justifies their development. A correct computation and application of static corrections represents one of the most important tasks in pre-processing. This phase is of great importance for further processing steps. Static corrections are applied to seismic data in order to compensate the effects of irregular topography, the difference between the levels of source points and receipt in relation to the level of reduction, of close to the low-velocity surface layer (weathering correction), or any reasons that influence the spatial and temporal position of seismic routes. The refraction statics method is the most common method for computation of static corrections. It is successful in resolving of both the long-period statics problems and determining of the difference in the statics caused by abrupt lateral changes in velocity in close to the surface layer. XtremeGeo FlatironsTM is a program whose main purpose is computation of static correction through a refraction statics method and allows the application of the following procedures: picking of first arrivals, checking of geometry, multiple methods for analysis and modelling of statics, analysis of the refractor anisotropy and tomography (Eikonal Tomography). The exploration area is located on the southern edge of the Pannonian Plain, in the plain area with altitudes of 50 to 195 meters. The largest part of the exploration area covers Deliblato Sands, where the geological structure of the terrain and high difference in altitudes significantly affects the calculation of static correction. Software XtremeGeo FlatironsTM has powerful visualization and tools for statistical analysis which contributes to significantly more accurate assessment of geometry close to the surface layers and therefore more accurately computed static corrections.

Tomography of the East African Rift System in Mozambique

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Domingues, A.; Silveira, G. M.; Custodio, S.; Chamussa, J.; Lebedev, S.; Chang, S. J.; Ferreira, A. M. G.; Fonseca, J. F. B. D.

2014-12-01

Unlike the majority of the East African Rift, the Mozambique region has not been deeply studied, not only due to political instabilities but also because of the difficult access to its most interior regions. An earthquake with M7 occurred in Machaze in 2006, which triggered the investigation of this particular region. The MOZART project (funded by FCT, Lisbon) installed a temporary seismic network, with a total of 30 broadband stations from the SEIS-UK pool, from April 2011 to July 2013. Preliminary locations of the seismicity were estimated with the data recorded from April 2011 to July 2012. A total of 307 earthquakes were located, with ML magnitudes ranging from 0.9 to 3.9. We observe a linear northeast-southwest distribution of the seismicity that seems associated to the Inhaminga fault. The seismicity has an extension of ~300km reaching the Machaze earthquake area. The northeast sector of the seismicity shows a good correlation with the topography, tracing the Urema rift valley. In order to obtain an initial velocity model of the region, the ambient noise method is used. This method is applied to the entire data set available and two additional stations of the AfricaARRAY project. Ambient noise surface wave tomography is possible by computing cross-correlations between all pairs of stations and measuring the group velocities for all interstation paths. With this approach we obtain Rayleigh wave group velocity dispersion curves in the period range from 3 to 50 seconds. Group velocity maps are calculated for several periods and allowing a geological and tectonic interpretation. In order to extend the investigation to longer wave periods and thus probe both the crust and upper mantle, we apply a recent implementation of the surface-wave two-station method (teleseismic interferometry - Meier el al 2004) to augment our dataset with Rayleigh wave phase velocities curves in a broad period range. Using this method we expect to be able to explore the lithosphere-asthenosphere depth range beneath Mozambique.

Interactive Visualizations of Complex Seismic Data and Models

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chai, C.; Ammon, C. J.; Maceira, M.; Herrmann, R. B.

2016-12-01

The volume and complexity of seismic data and models have increased dramatically thanks to dense seismic station deployments and advances in data modeling and processing. Seismic observations such as receiver functions and surface-wave dispersion are multidimensional: latitude, longitude, time, amplitude and latitude, longitude, period, and velocity. Three-dimensional seismic velocity models are characterized with three spatial dimensions and one additional dimension for the speed. In these circumstances, exploring the data and models and assessing the data fits is a challenge. A few professional packages are available to visualize these complex data and models. However, most of these packages rely on expensive commercial software or require a substantial time investment to master, and even when that effort is complete, communicating the results to others remains a problem. A traditional approach during the model interpretation stage is to examine data fits and model features using a large number of static displays. Publications include a few key slices or cross-sections of these high-dimensional data, but this prevents others from directly exploring the model and corresponding data fits. In this presentation, we share interactive visualization examples of complex seismic data and models that are based on open-source tools and are easy to implement. Model and data are linked in an intuitive and informative web-browser based display that can be used to explore the model and the features in the data that influence various aspects of the model. We encode the model and data into HTML files and present high-dimensional information using two approaches. The first uses a Python package to pack both data and interactive plots in a single file. The second approach uses JavaScript, CSS, and HTML to build a dynamic webpage for seismic data visualization. The tools have proven useful and led to deeper insight into 3D seismic models and the data that were used to construct them. Such easy-to-use interactive displays are essential in teaching environments - user-friendly interactivity allows students to explore large, complex data sets and models at their own pace, enabling a more accessible learning experience.

Using Earthquake Location and Coda Attenuation Analysis to Explore Shallow Structures Above the Socorro Magma Body, New Mexico

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schmidt, J. P.; Bilek, S. L.; Worthington, L. L.; Schmandt, B.; Aster, R. C.

2017-12-01

The Socorro Magma Body (SMB) is a thin, sill-like intrusion with a top at 19 km depth covering approximately 3400 km2 within the Rio Grande Rift. InSAR studies show crustal uplift patterns linked to SMB inflation with deformation rates of 2.5 mm/yr in the area of maximum uplift with some peripheral subsidence. Our understanding of the emplacement history and shallow structure above the SMB is limited. We use a large seismic deployment to explore seismicity and crustal attenuation in the SMB region, focusing on the area of highest observed uplift to investigate the possible existence of fluid/magma in the upper crust. We would expect to see shallower earthquakes and/or higher attenuation if high heat flow, fluid or magma is present in the upper crust. Over 800 short period vertical component geophones situated above the northern portion of the SMB were deployed for two weeks in 2015. This data is combined with other broadband and short period seismic stations to detect and locate earthquakes as well as to estimate seismic attenuation. We use phase arrivals from the full dataset to relocate a set of 33 local/regional earthquakes recorded during the deployment. We also measure amplitude decay after the S-wave arrival to estimate coda attenuation caused by scattering of seismic waves and anelastic processes. Coda attenuation is estimated using the single backscatter method described by Aki and Chouet (1975), filtering the seismograms at 6, 9 and 12 Hz center frequencies. Earthquakes occurred at 2-13 km depth during the deployment, but no spatial patterns linked with the high uplift region were observed over this short duration. Attenuation results for this deployment suggest Q ranging in values of 130 to 2000, averaging around Q of 290, comparable to Q estimates of other studies of the western US. With our dense station coverage, we explore attenuation over smaller scales, and find higher attenuation for stations in the area of maximum uplift relative to stations outside of the maximum uplift, which could indicate upper crustal heterogeneities with shallow process above the magma body in this area.

Seismoelectric imaging of shallow targets

USGS Publications Warehouse

Haines, S.S.; Pride, S.R.; Klemperer, S.L.; Biondi, B.

2007-01-01

We have undertaken a series of controlled field experiments to develop seismoelectric experimental methods for near-surface applications and to improve our understanding of seismoelectric phenomena. In a set of off-line geometry surveys (source separated from the receiver line), we place seismic sources and electrode array receivers on opposite sides of a man-made target (two sand-filled trenches) to record separately two previously documented seismoelectric modes: (1) the electromagnetic interface response signal created at the target and (2) the coseismic electric fields located within a compressional seismic wave. With the seismic source point in the center of a linear electrode array, we identify the previously undocumented seismoelectric direct field, and the Lorentz field of the metal hammer plate moving in the earth's magnetic field. We place the seismic source in the center of a circular array of electrodes (radial and circumferential orientations) to analyze the source-related direct and Lorentz fields and to establish that these fields can be understood in terms of simple analytical models. Using an off-line geometry, we create a multifold, 2D image of our trenches as dipping layers, and we also produce a complementary synthetic image through numerical modeling. These images demonstrate that off-line geometry (e.g., crosswell) surveys offer a particularly promising application of the seismoelectric method because they effectively separate the interface response signal from the (generally much stronger) coseismic and source-related fields. ?? 2007 Society of Exploration Geophysicists.

Fractual interrelationships in field and seismic data. Final report

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

NONE

1997-01-07

Fractals provide a description of physical patterns over a range of scales in both time and space. Studies presented herein examine the fractal characteristics of various geological variables such as deformed bed-lengths, fold relief, seismic reflection arrival time variations, drainage and topographic patterns, and fracture systems. The studies are also extended to consider the possibility that the fractal characteristics of these variables are interrelated. Fractal interrelationships observed in these studies provide a method for relating variations in the fractal characteristics of seismic reflection events from reservoir intervals to the fractal characteristics of reservoir fracture systems, faults, and fold distributions. Themore » work is motivated by current exploration and development interests to detect fractured reservoirs and to accurately predict flow rates and flow patterns within the fractured reservoir. Accurate prediction requires an understanding of several reservoir properties including the fractal geometry of the reservoir fracture network. Results of these studies provide a method to remotely assess the fractal characteristics of a fractured reservoir, and help guide field development activities. The most significant outgrowth of this research is that the fractal properties of structural relief inferred from seismic data and structural cross sections provide a quantitative means to characterize and compare complex structural patterns. Production from fractured reservoirs is the result of complex structural and stratigraphic controls; hence, the import of fractal characterization to the assessment of fractured reservoirs lies in its potential to quantitatively define interrelationships between subtle structural variation and production. The potential uses are illustrated using seismic data from the Granny Creek oil field in the Appalachian Plateau.« less

Seismic wavefield modeling based on time-domain symplectic and Fourier finite-difference method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fang, Gang; Ba, Jing; Liu, Xin-xin; Zhu, Kun; Liu, Guo-Chang

2017-06-01

Seismic wavefield modeling is important for improving seismic data processing and interpretation. Calculations of wavefield propagation are sometimes not stable when forward modeling of seismic wave uses large time steps for long times. Based on the Hamiltonian expression of the acoustic wave equation, we propose a structure-preserving method for seismic wavefield modeling by applying the symplectic finite-difference method on time grids and the Fourier finite-difference method on space grids to solve the acoustic wave equation. The proposed method is called the symplectic Fourier finite-difference (symplectic FFD) method, and offers high computational accuracy and improves the computational stability. Using acoustic approximation, we extend the method to anisotropic media. We discuss the calculations in the symplectic FFD method for seismic wavefield modeling of isotropic and anisotropic media, and use the BP salt model and BP TTI model to test the proposed method. The numerical examples suggest that the proposed method can be used in seismic modeling of strongly variable velocities, offering high computational accuracy and low numerical dispersion. The symplectic FFD method overcomes the residual qSV wave of seismic modeling in anisotropic media and maintains the stability of the wavefield propagation for large time steps.

Seismic expression of Red Fork channels in Major and Kay Counties, Oklahoma

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Hanoch, C.A.

1987-08-01

This paper investigates the application of regional seismic to exploration and development Red Fork sands of the Cherokee Group, in Major and Kay Counties, Oklahoma. A computer-aided exploration system (CAEX) was used to justify the subtle seismic expressions with the geological interpretation. Modeling shows that the low-velocity shales are the anomalous rock in the Cherokee package, which is most represented by siltstone and thin sands. Because the Red Fork channel sands were incised into or deposited with laterally time-equivalent siltstones, no strong reflection coefficient is associated with the top of the sands. The objective sands become a seismic anomaly onlymore » when they cut into and replace a low-velocity shale. This knowledge allows mapping the channel thickness by interpreting the shale thickness from seismic data. A group shoot line in Major County, Oklahoma, has been tied to the geologic control, and the channel thicknesses have been interpreted assuming a detectable vertical resolution of 10 ft. A personal computer-based geophysical work station is used to construct velocity logs representative of the geology to produce forward-modeled synthetic seismic sections, and to display, in color, the seismic trace attributes. These synthetic sections are used as tools to compare with and interpret the seismic line and to evaluate the interpretative value of lowest cost, lesser quality data versus reprocessing or new data acquisition.« less

Magnetotelluric Studies for Hydrocarbon and Geothermal Resources: Examples from the Asian Region

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Patro, Prasanta K.

2017-09-01

Magnetotellurics (MT) and the other related electrical and electromagnetic methods play a very useful role in resource exploration. This review paper presents the current scenario of application of MT in the exploration for hydrocarbons and geothermal resources in Asia. While seismics is the most preferred method in oil exploration, it is, however, beset with several limitations in the case of sedimentary targets overlain by basalts or evaporate/carbonate rocks where the high-velocity layers overlying the lower velocity layers pose a problem. In such cases, MT plays an important and, in some cases, a crucial role in mapping these potential reservoirs because of significant resistivity contrast generally observed between the basalts and the underlying sedimentary layers. A few case histories are presented that typically illustrate the role of MT in this context. In the case of geothermal exploration, MT is known to be highly effective in deciphering the target areas because of the conductivity structures arising from the presence and circulation of highly conductive fluids in the geothermal target areas. A few examples of MT studies carried out in some of the potential areas of geothermal significance in the Asian region are also discussed. While it is a relatively favorable situation for application of EM and MT methods in the case of exploration of the high-enthalpy region due to the development of well-defined conceptual models, still the low-enthalpy regions need to be understood well, particularly because of more complex structural patterns and the fluid circulation under relatively low-temperature conditions. Currently, a lot of modeling in both geothermal and hydrocarbon exploration is being done using three-dimensional techniques, and it is the right time to go for integration and three-dimensional joint inversion of the geophysical parameters such as resistivity, velocity, density, from MT, electromagnetics (EM), seismics and gravity.

Artificial neural systems for interpretation and inversion of seismic data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Calderon-Macias, Carlos

The goal of this work is to investigate the feasibility of using neural network (NN) models for solving geophysical exploration problems. First, a feedforward neural network (FNN) is used to solve inverse problems. The operational characteristics of a FNN are primarily controlled by a set of weights and a nonlinear function that performs a mapping between two sets of data. In a process known as training, the FNN weights are iteratively adjusted to perform the mapping. After training, the computed weights encode important features of the data that enable one pattern to be distinguished from another. Synthetic data computed from an ensemble of earth models and the corresponding models provide the training data. Two training methods are studied: the backpropagation method which is a gradient scheme, and a global optimization method called very fast simulated annealing (VFSA). A trained network is then used to predict models from new data (e.g., data from a new location) in a one-step procedure. The application of this method to the problems of obtaining formation resistivities and layer thicknesses from resistivity sounding data and 1D velocity models from seismic data shows that trained FNNs produce reasonably accurate earth models when observed data are input to the FNNs. In a second application, a FNN is used for automating the NMO correction process of seismic reflection data. The task of the FNN is to map CMP data at control locations along a seismic line into subsurface velocities. The network is trained while the velocity analyses are performed at the control locations. Once trained, the computed weights are used as an operator that acts on the remaining CMP data as a velocity interpolator, resulting in a fast method for NMO correction. The second part of this dissertation describes the application of a Hopfield neural network (HNN) to the problems of deconvolution and multiple attenuation. In these applications, the unknown parameters (reflection coefficients and source wavelet in the first problem and an operator in the second) are mapped as neurons of the HNN. The proposed deconvolution method attempts to reproduce the data with a limited number of events. The multiple attenuation method resembles the predictive deconvolution method. Results of this method are compared with a multiple elimination method based on estimating the source wavelet from the seismic data.

Fast principal component analysis for stacking seismic data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wu, Juan; Bai, Min

2018-04-01

Stacking seismic data plays an indispensable role in many steps of the seismic data processing and imaging workflow. Optimal stacking of seismic data can help mitigate seismic noise and enhance the principal components to a great extent. Traditional average-based seismic stacking methods cannot obtain optimal performance when the ambient noise is extremely strong. We propose a principal component analysis (PCA) algorithm for stacking seismic data without being sensitive to noise level. Considering the computational bottleneck of the classic PCA algorithm in processing massive seismic data, we propose an efficient PCA algorithm to make the proposed method readily applicable for industrial applications. Two numerically designed examples and one real seismic data are used to demonstrate the performance of the presented method.

Setting the baseline before geothermal exploration begins: the search of microseismic activity in the Geneva Basin, Western Switzerland

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Antunes, Verónica; Lupi, Matteo; Carrier, Aurore; Planès, Thomas; Martin, François

2017-04-01

Switzerland is moving towards the development of renewable energies. Following this trend, SIG (Services Industriels de Genève) and the Canton of Geneva is investing in the exploration of geothermal energy. Before the exploration takes place it is crucial to understand the rate of seismic activity in the region and its relationship with the existing faults. Historical and instrumental times suggest the presence of active faults in the region but to date little is known about the seismic activity in the Geneva Basin. Tectonic maps show the presence of major faults crossing the basin and recent seismic events indicate that such systems are still active on a regional scale. However, available data indicate infrequent and dispersed activity. This can be partially due to the small number of permanent stations in the area. To understand where micro-seismic activity may be located around and within the Geneva Basin we have deployed a temporary network composed of 20 broadband stations. With the densification of the network it could be possible to capture and localise small magnitude seismic events (i.e. M less than 1). Here we present the preliminary results obtained during the first months of the temporary network deployment.

Exploration Geophysics

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Savit, Carl H.

1978-01-01

Expansion of activity and confirmation of new technological directions characterized several fields of exploration geophysics in 1977. Advances in seismic-reflection exploration have been especially important. (Author/MA)

Earthquake Rate Models for Evolving Induced Seismicity Hazard in the Central and Eastern US

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Llenos, A. L.; Ellsworth, W. L.; Michael, A. J.

2015-12-01

Injection-induced earthquake rates can vary rapidly in space and time, which presents significant challenges to traditional probabilistic seismic hazard assessment methodologies that are based on a time-independent model of mainshock occurrence. To help society cope with rapidly evolving seismicity, the USGS is developing one-year hazard models for areas of induced seismicity in the central and eastern US to forecast the shaking due to all earthquakes, including aftershocks which are generally omitted from hazards assessments (Petersen et al., 2015). However, the spatial and temporal variability of the earthquake rates make them difficult to forecast even on time-scales as short as one year. An initial approach is to use the previous year's seismicity rate to forecast the next year's seismicity rate. However, in places such as northern Oklahoma the rates vary so rapidly over time that a simple linear extrapolation does not accurately forecast the future, even when the variability in the rates is modeled with simulations based on an Epidemic-Type Aftershock Sequence (ETAS) model (Ogata, JASA, 1988) to account for earthquake clustering. Instead of relying on a fixed time period for rate estimation, we explore another way to determine when the earthquake rate should be updated. This approach could also objectively identify new areas where the induced seismicity hazard model should be applied. We will estimate the background seismicity rate by optimizing a single set of ETAS aftershock triggering parameters across the most active induced seismicity zones -- Oklahoma, Guy-Greenbrier, the Raton Basin, and the Azle-Dallas-Fort Worth area -- with individual background rate parameters in each zone. The full seismicity rate, with uncertainties, can then be estimated using ETAS simulations and changes in rate can be detected by applying change point analysis in ETAS transformed time with methods already developed for Poisson processes.

Natural reservoirs and triggered seismicity: a study of two northern Utah Lakes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Whidden, K. M.; Hansen, K.; Timothy, M.; Boltz, M. S.; Pankow, K. L.; Koper, K. D.

2014-12-01

The Great Salt Lake (GSL) and Utah Lake (UL) in northern Utah are in the middle of the Intermountain Seismic Belt, a band of active seismicity extending from western Montana through central Utah to northern Arizona. The proximity of these water bodies to an active earthquake zone is ideal for an investigation of lake-triggered seismicity. Both GSL and UL are shallow (10 and 4.3 m, respectively). The fresh water UL drains via the Jordan River into the salty GSL, which has no outlet. GSL has an aerial extent of 4400 km2, and the shallow depth and lack of outlet cause the surface area to change greatly as the lake volume increases and decreases. UL is much smaller with an almost constant aerial extent of 385 km2. For each lake, we compare yearly earthquake counts near the lake to yearly average lake level for years 1975-2013. GSL seismicity and lake level data correlate well, with seismicity increasing 3-5 years after lake level rise (cross correlation coefficient=0.56, P-value=0.0005). There is an especially large increase in seismicity in 1989 NE of the GSL following the historic lake level high stand in the mid-1980s. The 1989 seismicity has characteristics of both a swarm and a traditional mainshock/aftershock sequence. We will use a double-difference method (HypoDD) to relocate these earthquakes. UL seismicity does not correlate well with the lake level. The different results for the two lakes could perhaps be explained by the lakes' different sizes and the fact that UL has an outlet while GSL does not. The difference might also be explained by subsurface fluid pathways and available faults for nucleating earthquakes. We will further explore the significance of the GSL seismicity and lake level correlation by generating synthetic earthquake catalogs and cross correlating their yearly earthquake counts with the lake level data.

Development of seismic tomography software for hybrid supercomputers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nikitin, Alexandr; Serdyukov, Alexandr; Duchkov, Anton

2015-04-01

Seismic tomography is a technique used for computing velocity model of geologic structure from first arrival travel times of seismic waves. The technique is used in processing of regional and global seismic data, in seismic exploration for prospecting and exploration of mineral and hydrocarbon deposits, and in seismic engineering for monitoring the condition of engineering structures and the surrounding host medium. As a consequence of development of seismic monitoring systems and increasing volume of seismic data, there is a growing need for new, more effective computational algorithms for use in seismic tomography applications with improved performance, accuracy and resolution. To achieve this goal, it is necessary to use modern high performance computing systems, such as supercomputers with hybrid architecture that use not only CPUs, but also accelerators and co-processors for computation. The goal of this research is the development of parallel seismic tomography algorithms and software package for such systems, to be used in processing of large volumes of seismic data (hundreds of gigabytes and more). These algorithms and software package will be optimized for the most common computing devices used in modern hybrid supercomputers, such as Intel Xeon CPUs, NVIDIA Tesla accelerators and Intel Xeon Phi co-processors. In this work, the following general scheme of seismic tomography is utilized. Using the eikonal equation solver, arrival times of seismic waves are computed based on assumed velocity model of geologic structure being analyzed. In order to solve the linearized inverse problem, tomographic matrix is computed that connects model adjustments with travel time residuals, and the resulting system of linear equations is regularized and solved to adjust the model. The effectiveness of parallel implementations of existing algorithms on target architectures is considered. During the first stage of this work, algorithms were developed for execution on supercomputers using multicore CPUs only, with preliminary performance tests showing good parallel efficiency on large numerical grids. Porting of the algorithms to hybrid supercomputers is currently ongoing.

Infrasound Generation from the HH Seismic Hammer.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Jones, Kyle Richard

2014-10-01

The HH Seismic hammer is a large, "weight-drop" source for active source seismic experiments. This system provides a repetitive source that can be stacked for subsurface imaging and exploration studies. Although the seismic hammer was designed for seismological studies it was surmised that it might produce energy in the infrasonic frequency range due to the ground motion generated by the 13 metric ton drop mass. This study demonstrates that the seismic hammer generates a consistent acoustic source that could be used for in-situ sensor characterization, array evaluation and surface-air coupling studies for source characterization.

Monitoring hydrofrac-induced seismicity by surface arrays - the DHM-Project Basel case study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Blascheck, P.; Häge, M.; Joswig, M.

2012-04-01

The method "nanoseismic monitoring" was applied during the hydraulic stimulation at the Deep-Heat-Mining-Project (DHM-Project) Basel. Two small arrays in a distance of 2.1 km and 4.8 km to the borehole recorded continuously for two days. During this time more than 2500 seismic events were detected. The method of the surface monitoring of induced seismicity was compared to the reference which the hydrofrac monitoring presented. The latter was conducted by a network of borehole seismometers by Geothermal Explorers Limited. Array processing provides a outlier resistant, graphical jack-knifing localization method which resulted in a average deviation towards the reference of 850 m. Additionally, by applying the relative localization master-event method, the NNW-SSE strike direction of the reference was confirmed. It was shown that, in order to successfully estimate the magnitude of completeness as well as the b-value at the event rate and detection sensibility present, 3 h segments of data are sufficient. This is supported by two segment out of over 13 h of evaluated data. These segments were chosen so that they represent a time during the high seismic noise during normal working hours in daytime as well as the minimum anthropogenic noise at night. The low signal-to-noise ratio was compensated by the application of a sonogram event detection as well as a coincidence analysis within each array. Sonograms allow by autoadaptive, non-linear filtering to enhance signals whose amplitudes are just above noise level. For these events the magnitude was determined by the master-event method, allowing to compute the magnitude of completeness by the entire-magnitude-range method provided by the ZMAP toolbox. Additionally, the b-values were determined and compared to the reference values. An introduction to the method of "nanoseismic monitoring" will be given as well as the comparison to reference data in the Basel case study.

Structural and Depositional Evolution of the Stevenson Basin, a Gulf of Alaska Forearc Basin: Insights from Legacy Seismic and Borehole Data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bhattacharya, R.; Liberty, L. M.; Almeida, R. V.; Hubbard, J.

2016-12-01

We explore the structural and depositional evolution of the Stevenson Basin, Gulf of Alaska from a dense network of 2-D marine seismic profiles that span the Gulf of Alaska continental margin. The grid of 71 seismic profiles was acquired as part of a 1975 Mineral Management Services (MMS) exploration project to assess basin architecture along the Alaska continental shelf. We obtained unmigrated and stacked seismic profiles in TIFF format. We converted the data to SEGY format and migrated each profile. Within the Stevenson Basin, we identify key seismic horizons, including the regional Eocene-Miocene unconformity, that provide insights into its depositional and structural history. Using these observations combined with stacking velocities, sonic logs from wells, and refraction velocities from the Edge profile of Ye et al. (1997), we develop a local 3D velocity model that we use to depth-convert the seismic reflection profiles. By using ties to >2.5 km deep exploration wells, we note the Stevenson Basin is one of many Eocene and younger depocenters that span the forearc between Kodiak and Prince William Sound. Well logs and seismic data suggest basal strata consist of Eocene sediments than are unconformably overlain by Neogene and younger strata. Faults that breach the sea floor suggest active deformation within and at the bounds of this basin, including on new faults that do not follow any pre-existing structural trends. This assessment is consistent with slip models that place tsunamigenic faults that ruptured during the 1964 Great Alaska earthquake in the vicinity of the basin. The catalog of faults, their slip history and the depositional evolution of the Stevenson Basin, all suggest that the basin evolution may be controlled by heterogeneities along the incoming plate.

Excavatability Assessment of Weathered Sedimentary Rock Mass Using Seismic Velocity Method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bin Mohamad, Edy Tonnizam; Saad, Rosli; Noor, Muhazian Md; Isa, Mohamed Fauzi Bin Md.; Mazlan, Ain Naadia

2010-12-01

Seismic refraction method is one of the most popular methods in assessing surface excavation. The main objective of the seismic data acquisition is to delineate the subsurface into velocity profiles as different velocity can be correlated to identify different materials. The physical principal used for the determination of excavatability is that seismic waves travel faster through denser material as compared to less consolidated material. In general, a lower velocity indicates material that is soft and a higher velocity indicates more difficult to be excavated. However, a few researchers have noted that seismic velocity method alone does not correlate well with the excavatability of the material. In this study, a seismic velocity method was used in Nusajaya, Johor to assess the accuracy of this seismic velocity method with excavatability of the weathered sedimentary rock mass. A direct ripping run by monitoring the actual production of ripping has been employed at later stage and compared to the ripper manufacturer's recommendation. This paper presents the findings of the seismic velocity tests in weathered sedimentary area. The reliability of using this method with the actual rippability trials is also presented.

Greenland to gather more exploration data

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Not Available

1991-01-28

Danish authorities are taking steps to make more exploration data available on Greenland in advance of a possible West Greenland shelf licensing round in 1993. Seismic data acquisition and other studies continue toward more fully evaluating Greenland's oil and gas potential. Geological Survey of Greenland (GGU), Copenhagen, Denmark, is processing 2,041 line miles of reflection seismic data shot on the West Greenland shelf in August and September of 1990. Sixty-fold stacks and migrations will be obtained. Total field magnetic data were also recorded during the survey, known as project Syd Vest Seis. Early work is under way to kick offmore » the multicompany Kanumas seismic acquisition project, proposed in 1986, during 1991. Meanwhile, the Mineral Resources Administration for Greenland (MRA), Copenhagen, the Danish and Greenland governments aim to sweeten Greenland's exploration regulations prior to making areas available.« less

A stochastic approach for model reduction and memory function design in hydrogeophysical inversion

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hou, Z.; Kellogg, A.; Terry, N.

2009-12-01

Geophysical (e.g., seismic, electromagnetic, radar) techniques and statistical methods are essential for research related to subsurface characterization, including monitoring subsurface flow and transport processes, oil/gas reservoir identification, etc. For deep subsurface characterization such as reservoir petroleum exploration, seismic methods have been widely used. Recently, electromagnetic (EM) methods have drawn great attention in the area of reservoir characterization. However, considering the enormous computational demand corresponding to seismic and EM forward modeling, it is usually a big problem to have too many unknown parameters in the modeling domain. For shallow subsurface applications, the characterization can be very complicated considering the complexity and nonlinearity of flow and transport processes in the unsaturated zone. It is warranted to reduce the dimension of parameter space to a reasonable level. Another common concern is how to make the best use of time-lapse data with spatial-temporal correlations. This is even more critical when we try to monitor subsurface processes using geophysical data collected at different times. The normal practice is to get the inverse images individually. These images are not necessarily continuous or even reasonably related, because of the non-uniqueness of hydrogeophysical inversion. We propose to use a stochastic framework by integrating minimum-relative-entropy concept, quasi Monto Carlo sampling techniques, and statistical tests. The approach allows efficient and sufficient exploration of all possibilities of model parameters and evaluation of their significances to geophysical responses. The analyses enable us to reduce the parameter space significantly. The approach can be combined with Bayesian updating, allowing us to treat the updated ‘posterior’ pdf as a memory function, which stores all the information up to date about the distributions of soil/field attributes/properties, then consider the memory function as a new prior and generate samples from it for further updating when more geophysical data is available. We applied this approach for deep oil reservoir characterization and for shallow subsurface flow monitoring. The model reduction approach reliably helps reduce the joint seismic/EM/radar inversion computational time to reasonable levels. Continuous inversion images are obtained using time-lapse data with the “memory function” applied in the Bayesian inversion.

Vertical Cable Seismic Survey for SMS exploration

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Asakawa, Eiichi; Murakami, Fumitoshi; Tsukahara, Hotoshi; Mizohata, Shigeharu

2014-05-01

The Vertical Cable Seismic (VCS) survey is one of the reflection seismic methods. It uses hydrophone arrays vertically moored from the seafloor to record acoustic waves generated by sea-surface, deep-towed or ocean bottom sources. Analyzing the reflections from the sub-seabed, we could look into the subsurface structure. Because the VCS is an efficient high-resolution 3D seismic survey method for a spatially-bounded area, we proposed it for the SMS survey tool development program that the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) started in 2009. We have been developing the VCS survey system, including not only data acquisition hardware but data processing and analysis technique. We carried out several VCS surveys combining with surface towed source, deep towed source and ocean bottom source. The water depths of these surveys are from 100m up to 2100 m. Through these experiments, our VCS data acquisition system has been also completed. But the data processing techniques are still on the way. One of the most critical issues is the positioning in the water. The uncertainty in the positions of the source and of the hydrophones in water degraded the quality of subsurface image. GPS navigation system is available on sea surface, but in case of deep-towed source or ocean bottom source, the accuracy of shot position with SSBL/USBL is not sufficient for the very high-resolution imaging. We have developed a new approach to determine the positions in water using the travel time data from the source to VCS hydrophones. In 2013, we have carried out the second VCS survey using the surface-towed high-voltage sparker and ocean bottom source in the Izena Cauldron, which is one of the most promising SMS areas around Japan. The positions of ocean bottom source estimated by this method are consistent with the VCS field records. The VCS data with the sparker have been processed with 3D PSTM. It gives the very high resolution 3D volume deeper than two hundred meters. Our VCS system has been demonstrated as a promising survey tool for the SMS exploration.

Martian seismicity

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Phillips, Roger J.; Grimm, Robert E.

1991-01-01

The design and ultimate success of network seismology experiments on Mars depends on the present level of Martian seismicity. Volcanic and tectonic landforms observed from imaging experiments show that Mars must have been a seismically active planet in the past and there is no reason to discount the notion that Mars is seismically active today but at a lower level of activity. Models are explored for present day Mars seismicity. Depending on the sensitivity and geometry of a seismic network and the attenuation and scattering properties of the interior, it appears that a reasonable number of Martian seismic events would be detected over the period of a decade. The thermoelastic cooling mechanism as estimated is surely a lower bound, and a more refined estimate would take into account specifically the regional cooling of Tharsis and lead to a higher frequency of seismic events.

Innovative Exploration Techniques for Geothermal Assessment at Jemez Pueblo, New Mexico

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Albrecht, Michael

2015-06-28

Surface exploration methods like geological mapping, mineralogical analysis, hydrogeochemistry, magnetotelluric as well as seismic, have been used to analyze the study area and identify a location for a production size exploration well. After that location has been identified in a blind resource scenario, a 5,657 feet deep deviated production size exploration well has been drilled. The surface casing is 13 3/8 inch with open hole starting at 4,136 feet. The well has been designed to be deepened up to 8,000 feet if needed. The first 4,180 feet have been sufficiently analyzed and were considered only of direct use interest priormore » to drilling. That has been confirmed. The remaining depth couldn't be logged by the time the report has been submitted because the well had an obstruction at 4,180 feet. Currently the power production potential for the drilling location cannot be determined without additional work-over of the well. The seismic conducted prior to drilling was a 100% success, providing a clear image of the subsurface and allowing for geosteering to be fact based and on target. Once the obstruction has been removed, work can continue to determine the power generation potential at that location.« less

Sensing the earthquake

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bichisao, Marta; Stallone, Angela

2017-04-01

Making science visual plays a crucial role in the process of building knowledge. In this view, art can considerably facilitate the representation of the scientific content, by offering a different perspective on how a specific problem could be approached. Here we explore the possibility of presenting the earthquake process through visual dance. From a choreographer's point of view, the focus is always on the dynamic relationships between moving objects. The observed spatial patterns (coincidences, repetitions, double and rhythmic configurations) suggest how objects organize themselves in the environment and what are the principles underlying that organization. The identified set of rules is then implemented as a basis for the creation of a complex rhythmic and visual dance system. Recently, scientists have turned seismic waves into sound and animations, introducing the possibility of "feeling" the earthquakes. We try to implement these results into a choreographic model with the aim to convert earthquake sound to a visual dance system, which could return a transmedia representation of the earthquake process. In particular, we focus on a possible method to translate and transfer the metric language of seismic sound and animations into body language. The objective is to involve the audience into a multisensory exploration of the earthquake phenomenon, through the stimulation of the hearing, eyesight and perception of the movements (neuromotor system). In essence, the main goal of this work is to develop a method for a simultaneous visual and auditory representation of a seismic event by means of a structured choreographic model. This artistic representation could provide an original entryway into the physics of earthquakes.

Uncertainty analysis of depth predictions from seismic reflection data using Bayesian statistics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Michelioudakis, Dimitrios G.; Hobbs, Richard W.; Caiado, Camila C. S.

2018-03-01

Estimating the depths of target horizons from seismic reflection data is an important task in exploration geophysics. To constrain these depths we need a reliable and accurate velocity model. Here, we build an optimum 2D seismic reflection data processing flow focused on pre - stack deghosting filters and velocity model building and apply Bayesian methods, including Gaussian process emulation and Bayesian History Matching (BHM), to estimate the uncertainties of the depths of key horizons near the borehole DSDP-258 located in the Mentelle Basin, south west of Australia, and compare the results with the drilled core from that well. Following this strategy, the tie between the modelled and observed depths from DSDP-258 core was in accordance with the ± 2σ posterior credibility intervals and predictions for depths to key horizons were made for the two new drill sites, adjacent the existing borehole of the area. The probabilistic analysis allowed us to generate multiple realizations of pre-stack depth migrated images, these can be directly used to better constrain interpretation and identify potential risk at drill sites. The method will be applied to constrain the drilling targets for the upcoming International Ocean Discovery Program (IODP), leg 369.

Uncertainty analysis of depth predictions from seismic reflection data using Bayesian statistics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Michelioudakis, Dimitrios G.; Hobbs, Richard W.; Caiado, Camila C. S.

2018-06-01

Estimating the depths of target horizons from seismic reflection data is an important task in exploration geophysics. To constrain these depths we need a reliable and accurate velocity model. Here, we build an optimum 2-D seismic reflection data processing flow focused on pre-stack deghosting filters and velocity model building and apply Bayesian methods, including Gaussian process emulation and Bayesian History Matching, to estimate the uncertainties of the depths of key horizons near the Deep Sea Drilling Project (DSDP) borehole 258 (DSDP-258) located in the Mentelle Basin, southwest of Australia, and compare the results with the drilled core from that well. Following this strategy, the tie between the modelled and observed depths from DSDP-258 core was in accordance with the ±2σ posterior credibility intervals and predictions for depths to key horizons were made for the two new drill sites, adjacent to the existing borehole of the area. The probabilistic analysis allowed us to generate multiple realizations of pre-stack depth migrated images, these can be directly used to better constrain interpretation and identify potential risk at drill sites. The method will be applied to constrain the drilling targets for the upcoming International Ocean Discovery Program, leg 369.

Method of migrating seismic records

DOEpatents

Ober, Curtis C.; Romero, Louis A.; Ghiglia, Dennis C.

2000-01-01

The present invention provides a method of migrating seismic records that retains the information in the seismic records and allows migration with significant reductions in computing cost. The present invention comprises phase encoding seismic records and combining the encoded seismic records before migration. Phase encoding can minimize the effect of unwanted cross terms while still allowing significant reductions in the cost to migrate a number of seismic records.

GPS data exploration for seismologists and geodesists

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Webb, F.; Bock, Y.; Kedar, S.; Dong, D.; Jamason, P.; Chang, R.; Prawirodirdjo, L.; MacLeod, I.; Wadsworth, G.

2007-12-01

Over the past decade, GPS and seismic networks spanning the western US plate boundaries have produced vast amounts of data that need to be made accessible to both the geodesy and seismology communities. Unlike seismic data, raw geodetic data requires significant processing before geophysical interpretations can be made. This requires the generation of data-products (time series, velocities and strain maps) and dissemination strategies to bridge these differences and assure efficient use of data across traditionally separate communities. "GPS DATA PRODUCTS FOR SOLID EARTH SCIENCE" (GDPSES) is a multi-year NASA funded project, designed to produce and deliver high quality GPS time series, velocities, and strain fields, derived from multiple GPS networks along the western US plate boundary, and to make these products easily accessible to geophysicists. Our GPS product dissemination is through modern web-based IT methodology. Product browsing is facilitated through a web tool known as GPS Explorer and continuous streams of GPS time series are provided using web services to the seismic archive, where it can be accessed by seismologists using traditional seismic data viewing and manipulation tools. GPS-Explorer enables users to efficiently browse several layers of data products from raw data through time series, velocities and strain by providing the user with a web interface, which seamlessly interacts with a continuously updated database of these data products through the use of web-services. The current archive contains GDPSES data products beginning in 1995, and includes observations from GPS stations in EarthScope's Plate Boundary Observatory (PBO), as well as from real-time real-time CGPS stations. The generic, standards-based approach used in this project enables GDPSES to seamlessly expand indefinitely to include other space-time-dependent data products from additional GPS networks. The prototype GPS-Explorer provides users with a personalized working environment in which the user may zoom in and access subsets of the data via web services. It provides users with a variety of interactive web tools interconnected in a portlet environment to explore and save datasets of interest to return to at a later date. At the same time the GPS time series are also made available through the seismic data archive, where the GPS networks are treated as regular seismic networks, whose data is made available in data formats used by seismic utilities such as SEED readers and SAC. A key challenge, stemming from the fundamental differences between seismic and geodetic time series, is the representation of reprocessed of GPS data in the seismic archive. As GPS processing algorithms evolve and their accuracy increases, a periodic complete recreation of the the GPS time series archive is necessary.

Sub-basalt Imaging of Hydrocarbon-Bearing Mesozoic Sediments Using Ray-Trace Inversion of First-Arrival Seismic Data and Elastic Finite-Difference Full-Wave Modeling Along Sinor-Valod Profile of Deccan Syneclise, India

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Talukdar, Karabi; Behera, Laxmidhar

2018-03-01

Imaging below the basalt for hydrocarbon exploration is a global problem because of poor penetration and significant loss of seismic energy due to scattering, attenuation, absorption and mode-conversion when the seismic waves encounter a highly heterogeneous and rugose basalt layer. The conventional (short offset) seismic data acquisition, processing and modeling techniques adopted by the oil industry generally fails to image hydrocarbon-bearing sub-trappean Mesozoic sediments hidden below the basalt and is considered as a serious problem for hydrocarbon exploration in the world. To overcome this difficulty of sub-basalt imaging, we have generated dense synthetic seismic data with the help of elastic finite-difference full-wave modeling using staggered-grid scheme for the model derived from ray-trace inversion using sparse wide-angle seismic data acquired along Sinor-Valod profile in the Deccan Volcanic Province of India. The full-wave synthetic seismic data generated have been processed and imaged using conventional seismic data processing technique with Kirchhoff pre-stack time and depth migrations. The seismic image obtained correlates with all the structural features of the model obtained through ray-trace inversion of wide-angle seismic data, validating the effectiveness of robust elastic finite-difference full-wave modeling approach for imaging below thick basalts. Using the full-wave modeling also allows us to decipher small-scale heterogeneities imposed in the model as a measure of the rugose basalt interfaces, which could not be dealt with ray-trace inversion. Furthermore, we were able to accurately image thin low-velocity hydrocarbon-bearing Mesozoic sediments sandwiched between and hidden below two thick sequences of high-velocity basalt layers lying above the basement.

The Prospect of using Three-Dimensional Earth Models To Improve Nuclear Explosion Monitoring and Ground Motion Hazard Assessment

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Zucca, J J; Walter, W R; Rodgers, A J

2008-11-19

The last ten years have brought rapid growth in the development and use of three-dimensional (3D) seismic models of Earth structure at crustal, regional and global scales. In order to explore the potential for 3D seismic models to contribute to important societal applications, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) hosted a 'Workshop on Multi-Resolution 3D Earth Models to Predict Key Observables in Seismic Monitoring and Related Fields' on June 6 and 7, 2007 in Berkeley, California. The workshop brought together academic, government and industry leaders in the research programs developing 3D seismic models and methods for the nuclear explosion monitoring andmore » seismic ground motion hazard communities. The workshop was designed to assess the current state of work in 3D seismology and to discuss a path forward for determining if and how 3D Earth models and techniques can be used to achieve measurable increases in our capabilities for monitoring underground nuclear explosions and characterizing seismic ground motion hazards. This paper highlights some of the presentations, issues, and discussions at the workshop and proposes two specific paths by which to begin quantifying the potential contribution of progressively refined 3D seismic models in critical applied arenas. Seismic monitoring agencies are tasked with detection, location, and characterization of seismic activity in near real time. In the case of nuclear explosion monitoring or seismic hazard, decisions to further investigate a suspect event or to launch disaster relief efforts may rely heavily on real-time analysis and results. Because these are weighty decisions, monitoring agencies are regularly called upon to meticulously document and justify every aspect of their monitoring system. In order to meet this level of scrutiny and maintain operational robustness requirements, only mature technologies are considered for operational monitoring systems, and operational technology necessarily lags contemporary research. Current monitoring practice is to use relatively simple Earth models that generally afford analytical prediction of seismic observables (see Examples of Current Monitoring Practice below). Empirical relationships or corrections to predictions are often used to account for unmodeled phenomena, such as the generation of S-waves from explosions or the effect of 3-dimensional Earth structure on wave propagation. This approach produces fast and accurate predictions in areas where empirical observations are available. However, accuracy may diminish away from empirical data. Further, much of the physics is wrapped into an empirical relationship or correction, which limits the ability to fully understand the physical processes underlying the seismic observation. Every generation of seismology researchers works toward quantitative results, with leaders who are active at or near the forefront of what has been computationally possible. While recognizing that only a 3-dimensional model can capture the full physics of seismic wave generation and propagation in the Earth, computational seismology has, until recently, been limited to simplifying model parameterizations (e.g. 1D Earth models) that lead to efficient algorithms. What is different today is the fact that the largest and fastest machines are at last capable of evaluating the effects of generalized 3D Earth structure, at levels of detail that improve significantly over past efforts, with potentially wide application. Advances in numerical methods to compute travel times and complete seismograms for 3D models are enabling new ways to interpret available data. This includes algorithms such as the Fast Marching Method (Rawlison and Sambridge, 2004) for travel time calculations and full waveform methods such as the spectral element method (SEM; Komatitsch et al., 2002, Tromp et al., 2005), higher order Galerkin methods (Kaser and Dumbser, 2006; Dumbser and Kaser, 2006) and advances in more traditional Cartesian finite difference methods (e.g. Pitarka, 1999; Nilsson et al., 2007). The ability to compute seismic observables using a 3D model is only half of the challenge; models must be developed that accurately represent true Earth structure. Indeed, advances in seismic imaging have followed improvements in 3D computing capability (e.g. Tromp et al., 2005; Rawlinson and Urvoy, 2006). Advances in seismic imaging methods have been fueled in part by theoretical developments and the introduction of novel approaches for combining different seismological observables, both of which can increase the sensitivity of observations to Earth structure. Examples of such developments are finite-frequency sensitivity kernels for body-wave tomography (e.g. Marquering et al., 1998; Montelli et al., 2004) and joint inversion of receiver functions and surface wave group velocities (e.g. Julia et al., 2000).« less

Detection and analysis of a transient energy burst with beamforming of multiple teleseismic phases

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Retailleau, Lise; Landès, Matthieu; Gualtieri, Lucia; Shapiro, Nikolai M.; Campillo, Michel; Roux, Philippe; Guilbert, Jocelyn

2018-01-01

Seismological detection methods are traditionally based on picking techniques. These methods cannot be used to analyse emergent signals where the arrivals cannot be picked. Here, we detect and locate seismic events by applying a beamforming method that combines multiple body-wave phases to USArray data. This method explores the consistency and characteristic behaviour of teleseismic body waves that are recorded by a large-scale, still dense, seismic network. We perform time-slowness analysis of the signals and correlate this with the time-slowness equivalent of the different body-wave phases predicted by a global traveltime calculator, to determine the occurrence of an event with no a priori information about it. We apply this method continuously to one year of data to analyse the different events that generate signals reaching the USArray network. In particular, we analyse in detail a low-frequency secondary microseismic event that occurred on 2010 February 1. This event, that lasted 1 d, has a narrow frequency band around 0.1 Hz, and it occurred at a distance of 150° to the USArray network, South of Australia. We show that the most energetic phase observed is the PKPab phase. Direct amplitude analysis of regional seismograms confirms the occurrence of this event. We compare the seismic observations with models of the spectral density of the pressure field generated by the interferences between oceanic waves. We attribute the observed signals to a storm-generated microseismic event that occurred along the South East Indian Ridge.

Experimental study on the impact-induced seismic wave propagating through granular materials: Implications for a future asteroid mission

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yasui, M.; Matsumoto, E.; Arakawa, M.; Matsue, K.; Kobayashi, N.

2014-07-01

Introduction: A seismic wave survey is a direct method to investigate the sub-surface structures of solid bodies, so we measured and analyzed these seismic waves propagating through these interiors. Earthquake and Moonquake are the only two phenomena that have been observed to explore these interiors until now, while the future surveys on the other bodies, (solid planets and/or asteroids) are now planned. To complete a seismic wave survey during the mission period, an artificial method that activates the seismic wave is necessary and one candidate is a projectile collision on the target body. However, to utilize the artificial seismic wave generated on the target body, the relationship between the impact energy and the amplitude and the decay process of the seismic wave should be examined. If these relationships are clarified, we can estimate the required sensitivity of seismometers installed on the target body and the possible distance from the seismic origin measurable for the seismometer. Furthermore, if we can estimate the impact energy from the observed seismic wave, we expect to be able to estimate the impact flux of impactors that collided on the target body. McGarr et al. (1969) did impact experiments by using the lexan projectile and two targets, quartz sand and sand bonded by epoxy cement, at 0.8-7 km/s. They found a difference of seismic wave properties between the two targets, and calculated the conversion efficiency to discuss the capability of detection of seismic waves on the Moon. However, they did not examine the excitation and propagation properties of the seismic waves in detail. In this study, we carried out impact experiments in the laboratory to observe the seismic waves by accelerometers, and examined the effects of projectile properties on the excitation and propagation properties of the seismic waves. Experimental methods: We made impact experiments by using a one-stage gas gun at Kobe University. Projectiles were a polycarbonate cylinder with a diameter of 10 mm and a height of 10 mm, and stainless steel and alumina balls with a diameter of 3 mm. The stainless steel and alumina projectiles were accelerated with a sabot made of polyethylene. The impact velocity was from 20 to 100 m/s. The target was a non-cohesive glass bead with a mean particle diameter of 200 μ m prepared by putting the particles into a container with a diameter of 300 mm and a height of 100 mm, up to 80 mm depth. The target porosity was about 40%. A chamber that we set the target in was evacuated below 1000 Pa. Three accelerometers (response frequency < 10 kHz) were set on the target surface at different distances from the impact point. The observed seismic waves were recorded on a data logger (A/D conversion rate 100 kHz). Experimental results: First, we examined the propagation velocity of the seismic wave by using the traveling time from the impact point to the site of the accelerometer, then the impact velocity was obtained to be 105 ± 15 m/s. Next, we discovered that the maximum acceleration, g_max, had a good relationship to the normalized distance, x/R (x: distance from impact point, R: crater radius) and it was fitted by the following equation, g_max=268(x/R)^{-2.8}, irrespective of projectile types. These results mean that the seismic wave attenuates with a similar waveform scaled by the crater radius on the same target. The duration keeping the maximum acceleration was measured to have a half width of g_max peak on the waveform, and it was estimated to be ˜0.3 ms. This value is almost consistent with the penetration time of projectiles estimated by the model proposed by Niimi et al. (2011). McGarr et al. (1969) studied the momentum conversion efficiency from the projectile momentum to the target momentum transferred by the seismic wave and obtained it as the ratio of the momentum calculated by the particle motion, I, to the projectile momentum, I_p. In our study, the I/I_p was obtained to be 0.23-1.56. This range was almost consistent with that of McGarr et al. (1969), 0.39-1.62. We can conclude that I/I_p is independent of the impact velocity. Implications for planetary exploration: According to the previous results, we can discuss the sensitivity of the seismometer to detect the seismic wave induced by an artificial impactor on asteroids. We calculated the maximum acceleration on asteroids with two different sizes, such as the sizes of Eros and 1999JU3, by assuming that the projectile made of copper with a mass of 2 kg impacted at 2 km/s. In this calculation, we used the crater scaling law and the attenuation equation of g_max obtained in our study. As a result, the seismometer could detect the seismic wave only around the crater cavity on an Eros-sized asteroid while it could detect the wave globally on a 1999JU3-sized asteroid.

An Application of Cartesian Graphing to Seismic Exploration.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Robertson, Douglas Frederick

1992-01-01

Describes how college students enrolled in a course in elementary algebra apply graphing and algebra to data collected from a seismic profile to uncover the structure of a subterranean rock formation. Includes steps guiding the activity. (MDH)

Development of battering ram vibrator system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sun, F.; Chen, Z.; Lin, J.; Tong, X.

2012-12-01

This paper researched the battering ram vibrator system, by electric machinery we can control oil system of battering ram, we realized exact control of battering ram, after analyzed pseudorandom coding, code "0" and "1" correspond to rest and shake of battering ram, then we can get pseudorandom coding which is the same with battering ram vibrator. After testing , by the reference trace and single shot record, when we using pseudorandom coding mode, the ratio of seismic wavelet to correlation interfere is about 68 dB, while the general mode , the ratio of seismic wavelet to correlation interfere only is 27.9dB, by battering ram vibrator system, we can debase the correlation interfere which come from the single shaking frequency of battering ram, this system advanced the signal-to-noise ratio of seismic data, which can give direction of the application of battering ram vibrator in metal mine exploration and high resolving seismic exploration.

Terahertz reflection imaging using Kirchhoff migration.

PubMed

Dorney, T D; Johnson, J L; Van Rudd, J; Baraniuk, R G; Symes, W W; Mittleman, D M

2001-10-01

We describe a new imaging method that uses single-cycle pulses of terahertz (THz) radiation. This technique emulates data-collection and image-processing procedures developed for geophysical prospecting and is made possible by the availability of fiber-coupled THz receiver antennas. We use a simple migration procedure to solve the inverse problem; this permits us to reconstruct the location and shape of targets. These results demonstrate the feasibility of the THz system as a test-bed for the exploration of new seismic processing methods involving complex model systems.

Correlation of field seismic refraction data with 3-D laboratory ultrasonic sounding data during exploration of a dimension stone deposit

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Přikryl, Richard; Vilhelm, Jan; Lokajíček, Tomáš; Pros, Zdeněk; Klíma, Karel

2004-05-01

Multidirectional field seismic refraction data have been combined with 3-D laboratory ultrasonic sounding data in a preliminary exploration of a new dimension stone deposit in the Czech Republic. Rock fabric was interpreted from a detailed laboratory analysis of a 3-D P-wave velocity pattern and can be classified as pronounced orthorhombic due to a complex tectonometamorphic history of the rock. The P-wave velocity pattern recorded from laboratory measurements can be satisfactorily correlated with the anisotropy of P-wave velocity data acquired from field seismic refraction data. Rock fabric anisotropy also contributes to the observed anisotropy of strength and static deformational properties.

A probabilistic approach for the estimation of earthquake source parameters from spectral inversion

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Supino, M.; Festa, G.; Zollo, A.

2017-12-01

The amplitude spectrum of a seismic signal related to an earthquake source carries information about the size of the rupture, moment, stress and energy release. Furthermore, it can be used to characterize the Green's function of the medium crossed by the seismic waves. We describe the earthquake amplitude spectrum assuming a generalized Brune's (1970) source model, and direct P- and S-waves propagating in a layered velocity model, characterized by a frequency-independent Q attenuation factor. The observed displacement spectrum depends indeed on three source parameters, the seismic moment (through the low-frequency spectral level), the corner frequency (that is a proxy of the fault length) and the high-frequency decay parameter. These parameters are strongly correlated each other and with the quality factor Q; a rigorous estimation of the associated uncertainties and parameter resolution is thus needed to obtain reliable estimations.In this work, the uncertainties are characterized adopting a probabilistic approach for the parameter estimation. Assuming an L2-norm based misfit function, we perform a global exploration of the parameter space to find the absolute minimum of the cost function and then we explore the cost-function associated joint a-posteriori probability density function around such a minimum, to extract the correlation matrix of the parameters. The global exploration relies on building a Markov chain in the parameter space and on combining a deterministic minimization with a random exploration of the space (basin-hopping technique). The joint pdf is built from the misfit function using the maximum likelihood principle and assuming a Gaussian-like distribution of the parameters. It is then computed on a grid centered at the global minimum of the cost-function. The numerical integration of the pdf finally provides mean, variance and correlation matrix associated with the set of best-fit parameters describing the model. Synthetic tests are performed to investigate the robustness of the method and uncertainty propagation from the data-space to the parameter space. Finally, the method is applied to characterize the source parameters of the earthquakes occurring during the 2016-2017 Central Italy sequence, with the goal of investigating the source parameter scaling with magnitude.

Constraining the crustal root geometry beneath Northern Morocco

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Díaz, J.; Gil, A.; Carbonell, R.; Gallart, J.; Harnafi, M.

2016-10-01

Consistent constraints of an over-thickened crust beneath the Rif Cordillera (N. Morocco) are inferred from analyses of recently acquired seismic datasets including controlled source wide-angle reflections and receiver functions from teleseismic events. Offline arrivals of Moho-reflected phases recorded in RIFSIS project provide estimations of the crustal thicknesses in 3D. Additional constraints on the onshore-offshore transition are inferred from shots in a coeval experiment in the Alboran Sea recorded at land stations in northern Morocco. A regional crustal thickness map is computed from all these results. In parallel, we use natural seismicity data collected throughout TopoIberia and PICASSO experiments, and from a new RIFSIS deployment, to obtain receiver functions and explore the crustal thickness variations with a H-κ grid-search approach. This larger dataset provides better resolution constraints and reveals a number of abrupt crustal changes. A gridded surface is built up by interpolating the Moho depths inferred for each seismic station, then compared with the map from controlled source experiments. A remarkably consistent image is observed in both maps, derived from completely independent data and methods. Both approaches document a large crustal root, exceeding 50 km depth in the central part of the Rif, in contrast with the rather small topographic elevations. This large crustal thickness, consistent with the available Bouguer anomaly data, favors models proposing that the high velocity slab imaged by seismic tomography beneath the Alboran Sea is still attached to the lithosphere beneath the Rif, hence pulling down the lithosphere and thickening the crust. The thickened area corresponds to a quiet seismic zone located between the western Morocco arcuate seismic zone, the deep seismicity area beneath western Alboran Sea and the superficial seismicity in Alhoceima area. Therefore, the presence of a crustal root seems to play also a major role in the seismicity distribution in northern Morocco.

Cusiana trend exploration, Llanos foothills, Colombia - The opening of a new hydrocarbon province

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Hayward, A.B.; Addison, F.T.; O`Leary, J.

1996-08-01

The discovery of the Cusiana field in 1992 followed 30 years of exploration in the Llanos fold and thrust belt of Colombia. Early exploration activity focused on large surface anticlines that were all fresh water flushed - a consequence of along strike exposure of the reservoir rocks. The potential for deeper, subthrust, trapping geometries was recognized in the early 1970s however, exploration at the time was hindered by very poor quality seismic data and significant drilling difficulties. The 1980s exploration effort was characterized by continued poor quality seismic data and drilling difficulties combined with a geological perception that there wasmore » no effective reservoir and the majority of the structures post dated the major period of hydrocarbon generation and migration. The Cusiana discovery with a gross hydrocarbon column in excess of 1500{prime} reservoired within the Mirador (Eocene), Barco (Palaeocene) and Guadalupe (Upper Cretaceous) Formations in a large thrust anticline demonstrated the presence of a working hydrocarbon system. Subsequent exploration of the trend to the north has resulted in the discovery of four further giant oil and gas fields, Cupiagua (500 MMBBLs, 1-2 tcf) and the Florena/Pauto/Volcanera complex with estimated reserves of 1 billion barrels and 10 tcf. Key to this success has been the seismic imaging of the trapping geometries resulting from a significant improvement in the quality of the seismic data - a consequence of improvements in both acquisition and processing technology, combined with a recognition that pure quartz arenites retain reservoir quality at significant depths of burial-and that despite original depths of burial of greater than 18,000 ft, reservoir quality was not a major risk for further exploration success.« less

3D first-arrival traveltime tomography with modified total variation regularization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jiang, Wenbin; Zhang, Jie

2018-02-01

Three-dimensional (3D) seismic surveys have become a major tool in the exploration and exploitation of hydrocarbons. 3D seismic first-arrival traveltime tomography is a robust method for near-surface velocity estimation. A common approach for stabilizing the ill-posed inverse problem is to apply Tikhonov regularization to the inversion. However, the Tikhonov regularization method recovers smooth local structures while blurring the sharp features in the model solution. We present a 3D first-arrival traveltime tomography method with modified total variation (MTV) regularization to preserve sharp velocity contrasts and improve the accuracy of velocity inversion. To solve the minimization problem of the new traveltime tomography method, we decouple the original optimization problem into two following subproblems: a standard traveltime tomography problem with the traditional Tikhonov regularization and a L2 total variation problem. We apply the conjugate gradient method and split-Bregman iterative method to solve these two subproblems, respectively. Our synthetic examples show that the new method produces higher resolution models than the conventional traveltime tomography with Tikhonov regularization. We apply the technique to field data. The stacking section shows significant improvements with static corrections from the MTV traveltime tomography.

Seismic clusters analysis in Northeastern Italy by the nearest-neighbor approach

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Peresan, Antonella; Gentili, Stefania

2018-01-01

The main features of earthquake clusters in Northeastern Italy are explored, with the aim to get new insights on local scale patterns of seismicity in the area. The study is based on a systematic analysis of robustly and uniformly detected seismic clusters, which are identified by a statistical method, based on nearest-neighbor distances of events in the space-time-energy domain. The method permits us to highlight and investigate the internal structure of earthquake sequences, and to differentiate the spatial properties of seismicity according to the different topological features of the clusters structure. To analyze seismicity of Northeastern Italy, we use information from local OGS bulletins, compiled at the National Institute of Oceanography and Experimental Geophysics since 1977. A preliminary reappraisal of the earthquake bulletins is carried out and the area of sufficient completeness is outlined. Various techniques are considered to estimate the scaling parameters that characterize earthquakes occurrence in the region, namely the b-value and the fractal dimension of epicenters distribution, required for the application of the nearest-neighbor technique. Specifically, average robust estimates of the parameters of the Unified Scaling Law for Earthquakes, USLE, are assessed for the whole outlined region and are used to compute the nearest-neighbor distances. Clusters identification by the nearest-neighbor method turn out quite reliable and robust with respect to the minimum magnitude cutoff of the input catalog; the identified clusters are well consistent with those obtained from manual aftershocks identification of selected sequences. We demonstrate that the earthquake clusters have distinct preferred geographic locations, and we identify two areas that differ substantially in the examined clustering properties. Specifically, burst-like sequences are associated with the north-western part and swarm-like sequences with the south-eastern part of the study region. The territorial heterogeneity of earthquakes clustering is in good agreement with spatial variability of scaling parameters identified by the USLE. In particular, the fractal dimension is higher to the west (about 1.2-1.4), suggesting a spatially more distributed seismicity, compared to the eastern parte of the investigated territory, where fractal dimension is very low (about 0.8-1.0).

Toward seismic source imaging using seismo-ionospheric data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rolland, L.; Larmat, C. S.; Mikesell, D.; Sladen, A.; Khelfi, K.; Astafyeva, E.; Lognonne, P. H.

2014-12-01

The worldwide coverage offered by global navigation space systems (GNSS) such as GPS, GLONASS or Galileo allows seismological measurements of a new kind. GNSS-derived total electron content (TEC) measurements can be especially useful to image seismically active zones that are not covered by conventional instruments. For instance, it has been shown that the Japanese dense GPS network GEONET was able to record images of the ionosphere response to the initial coseismic sea-surface motion induced by the great Mw 9.0 2011 Tohoku-Oki earthquake less than 10 minutes after the rupture initiation (Astafyeva et al., 2013). But earthquakes of lower magnitude, down to about 6.5 would also induce measurable ionospheric perturbations, when GNSS stations are located less than 250 km away from the epicenter. In order to make use of these new data, ionospheric seismology needs to develop accurate forward models so that we can invert for quantitative seismic sources parameters. We will present our current understanding of the coupling mechanisms between the solid Earth, the ocean, the atmosphere and the ionosphere. We will also present the state-of-the-art in the modeling of coseismic ionospheric disturbances using acoustic ray theory and a new 3D modeling method based on the Spectral Element Method (SEM). This latter numerical tool will allow us to incorporate lateral variations in the solid Earth properties, the bathymetry and the atmosphere as well as realistic seismic source parameters. Furthermore, seismo-acoustic waves propagate in the atmosphere at a much slower speed (from 0.3 to ~1 km/s) than seismic waves propagate in the solid Earth. We are exploring the application of back-projection and time-reversal methods to TEC observations in order to retrieve the time and space characteristics of the acoustic emission in the seismic source area. We will first show modeling and inversion results with synthetic data. Finally, we will illustrate the imaging capability of our approach with, among other possible examples, the 2011 Mw 9.0 Tohoku-Oki earthquake, Japan, the 2012 Mw 7.8 Haida Gwaii earthquake, Canada and the 2011 Mw 7.1 Van earthquake, Eastern Turkey.

Illuminating Asset Value through New Seismic Technology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Brandsberg-Dahl, S.

2007-05-01

The ability to reduce risk and uncertainty across the full life cycle of an asset is directly correlated to creating an accurate subsurface image that enhances our understanding of the geology. This presentation focuses on this objective in areas of complex overburden in deepwater. Marine 3D seismic surveys have been acquired in essentially the same way for the past decade. This configuration of towed streamer acquisition, where the boat acquires data in one azimuth has been very effective in imaging areas in fairly benign geologic settings. As the industry has moved into more complicated geologic settings these surveys no longer meet the imaging objectives for risk reduction in exploration through production. In shallow water, we have seen increasing use of ocean bottom cables to meet this challenge. For deepwater, new breakthroughs in technology were required. This will be highlighted through examples of imaging below large salt bodies in the deep water Gulf of Mexico. GoM - Mad Dog: The Mad Dog field is located approximately 140 miles south of the Louisiana coastline in the southern Green Canyon area in water depths between 4100 feet to 6000 feet. The complex salt canopy overlying a large portion of the field results in generally poor seismic data quality. Advanced processing techniques improved the image, but gaps still remained even after several years of effort. We concluded that wide azimuth acquisition was required to illuminate the field in a new way. Results from the Wide Azimuth Towed Streamer (WATS) survey deployed at Mad Dog demonstrated the anticipated improvement in the subsalt image. GoM - Atlantis Field: An alternative approach to wide azimuth acquisition, ocean bottom seismic (OBS) node technology, was developed and tested. In 2001 deepwater practical experience was limited to a few nodes owned by academic institutions and there were no commercial solutions either available or in development. BP embarked on a program of sea trials designed to both evaluate technologies and subsequently encourage vendor activity to develop and deploy a commercial system. The 3D seismic method exploded into general usage in the 1990's. Our industry delivered 3D cheaper and faster, improving quality through improved acquisition specifications and new processing technology. The need to mitigate business risks in highly material subsalt plays led BP to explore the technical limits of the seismic method, testing novel acquisition techniques to improve illumination and signal to noise ratio. These were successful and are applicable to analogue seismic quality problems globally providing breakthroughs in illuminating previously hidden geology and hydrocarbon reservoirs. A focused business challenge, smart risk taking, investment in people and computing capability, partnerships, and rapid implementation are key themes that will be touched on through out the talk.

Predicting the Maximum Earthquake Magnitude from Seismic Data in Israel and Its Neighboring Countries.

PubMed

Last, Mark; Rabinowitz, Nitzan; Leonard, Gideon

2016-01-01

This paper explores several data mining and time series analysis methods for predicting the magnitude of the largest seismic event in the next year based on the previously recorded seismic events in the same region. The methods are evaluated on a catalog of 9,042 earthquake events, which took place between 01/01/1983 and 31/12/2010 in the area of Israel and its neighboring countries. The data was obtained from the Geophysical Institute of Israel. Each earthquake record in the catalog is associated with one of 33 seismic regions. The data was cleaned by removing foreshocks and aftershocks. In our study, we have focused on ten most active regions, which account for more than 80% of the total number of earthquakes in the area. The goal is to predict whether the maximum earthquake magnitude in the following year will exceed the median of maximum yearly magnitudes in the same region. Since the analyzed catalog includes only 28 years of complete data, the last five annual records of each region (referring to the years 2006-2010) are kept for testing while using the previous annual records for training. The predictive features are based on the Gutenberg-Richter Ratio as well as on some new seismic indicators based on the moving averages of the number of earthquakes in each area. The new predictive features prove to be much more useful than the indicators traditionally used in the earthquake prediction literature. The most accurate result (AUC = 0.698) is reached by the Multi-Objective Info-Fuzzy Network (M-IFN) algorithm, which takes into account the association between two target variables: the number of earthquakes and the maximum earthquake magnitude during the same year.

Predicting the Maximum Earthquake Magnitude from Seismic Data in Israel and Its Neighboring Countries

PubMed Central

2016-01-01

This paper explores several data mining and time series analysis methods for predicting the magnitude of the largest seismic event in the next year based on the previously recorded seismic events in the same region. The methods are evaluated on a catalog of 9,042 earthquake events, which took place between 01/01/1983 and 31/12/2010 in the area of Israel and its neighboring countries. The data was obtained from the Geophysical Institute of Israel. Each earthquake record in the catalog is associated with one of 33 seismic regions. The data was cleaned by removing foreshocks and aftershocks. In our study, we have focused on ten most active regions, which account for more than 80% of the total number of earthquakes in the area. The goal is to predict whether the maximum earthquake magnitude in the following year will exceed the median of maximum yearly magnitudes in the same region. Since the analyzed catalog includes only 28 years of complete data, the last five annual records of each region (referring to the years 2006–2010) are kept for testing while using the previous annual records for training. The predictive features are based on the Gutenberg-Richter Ratio as well as on some new seismic indicators based on the moving averages of the number of earthquakes in each area. The new predictive features prove to be much more useful than the indicators traditionally used in the earthquake prediction literature. The most accurate result (AUC = 0.698) is reached by the Multi-Objective Info-Fuzzy Network (M-IFN) algorithm, which takes into account the association between two target variables: the number of earthquakes and the maximum earthquake magnitude during the same year. PMID:26812351

Comprehensive analysis of earthquake source spectra and swarms in the Salton Trough, California

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, X.; Shearer, P. M.

2011-09-01

We study earthquakes within California's Salton Trough from 1981 to 2009 from a precisely relocated catalog. We process the seismic waveforms to isolate source spectra, station spectra and travel-time dependent spectra. The results suggest an average P wave Q of 340, agreeing with previous results indicating relatively high attenuation in the Salton Trough. Stress drops estimated from the source spectra using an empirical Green's function (EGF) method reveal large scatter among individual events but a low median stress drop of 0.56 MPa for the region. The distribution of stress drop after applying a spatial-median filter indicates lower stress drops near geothermal sites. We explore the relationships between seismicity, stress drops and geothermal injection activities. Seismicity within the Salton Trough shows strong spatial clustering, with 20 distinct earthquake swarms with at least 50 events. They can be separated into early-Mmax and late-Mmax groups based on the normalized occurrence time of their largest event. These swarms generally have a low skew value of moment release history, ranging from -9 to 3.0. The major temporal difference between the two groups is the excess of seismicity and an inverse power law increase of seismicity before the largest event for the late-Mmax group. All swarms exhibit spatial migration of seismicity at a statistical significance greater than 85%. A weighted L1-norm inversion of linear migration parameters yields migration velocities from 0.008 to 0.8 km/hour. To explore the influence of fluid injection in geothermal sites, we also model the migration behavior with the diffusion equation, and obtain a hydraulic diffusion coefficient of approximately 0.25 m2/s for the Salton Sea geothermal site, which is within the range of expected values for a typical geothermal reservoir. The swarms with migration velocities over 0.1 km/hour cannot be explained by the diffusion curve, rather, their velocity is consistent with the propagation velocity of creep and slow slip events. These variations in migration behavior allow us to distinguish among different driving processes.

High-resolution lithospheric imaging with seismic interferometry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ruigrok, Elmer; Campman, Xander; Draganov, Deyan; Wapenaar, Kees

2010-10-01

In recent years, there has been an increase in the deployment of relatively dense arrays of seismic stations. The availability of spatially densely sampled global and regional seismic data has stimulated the adoption of industry-style imaging algorithms applied to converted- and scattered-wave energy from distant earthquakes, leading to relatively high-resolution images of the lower crust and upper mantle. We use seismic interferometry to extract reflection responses from the coda of transmitted energy from distant earthquakes. In theory, higher-resolution images can be obtained when migrating reflections obtained with seismic interferometry rather than with conversions, traditionally used in lithospheric imaging methods. Moreover, reflection data allow the straightforward application of algorithms previously developed in exploration seismology. In particular, the availability of reflection data allows us to extract from it a velocity model using standard multichannel data-processing methods. However, the success of our approach relies mainly on a favourable distribution of earthquakes. In this paper, we investigate how the quality of the reflection response obtained with interferometry is influenced by the distribution of earthquakes and the complexity of the transmitted wavefields. Our analysis shows that a reasonable reflection response could be extracted if (1) the array is approximately aligned with an active zone of earthquakes, (2) different phase responses are used to gather adequate angular illumination of the array and (3) the illumination directions are properly accounted for during processing. We illustrate our analysis using a synthetic data set with similar illumination and source-side reverberation characteristics as field data recorded during the 2000-2001 Laramie broad-band experiment. Finally, we apply our method to the Laramie data, retrieving reflection data. We extract a 2-D velocity model from the reflections and use this model to migrate the data. On the final reflectivity image, we observe a discontinuity in the reflections. We interpret this discontinuity as the Cheyenne Belt, a suture zone between Archean and Proterozoic terranes.

Dixie Valley Engineered Geothermal System Exploration Methodology Project, Baseline Conceptual Model Report

DOE Data Explorer

Iovenitti, Joe

2014-01-02

The Engineered Geothermal System (EGS) Exploration Methodology Project is developing an exploration approach for EGS through the integration of geoscientific data. The overall project area is 2500km2 with the Calibration Area (Dixie Valley Geothermal Wellfield) being about 170km2. The Final Scientific Report (FSR) is submitted in two parts (I and II). FSR part I presents (1) an assessment of the readily available public domain data and some proprietary data provided by terra-gen power, llc, (2) a re-interpretation of these data as required, (3) an exploratory geostatistical data analysis, (4) the baseline geothermal conceptual model, and (5) the EGS favorability/trust mapping. The conceptual model presented applies to both the hydrothermal system and EGS in the Dixie Valley region. FSR Part II presents (1) 278 new gravity stations; (2) enhanced gravity-magnetic modeling; (3) 42 new ambient seismic noise survey stations; (4) an integration of the new seismic noise data with a regional seismic network; (5) a new methodology and approach to interpret this data; (5) a novel method to predict rock type and temperature based on the newly interpreted data; (6) 70 new magnetotelluric (MT) stations; (7) an integrated interpretation of the enhanced MT data set; (8) the results of a 308 station soil CO2 gas survey; (9) new conductive thermal modeling in the project area; (10) new convective modeling in the Calibration Area; (11) pseudo-convective modeling in the Calibration Area; (12) enhanced data implications and qualitative geoscience correlations at three scales (a) Regional, (b) Project, and (c) Calibration Area; (13) quantitative geostatistical exploratory data analysis; and (14) responses to nine questions posed in the proposal for this investigation. Enhanced favorability/trust maps were not generated because there was not a sufficient amount of new, fully-vetted (see below) rock type, temperature, and stress data. The enhanced seismic data did generate a new method to infer rock type and temperature (However, in the opinion of the Principal Investigator for this project, this new methodology needs to be tested and evaluated at other sites in the Basin and Range before it is used to generate the referenced maps. As in the baseline conceptual model, the enhanced findings can be applied to both the hydrothermal system and EGS in the Dixie Valley region).

Application of Seismic Array Processing to Tsunami Early Warning

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

An, C.; Meng, L.

2015-12-01

Tsunami wave predictions of the current tsunami warning systems rely on accurate earthquake source inversions of wave height data. They are of limited effectiveness for the near-field areas since the tsunami waves arrive before data are collected. Recent seismic and tsunami disasters have revealed the need for early warning to protect near-source coastal populations. In this work we developed the basis for a tsunami warning system based on rapid earthquake source characterisation through regional seismic array back-projections. We explored rapid earthquake source imaging using onshore dense seismic arrays located at regional distances on the order of 1000 km, which provides faster source images than conventional teleseismic back-projections. We implement this method in a simulated real-time environment, and analysed the 2011 Tohoku earthquake rupture with two clusters of Hi-net stations in Kyushu and Northern Hokkaido, and the 2014 Iquique event with the Earthscope USArray Transportable Array. The results yield reasonable estimates of rupture area, which is approximated by an ellipse and leads to the construction of simple slip models based on empirical scaling of the rupture area, seismic moment and average slip. The slip model is then used as the input of the tsunami simulation package COMCOT to predict the tsunami waves. In the example of the Tohoku event, the earthquake source model can be acquired within 6 minutes from the start of rupture and the simulation of tsunami waves takes less than 2 min, which could facilitate a timely tsunami warning. The predicted arrival time and wave amplitude reasonably fit observations. Based on this method, we propose to develop an automatic warning mechanism that provides rapid near-field warning for areas of high tsunami risk. The initial focus will be Japan, Pacific Northwest and Alaska, where dense seismic networks with the capability of real-time data telemetry and open data accessibility, such as the Japanese HiNet (>800 instruments) and the Earthscope USArray Transportable Array (~400 instruments), are established.

Deep seismic sounding in northern Eurasia

USGS Publications Warehouse

Benz, H.M.; Unger, J.D.; Leith, W.S.; Mooney, W.D.; Solodilov, L.; Egorkin, A.V.; Ryaboy, V.Z.

1992-01-01

For nearly 40 years, the former Soviet Union has carried out an extensive program of seismic studies of the Earth's crust and upper mantle, known as “Deep Seismic Sounding” or DSS [Piwinskii, 1979; Zverev and Kosminskaya, 1980; Egorkin and Pavlenkova, 1981; Egorkin and Chernyshov, 1983; Scheimer and Borg, 1985]. Beginning in 1939–1940 with a series of small-scale seismic experiments near Moscow, DSS profiling has broadened into a national multiinstitutional exploration effort that has completed almost 150,000 km of profiles covering all major geological provinces of northern Eurasia [Ryaboy, 1989].

Analysis of the seismicity preceding large earthquakes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stallone, Angela; Marzocchi, Warner

2017-04-01

The most common earthquake forecasting models assume that the magnitude of the next earthquake is independent from the past. This feature is probably one of the most severe limitations of the capability to forecast large earthquakes. In this work, we investigate empirically on this specific aspect, exploring whether variations in seismicity in the space-time-magnitude domain encode some information on the size of the future earthquakes. For this purpose, and to verify the stability of the findings, we consider seismic catalogs covering quite different space-time-magnitude windows, such as the Alto Tiberina Near Fault Observatory (TABOO) catalogue, the California and Japanese seismic catalog. Our method is inspired by the statistical methodology proposed by Baiesi & Paczuski (2004) and elaborated by Zaliapin et al. (2008) to distinguish between triggered and background earthquakes, based on a pairwise nearest-neighbor metric defined by properly rescaled temporal and spatial distances. We generalize the method to a metric based on the k-nearest-neighbors that allows us to consider the overall space-time-magnitude distribution of k-earthquakes, which are the strongly correlated ancestors of a target event. Finally, we analyze the statistical properties of the clusters composed by the target event and its k-nearest-neighbors. In essence, the main goal of this study is to verify if different classes of target event magnitudes are characterized by distinctive "k-foreshocks" distributions. The final step is to show how the findings of this work may (or not) improve the skill of existing earthquake forecasting models.

Seismic signal time-frequency analysis based on multi-directional window using greedy strategy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Yingpin; Peng, Zhenming; Cheng, Zhuyuan; Tian, Lin

2017-08-01

Wigner-Ville distribution (WVD) is an important time-frequency analysis technology with a high energy distribution in seismic signal processing. However, it is interfered by many cross terms. To suppress the cross terms of the WVD and keep the concentration of its high energy distribution, an adaptive multi-directional filtering window in the ambiguity domain is proposed. This begins with the relationship of the Cohen distribution and the Gabor transform combining the greedy strategy and the rotational invariance property of the fractional Fourier transform in order to propose the multi-directional window, which extends the one-dimensional, one directional, optimal window function of the optimal fractional Gabor transform (OFrGT) to a two-dimensional, multi-directional window in the ambiguity domain. In this way, the multi-directional window matches the main auto terms of the WVD more precisely. Using the greedy strategy, the proposed window takes into account the optimal and other suboptimal directions, which also solves the problem of the OFrGT, called the local concentration phenomenon, when encountering a multi-component signal. Experiments on different types of both the signal models and the real seismic signals reveal that the proposed window can overcome the drawbacks of the WVD and the OFrGT mentioned above. Finally, the proposed method is applied to a seismic signal's spectral decomposition. The results show that the proposed method can explore the space distribution of a reservoir more precisely.

Nonlinear Classification of AVO Attributes Using SVM

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhao, B.; Zhou, H.

2005-05-01

A key research topic in reservoir characterization is the detection of the presence of fluids using seismic and well-log data. In particular, partial gas discrimination is very challenging because low and high gas saturation can result in similar anomalies in terms of Amplitude Variation with Offset (AVO), bright spot, and velocity sag. Hence, a successful fluid detection will require a good understanding of the seismic signatures of the fluids, high-quality data, and good detection methodology. Traditional attempts of partial gas discrimination employ the Neural Network algorithm. A new approach is to use the Support Vector Machine (SVM) (Vapnik, 1995; Liu and Sacchi, 2003). While the potential of the SVM has not been fully explored for reservoir fluid detection, the current nonlinear methods classify seismic attributes without the use of rock physics constraints. The objective of this study is to improve the capability of distinguishing a fizz-water reservoir from a commercial gas reservoir by developing a new detection method using AVO attributes and rock physics constraints. This study will first test the SVM classification with synthetic data, and then apply the algorithm to field data from the King-Kong and Lisa-Anne fields in Gulf of Mexico. While both field areas have high amplitude seismic anomalies, King-Kong field produces commercial gas but Lisa-Anne field does not. We expect that the new SVM-based nonlinear classification of AVO attributes may be able to separate commercial gas from fizz-water in these two fields.

Exploring the Dynamics of the August 2010 Mount Meager Rock Slide-Debris Flow Jointly with Seismic Source Inversion and Numerical Landslide Modeling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Allstadt, K.; Moretti, L.; Mangeney, A.; Stutzmann, E.; Capdeville, Y.

2014-12-01

The time series of forces exerted on the earth by a large and rapid landslide derived remotely from the inversion of seismic records can be used to tie post-slide evidence to what actually occurred during the event and can be used to tune numerical models and test theoretical methods. This strategy is applied to the 48.5 Mm3 August 2010 Mount Meager rockslide-debris flow in British Columbia, Canada. By inverting data from just five broadband seismic stations less than 300 km from the source, we reconstruct the time series of forces that the landslide exerted on the Earth as it occurred. The result illuminates a complex retrogressive initiation sequence and features attributable to flow over a complicated path including several curves and runup against a valley wall. The seismically derived force history also allows for the estimation of the horizontal acceleration (0.39 m/s^2) and average apparent coefficient of basal friction (0.38) of the rockslide, and the speed of the center of mass of the debris flow (peak of 92 m/s). To extend beyond these simple calculations and to test the interpretation, we also use the seismically derived force history to guide numerical modeling of the event - seeking to simulate the landslide in a way that best fits both the seismic and field constraints. This allows for a finer reconstruction of the volume, timing, and sequence of events, estimates of friction, and spatiotemporal variations in speed and flow thickness. The modeling allowed us to analyze the sensitivity of the force to the different parameters involved in the landslide modeling to better understand what can and cannot be constrained from seismic source inversions of landslide signals.

Subsurface attenuation estimation using a novel hybrid method based on FWE function and power spectrum

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Jingnan; Wang, Shangxu; Yang, Dengfeng; Tang, Genyang; Chen, Yangkang

2018-02-01

Seismic waves propagating in the subsurface suffer from attenuation, which can be represented by the quality factor Q. Knowledge of Q plays a vital role in hydrocarbon exploration. Many methods to measure Q have been proposed, among which the central frequency shift (CFS) and the peak frequency shift (PFS) are commonly used. However, both methods are under the assumption of a particular shape for amplitude spectra, which will cause systematic error in Q estimation. Recently a new method to estimate Q has been proposed to overcome this disadvantage by using frequency weighted exponential (FWE) function to fit amplitude spectra of different shapes. In the FWE method, a key procedure is to calculate the central frequency and variance of the amplitude spectrum. However, the amplitude spectrum is susceptible to noise, whereas the power spectrum is less sensitive to random noise and has better anti-noise performance. To enhance the robustness of the FWE method, we propose a novel hybrid method by combining the advantage of the FWE method and the power spectrum, which is called the improved FWE method (IFWE). The basic idea is to consider the attenuation of the power spectrum instead of the amplitude spectrum and to use a modified FWE function to fit power spectra, according to which we derive a new Q estimation formula. Tests of noisy synthetic data show that the IFWE are more robust than the FWE. Moreover, the frequency bandwidth selection in the IFWE can be more flexible than that in the FWE. The application to field vertical seismic profile data and surface seismic data further demonstrates its validity.

Maximum magnitude estimations of induced earthquakes at Paradox Valley, Colorado, from cumulative injection volume and geometry of seismicity clusters

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yeck, William L.; Block, Lisa V.; Wood, Christopher K.; King, Vanessa M.

2015-01-01

The Paradox Valley Unit (PVU), a salinity control project in southwest Colorado, disposes of brine in a single deep injection well. Since the initiation of injection at the PVU in 1991, earthquakes have been repeatedly induced. PVU closely monitors all seismicity in the Paradox Valley region with a dense surface seismic network. A key factor for understanding the seismic hazard from PVU injection is the maximum magnitude earthquake that can be induced. The estimate of maximum magnitude of induced earthquakes is difficult to constrain as, unlike naturally occurring earthquakes, the maximum magnitude of induced earthquakes changes over time and is affected by injection parameters. We investigate temporal variations in maximum magnitudes of induced earthquakes at the PVU using two methods. First, we consider the relationship between the total cumulative injected volume and the history of observed largest earthquakes at the PVU. Second, we explore the relationship between maximum magnitude and the geometry of individual seismicity clusters. Under the assumptions that: (i) elevated pore pressures must be distributed over an entire fault surface to initiate rupture and (ii) the location of induced events delineates volumes of sufficiently high pore-pressure to induce rupture, we calculate the largest allowable vertical penny-shaped faults, and investigate the potential earthquake magnitudes represented by their rupture. Results from both the injection volume and geometrical methods suggest that the PVU has the potential to induce events up to roughly MW 5 in the region directly surrounding the well; however, the largest observed earthquake to date has been about a magnitude unit smaller than this predicted maximum. In the seismicity cluster surrounding the injection well, the maximum potential earthquake size estimated by these methods and the observed maximum magnitudes have remained steady since the mid-2000s. These observations suggest that either these methods overpredict maximum magnitude for this area or that long time delays are required for sufficient pore-pressure diffusion to occur to cause rupture along an entire fault segment. We note that earthquake clusters can initiate and grow rapidly over the course of 1 or 2 yr, thus making it difficult to predict maximum earthquake magnitudes far into the future. The abrupt onset of seismicity with injection indicates that pore-pressure increases near the well have been sufficient to trigger earthquakes under pre-existing tectonic stresses. However, we do not observe remote triggering from large teleseismic earthquakes, which suggests that the stress perturbations generated from those events are too small to trigger rupture, even with the increased pore pressures.

Integrated exploration method used in search for stratigraphic traps in Illinois basin

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Caserotti, P.M.

1989-08-01

A new oil pool was discovered in Marion County, Illinois, during 1988, using this integrated approach. The discovery is within 2.5 mi of the Salem field, which was discovered in 1938 and has produced more than 387 million bbl of oil. Numerous seismic surveys have been conducted in the area since the Salem field discovery over 50 years ago. Using structure maps developed from the available seismic data, well control, and depositional models, a Ste. Genevieve (middle Mississippian Valmeyeran) prospect was developed on the northeast flank of the Salem anticline. The initial well encountered 8 ft of oil-saturated oolitic limestonemore » in the McClosky zone of the Ste. Genevieve Limestone. Subsequent drilling resulted in four additional oil wells. The size of the reservoir is approximately 120 ac with primary recovery estimated at 200,000 bbl of oil. The depth of the reservoir is 2,250 ft, with an average porosity of 14% and permeability of 300 md. The trapping mechanism is stratigraphic - an oolite bar draped across a gentle nose, which was originally interpreted from the seismic information. Numerous analogous situations exist in the Salem anticline area as well as near other large structures in the basin. An integrated exploration approach can help define these areas and lead to commercial discoveries in mature areas.« less

Passive seismic imaging based on seismic interferometry: method and its application to image the structure around the 2013 Mw6.6 Lushan earthquake

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gu, N.; Zhang, H.

2017-12-01

Seismic imaging of fault zones generally involves seismic velocity tomography using first arrival times or full waveforms from earthquakes occurring around the fault zones. However, in most cases seismic velocity tomography only gives smooth image of the fault zone structure. To get high-resolution structure of the fault zones, seismic migration using active seismic data needs to be used. But it is generally too expensive to conduct active seismic surveys, even for 2D. Here we propose to apply the passive seismic imaging method based on seismic interferometry to image fault zone detailed structures. Seismic interferometry generally refers to the construction of new seismic records for virtual sources and receivers by cross correlating and stacking the seismic records on physical receivers from physical sources. In this study, we utilize seismic waveforms recorded on surface seismic stations for each earthquake to construct zero-offset seismic record at each earthquake location as if there was a virtual receiver at each earthquake location. We have applied this method to image the fault zone structure around the 2013 Mw6.6 Lushan earthquake. After the occurrence of the mainshock, a 29-station temporary array is installed to monitor aftershocks. In this study, we first select aftershocks along several vertical cross sections approximately normal to the fault strike. Then we create several zero-offset seismic reflection sections by seismic interferometry with seismic waveforms from aftershocks around each section. Finally we migrate these zero-offset sections to create seismic structures around the fault zones. From these migration images, we can clearly identify strong reflectors, which correspond to major reverse fault where the mainshock occurs. This application shows that it is possible to image detailed fault zone structures with passive seismic sources.

Estimating Local and Near-Regional Velocity and Attenuation Structure from Seismic Noise

DTIC Science & Technology

2008-09-30

seismic array in Costa Rica and Nicaragua from ambient seismic noise using two independent methods, noise cross correlation and beamforming. The noise...Mean-phase velocity-dispersion curves are calculated for the TUCAN seismic array in Costa Rica and Nicaragua from ambient seismic noise using two...stations of the TUCAN seismic array (Figure 4c) using a method similar to Harmon et al. (2007). Variations from Harmon et al. (2007) include removing the

Improving Seismic Velocity Models with Constraints from Autocorrelation of Ambient Seismic Noise and Signal

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-03-24

Hot Springs, Utah geothermal area, Geophysics, 44, pp. 1570-1583. Frassetto, A. M., George Zandt, Hersh Gilbert, Thomas J. Owens, and Craig H. Jones...Biasi, and J. G. Anderson (2013), EGS Exploration Methodology Development Using the Dixie Valley Geothermal District as a Calibration Site, The Seismic...Analysis Component, Proceedings, 38th Workshop on Geothermal Reservoir Engineering Stanford University, Stanford, California, February 11-13. Von

Study on the application of ambient vibration tests to evaluate the effectiveness of seismic retrofitting

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liang, Li; Takaaki, Ohkubo; Guang-hui, Li

2018-03-01

In recent years, earthquakes have occurred frequently, and the seismic performance of existing school buildings has become particularly important. The main method for improving the seismic resistance of existing buildings is reinforcement. However, there are few effective methods to evaluate the effect of reinforcement. Ambient vibration measurement experiments were conducted before and after seismic retrofitting using wireless measurement system and the changes of vibration characteristics were compared. The changes of acceleration response spectrum, natural periods and vibration modes indicate that the wireless vibration measurement system can be effectively applied to evaluate the effect of seismic retrofitting. The method can evaluate the effect of seismic retrofitting qualitatively, it is difficult to evaluate the effect of seismic retrofitting quantitatively at this stage.

Assessing a 3D smoothed seismicity model of induced earthquakes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zechar, Jeremy; Király, Eszter; Gischig, Valentin; Wiemer, Stefan

2016-04-01

As more energy exploration and extraction efforts cause earthquakes, it becomes increasingly important to control induced seismicity. Risk management schemes must be improved and should ultimately be based on near-real-time forecasting systems. With this goal in mind, we propose a test bench to evaluate models of induced seismicity based on metrics developed by the CSEP community. To illustrate the test bench, we consider a model based on the so-called seismogenic index and a rate decay; to produce three-dimensional forecasts, we smooth past earthquakes in space and time. We explore four variants of this model using the Basel 2006 and Soultz-sous-Forêts 2004 datasets to make short-term forecasts, test their consistency, and rank the model variants. Our results suggest that such a smoothed seismicity model is useful for forecasting induced seismicity within three days, and giving more weight to recent events improves forecast performance. Moreover, the location of the largest induced earthquake is forecast well by this model. Despite the good spatial performance, the model does not estimate the seismicity rate well: it frequently overestimates during stimulation and during the early post-stimulation period, and it systematically underestimates around shut-in. In this presentation, we also describe a robust estimate of information gain, a modification that can also benefit forecast experiments involving tectonic earthquakes.

Comparison of smoothing methods for the development of a smoothed seismicity model for Alaska and the implications for seismic hazard

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Moschetti, M. P.; Mueller, C. S.; Boyd, O. S.; Petersen, M. D.

2013-12-01

In anticipation of the update of the Alaska seismic hazard maps (ASHMs) by the U. S. Geological Survey, we report progress on the comparison of smoothed seismicity models developed using fixed and adaptive smoothing algorithms, and investigate the sensitivity of seismic hazard to the models. While fault-based sources, such as those for great earthquakes in the Alaska-Aleutian subduction zone and for the ~10 shallow crustal faults within Alaska, dominate the seismic hazard estimates for locations near to the sources, smoothed seismicity rates make important contributions to seismic hazard away from fault-based sources and where knowledge of recurrence and magnitude is not sufficient for use in hazard studies. Recent developments in adaptive smoothing methods and statistical tests for evaluating and comparing rate models prompt us to investigate the appropriateness of adaptive smoothing for the ASHMs. We develop smoothed seismicity models for Alaska using fixed and adaptive smoothing methods and compare the resulting models by calculating and evaluating the joint likelihood test. We use the earthquake catalog, and associated completeness levels, developed for the 2007 ASHM to produce fixed-bandwidth-smoothed models with smoothing distances varying from 10 to 100 km and adaptively smoothed models. Adaptive smoothing follows the method of Helmstetter et al. and defines a unique smoothing distance for each earthquake epicenter from the distance to the nth nearest neighbor. The consequence of the adaptive smoothing methods is to reduce smoothing distances, causing locally increased seismicity rates, where seismicity rates are high and to increase smoothing distances where seismicity is sparse. We follow guidance from previous studies to optimize the neighbor number (n-value) by comparing model likelihood values, which estimate the likelihood that the observed earthquake epicenters from the recent catalog are derived from the smoothed rate models. We compare likelihood values from all rate models to rank the smoothing methods. We find that adaptively smoothed seismicity models yield better likelihood values than the fixed smoothing models. Holding all other (source and ground motion) models constant, we calculate seismic hazard curves for all points across Alaska on a 0.1 degree grid, using the adaptively smoothed and fixed smoothed seismicity models separately. Because adaptively smoothed models concentrate seismicity near the earthquake epicenters where seismicity rates are high, the corresponding hazard values are higher, locally, but reduced with distance from observed seismicity, relative to the hazard from fixed-bandwidth models. We suggest that adaptively smoothed seismicity models be considered for implementation in the update to the ASHMs because of their improved likelihood estimates relative to fixed smoothing methods; however, concomitant increases in seismic hazard will cause significant changes in regions of high seismicity, such as near the subduction zone, northeast of Kotzebue, and along the NNE trending zone of seismicity in the Alaskan interior.

Comparison of smoothing methods for the development of a smoothed seismicity model for Alaska and the implications for seismic hazard

USGS Publications Warehouse

Moschetti, Morgan P.; Mueller, Charles S.; Boyd, Oliver S.; Petersen, Mark D.

2014-01-01

In anticipation of the update of the Alaska seismic hazard maps (ASHMs) by the U. S. Geological Survey, we report progress on the comparison of smoothed seismicity models developed using fixed and adaptive smoothing algorithms, and investigate the sensitivity of seismic hazard to the models. While fault-based sources, such as those for great earthquakes in the Alaska-Aleutian subduction zone and for the ~10 shallow crustal faults within Alaska, dominate the seismic hazard estimates for locations near to the sources, smoothed seismicity rates make important contributions to seismic hazard away from fault-based sources and where knowledge of recurrence and magnitude is not sufficient for use in hazard studies. Recent developments in adaptive smoothing methods and statistical tests for evaluating and comparing rate models prompt us to investigate the appropriateness of adaptive smoothing for the ASHMs. We develop smoothed seismicity models for Alaska using fixed and adaptive smoothing methods and compare the resulting models by calculating and evaluating the joint likelihood test. We use the earthquake catalog, and associated completeness levels, developed for the 2007 ASHM to produce fixed-bandwidth-smoothed models with smoothing distances varying from 10 to 100 km and adaptively smoothed models. Adaptive smoothing follows the method of Helmstetter et al. and defines a unique smoothing distance for each earthquake epicenter from the distance to the nth nearest neighbor. The consequence of the adaptive smoothing methods is to reduce smoothing distances, causing locally increased seismicity rates, where seismicity rates are high and to increase smoothing distances where seismicity is sparse. We follow guidance from previous studies to optimize the neighbor number (n-value) by comparing model likelihood values, which estimate the likelihood that the observed earthquake epicenters from the recent catalog are derived from the smoothed rate models. We compare likelihood values from all rate models to rank the smoothing methods. We find that adaptively smoothed seismicity models yield better likelihood values than the fixed smoothing models. Holding all other (source and ground motion) models constant, we calculate seismic hazard curves for all points across Alaska on a 0.1 degree grid, using the adaptively smoothed and fixed smoothed seismicity models separately. Because adaptively smoothed models concentrate seismicity near the earthquake epicenters where seismicity rates are high, the corresponding hazard values are higher, locally, but reduced with distance from observed seismicity, relative to the hazard from fixed-bandwidth models. We suggest that adaptively smoothed seismicity models be considered for implementation in the update to the ASHMs because of their improved likelihood estimates relative to fixed smoothing methods; however, concomitant increases in seismic hazard will cause significant changes in regions of high seismicity, such as near the subduction zone, northeast of Kotzebue, and along the NNE trending zone of seismicity in the Alaskan interior.

Traveltime computation and imaging from rugged topography in 3D TTI media

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Shaoyong; Wang, Huazhong; Yang, Qinyong; Fang, Wubao

2014-02-01

Foothill areas with rugged topography are of great potential for oil and gas seismic exploration, but subsurface imaging in these areas is very challenging. Seismic acquisition with larger offset and wider azimuth is necessary for seismic imaging in complex areas. However, the scale anisotropy in this case must be taken into account. To generalize the pre-stack depth migration (PSDM) to 3D transversely isotropic media with vertical symmetry axes (VTI) and tilted symmetry axes (TTI) from rugged topography, a new dynamic programming approach for the first-arrival traveltime computation method is proposed. The first-arrival time on every uniform mesh point is calculated based on Fermat's principle with simple calculus techniques and a systematic mapping scheme. In order to calculate the minimum traveltime, a set of nonlinear equations is solved on each mesh point, where the group velocity is determined by the group angle. Based on the new first-arrival time calculation method, the corresponding PSDM and migration velocity analysis workflow for 3D anisotropic media from rugged surface is developed. Numerical tests demonstrate that the proposed traveltime calculation method is effective in both VTI and TTI media. The migration results for 3D field data show that it is necessary to choose a smooth datum to remove the high wavenumber move-out components for PSDM with rugged topography and take anisotropy into account to achieve better images.

Seismic Methods

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

Seismic methods are the most commonly conducted geophysical surveys for engineering investigations. Seismic refraction provides engineers and geologists with the most basic of geologic data via simple procedures with common equipment.

CARS technique for geological exploration of hydrocarbons deposits

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhevlakov, A. P.; Bespalov, Victor; Elizarov, V. V.; Grishkanich, A. S.; Kascheev, S. V.; Makarov, E. A.; Bogoslovsky, S. A.; Il'inskiy, A. A.

2014-10-01

We developed a Raman lidar with ultraspectral resolution for automatic airborne monitoring of pipeline leaks and for oil and gas exploration. Experiments were carried out under the CARS circuit. Minimal concentrations of 200 ppb of heavy hydrocarbon gas have been remotely measured in laboratory tests. Test flights indicate that a sensitivity of 6 ppm for methane and 2 ppm for hydrogen sulfide has been reached for leakage detection. As estimations have shown the reliability of heavy hydrocarbon gas detection by the integration method of seismic prospecting and remote laser sensing in CARS circuit can exceed 80%.

Seismic Reflection Methods

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

Seismic methods are the most commonly conducted geophysical surveys for engineering investigations. Seismic refraction provides engineers and geologists with the most basic of geologic data via simple procedures with common equipment.

"Geo-statistics methods and neural networks in geophysical applications: A case study"

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rodriguez Sandoval, R.; Urrutia Fucugauchi, J.; Ramirez Cruz, L. C.

2008-12-01

The study is focus in the Ebano-Panuco basin of northeastern Mexico, which is being explored for hydrocarbon reservoirs. These reservoirs are in limestones and there is interest in determining porosity and permeability in the carbonate sequences. The porosity maps presented in this study are estimated from application of multiattribute and neural networks techniques, which combine geophysics logs and 3-D seismic data by means of statistical relationships. The multiattribute analysis is a process to predict a volume of any underground petrophysical measurement from well-log and seismic data. The data consist of a series of target logs from wells which tie a 3-D seismic volume. The target logs are neutron porosity logs. From the 3-D seismic volume a series of sample attributes is calculated. The objective of this study is to derive a set of attributes and the target log values. The selected set is determined by a process of forward stepwise regression. The analysis can be linear or nonlinear. In the linear mode the method consists of a series of weights derived by least-square minimization. In the nonlinear mode, a neural network is trained using the select attributes as inputs. In this case we used a probabilistic neural network PNN. The method is applied to a real data set from PEMEX. For better reservoir characterization the porosity distribution was estimated using both techniques. The case shown a continues improvement in the prediction of the porosity from the multiattribute to the neural network analysis. The improvement is in the training and the validation, which are important indicators of the reliability of the results. The neural network showed an improvement in resolution over the multiattribute analysis. The final maps provide more realistic results of the porosity distribution.

Empirical Study of Horizontal and Vertical Resolution of Teleseismic Receiver Function Data for Shallow Crustal Imagery.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Subasic, S.; Piana Agostinetti, N.; Bean, C. J.

2017-12-01

Passive seismic methods as a tool in exploration geophysics are relatively cheap, and offer the prospect of 3D imagery at a fraction of the cost of an active survey. Outputs from passive seismic surveys can also be used as a test and guide for subsequent targeted higher resolution studies, and they offer a strategic alternative in areas where an active survey would be a difficult or impossible task. In order to test the horizontal and vertical resolution of teleseismic receiver functions, we perform a complete receiver function analysis and inversion of the teleseismic data from the La Barge array. The La Barge Passive Seismic Experiment is composed of 55 instruments deployed in western Wyoming, recording continuously between November 2008 and June 2009. The close interstation distance used during the deployment (250m, up to two orders of magnitude smaller than in typical receiver function studies) makes this open-access data set a perfect test-case for the aim of this study. Receiver functions (RF) are calculated for earthquakes with Mw ≥ 5.5, at epicentral distances ranging from 30° to 100°. We use the frequency domain deconvolution method proposed by Di Bona (1998). This method includes estimations of variances for individual receiver functions, and considers both the pre-signal noise, as well as the noise involved in the deconvolution itself. We perform harmonic decomposition of the receiver function dataset. The zero-order harmonic, representing the bulk isotropic variation of seismic velocities with depth, is used in the inversion. The RF inversion scheme follows a reversible jump Markov Chain Monte Carlo algorithm, developed by Piana Agostinetti and Malinverno (2010). The results can be compared with the measurements from nearby wells.

Multiple attenuation to reflection seismic data using Radon filter and Wave Equation Multiple Rejection (WEMR) method

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Erlangga, Mokhammad Puput

Separation between signal and noise, incoherent or coherent, is important in seismic data processing. Although we have processed the seismic data, the coherent noise is still mixing with the primary signal. Multiple reflections are a kind of coherent noise. In this research, we processed seismic data to attenuate multiple reflections in the both synthetic and real seismic data of Mentawai. There are several methods to attenuate multiple reflection, one of them is Radon filter method that discriminates between primary reflection and multiple reflection in the τ-p domain based on move out difference between primary reflection and multiple reflection. However, inmore » case where the move out difference is too small, the Radon filter method is not enough to attenuate the multiple reflections. The Radon filter also produces the artifacts on the gathers data. Except the Radon filter method, we also use the Wave Equation Multiple Elimination (WEMR) method to attenuate the long period multiple reflection. The WEMR method can attenuate the long period multiple reflection based on wave equation inversion. Refer to the inversion of wave equation and the magnitude of the seismic wave amplitude that observed on the free surface, we get the water bottom reflectivity which is used to eliminate the multiple reflections. The WEMR method does not depend on the move out difference to attenuate the long period multiple reflection. Therefore, the WEMR method can be applied to the seismic data which has small move out difference as the Mentawai seismic data. The small move out difference on the Mentawai seismic data is caused by the restrictiveness of far offset, which is only 705 meter. We compared the real free multiple stacking data after processing with Radon filter and WEMR process. The conclusion is the WEMR method can more attenuate the long period multiple reflection than the Radon filter method on the real (Mentawai) seismic data.« less

A computer procedure to analyze seismic data to estimate outcome probabilities in oil exploration, with an initial application in the tabasco region of southeastern Mexico

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Berlanga, Juan M.; Harbaugh, John W.

The Tabasco region contains a number of major oilfields, including some of the emerging "giant" oil fields which have received extensive publicity. Fields in the Tabasco region are associated with large geologic structures which are detected readily by seismic surveys. The structures seem to be associated with deepseated movement of salt, and they are complexly faulted. Some structures have as much as 1000 milliseconds relief of seismic lines. A study, interpreting the structure of the area, used initially only a fraction of the total seismic lines That part of Tabasco region that has been studied was surveyed with a close-spaced rectilinear network of seismic lines. A, interpreting the structure of the area, used initially only a fraction of the total seismic data available. The purpose was to compare "predictions" of reflection time based on widely spaced seismic lines, with "results" obtained along more closely spaced lines. This process of comparison simulates the sequence of events in which a reconnaissance network of seismic lines is used to guide a succession of progressively more closely spaced lines. A square gridwork was established with lines spaced at 10 km intervals, and using machine contour maps, compared the results with those obtained with seismic grids employing spacings of 5 and 2.5 km respectively. The comparisons of predictions based on widely spaced lines with observations along closely spaced lines provide information by which an error function can be established. The error at any point can be defined as the difference between the predicted value for that point, and the subsequently observed value at that point. Residuals obtained by fitting third-degree polynomial trend surfaces were used for comparison. The root mean square of the error measurement, (expressed in seconds or milliseconds reflection time) was found to increase more or less linearly with distance from the nearest seismic point. Oil-occurrence probabilities were established on the basis of frequency distributions of trend-surface residuals obtained by fitting and subtracting polynomial trend surfaces from the machine-contoured reflection time maps. We found that there is a strong preferential relationship between the occurrence of petroleum (i.e. its presence versus absence) and particular ranges of trend-surface residual values. An estimate of the probability of oil occurring at any particular geographic point can be calculated on the basis of the estimated trend-surface residual value. This estimate, however, must be tempered by the probable error in the estimate of the residual value provided by the error function. The result, we believe, is a simple but effective procedure for estimating exploration outcome probabilities where seismic data provide the principal form of information in advance of drilling. Implicit in this approach is the comparison between a maturely explored area, for which both seismic and production data are available, and which serves as a statistical "training area", with the "target" area which is undergoing exploration and for which probability forecasts are to be calculated.

A Numerical and Theoretical Study of Seismic Wave Diffraction in Complex Geologic Structure

DTIC Science & Technology

1989-04-14

element methods for analyzing linear and nonlinear seismic effects in the surficial geologies relevant to several Air Force missions. The second...exact solution evaluated here indicates that edge-diffracted seismic wave fields calculated by discrete numerical methods probably exhibits significant...study is to demonstrate and validate some discrete numerical methods essential for analyzing linear and nonlinear seismic effects in the surficial

Next Generation Seismic Imaging; High Fidelity Algorithms and High-End Computing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bevc, D.; Ortigosa, F.; Guitton, A.; Kaelin, B.

2007-05-01

The rich oil reserves of the Gulf of Mexico are buried in deep and ultra-deep waters up to 30,000 feet from the surface. Minerals Management Service (MMS), the federal agency in the U.S. Department of the Interior that manages the nation's oil, natural gas and other mineral resources on the outer continental shelf in federal offshore waters, estimates that the Gulf of Mexico holds 37 billion barrels of "undiscovered, conventionally recoverable" oil, which, at 50/barrel, would be worth approximately 1.85 trillion. These reserves are very difficult to find and reach due to the extreme depths. Technological advances in seismic imaging represent an opportunity to overcome this obstacle by providing more accurate models of the subsurface. Among these technological advances, Reverse Time Migration (RTM) yields the best possible images. RTM is based on the solution of the two-way acoustic wave-equation. This technique relies on the velocity model to image turning waves. These turning waves are particularly important to unravel subsalt reservoirs and delineate salt-flanks, a natural trap for oil and gas. Because it relies on an accurate velocity model, RTM opens new frontier in designing better velocity estimation algorithms. RTM has been widely recognized as the next chapter in seismic exploration, as it can overcome the limitations of current migration methods in imaging complex geologic structures that exist in the Gulf of Mexico. The chief impediment to the large-scale, routine deployment of RTM has been a lack of sufficient computer power. RTM needs thirty times the computing power used in exploration today to be commercially viable and widely usable. Therefore, advancing seismic imaging to the next level of precision poses a multi-disciplinary challenge. To overcome these challenges, the Kaleidoscope project, a partnership between Repsol YPF, Barcelona Supercomputing Center, 3DGeo Inc., and IBM brings together the necessary components of modeling, algorithms and the uniquely powerful computing power of the MareNostrum supercomputer in Barcelona to realize the promise of RTM, incorporate it into daily processing flows, and to help solve exploration problems in a highly cost-effective way. Uniquely, the Kaleidoscope Project is simultaneously integrating software (algorithms) and hardware (Cell BE), steps that are traditionally taken sequentially. This unique integration of software and hardware will accelerate seismic imaging by several orders of magnitude compared to conventional solutions running on standard Linux Clusters.

Viterbi sparse spike detection and a compositional origin to ultralow-velocity zones

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Brown, Samuel Paul

Accurate interpretation of seismic travel times and amplitudes in both the exploration and global scales is complicated by the band-limited nature of seismic data. We present a stochastic method, Viterbi sparse spike detection (VSSD), to reduce a seismic waveform into a most probable constituent spike train. Model waveforms are constructed from a set of candidate spike trains convolved with a source wavelet estimate. For each model waveform, a profile hidden Markov model (HMM) is constructed to represent the waveform as a stochastic generative model with a linear topology corresponding to a sequence of samples. The Viterbi algorithm is employed to simultaneously find the optimal nonlinear alignment between a model waveform and the seismic data, and to assign a score to each candidate spike train. The most probable travel times and amplitudes are inferred from the alignments of the highest scoring models. Our analyses show that the method can resolve closely spaced arrivals below traditional resolution limits and that travel time estimates are robust in the presence of random noise and source wavelet errors. We applied the VSSD method to constrain the elastic properties of a ultralow- velocity zone (ULVZ) at the core-mantle boundary beneath the Coral Sea. We analyzed vertical component short period ScP waveforms for 16 earthquakes occurring in the Tonga-Fiji trench recorded at the Alice Springs Array (ASAR) in central Australia. These waveforms show strong pre and postcursory seismic arrivals consistent with ULVZ layering. We used the VSSD method to measure differential travel-times and amplitudes of the post-cursor arrival ScSP and the precursor arrival SPcP relative to ScP. We compare our measurements to a database of approximately 340,000 synthetic seismograms finding that these data are best fit by a ULVZ model with an S-wave velocity reduction of 24%, a P-wave velocity reduction of 23%, a thickness of 8.5 km, and a density increase of 6%. We simultaneously constrain both P- and S-wave velocity reductions as a 1:1 ratio inside this ULVZ. This 1:1 ratio is not consistent with a partial melt origin to ULVZs. Rather, we demonstrate that a compositional origin is more likely.

Discrimination and Assessment of Induced Seismicity in Active Tectonic Zones: A Case Study from Southern California

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bachmann, C. E.; Lindsey, N.; Foxall, W.; Robertson, M.

2014-12-01

Earthquakes induced by human activity have become a matter of heightened public concern during recent years. Of particular concern is seismicity associated with wastewater injection, which has included events having magnitudes greater than 5. The causes of the induced events are primarily changes in pore-pressure, fluid volume and perhaps temperature due to injection. Recent research in the US has focused on mid-continental regions having low rates of naturally-occurring seismicity, where induced events can be identified by relatively straightforward spatial and temporal correlation of seismicity with high-volume injection activities. Recent examples include events correlated with injection of wastewater in Oklahoma, Arkansas, Texas and Ohio, and long-term brine injection in the Paradox Valley in Colorado. Even in some of the cases where there appears at first sight to be a clear spatial correlation between seismicity and injection, it has been difficult to establish causality definitively. Here, we discuss methods to identify induced seismicity in active tectonic regions. We concentrate our study on Southern California, where large numbers of wastewater injection wells are located in oil-producing basins that experience moderate to high rates of naturally-occurring seismicity. Using the catalog of high-precision CISN relocations produced by Hauksson et al. (BSSA, 2012), we aim to discriminate induced from natural events based on spatio-temporal patterns of seismicity occurrence characteristics and their relationships to injection activities, known active faults and other faults favorably oriented for slip under the tectonic stress field. Since the vast majority of induced earthquakes are very small, it is crucial to include all events above the detection threshold of the CISN in each area studied. In addition to exploring the correlation of seismicity to injection activities in time and space, we analyze variations in frequency-magnitude distributions, which can be related to differences between the physical conditions at the sources of fluid-induced and natural earthquakes. While induced seismicity often does not show different mechanisms than tectonic earthquakes, an abundance of induced microseismicity causes the slope of the frequency-magnitude distribution to increase locally.

Eliminating time dispersion from seismic wave modeling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Koene, Erik F. M.; Robertsson, Johan O. A.; Broggini, Filippo; Andersson, Fredrik

2018-04-01

We derive an expression for the error introduced by the second-order accurate temporal finite-difference (FD) operator, as present in the FD, pseudospectral and spectral element methods for seismic wave modeling applied to time-invariant media. The `time-dispersion' error speeds up the signal as a function of frequency and time step only. Time dispersion is thus independent of the propagation path, medium or spatial modeling error. We derive two transforms to either add or remove time dispersion from synthetic seismograms after a simulation. The transforms are compared to previous related work and demonstrated on wave modeling in acoustic as well as elastic media. In addition, an application to imaging is shown. The transforms enable accurate computation of synthetic seismograms at reduced cost, benefitting modeling applications in both exploration and global seismology.

Constraining the crustal root geometry beneath the Rif Cordillera (North Morocco)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Diaz, Jordi; Gil, Alba; Carbonell, Ramon; Gallart, Josep; Harnafi, Mimoun

2016-04-01

The analyses of wide-angle reflections of controlled source experiments and receiver functions calculated from teleseismic events provide consistent constraints of an over-thickened crust beneath the Rif Cordillera (North Morocco). Regarding active source data, we investigate now offline arrivals of Moho-reflected phases recorded in RIFSIS project to get new estimations of 3D crustal thickness variations beneath North Morocco. Additional constrains on the onshore-offshore transition are derived from onland recording of marine airgun shots from the coeval Gassis-Topomed profiles. A regional crustal thickness map is computed from all these results. In parallel, we use natural seismicity data collected throughout TopoIberia and PICASSO experiments, and from a new RIFSIS deployment, to obtain teleseismic receiver functions and explore the crustal thickness variations with a H-κ grid-search approach. The use of a larger dataset including new stations covering the complex areas beneath the Rif Cordillera allow us to improve the resolution of previous contributions, revealing abrupt crustal changes beneath the region. A gridded surface is built up by interpolating the Moho depths inferred for each seismic station, then compared with the map from controlled source experiments. A remarkably consistent image is observed in both maps, derived from completely independent data and methods. Both approaches document a large modest root, exceeding 50 km depth in the central part of the Rif, in contrast with the rather small topographic elevations. This large crustal thickness, consistent with the available Bouguer anomaly data, favor models proposing that the high velocity slab imaged by seismic tomography beneath the Alboran Sea is still attached to the lithosphere beneath the Rif, hence pulling down the lithosphere and thickening the crust. The thickened area corresponds to a quiet seismic zone located between the western Morocco arcuate seismic zone, the deep seismicity area beneath western Alboran Sea and the superficial seismicity in Alhoceima area. Therefore, the presence of a crustal root seems to play also a major role in the seismicity distribution in northern Morocco.

Using seismic coda waves to resolve intrinsic and scattering attenuation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, W.; Shearer, P. M.

2016-12-01

Seismic attenuation is caused by two factors, scattering and intrinsic absorption. Characterizing scattering and absorbing properties and the power spectrum of crustal heterogeneity is a fundamental problem for informing strong ground motion estimates at high frequencies, where scattering and attenuation effects are critical. Determining the relative amount of attenuation caused by scattering and intrinsic absorption has been a long-standing problem in seismology. The wavetrain following the direct body wave phases is called the coda, which is caused by scattered energy. Many studies have analyzed the coda of local events to constrain crustal and upper-mantle scattering strength and intrinsic attenuation. Here we examine two popular attenuation inversion methods, the Multiple Lapse Time Window Method (MLTWM) and the Coda Qc Method. First, based on our previous work on California attenuation structure, we apply an efficient and accurate method, the Monte Carlo Approach, to synthesize seismic envelope functions. We use this code to generate a series of synthetic data based on several complex and realistic forward models. Although the MLTWM assumes a uniform whole space, we use the MLTWM to invert for both scattering and intrinsic attenuation from the synthetic data to test how accurately it can recover the attenuation models. Results for the coda Qc method depend on choices for the length and starting time of the coda-wave time window. Here we explore the relation between the inversion results for Qc, the windowing parameters, and the intrinsic and scattering Q structure of our synthetic model. These results should help assess the practicality and accuracy of the Multiple Lapse Time Window Method and Coda Qc Method when applied to realistic crustal velocity and attenuation models.

The Use of Signal Dimensionality for Automatic QC of Seismic Array Data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rowe, C. A.; Stead, R. J.; Begnaud, M. L.; Draganov, D.; Maceira, M.; Gomez, M.

2014-12-01

A significant problem in seismic array analysis is the inclusion of bad sensor channels in the beam-forming process. We are testing an approach to automated, on-the-fly quality control (QC) to aid in the identification of poorly performing sensor channels prior to beam-forming in routine event detection or location processing. The idea stems from methods used for large computer servers, when monitoring traffic at enormous numbers of nodes is impractical on a node-by-node basis, so the dimensionality of the node traffic is instead monitored for anomalies that could represent malware, cyber-attacks or other problems. The technique relies upon the use of subspace dimensionality or principal components of the overall system traffic. The subspace technique is not new to seismology, but its most common application has been limited to comparing waveforms to an a priori collection of templates for detecting highly similar events in a swarm or seismic cluster. We examine the signal dimension in similar way to the method addressing node traffic anomalies in large computer systems. We explore the effects of malfunctioning channels on the dimension of the data and its derivatives, and how to leverage this effect for identifying bad array elements. We show preliminary results applied to arrays in Kazakhstan (Makanchi) and Argentina (Malargue).

Velocity sensitivity of seismic body waves to the anisotropic parameters of a TTI-medium

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhou, Bing; Greenhalgh, Stewart

2008-09-01

We formulate the derivatives of the phase and group velocities for each of the anisotropic parameters in a tilted transversely isotropic medium (TTI-medium). This is a common geological model in seismic exploration and has five elastic moduli or related Thomsen parameters and two orientation angles defining the axis of symmetry of the rock. We present two independent methods to compute the derivatives and examine the formulae with real anisotropic rocks. The formulations and numerical computations do not encounter any singularity problem when applied to the two quasi shear waves, which is a problem with other approaches. The two methods yield the same results, which show in a quantitative way the sensitivity behaviour of the phase and the group velocities to all of the elastic moduli or Thomsen's anisotropic parameters as well as the orientation angles in the 2D and 3D cases. One can recognize the dominant (strong effect) and weak (or 'dummy') parameters for the three seismic body-wave modes (qP, qSV, qSH) and their effective domains over the whole range of phase-slowness directions. These sensitivity patterns indicate the possibility of nonlinear kinematic inversion with the three wave modes for determining the anisotropic parameters and imaging an anisotropic medium.

Underwater seismic source. [for petroleum exploration

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Yang, L. C. (Inventor)

1979-01-01

Apparatus for generating a substantially oscillation-free seismic signal for use in underwater petroleum exploration, including a bag with walls that are flexible but substantially inelastic, and a pressured gas supply for rapidly expanding the bag to its fully expanded condition is described. The inelasticity of the bag permits the application of high pressure gas to rapidly expand it to full size, without requiring a venting mechanism to decrease the pressure as the bag approaches a predetermined size to avoid breaking of the bag.

Scientific Exploration of Induced SeisMicity and Stress (SEISMS)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Savage, Heather M.; Kirkpatrick, James D.; Mori, James J.; Brodsky, Emily E.; Ellsworth, William L.; Carpenter, Brett M.; Chen, Xiaowei; Cappa, Frédéric; Kano, Yasuyuki

2017-11-01

Several major fault-drilling projects have captured the interseismic and postseismic periods of earthquakes. However, near-field observations of faults immediately before and during an earthquake remain elusive due to the unpredictable nature of seismicity. The Scientific Exploration of Induced SeisMicity and Stress (SEISMS) workshop met in March 2017 to discuss the value of a drilling experiment where a fault is instrumented in advance of an earthquake induced through controlled fluid injection. The workshop participants articulated three key issues that could most effectively be addressed by such an experiment: (1) predictive understanding of the propensity for seismicity in reaction to human forcing, (2) identification of earthquake nucleation processes, and (3) constraints on the factors controlling earthquake size. A systematic review of previous injection experiments exposed important observational gaps in all of these areas. The participants discussed the instrumentation and technological needs as well as faults and tectonic areas that are feasible from both a societal and scientific standpoint.

Geophysical techniques in detection to river embankments - A case study: To locate sites of potential leaks using surface-wave and electrical methods

USGS Publications Warehouse

Chen, C.; Liu, J.; Xu, S.; Xia, J.; ,

2004-01-01

Geophysical technologies are very effective in environmental, engineering and groundwater applications. Parameters of delineating nature of near-surface materials such as compressional-wave velocity, shear-wave velocity can be obtained using shallow seismic methods. Electric methods are primary approaches for investigating groundwater and detecting leakage. Both of methods are applied to detect embankment in hope of obtaining evidences of the strength and moisture inside the body. A technological experiment has done for detecting and discovering the hidden troubles in the embankment of Yangtze River, Songzi, Hubei, China in 2003. Surface-wave and DC multi-channel array resistivity sounding techniques were used to detect hidden trouble inside and under dike like pipe-seeps. This paper discusses the exploration strategy and the effect of geological characteristics. A practical approach of combining seismic and electric resistivity measurements was applied to locate potential pipe-seeps in embankment in the experiment. The method presents a potential leak factor based on the shear-wave velocity and the resistivity of the medium to evaluate anomalies. An anomaly found in a segment of embankment detected was verified, where occurred a pipe-seep during the 98' flooding.

Fiber Bragg Grating Sensors for the Oil Industry.

PubMed

Qiao, Xueguang; Shao, Zhihua; Bao, Weijia; Rong, Qiangzhou

2017-02-23

With the oil and gas industry growing rapidly, increasing the yield and profit require advances in technology for cost-effective production in key areas of reservoir exploration and in oil-well production-management. In this paper we review our group's research into fiber Bragg gratings (FBGs) and their applications in the oil industry, especially in the well-logging field. FBG sensors used for seismic exploration in the oil and gas industry need to be capable of measuring multiple physical parameters such as temperature, pressure, and acoustic waves in a hostile environment. This application requires that the FBG sensors display high sensitivity over the broad vibration frequency range of 5 Hz to 2.5 kHz, which contains the important geological information. We report the incorporation of mechanical transducers in the FBG sensors to enable enhance the sensors' amplitude and frequency response. Whenever the FBG sensors are working within a well, they must withstand high temperatures and high pressures, up to 175 °C and 40 Mpa or more. We use femtosecond laser side-illumination to ensure that the FBGs themselves have the high temperature resistance up to 1100 °C. Using FBG sensors combined with suitable metal transducers, we have experimentally realized high- temperature and pressure measurements up to 400 °C and 100 Mpa. We introduce a novel technology of ultrasonic imaging of seismic physical models using FBG sensors, which is superior to conventional seismic exploration methods. Compared with piezoelectric transducers, FBG ultrasonic sensors demonstrate superior sensitivity, more compact structure, improved spatial resolution, high stability and immunity to electromagnetic interference (EMI). In the last section, we present a case study of a well-logging field to demonstrate the utility of FBG sensors in the oil and gas industry.

Relative velocity change measurement based on seismic noise analysis in exploration geophysics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Corciulo, M.; Roux, P.; Campillo, M.; Dubuq, D.

2011-12-01

Passive monitoring techniques based on noise cross-correlation analysis are still debated in exploration geophysics even if recent studies showed impressive performance in seismology at larger scale. Time evolution of complex geological structure using noise data includes localization of noise sources and measurement of relative velocity variations. Monitoring relative velocity variations only requires the measurement of phase shifts of seismic noise cross-correlation functions computed for successive time recordings. The existing algorithms, such as the Stretching and the Doublet, classically need great efforts in terms of computation time, making them not practical when continuous dataset on dense arrays are acquired. We present here an innovative technique for passive monitoring based on the measure of the instantaneous phase of noise-correlated signals. The Instantaneous Phase Variation (IPV) technique aims at cumulating the advantages of the Stretching and Doublet methods while proposing a faster measurement of the relative velocity change. The IPV takes advantage of the Hilbert transform to compute in the time domain the phase difference between two noise correlation functions. The relative velocity variation is measured through the slope of the linear regression of the phase difference curve as a function of correlation time. The large amount of noise correlation functions, classically available at exploration scale on dense arrays, allows for a statistical analysis that further improves the precision of the estimation of the velocity change. In this work, numerical tests first aim at comparing the IPV performance to the Stretching and Doublet techniques in terms of accuracy, robustness and computation time. Then experimental results are presented using a seismic noise dataset with five days of continuous recording on 397 geophones spread on a ~1 km-squared area.

Fiber Bragg Grating Sensors for the Oil Industry

PubMed Central

Qiao, Xueguang; Shao, Zhihua; Bao, Weijia; Rong, Qiangzhou

2017-01-01

With the oil and gas industry growing rapidly, increasing the yield and profit require advances in technology for cost-effective production in key areas of reservoir exploration and in oil-well production-management. In this paper we review our group’s research into fiber Bragg gratings (FBGs) and their applications in the oil industry, especially in the well-logging field. FBG sensors used for seismic exploration in the oil and gas industry need to be capable of measuring multiple physical parameters such as temperature, pressure, and acoustic waves in a hostile environment. This application requires that the FBG sensors display high sensitivity over the broad vibration frequency range of 5 Hz to 2.5 kHz, which contains the important geological information. We report the incorporation of mechanical transducers in the FBG sensors to enable enhance the sensors’ amplitude and frequency response. Whenever the FBG sensors are working within a well, they must withstand high temperatures and high pressures, up to 175 °C and 40 Mpa or more. We use femtosecond laser side-illumination to ensure that the FBGs themselves have the high temperature resistance up to 1100 °C. Using FBG sensors combined with suitable metal transducers, we have experimentally realized high- temperature and pressure measurements up to 400 °C and 100 Mpa. We introduce a novel technology of ultrasonic imaging of seismic physical models using FBG sensors, which is superior to conventional seismic exploration methods. Compared with piezoelectric transducers, FBG ultrasonic sensors demonstrate superior sensitivity, more compact structure, improved spatial resolution, high stability and immunity to electromagnetic interference (EMI). In the last section, we present a case study of a well-logging field to demonstrate the utility of FBG sensors in the oil and gas industry. PMID:28241460

Seismic facies analysis based on self-organizing map and empirical mode decomposition

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Du, Hao-kun; Cao, Jun-xing; Xue, Ya-juan; Wang, Xing-jian

2015-01-01

Seismic facies analysis plays an important role in seismic interpretation and reservoir model building by offering an effective way to identify the changes in geofacies inter wells. The selections of input seismic attributes and their time window have an obvious effect on the validity of classification and require iterative experimentation and prior knowledge. In general, it is sensitive to noise when waveform serves as the input data to cluster analysis, especially with a narrow window. To conquer this limitation, the Empirical Mode Decomposition (EMD) method is introduced into waveform classification based on SOM. We first de-noise the seismic data using EMD and then cluster the data using 1D grid SOM. The main advantages of this method are resolution enhancement and noise reduction. 3D seismic data from the western Sichuan basin, China, are collected for validation. The application results show that seismic facies analysis can be improved and better help the interpretation. The powerful tolerance for noise makes the proposed method to be a better seismic facies analysis tool than classical 1D grid SOM method, especially for waveform cluster with a narrow window.

Identification of lithology in Gulf of Mexico Miocene rocks

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Hilterman, F.J.; Sherwood, J.W.C.; Schellhorn, R.

1996-12-31

In the Gulf of Mexico, many gas-saturated sands are not Bright Spots and thus are difficult to detect on conventional 3D seismic data. These small amplitude reflections occur frequently in Pliocene-Miocene exploration plays when the acoustic impedances of the gas-saturated sands and shales are approximately the same. In these areas, geophysicists have had limited success using AVO to reduce the exploration risk. The interpretation of the conventional AVO attributes is often difficult and contains questionable relationships to the physical properties of the media. A 3D AVO study was conducted utilizing numerous well-log suites, core analyses, and production histories to helpmore » calibrate the seismic response to the petrophysical properties. This study resulted in an extension of the AVO method to a technique that now displays Bright spots when very clean sands and gas-saturated sands occur. These litho-stratigraphic reflections on the new AVO technique are related to Poisson`s ratio, a petrophysical property that is normally mixed with the acoustic impedance on conventional 3D migrated data.« less

Rippability Assessment of Weathered Sedimentary Rock Mass using Seismic Refraction Methods

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ismail, M. A. M.; Kumar, N. S.; Abidin, M. H. Z.; Madun, A.

2018-04-01

Rippability or ease of excavation in sedimentary rocks is a significant aspect of the preliminary work of any civil engineering project. Rippability assessment was performed in this study to select an available ripping machine to rip off earth materials using the seismic velocity chart provided by Caterpillar. The research area is located at the proposed construction site for the development of a water reservoir and related infrastructure in Kampus Pauh Putra, Universiti Malaysia Perlis. The research was aimed at obtaining seismic velocity, P-wave (Vp) using a seismic refraction method to produce a 2D tomography model. A 2D seismic model was used to delineate the layers into the velocity profile. The conventional geotechnical method of using a borehole was integrated with the seismic velocity method to provide appropriate correlation. The correlated data can be used to categorize machineries for excavation activities based on the available systematic analysis procedure to predict rock rippability. The seismic velocity profile obtained was used to interpret rock layers within the ranges labelled as rippable, marginal, and non-rippable. Based on the seismic velocity method the site can be classified into loose sand stone to moderately weathered rock. Laboratory test results shows that the site’s rock material falls between low strength and high strength. Results suggest that Caterpillar’s smallest ripper, namely, D8R, can successfully excavate materials based on the test results integration from seismic velocity method and laboratory test.

Accurately determining direction of arrival by seismic array based on compressive sensing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hu, J.; Zhang, H.; Yu, H.

2016-12-01

Seismic array analysis method plays an important role in detecting weak signals and determining their locations and rupturing process. In these applications, reliably estimating direction of arrival (DOA) for the seismic wave is very important. DOA is generally determined by the conventional beamforming method (CBM) [Rost et al, 2000]. However, for a fixed seismic array generally the resolution of CBM is poor in the case of low-frequency seismic signals, and in the case of high frequency seismic signals the CBM may produce many local peaks, making it difficult to pick the one corresponding to true DOA. In this study, we develop a new seismic array method based on compressive sensing (CS) to determine the DOA with high resolution for both low- and high-frequency seismic signals. The new method takes advantage of the space sparsity of the incoming wavefronts. The CS method has been successfully used to determine spatial and temporal earthquake rupturing distributions with seismic array [Yao et al, 2011;Yao et al, 2013;Yin 2016]. In this method, we first form the problem of solving the DOA as a L1-norm minimization problem. The measurement matrix for CS is constructed by dividing the slowness-angle domain into many grid nodes, which needs to satisfy restricted isometry property (RIP) for optimized reconstruction of the image. The L1-norm minimization is solved by the interior point method. We first test the CS-based DOA array determination method on synthetic data constructed based on Shanghai seismic array. Compared to the CBM, synthetic test for data without noise shows that the new method can determine the true DOA with a super-high resolution. In the case of multiple sources, the new method can easily separate multiple DOAs. When data are contaminated by noise at various levels, the CS method is stable when the noise amplitude is lower than the signal amplitude. We also test the CS method for the Wenchuan earthquake. For different arrays with different apertures, we are able to obtain reliable DOAs with uncertainties lower than 10 degrees.

Mini-Sosie high-resolution seismic method aids hazards studies

USGS Publications Warehouse

Stephenson, W.J.; Odum, J.; Shedlock, K.M.; Pratt, T.L.; Williams, R.A.

1992-01-01

The Mini-Sosie high-resolution seismic method has been effective in imaging shallow-structure and stratigraphic features that aid in seismic-hazard and neotectonic studies. The method is not an alternative to Vibroseis acquisition for large-scale studies. However, it has two major advantages over Vibroseis as it is being used by the USGS in its seismic-hazards program. First, the sources are extremely portable and can be used in both rural and urban environments. Second, the shifting-and-summation process during acquisition improves the signal-to-noise ratio and cancels out seismic noise sources such as cars and pedestrians. -from Authors

Muons and seismic: a dynamic duo for the shallow subsurface?

DOE PAGES

Mellors, Robert; Chapline, George; Bonneville, Alain; ...

2016-12-01

This paper explores, at a preliminary level, the possibility of merging seismic data, both active and passive, with density constraints inferred from muon measurements. We focus on a theoretical analysis but note that muon experiments are ongoing to test model predictions with experimental data.

Shale characterization on Barito field, Southeast Kalimantan for shale hydrocarbon exploration

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sumotarto, T. A.; Haris, A.; Riyanto, A.; Usman, A.

2017-07-01

Exploration and exploitation in Indonesia now are still focused on conventional hydrocarbon energy than unconventional hydrocarbon energy such as shale gas. Tanjung Formation is a source rock of Barito Basin located in South Kalimantan that potentially as shale hydrocarbon. In this research, integrated methods using geochemical analysis, mineralogy, petrophysical analysis and seismic interpretation has been applied to explore the shale hydrocarbon potential in Barito Field for Tanjung formation. The first step is conducting geochemical and mineralogy analysis to the shale rock sample. Our analysis shows that the organic richness is ranging from 1.26-5.98 wt.% (good to excellent) with the depth of early mature window of 2170 m. The brittleness index is in an average of 0.44-0.56 (less Brittle) and Kerogen type is classified into II/III type that potentially produces oil and gas. The second step is continued by performing petrophysical analysis, which includes Total Organic Carbon (TOC) calculation and brittleness index continuously. The result has been validated with a laboratory measurement that obtained a good correlation. In addition, seismic interpretation based on inverted acoustic impedance is applied to map the distributions of shale hydrocarbon potential. Our interpretation shows that shale hydrocarbon potential is localized in the eastern and southeastern part of the study area.

Geomechanical modelling of induced seismicity using Coulomb stress and pore pressure changes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhao, B.; Shcherbakov, R.

2016-12-01

In recent years, there has been a dramatic increase in seismicity (earthquakes) due to anthropogenic activities related to the unconventional oil and gas exploration in the Western Canada Sedimentary Basin (WCSB). There are compelling evidences that hydraulic fracturing and wastewater injection operations play a key role in induced seismicity in the WCSB; however, their physical mechanisms are still not fully understood. Therefore, this study focuses on exploring the physical mechanisms of induced seismicity and developing a realistic geomechanical model by incorporating the past seismicity and well production data. In this work, we model the Coulomb stress changes due to past moderate (magnitude greater than 3 with known fault plane solutions) induced earthquakes and pore pressure changes due to wastewater injection in Alberta, specifically in Fox Creek and Fort St. John areas. Relationships between Coulombs stress changes, fault geometry and orientation and subsequent earthquake locations are tested. Subsurface flow due to injection well operations is studied to model the pore pressure changes in time and space, using known well production data, which include well types, well locations and water extraction and injection rates. By modelling the changes in pore pressure and Coulomb stress, we aim at constraining the time scale of occurrence of possible future earthquakes. The anticipating results can help to control the parameters of anthropogenic energy related operations such as hydraulic fracturing and wastewater injection in mitigating the risk due to induced seismicity.

Seismic spectral decomposition and analysis based on Wigner-Ville distribution for sandstone reservoir characterization in West Sichuan depression

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wu, Xiaoyang; Liu, Tianyou

2010-06-01

Reflections from a hydrocarbon-saturated zone are generally expected to have a tendency to be low frequency. Previous work has shown the application of seismic spectral decomposition for low-frequency shadow detection. In this paper, we further analyse the characteristics of spectral amplitude in fractured sandstone reservoirs with different fluid saturations using the Wigner-Ville distribution (WVD)-based method. We give a description of the geometric structure of cross-terms due to the bilinear nature of WVD and eliminate cross-terms using smoothed pseudo-WVD (SPWVD) with time- and frequency-independent Gaussian kernels as smoothing windows. SPWVD is finally applied to seismic data from West Sichuan depression. We focus our study on the comparison of SPWVD spectral amplitudes resulting from different fluid contents. It shows that prolific gas reservoirs feature higher peak spectral amplitude at higher peak frequency, which attenuate faster than low-quality gas reservoirs and dry or wet reservoirs. This can be regarded as a spectral attenuation signature for future exploration in the study area.

Shallow active-source imaging of an andesite dike in southern New Mexico: comparing Reftek Texan and Fairfield Z-Land recordings

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Karplus, M. S.; Kaip, G.; Harder, S. H.; Johnson, K.

2016-12-01

In October 2015, the Advanced Exploration Seismology class at the University of Texas at El Paso together with additional volunteers acquired a 500-m active-source seismic profile across an andesite dike adjacent to the Rio Grande River near Sunland Park, New Mexico. Receivers included 100 RT-125 Reftek Texans with 4.5-Hz geophones, spaced every 5 m, and 47 Fairfield Z-Land nodes incorporating 5-Hz 3C geophones, spaced approximately every 10 m. A 8-gauge, 400 grain seismic gun source was fired every 5-10 m along most of the profile. Several locations at the ends of the profile experienced multiple gun shots, which have been stacked to increase signal-to-noise. We discuss similarities and differences in field methods and data acquired using the Texans compared to the nodes for a shallow active-source experiment. We extend the discussion to other types of active-source experiments using other recently-acquired nodal datasets. We observe changes in velocity between the andesite dike and surrounding lithologies, and create a seismic reflection image of the andesite dike.

Seismic and structural characterization of the fluid bypass system using 3D and partial stack seismic from passive margin: inside the plumbing system.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Iacopini, David; Maestrelli, Daniele; Jihad, Ali; Bond, Clare; Bonini, Marco

2017-04-01

In recent years enormous attention has been paid to the understanding of the process and mechanism controlling the gas seepage and more generally the fluid expulsion affecting the earth system from onshore to offshore environment. This is because of their demonstrated impact to our environment, climate change and during subsea drilling operation. Several example from active and paleo system has been so far characterized and proposed using subsurface exploration, geophysical and geochemical monitoring technology approaches with the aims to explore what trigger and drive the overpressure necessary maintain the fluid/gas/material expulsion and what are the structure that act as a gateway for gaseous fluid and unconsolidated rock. In this contribution we explore a series of fluid escape structure (ranging from seepage pipes to large blowout pipes structure of km length) using 3D and partial stack seismic data from two distinctive passive margin from the north sea (Loyal field, West Shetland) and the Equatorial Brazil (Ceara' Basin). We will focuses on the characterization of the plumbing system internal architecture and, for selected example, exploring the AVO response (using partial stack) of the internal fluid/unconsolidated rock. The detailed seismic mapping and seismic attributes analysis of the conduit system helped us to recover some detail from the signal response of the chimney internal structures. We observed: (1) small to medium seeps and pipes following structural or sedimentary discontinuities (2) large pipes (probably incipient mud volcanoes) and blowup structures propagating upward irrespective of pre-existing fault by hydraulic fracturing and assisted by the buoyancy of a fluidised and mobilised mud-hydrocarbon mixture. The reflector termination observed inside the main conduits, the distribution of stacked bright reflectors and the AVO analysis suggests an evolution of mechanisms (involving mixture of gas, fluid and probably mud) during pipe birth and development, cycling through classical fluid escape pipes evoking non-Darcy flow to Darcy flow exploiting surrounding permeable bodies (during low fluid recharge period). Limit and uncertainty of the seismic data imaging the internal structure are still controlled by illumination factor, the lateral and vertical resolution (Fresnel. Tuning thickness) and scattering/noise effect of seismic wave when they interact with the plumbing system.

Improved Simplified Methods for Effective Seismic Analysis and Design of Isolated and Damped Bridges in Western and Eastern North America

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Koval, Viacheslav

The seismic design provisions of the CSA-S6 Canadian Highway Bridge Design Code and the AASHTO LRFD Seismic Bridge Design Specifications have been developed primarily based on historical earthquake events that have occurred along the west coast of North America. For the design of seismic isolation systems, these codes include simplified analysis and design methods. The appropriateness and range of application of these methods are investigated through extensive parametric nonlinear time history analyses in this thesis. It was found that there is a need to adjust existing design guidelines to better capture the expected nonlinear response of isolated bridges. For isolated bridges located in eastern North America, new damping coefficients are proposed. The applicability limits of the code-based simplified methods have been redefined to ensure that the modified method will lead to conservative results and that a wider range of seismically isolated bridges can be covered by this method. The possibility of further improving current simplified code methods was also examined. By transforming the quantity of allocated energy into a displacement contribution, an idealized analytical solution is proposed as a new simplified design method. This method realistically reflects the effects of ground-motion and system design parameters, including the effects of a drifted oscillation center. The proposed method is therefore more appropriate than current existing simplified methods and can be applicable to isolation systems exhibiting a wider range of properties. A multi-level-hazard performance matrix has been adopted by different seismic provisions worldwide and will be incorporated into the new edition of the Canadian CSA-S6-14 Bridge Design code. However, the combined effect and optimal use of isolation and supplemental damping devices in bridges have not been fully exploited yet to achieve enhanced performance under different levels of seismic hazard. A novel Dual-Level Seismic Protection (DLSP) concept is proposed and developed in this thesis which permits to achieve optimum seismic performance with combined isolation and supplemental damping devices in bridges. This concept is shown to represent an attractive design approach for both the upgrade of existing seismically deficient bridges and the design of new isolated bridges.

Near-surface shear-wave velocity measurements in unlithified sediment

USGS Publications Warehouse

Richards, B.T.; Steeples, D.; Miller, R.; Ivanov, J.; Peterie, S.; Sloan, S.D.; McKenna, J.R.

2011-01-01

S-wave velocity can be directly correlated to material stiffness and lithology making it a valuable physical property that has found uses in construction, engineering, and environmental projects. This study compares different methods for measuring S-wave velocities, investigating and identifying the differences among the methods' results, and prioritizing the different methods for optimal S-wave use at the U. S. Army's Yuma Proving Grounds YPG. Multichannel Analysis of Surface Waves MASW and S-wave tomography were used to generate S-wave velocity profiles. Each method has advantages and disadvantages. A strong signal-to-noise ratio at the study site gives the MASW method promising resolution. S-wave first arrivals are picked on impulsive sledgehammer data which were then used for the tomography process. Three-component downhole seismic data were collected in-line with a locking geophone, providing ground truth to compare the data and to draw conclusions about the validity of each data set. Results from these S-wave measurement techniques are compared with borehole seismic data and with lithology data from continuous samples to help ascertain the accuracy, and therefore applicability, of each method. This study helps to select the best methods for obtaining S-wave velocities for media much like those found in unconsolidated sediments at YPG. ?? 2011 Society of Exploration Geophysicists.

Modeling Poroelastic Wave Propagation in a Real 2-D Complex Geological Structure Obtained via Self-Organizing Maps

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Itzá Balam, Reymundo; Iturrarán-Viveros, Ursula; Parra, Jorge O.

2018-03-01

Two main stages of seismic modeling are geological model building and numerical computation of seismic response for the model. The quality of the computed seismic response is partly related to the type of model that is built. Therefore, the model building approaches become as important as seismic forward numerical methods. For this purpose, three petrophysical facies (sands, shales and limestones) are extracted from reflection seismic data and some seismic attributes via the clustering method called Self-Organizing Maps (SOM), which, in this context, serves as a geological model building tool. This model with all its properties is the input to the Optimal Implicit Staggered Finite Difference (OISFD) algorithm to create synthetic seismograms for poroelastic, poroacoustic and elastic media. The results show a good agreement between observed and 2-D synthetic seismograms. This demonstrates that the SOM classification method enables us to extract facies from seismic data and allows us to integrate the lithology at the borehole scale with the 2-D seismic data.

Redistribution Principle Approach for Evaluation of Seismic Active Earth Pressure Behind Retaining Wall

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Maskar, A. D.; Madhekar, S. N.; Phatak, D. R.

2017-11-01

The knowledge of seismic active earth pressure behind the rigid retaining wall is very essential in the design of retaining wall in earthquake prone regions. Commonly used Mononobe-Okabe (MO) method considers pseudo-static approach. Recently there are many pseudo-dynamic methods used to evaluate the seismic earth pressure. However, available pseudo-static and pseudo-dynamic methods do not incorporate the effect of wall movement on the earth pressure distribution. Dubrova (Interaction between soils and structures, Rechnoi Transport, Moscow, 1963) was the first, who considered such effect and till date, it is used for cohesionless soil, without considering the effect of seismicity. In this paper, Dubrova's model based on redistribution principle, considering the seismic effect has been developed. It is further used to compute the distribution of seismic active earth pressure, in a more realistic manner, by considering the effect of wall movement on the earth pressure, as it is displacement based method. The effects of a wide range of parameters like soil friction angle (ϕ), wall friction angle (δ), horizontal and vertical seismic acceleration coefficients (kh and kv); on seismic active earth pressure (Kae) have been studied. Results are presented for comparison of pseudo-static and pseudo-dynamic methods, to highlight the realistic, non-linearity of seismic active earth pressure distribution. The current study results in the variation of Kae with kh in the same manner as that of MO method and Choudhury and Nimbalkar (Geotech Geol Eng 24(5):1103-1113, 2006) study. To increase in ϕ, there is a reduction in static as well as seismic earth pressure. Also, by keeping constant ϕ value, as kh increases from 0 to 0.3, earth pressure increases; whereas as δ increases, active earth pressure decreases. The seismic active earth pressure coefficient (Kae) obtained from the present study is approximately same as that obtained by previous researchers. Though seismic earth pressure obtained by pseudo-dynamic approach and seismic earth pressure obtained by redistribution principle have different background of formulation, the final earth pressure distribution is approximately same.

Modeling Explosion Induced Aftershocks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kroll, K.; Ford, S. R.; Pitarka, A.; Walter, W. R.; Richards-Dinger, K. B.

2017-12-01

Many traditional earthquake-explosion discrimination tools are based on properties of the seismic waveform or their spectral components. Common discrimination methods include estimates of body wave amplitude ratios, surface wave magnitude scaling, moment tensor characteristics, and depth. Such methods are limited by station coverage and noise. Ford and Walter (2010) proposed an alternate discrimination method based on using properties of aftershock sequences as a means of earthquakeexplosion differentiation. Previous studies have shown that explosion sources produce fewer aftershocks that are generally smaller in magnitude compared to aftershocks of similarly sized earthquake sources (Jarpe et al., 1994, Ford and Walter, 2010). It has also been suggested that the explosion-induced aftershocks have smaller Gutenberg- Richter b-values (Ryall and Savage, 1969) and that their rates decay faster than a typical Omori-like sequence (Gross, 1996). To discern whether these observations are generally true of explosions or are related to specific site conditions (e.g. explosion proximity to active faults, tectonic setting, crustal stress magnitudes) would require a thorough global analysis. Such a study, however, is hindered both by lack of evenly distributed explosion-sources and the availability of global seismicity data. Here, we employ two methods to test the efficacy of explosions at triggering aftershocks under a variety of physical conditions. First, we use the earthquake rate equations from Dieterich (1994) to compute the rate of aftershocks related to an explosion source assuming a simple spring-slider model. We compare seismicity rates computed with these analytical solutions to those produced by the 3D, multi-cycle earthquake simulator, RSQSim. We explore the relationship between geological conditions and the characteristics of the resulting explosion-induced aftershock sequence. We also test hypothesis that aftershock generation is dependent upon the frequency content of the passing dynamic seismic waves as suggested by Parsons and Velasco (2009). Lastly, we compare all results of explosion-induced aftershocks with aftershocks generated by similarly sized earthquake sources. Prepared by LLNL under Contract DE-AC52-07NA27344.

Acoustic⁻Seismic Mixed Feature Extraction Based on Wavelet Transform for Vehicle Classification in Wireless Sensor Networks.

PubMed

Zhang, Heng; Pan, Zhongming; Zhang, Wenna

2018-06-07

An acoustic⁻seismic mixed feature extraction method based on the wavelet coefficient energy ratio (WCER) of the target signal is proposed in this study for classifying vehicle targets in wireless sensor networks. The signal was decomposed into a set of wavelet coefficients using the à trous algorithm, which is a concise method used to implement the wavelet transform of a discrete signal sequence. After the wavelet coefficients of the target acoustic and seismic signals were obtained, the energy ratio of each layer coefficient was calculated as the feature vector of the target signals. Subsequently, the acoustic and seismic features were merged into an acoustic⁻seismic mixed feature to improve the target classification accuracy after the acoustic and seismic WCER features of the target signal were simplified using the hierarchical clustering method. We selected the support vector machine method for classification and utilized the data acquired from a real-world experiment to validate the proposed method. The calculated results show that the WCER feature extraction method can effectively extract the target features from target signals. Feature simplification can reduce the time consumption of feature extraction and classification, with no effect on the target classification accuracy. The use of acoustic⁻seismic mixed features effectively improved target classification accuracy by approximately 12% compared with either acoustic signal or seismic signal alone.

Stochastic seismic inversion based on an improved local gradual deformation method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Xiuwei; Zhu, Peimin

2017-12-01

A new stochastic seismic inversion method based on the local gradual deformation method is proposed, which can incorporate seismic data, well data, geology and their spatial correlations into the inversion process. Geological information, such as sedimentary facies and structures, could provide significant a priori information to constrain an inversion and arrive at reasonable solutions. The local a priori conditional cumulative distributions at each node of model to be inverted are first established by indicator cokriging, which integrates well data as hard data and geological information as soft data. Probability field simulation is used to simulate different realizations consistent with the spatial correlations and local conditional cumulative distributions. The corresponding probability field is generated by the fast Fourier transform moving average method. Then, optimization is performed to match the seismic data via an improved local gradual deformation method. Two improved strategies are proposed to be suitable for seismic inversion. The first strategy is that we select and update local areas of bad fitting between synthetic seismic data and real seismic data. The second one is that we divide each seismic trace into several parts and obtain the optimal parameters for each part individually. The applications to a synthetic example and a real case study demonstrate that our approach can effectively find fine-scale acoustic impedance models and provide uncertainty estimations.

Local spatiotemporal time-frequency peak filtering method for seismic random noise reduction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Yanping; Dang, Bo; Li, Yue; Lin, Hongbo

2014-12-01

To achieve a higher level of seismic random noise suppression, the Radon transform has been adopted to implement spatiotemporal time-frequency peak filtering (TFPF) in our previous studies. Those studies involved performing TFPF in full-aperture Radon domain, including linear Radon and parabolic Radon. Although the superiority of this method to the conventional TFPF has been tested through processing on synthetic seismic models and field seismic data, there are still some limitations in the method. Both full-aperture linear Radon and parabolic Radon are applicable and effective for some relatively simple situations (e.g., curve reflection events with regular geometry) but inapplicable for complicated situations such as reflection events with irregular shapes, or interlaced events with quite different slope or curvature parameters. Therefore, a localized approach to the application of the Radon transform must be applied. It would serve the filter method better by adapting the transform to the local character of the data variations. In this article, we propose an idea that adopts the local Radon transform referred to as piecewise full-aperture Radon to realize spatiotemporal TFPF, called local spatiotemporal TFPF. Through experiments on synthetic seismic models and field seismic data, this study demonstrates the advantage of our method in seismic random noise reduction and reflection event recovery for relatively complicated situations of seismic data.

The utility of petroleum seismic exploration data in delineating structural features within salt anticlines

USGS Publications Warehouse

Stockton, S.L.; Balch, Alfred H.

1978-01-01

The Salt Valley anticline, in the Paradox Basin of southeastern Utah, is under investigation for use as a location for storage of solid nuclear waste. Delineation of thin, nonsalt interbeds within the upper reaches of the salt body is extremely important because the nature and character of any such fluid- or gas-saturated horizons would be critical to the mode of emplacement of wastes into the structure. Analysis of 50 km of conventional seismic-reflection data, in the vicinity of the anticline, indicates that mapping of thin beds at shallow depths may well be possible using a specially designed adaptation of state-of-the-art seismic oil-exploration procedures. Computer ray-trace modeling of thin beds in salt reveals that the frequency and spatial resolution required to map the details of interbeds at shallow depths (less than 750 m) may be on the order of 500 Hz, with surface-spread lengths of less than 350 m. Consideration should be given to the burial of sources and receivers in order to attenuate surface noise and to record the desired high frequencies. Correlation of the seismic-reflection data with available well data and surface geology reveals the complex, structurally initiated diapir, whose upward flow was maintained by rapid contemporaneous deposition of continental clastic sediments on its flanks. Severe collapse faulting near the crests of these structures has distorted the seismic response. Evidence exists, however, that intrasalt thin beds of anhydrite, dolomite, and black shale are mappable on seismic record sections either as short, discontinuous reflected events or as amplitude anomalies that result from focusing of the reflected seismic energy by the thin beds; computer modeling of the folded interbeds confirms both of these as possible causes of seismic response from within the salt diapir. Prediction of the seismic signatures of the interbeds can be made from computer-model studies. Petroleum seismic-reflection data are unsatisfactory for mapping the thin beds because of the lack of sufficient resolution to provide direct evidence of the presence of the thin beds. However, indirect evidence, present in these data as discontinuous seismic events, suggests that two geophysical techniques designed for this specific problem would allow direct detection of the interbeds in salt. These techniques are vertical seismic profiling and shallow, short-offset, high-frequency, seismic-reflection recording.

50 CFR 18.118 - What are the mitigation, monitoring, and reporting requirements?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

... monitoring and research efforts will employ rigorous study designs and sampling protocols in order to provide... mitigation measures for offshore seismic surveys. Any offshore exploration activity expected to include the... 1 µPa. (ii) Ramp-up procedures. For all seismic surveys, including airgun testing, use the following...

50 CFR 18.118 - What are the mitigation, monitoring, and reporting requirements?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

... monitoring and research efforts will employ rigorous study designs and sampling protocols in order to provide... mitigation measures for offshore seismic surveys. Any offshore exploration activity expected to include the... 1 µPa. (ii) Ramp-up procedures. For all seismic surveys, including airgun testing, use the following...

A Centerless Circular Array Method: Extracting Maximal Information on Phase Velocities of Rayleigh Waves From Microtremor Records From a Simple Seismic Array

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cho, I.; Tada, T.; Shinozaki, Y.

2005-12-01

We have developed a Centerless Circular Array (CCA) method of microtremor exploration, an algorithm that enables to estimate phase velocities of Rayleigh waves by analyzing vertical-component records of microtremors that are obtained with an array of three or five seismic sensors placed around a circumference. Our CCA method shows a remarkably high performance in long-wavelength ranges because, unlike the frequency-wavenumber spectral method, our method does not resolve individual plane-wave components in the process of identifying phase velocities. Theoretical considerations predict that the resolving power of our CCA method in long-wavelength ranges depends upon the SN ratio, or the ratio of power of the propagating components to that of the non-propagating components (incoherent noise) contained in the records from the seismic array. The applicability of our CCA method to small-sized arrays on the order of several meters in radius has already been confirmed in our earlier work (Cho et al., 2004). We have deployed circular seismic arrays of different sizes at test sites in Japan where the underground structure is well documented through geophysical exploration, and have applied our CCA method to microtremor records to estimate phase velocities of Rayleigh waves. The estimates were then checked against "model" phase velocities that are derived from theoretical calculations. For arrays of 5, 25, 300 and 600 meters in radii, the estimated and model phase velocities demonstrated fine agreement within a broad wavelength range extending from a little larger than 3r (r: the array radius) up to at least 40r, 14r, 42r and 9r, respectively. This demonstrates the applicability of our CCA method to arrays on the order of several to several hundreds of meters in radii, and also illustrates, in a typical way, the markedly high performance of our CCA method in long-wavelength ranges. We have also invented a mathematical model that enables to evaluate the SN ratio in a given microtremor field, and have applied it to real data. Theory predicts that our CCA method underestimates the phase velocities when noise is present. Using the evaluated SN ratio and the phase velocity dispersion curve model, we have calculated the apparent values of phase velocities which theory expects should be obtained by our CCA method in long-wavelength ranges, and have confirmed that the outcome agreed very well with the phase velocities estimated from real data. This demonstrates that the mathematical assumptions, on which our CCA method relies, remains valid over a wide range of wavelengths which we are examining, and also implies that, even in the absence of a priori knowledge of the phase velocity dispersion curve, the SN ratio evaluated with our mathematical model could be used to identify the resolution limit of our CCA method in long-wavelength ranges. We have thus been able to demonstrate, on the basis of theoretical considerations and real data analysis, both the capabilities and limitations of our CCA method.

Hydraulic Fracturing Induced Seismicity at Preese Hall, UK: Moment Tensors, Uncertainties and Implications for Microseismic Monitoring Strategies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

O'toole, T. B.; Woodhouse, J. H.; Verdon, J.; Kendall, J.

2012-12-01

Hydraulic fracturing operations carried out in April and May 2011 by Cuadrilla Resources Ltd. during the exploration of a shale gas reservoir at Preese Hall, near Blackpool, UK, induced a series of microseismic events. The largest of these, with magnitude ML = 2.3, was felt at the surface and recorded by the British Geological Survey regional seismic network. Subsequently, two local seismic stations were installed, which continued to detect seismicity with ML ≤ 1.5 until the hydraulic fracture treatment was suspended due to the anomalously large magnitudes of the induced earthquakes. Here, we present the results of moment tensor inversions of seismic waveforms recorded by these two near-field stations. We determine the best point source description of an event by minimising the least-squares difference between observed and synthetic waveforms. In contrast to source mechanisms obtained from body wave polarity and amplitude picks, which require a good sampling of the focal sphere and typically assume a pure double-couple mechanism, using the whole waveform allows us to place good constraints on the moment tensor even when only a few seismograms are available, and also enables the investigation of possible non-double-couple components and volume changes associated with a source. We discuss our results in the context of the studies commissioned by Cuadrilla after the suspension of hydraulic fracturing operations at Preese Hall. Using synthetic waveform data, we investigate how different monitoring geometries can be used to reduce uncertainties in source parameters of induced microseisms. While our focus is on the monitoring of hydraulic fracturing operations, the methods developed here are general and could equally be applied to determine moment tensors from surface and borehole observations of seismicity induced by other activities.

Causality between expansion of seismic cloud and maximum magnitude of induced seismicity in geothermal field

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mukuhira, Yusuke; Asanuma, Hiroshi; Ito, Takatoshi; Häring, Markus

2016-04-01

Occurrence of induced seismicity with large magnitude is critical environmental issues associated with fluid injection for shale gas/oil extraction, waste water disposal, carbon capture and storage, and engineered geothermal systems (EGS). Studies for prediction of the hazardous seismicity and risk assessment of induced seismicity has been activated recently. Many of these studies are based on the seismological statistics and these models use the information of the occurrence time and event magnitude. We have originally developed physics based model named "possible seismic moment model" to evaluate seismic activity and assess seismic moment which can be ready to release. This model is totally based on microseismic information of occurrence time, hypocenter location and magnitude (seismic moment). This model assumes existence of representative parameter having physical meaning that release-able seismic moment per rock volume (seismic moment density) at given field. Seismic moment density is to be estimated from microseismic distribution and their seismic moment. In addition to this, stimulated rock volume is also inferred by progress of microseismic cloud at given time and this quantity can be interpreted as the rock volume which can release seismic energy due to weakening effect of normal stress by injected fluid. Product of these two parameters (equation (1)) provide possible seismic moment which can be released from current stimulated zone as a model output. Difference between output of this model and observed cumulative seismic moment corresponds the seismic moment which will be released in future, based on current stimulation conditions. This value can be translated into possible maximum magnitude of induced seismicity in future. As this way, possible seismic moment can be used to have feedback to hydraulic stimulation operation in real time as an index which can be interpreted easily and intuitively. Possible seismic moment is defined as equation (1), where D is seismic moment density (Mo/m3) and V stim is stimulated rock volume (m3). Mopossible = D ∗ V stim(1) We applied this conceptual model to real microseismic data set from Basel EGS project where several induced seismicity with large magnitude occurred and brought constructive damage. Using the hypocenter location determined by the researcher of Tohoku Univ., Japan and moment magnitude estimated from Geothermal Explorers Ltd., operating company, we were able to estimate reasonable seismic moment density meaning that one representative parameter exists and can characterize seismic activity at Basel at each time step. With stimulated rock volume which was also inferred from microseismic information, we estimated possible seismic moment and assess the difference with observed value. Possible seismic moment significantly increased after shut-in when the seismic cloud (stimulated zone) mostly progressed, resulting that the difference with the observed cumulative seismic moment automatically became larger. This suggests that there is moderate seismic moment which will be released in near future. In next few hours, the largest event actually occurred. Therefore, our proposed model was successfully able to forecast occurrence of the large events. Furthermore, best forecast of maximum magnitude was Mw 3 level and the largest event was Mw 3.41, showing reasonable performance in terms of quantitative forecast in magnitude. Our attempt to assess the seismic activity from microseismic information was successful and it also suggested magnitude release can be correlate with the expansion of seismic cloud as the definition of possible seismic moment model indicates. This relationship has been observed in microseismic observational study and several previous study also suggested their correlation with stress released rock volume. Our model showed harmonic results with these studies and provide practical method having clear physical meaning to assess the seismic activity in real time, based on microseismic data.

3-D visualisation and interpretation of seismic attributes extracted from large 3-D seismic datasets: Subregional and prospect evaluation, deepwater Nigeria

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Sola, M.; Haakon Nordby, L.; Dailey, D.V.

High resolution 3-D visualization of horizon interpretation and seismic attributes from large 3-D seismic surveys in deepwater Nigeria has greatly enhanced the exploration team`s ability to quickly recognize prospective segments of subregional and prospect specific scale areas. Integrated workstation generated structure, isopach and extracted horizon consistent, interval and windowed attributes are particularly useful in illustrating the complex structural and stratigraphical prospectivity of deepwater Nigeria. Large 3-D seismic volumes acquired over 750 square kilometers can be manipulated within the visualization system with attribute tracking capability that allows for real time data interrogation and interpretation. As in classical seismic stratigraphic studies, patternmore » recognition is fundamental to effective depositions facies interpretation and reservoir model construction. The 3-D perspective enhances the data interpretation through clear representation of relative scale, spatial distribution and magnitude of attributes. In deepwater Nigeria, many prospective traps rely on an interplay between syndepositional structure and slope turbidite depositional systems. Reservoir systems in many prospects appear to be dominated by unconfined to moderately focused slope feeder channel facies. These units have spatially complex facies architecture with feeder channel axes separated by extensive interchannel areas. Structural culminations generally have a history of initial compressional folding with late in extensional collapse and accommodation faulting. The resulting complex trap configurations often have stacked reservoirs over intervals as thick as 1500 meters. Exploration, appraisal and development scenarios in these settings can be optimized by taking full advantage of integrating high resolution 3-D visualization and seismic workstation interpretation.« less

3-D visualisation and interpretation of seismic attributes extracted from large 3-D seismic datasets: Subregional and prospect evaluation, deepwater Nigeria

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Sola, M.; Haakon Nordby, L.; Dailey, D.V.

High resolution 3-D visualization of horizon interpretation and seismic attributes from large 3-D seismic surveys in deepwater Nigeria has greatly enhanced the exploration team's ability to quickly recognize prospective segments of subregional and prospect specific scale areas. Integrated workstation generated structure, isopach and extracted horizon consistent, interval and windowed attributes are particularly useful in illustrating the complex structural and stratigraphical prospectivity of deepwater Nigeria. Large 3-D seismic volumes acquired over 750 square kilometers can be manipulated within the visualization system with attribute tracking capability that allows for real time data interrogation and interpretation. As in classical seismic stratigraphic studies, patternmore » recognition is fundamental to effective depositions facies interpretation and reservoir model construction. The 3-D perspective enhances the data interpretation through clear representation of relative scale, spatial distribution and magnitude of attributes. In deepwater Nigeria, many prospective traps rely on an interplay between syndepositional structure and slope turbidite depositional systems. Reservoir systems in many prospects appear to be dominated by unconfined to moderately focused slope feeder channel facies. These units have spatially complex facies architecture with feeder channel axes separated by extensive interchannel areas. Structural culminations generally have a history of initial compressional folding with late in extensional collapse and accommodation faulting. The resulting complex trap configurations often have stacked reservoirs over intervals as thick as 1500 meters. Exploration, appraisal and development scenarios in these settings can be optimized by taking full advantage of integrating high resolution 3-D visualization and seismic workstation interpretation.« less

Shear-wave velocity of marine sediments offshore Taiwan using ambient seismic noise

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lin, Yu-Tse; Lin, Jing-Yi; Kuo-Chen, Hao; Yeh, Yi-Chin; Cheng, Win-Bin

2017-04-01

Seismic ambient noise technology has many advantages over the traditional two-station method. The most important one is that noise is happening all the time and it can be widely and evenly distributed. Thus, the Green's Function of any station pair can be obtained through the data cross-correlation process. Many related studies have been performed to estimate the velocity structures based on the inland area. Only a few studies were reported for the marine area due to the relatively shorter recording time of ocean bottom seismometers (OBS) deployment and the high cost of the marine experiment. However, the understanding about the shear-wave velocity (Vs) of the marine sediments is very crucial for the hazard assessment related to submarine landslides, particularly with the growing of submarine resources exploration. In this study, we applied the ambient noise technique to four OBS seismic networks located offshore Taiwan in the aim of getting more information about the noise sources and having the preliminary estimation for the Vs of the marine sediments. Two of the seismic networks were deployed in the NE part of Taiwan, near the Ryukyu subduction system, whereas the others were in the SW area, on the continental margin rich in gas hydrate. Generally, ambient seismic noise could be associated with wind, ocean waves, rock fracturing and anthropogenic activity. In the southwestern Taiwan, the cross-correlation function obtained from two seismic networks indicate similar direction, suggestion that the source from the south part of the network could be the origin of the noise. However, the two networks in the northeastern Taiwan show various source direction, which could be caused by the abrupt change of bathymetry or the volcanic degassing effect frequently observed by the marine geophysical method in the area. The Vs determined from the dispersion curve shows a relatively higher value for the networks in the Okinawa Trough (OT) off NE Taiwan than that in the continental margin offshore SW Taiwan. This observation could be linked to the presence of numerous volcanic outcrops in the shallow marine sediments is the OT area. By comparing the 1-D velocity shear-wave profile with the previous studies, we found that the low Vs area could be associated with a sedimentary layer filled with gas in the OT and the creeping area along the continental margin. The Vs range estimated from our study also shows a good agreement with the velocity profile obtained based on the OBS seismic refraction experiment, suggesting that this method could be a more economical and effective way for the acquisition of the Vs parameters.

Time-dependent seismic hazard analysis for the Greater Tehran and surrounding areas

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jalalalhosseini, Seyed Mostafa; Zafarani, Hamid; Zare, Mehdi

2018-01-01

This study presents a time-dependent approach for seismic hazard in Tehran and surrounding areas. Hazard is evaluated by combining background seismic activity, and larger earthquakes may emanate from fault segments. Using available historical and paleoseismological data or empirical relation, the recurrence time and maximum magnitude of characteristic earthquakes for the major faults have been explored. The Brownian passage time (BPT) distribution has been used to calculate equivalent fictitious seismicity rate for major faults in the region. To include ground motion uncertainty, a logic tree and five ground motion prediction equations have been selected based on their applicability in the region. Finally, hazard maps have been presented.

Seismic waves in rocks with fluids and fractures

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Berryman, J.G.

2007-05-14

Seismic wave propagation through the earth is often stronglyaffected by the presence of fractures. When these fractures are filledwith fluids (oil, gas, water, CO2, etc.), the type and state of the fluid(liquid or gas) can make a large difference in the response of theseismic waves. This paper summarizes recent work on methods ofdeconstructing the effects of fractures, and any fluids within thesefractures, on seismic wave propagation as observed in reflection seismicdata. One method explored here is Thomsen's weak anisotropy approximationfor wave moveout (since fractures often induce elastic anisotropy due tononuniform crack-orientation statistics). Another method makes use ofsome very convenient fracturemore » parameters introduced previously thatpermit a relatively simple deconstruction of the elastic and wavepropagation behavior in terms of a small number of fracture parameters(whenever this is appropriate, as is certainly the case for small crackdensities). Then, the quantitative effects of fluids on thesecrack-influence parameters are shown to be directly related to Skempton scoefficient B of undrained poroelasticity (where B typically ranges from0 to 1). In particular, the rigorous result obtained for the low crackdensity limit is that the crack-influence parameters are multiplied by afactor (1 ? B) for undrained systems. It is also shown how fractureanisotropy affects Rayleigh wave speed, and how measured Rayleigh wavespeeds can be used to infer shear wave speed of the fractured medium.Higher crack density results are also presented by incorporating recentsimulation data on such cracked systems.« less

Exploring Earthquakes in Real-Time

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bravo, T. K.; Kafka, A. L.; Coleman, B.; Taber, J. J.

2013-12-01

Earthquakes capture the attention of students and inspire them to explore the Earth. Adding the ability to view and explore recordings of significant and newsworthy earthquakes in real-time makes the subject even more compelling. To address this opportunity, the Incorporated Research Institutions for Seismology (IRIS), in collaboration with Moravian College, developed ';jAmaSeis', a cross-platform application that enables students to access real-time earthquake waveform data. Students can watch as the seismic waves are recorded on their computer, and can be among the first to analyze the data from an earthquake. jAmaSeis facilitates student centered investigations of seismological concepts using either a low-cost educational seismograph or streamed data from other educational seismographs or from any seismic station that sends data to the IRIS Data Management System. After an earthquake, students can analyze the seismograms to determine characteristics of earthquakes such as time of occurrence, distance from the epicenter to the station, magnitude, and location. The software has been designed to provide graphical clues to guide students in the analysis and assist in their interpretations. Since jAmaSeis can simultaneously record up to three stations from anywhere on the planet, there are numerous opportunities for student driven investigations. For example, students can explore differences in the seismograms from different distances from an earthquake and compare waveforms from different azimuthal directions. Students can simultaneously monitor seismicity at a tectonic plate boundary and in the middle of the plate regardless of their school location. This can help students discover for themselves the ideas underlying seismic wave propagation, regional earthquake hazards, magnitude-frequency relationships, and the details of plate tectonics. The real-time nature of the data keeps the investigations dynamic, and offers students countless opportunities to explore.

Impacts of potential seismic landslides on lifeline corridors.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2015-02-01

This report presents a fully probabilistic method for regional seismically induced landslide hazard analysis and : mapping. The method considers the most current predictions for strong ground motions and seismic sources : through use of the U.S.G.S. ...

Present-Day Mars' Seismicity Predicted From 3-D Thermal Evolution Models of Interior Dynamics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Plesa, A.-C.; Knapmeyer, M.; Golombek, M. P.; Breuer, D.; Grott, M.; Kawamura, T.; Lognonné, P.; Tosi, N.; Weber, R. C.

2018-03-01

The Interior Exploration using Seismic Investigations, Geodesy and Heat Transport mission, to be launched in 2018, will perform a comprehensive geophysical investigation of Mars in situ. The Seismic Experiment for Interior Structure package aims to detect global and regional seismic events and in turn offer constraints on core size, crustal thickness, and core, mantle, and crustal composition. In this study, we estimate the present-day amount and distribution of seismicity using 3-D numerical thermal evolution models of Mars, taking into account contributions from convective stresses as well as from stresses associated with cooling and planetary contraction. Defining the seismogenic lithosphere by an isotherm and assuming two end-member cases of 573 K and the 1073 K, we determine the seismogenic lithosphere thickness. Assuming a seismic efficiency between 0.025 and 1, this thickness is used to estimate the total annual seismic moment budget, and our models show values between 5.7 × 1016 and 3.9 × 1019 Nm.

The shallow elastic structure of the lunar crust: New insights from seismic wavefield gradient analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sollberger, David; Schmelzbach, Cedric; Robertsson, Johan O. A.; Greenhalgh, Stewart A.; Nakamura, Yosio; Khan, Amir

2016-10-01

Enigmatic lunar seismograms recorded during the Apollo 17 mission in 1972 have so far precluded the identification of shear-wave arrivals and hence the construction of a comprehensive elastic model of the shallow lunar subsurface. Here, for the first time, we extract shear-wave information from the Apollo active seismic data using a novel waveform analysis technique based on spatial seismic wavefield gradients. The star-like recording geometry of the active seismic experiment lends itself surprisingly well to compute spatial wavefield gradients and rotational ground motion as a function of time. These observables, which are new to seismic exploration in general, allowed us to identify shear waves in the complex lunar seismograms, and to derive a new model of seismic compressional and shear-wave velocities in the shallow lunar crust, critical to understand its lithology and constitution, and its impact on other geophysical investigations of the Moon's deep interior.

The seismic traffic footprint: Tracking trains, aircraft, and cars seismically

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Riahi, Nima; Gerstoft, Peter

2015-04-01

Although naturally occurring vibrations have proven useful to probe the subsurface, the vibrations caused by traffic have not been explored much. Such data, however, are less sensitive to weather and low visibility compared to some common out-of-road traffic sensing systems. We study traffic-generated seismic noise measured by an array of 5200 geophones that covered a 7 × 10 km area in Long Beach (California, USA) with a receiver spacing of 100 m. This allows us to look into urban vibrations below the resolution of a typical city block. The spatiotemporal structure of the anthropogenic seismic noise intensity reveals the Blue Line Metro train activity, departing and landing aircraft in Long Beach Airport and their acceleration, and gives clues about traffic movement along the I-405 highway at night. As low-cost, stand-alone seismic sensors are becoming more common, these findings indicate that seismic data may be useful for traffic monitoring.

Hydraulic Fracturing Completion Volume is Associated with Induced Earthquake Productivity in the Duvernay Play

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schultz, R.; Atkinson, G. M.; Eaton, D. W. S.; Gu, Y. J.; Kao, H.

2017-12-01

A sharp increase in the frequency of earthquakes near Fox Creek, Alberta began in December 2013 as a result of hydraulic fracturing completions in the Duvernay Formation. Using a newly compiled hydraulic fracturing database, we explore relationships between injection parameters and seismicity response. We find that induced earthquakes are associated with pad completions that used larger injection volumes (104-5 m3) and that seismic productivity scales linearly with injection volume. Injection pressure and rate have limited or insignificant correlation with the seismic response. Further findings suggest that geological susceptibilities play a prominent role in seismic productivity, as evidenced by spatial correlations in the seismicity patterns. Together, volume and geological susceptibilities account for 96% of the variability in the induced earthquake rate near Fox Creek. We suggest this result is fit by a modified Gutenberg-Richter earthquake frequency-magnitude distribution which provides a conceptual framework with which to forecast induced seismicity hazard.

An investigation into the bedrock depth in the Eskisehir Quaternary Basin (Turkey) using the microtremor method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tün, M.; Pekkan, E.; Özel, O.; Guney, Y.

2016-10-01

Amplification can occur in a graben as a result of strong earthquake-induced ground motion. Thus, in seismic hazard and seismic site response studies, it is of the utmost importance to determine the geometry of the bedrock depth. The main objectives of this study were to determine the bedrock depth and map the depth-to-bedrock ratio for use in land use planning in regard to the mitigation of earthquake hazards in the Eskişehir Basin. The fundamental resonance frequencies (fr) of 318 investigation sites in the Eskişehir Basin were determined through case studies, and the 2-D S-wave velocity structure down to the bedrock depth was explored. Single-station microtremor data were collected from the 318 sites, as well as microtremor array data from nine sites, seismic reflection data from six sites, deep-drilling log data from three sites and shallow drilling log data from ten sites in the Eskişehir Graben. The fundamental resonance frequencies of the Eskişehir Basin sites were obtained from the microtremor data using the horizontal-to vertical (H/V) spectral ratio (HVSR) method. The phase velocities of the Rayleigh waves were estimated from the microtremor data using the spatial autocorrelation (SPAC) method. The fundamental resonance frequency range at the deepest point of the Eskişehir Basin was found to be 0.23-0.35 Hz. Based on the microtremor array measurements and the 2-D S-wave velocity profiles obtained using the SPAC method, a bedrock level with an average velocity of 1300 m s-1 was accepted as the bedrock depth limit in the region. The log data from a deep borehole and a seismic reflection cross-section of the basement rocks of the Eskişehir Basin were obtained and permitted a comparison of bedrock levels. Tests carried out using a multichannel walk-away technique permitted a seismic reflection cross-section to be obtained up to a depth of 1500-2000 m using an explosive energy source. The relationship between the fundamental resonance frequency in the Eskişehir Basin and the results of deep drilling, shallow drilling, shear wave velocity measurement and sedimentary cover depth measurement obtained from the seismic reflection section was expressed in the form of a nonlinear regression equation. An empirical relationship between fr, the thickness of sediments and the bedrock depth is suggested for use in future microzonation studies of sites in the region. The results revealed a maximum basin depth of 1000 m, located in the northeast of the Eskişehir Basin, and the SPAC and HVSR results indicated that within the study area the basin is characterized by a thin local sedimentary cover with low shear wave velocity overlying stiff materials, resulting in a sharp velocity contrast. The thicknesses of the old Quaternary and Tertiary fluvial sediments within the basin serve as the primary data sources in seismic hazard and seismic site response studies, and these results add to the body of available seismic hazard data contributing to a seismic microzonation of the Eskişehir Graben in advance of the severe earthquakes expected in the Anatolian Region.

InSight, a Mars MIssion Artist Concept

NASA Image and Video Library

2012-02-28

This artist rendition is of the Interior exploration using Seismic Investigations, Geodesy and Heat Transport InSight Lander. InSight proposes to place a single geophysical lander on Mars to study its deep interior. Note: After thorough examination, NASA managers have decided to suspend the planned March 2016 launch of the Interior Exploration using Seismic Investigations Geodesy and Heat Transport (InSight) mission. The decision follows unsuccessful attempts to repair a leak in a section of the prime instrument in the science payload. http://photojournal.jpl.nasa.gov/catalog/PIA13958

Power electromagnetic strike machine for engineering-geological surveys

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Usanov, K. M.; Volgin, A. V.; Chetverikov, E. A.; Kargin, V. A.; Moiseev, A. P.; Ivanova, Z. I.

2017-10-01

When implementing the processes of dynamic sensing of soils and pulsed nonexplosive seismic exploration, the most common and effective method is the strike one, which is provided by a variety of structure and parameters of pneumatic, hydraulic, electrical machines of strike action. The creation of compact portable strike machines which do not require transportation and use of mechanized means is important. A promising direction in the development of strike machines is the use of pulsed electromagnetic actuator characterized by relatively low energy consumption, relatively high specific performance and efficiency, and providing direct conversion of electrical energy into mechanical work of strike mass with linear movement trajectory. The results of these studies allowed establishing on the basis of linear electromagnetic motors the electromagnetic pulse machines with portable performance for dynamic sensing of soils and land seismic pulse of small depths.

A seismic fault recognition method based on ant colony optimization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Lei; Xiao, Chuangbai; Li, Xueliang; Wang, Zhenli; Huo, Shoudong

2018-05-01

Fault recognition is an important section in seismic interpretation and there are many methods for this technology, but no one can recognize fault exactly enough. For this problem, we proposed a new fault recognition method based on ant colony optimization which can locate fault precisely and extract fault from the seismic section. Firstly, seismic horizons are extracted by the connected component labeling algorithm; secondly, the fault location are decided according to the horizontal endpoints of each horizon; thirdly, the whole seismic section is divided into several rectangular blocks and the top and bottom endpoints of each rectangular block are considered as the nest and food respectively for the ant colony optimization algorithm. Besides that, the positive section is taken as an actual three dimensional terrain by using the seismic amplitude as a height. After that, the optimal route from nest to food calculated by the ant colony in each block is judged as a fault. Finally, extensive comparative tests were performed on the real seismic data. Availability and advancement of the proposed method were validated by the experimental results.

Bowhead whale behavior in relation to seismic exploration, Alaskan Beaufort Sea, Autumn 1981. Study report (Final)

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Fraker, M.A.; Ljungblad, D.K.; Richardson, W.J.

1985-10-01

Behavior of bowhead whales (Balsena mysticetus) in the eastern part of the Alaskan Beaufort Sea or near the Alaska/Yukon border was observed from a circling turbine-powered Goose aircraft on 10 dates from 12 September to 5 October 1981. On three of these dates, the whales were exposed t, noise impulses from seismic vessels 13 km or more away. Some behavioral data were acquired. In both the presence and the absence of seismic impulses, most bowheads appeared to be feeding in the water column, although slow travel and active socializing were sometimes detected. Sonobuoys detected bowhead calls both in the presencemore » and the absence of seismic impulses. There was no clear evidence of unusual behavior in the presence of seismic impulses.« less

Hydraulic fracturing volume is associated with induced earthquake productivity in the Duvernay play

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schultz, R.; Atkinson, G.; Eaton, D. W.; Gu, Y. J.; Kao, H.

2018-01-01

A sharp increase in the frequency of earthquakes near Fox Creek, Alberta, began in December 2013 in response to hydraulic fracturing. Using a hydraulic fracturing database, we explore relationships between injection parameters and seismicity response. We show that induced earthquakes are associated with completions that used larger injection volumes (104 to 105 cubic meters) and that seismic productivity scales linearly with injection volume. Injection pressure and rate have an insignificant association with seismic response. Further findings suggest that geological factors play a prominent role in seismic productivity, as evidenced by spatial correlations. Together, volume and geological factors account for ~96% of the variability in the induced earthquake rate near Fox Creek. This result is quantified by a seismogenic index–modified frequency-magnitude distribution, providing a framework to forecast induced seismicity.

Geophysical remote sensing of water reservoirs suitable for desalinization.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Aldridge, David Franklin; Bartel, Lewis Clark; Bonal, Nedra

2009-12-01

In many parts of the United States, as well as other regions of the world, competing demands for fresh water or water suitable for desalination are outstripping sustainable supplies. In these areas, new water supplies are necessary to sustain economic development and agricultural uses, as well as support expanding populations, particularly in the Southwestern United States. Increasing the supply of water will more than likely come through desalinization of water reservoirs that are not suitable for present use. Surface-deployed seismic and electromagnetic (EM) methods have the potential for addressing these critical issues within large volumes of an aquifer at amore » lower cost than drilling and sampling. However, for detailed analysis of the water quality, some sampling utilizing boreholes would be required with geophysical methods being employed to extrapolate these sampled results to non-sampled regions of the aquifer. The research in this report addresses using seismic and EM methods in two complimentary ways to aid in the identification of water reservoirs that are suitable for desalinization. The first method uses the seismic data to constrain the earth structure so that detailed EM modeling can estimate the pore water conductivity, and hence the salinity. The second method utilizes the coupling of seismic and EM waves through the seismo-electric (conversion of seismic energy to electrical energy) and the electro-seismic (conversion of electrical energy to seismic energy) to estimate the salinity of the target aquifer. Analytic 1D solutions to coupled pressure and electric wave propagation demonstrate the types of waves one expects when using a seismic or electric source. A 2D seismo-electric/electro-seismic is developed to demonstrate the coupled seismic and EM system. For finite-difference modeling, the seismic and EM wave propagation algorithms are on different spatial and temporal scales. We present a method to solve multiple, finite-difference physics problems that has application beyond the present use. A limited field experiment was conducted to assess the seismo-electric effect. Due to a variety of problems, the observation of the electric field due to a seismic source is not definitive.« less

Advanced computational tools for 3-D seismic analysis

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Barhen, J.; Glover, C.W.; Protopopescu, V.A.

1996-06-01

The global objective of this effort is to develop advanced computational tools for 3-D seismic analysis, and test the products using a model dataset developed under the joint aegis of the United States` Society of Exploration Geophysicists (SEG) and the European Association of Exploration Geophysicists (EAEG). The goal is to enhance the value to the oil industry of the SEG/EAEG modeling project, carried out with US Department of Energy (DOE) funding in FY` 93-95. The primary objective of the ORNL Center for Engineering Systems Advanced Research (CESAR) is to spearhead the computational innovations techniques that would enable a revolutionary advancemore » in 3-D seismic analysis. The CESAR effort is carried out in collaboration with world-class domain experts from leading universities, and in close coordination with other national laboratories and oil industry partners.« less

Seismotectonics of the northern Rockies: Causes and effects of the intraplate seismicity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kobayashi, Daisuke

This dissertation presents four studies that explore potential causes and effects of the seismicity in the Northern Rockies. The focus of Chapter 1 is on spatial correlations between the seismicity and the upper mantle structures. Tomography models suggest a strong low-velocity anomaly along the axis of the Yellowstone Tectonic Parabola. A tomography model, as well as heat flow, corrected geoid height, and shear wave splitting data, suggest a low-velocity body along the axis of another seismic parabola formed by the Centennial Tectonic Belt and Intermountain Seismic Belt (ISB). This similarity points to a common mechanism for both seismic parabolas: a passive rising of buoyant mantle overlain by a moving lithosphere. In Chapter 2, the effects of the historical and hypothetical earthquakes on the Yellowstone magmatic system are assessed by calculating a static stress transfer from each event. The second mainshock of the 1959 Hebgen Lake sequence effectively unclamped the magma reservoir, which could have led to a magma overpressure. Among the 13 hypothetical MW7.1-7.5 earthquakes, events at the second mainshock and largest aftershock of the Hebgen sequence, as well as the one on the Upper Yellowstone Valley fault, show the pattern of normal stress changes favorable to promote a Yellowstone eruption. Chapter 3 presents an interpretation of the 2015 Sandpoint, Idaho earthquake sequence that occurred in the Lewis Clark Fault Zone (LCFZ). The fault plane solutions show reverse sense of oblique slips on a southeast-dipping nodal plane, which is likely to represent a reactivation of the Purcell Trench fault. The Sandpoint earthquakes, along with the adjacent reverse-faulting events, constrain the western extent of the northeast-southwest extension of the LCFZ. In the last chapter, I estimate the effective elastic thickness (Te) of the Northern Rockies, using the free-air admittance method. The effect from the upper mantle density heterogeneity is taken into consideration. The result shows a Te variation in which the relatively narrow transition zone from small to large (>10 km) Te coincides with the ISB, as well as a limited effect from the upper mantle. The Te estimate largely agrees with the Te map from the Bouguer coherence method.

Seismic Methods of Identifying Explosions and Estimating Their Yield

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Walter, W. R.; Ford, S. R.; Pasyanos, M.; Pyle, M. L.; Myers, S. C.; Mellors, R. J.; Pitarka, A.; Rodgers, A. J.; Hauk, T. F.

2014-12-01

Seismology plays a key national security role in detecting, locating, identifying and determining the yield of explosions from a variety of causes, including accidents, terrorist attacks and nuclear testing treaty violations (e.g. Koper et al., 2003, 1999; Walter et al. 1995). A collection of mainly empirical forensic techniques has been successfully developed over many years to obtain source information on explosions from their seismic signatures (e.g. Bowers and Selby, 2009). However a lesson from the three DPRK declared nuclear explosions since 2006, is that our historic collection of data may not be representative of future nuclear test signatures (e.g. Selby et al., 2012). To have confidence in identifying future explosions amongst the background of other seismic signals, and accurately estimate their yield, we need to put our empirical methods on a firmer physical footing. Goals of current research are to improve our physical understanding of the mechanisms of explosion generation of S- and surface-waves, and to advance our ability to numerically model and predict them. As part of that process we are re-examining regional seismic data from a variety of nuclear test sites including the DPRK and the former Nevada Test Site (now the Nevada National Security Site (NNSS)). Newer relative location and amplitude techniques can be employed to better quantify differences between explosions and used to understand those differences in term of depth, media and other properties. We are also making use of the Source Physics Experiments (SPE) at NNSS. The SPE chemical explosions are explicitly designed to improve our understanding of emplacement and source material effects on the generation of shear and surface waves (e.g. Snelson et al., 2013). Finally we are also exploring the value of combining seismic information with other technologies including acoustic and InSAR techniques to better understand the source characteristics. Our goal is to improve our explosion models and our ability to understand and predict where methods of identifying explosions and estimating their yield work well, and any circumstances where they may not.

Location, Reprocessing, and Analysis of Two Dimensional Seismic Reflection Data on the Jicarilla Apache Indian Reservation, New Mexico, Final Report, September 1, 1997-February 1, 2000

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Ridgley, Jennie; Taylor, David J.; Huffman, Jr., A. Curtis

2000-06-08

Multichannel surface seismic reflection data recording is a standard industry tool used to examine various aspects of geology, especially the stratigraphic characteristics and structural style of sedimentary formations in the subsurface. With the help of the Jicarilla Apache Tribe and the Bureau of Indian Affairs we were able to locate over 800 kilometers (500 miles) of multichannel seismic reflection data located on the Jicarilla Apache Indian reservation. Most of the data was received in hardcopy form, but there were data sets where either the demultiplexed digital field data or the processed data accompanied the hardcopy sections. The seismic data wasmore » acquired from the mid 1960's to the early 1990's. The most extensive seismic coverage is in the southern part of the reservation, although there are two good surveys located on the northeastern and northwestern parts of the reservation. Most of the data show that subsurface formations are generally flat-lying in the southern and western portion of the reservation. There is, however, a significant amount of structure imaged on seismic data located over the San Juan Basin margin along the east-central and northern part of the reservation. Several west to east trending lines in these areas show a highly faulted monoclinal structure from the deep basin in the west up onto the basin margin to the east. Hydrocarbon exploration in flat lying formations is mostly stratigraphic in nature. Where there is structure in the subsurface and indications are that rocks have been folded, faulted, and fractured, exploration has concentrated on structural traps and porosity/permeability "sweet spots" caused by fracturing. Therefore, an understanding of the tectonics influencing the entire section is critical in understanding mechanisms for generating faults and fractures in the Cretaceous. It is apparent that much of the hydrocarbon production on the reservation is from fracture porosity in either source or reservoir sequences. Therefore it is important to understand the mechanism that controls the location and intensity of the fractures. A possible mechanism may be deep seated basement faulting that has been active through time. Examining the basement fault patterns in this part of the basin and their relation to fracture production may provide a model for new plays on the Jicarilla Indian Reservation. There are still parts of the reservation where the subsurface has not been imaged geophysically with either conventional two-dimensional or three-dimensional reflection seismic techniques. These methods, especially 3-D seismic, would provide the best data for mapping deep basement faulting. The authors would recommend that 3-D seismic be acquired along the Basin margin located along the eastern edge of the reservation and the results be used to construct detailed fault maps which may help to locate areas with the potential to contain highly fractured zones in the subsurface.« less

Imaging of Heterogeneous Structure beneath the Metropolitan Tokyo Area

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nakagawa, S.; Sakai, S.; Kurashimo, E.; Kato, A.; Hagiwara, H.; Kasahara, K.; Tanada, T.; Obara, K.; Hirata, N.

2009-12-01

Beneath the metropolitan Tokyo area, the Philippine Sea Plate (PSP) subducts and causes damaged mega-thrust earthquakes. The Dai-Dai-Toku Project revealed the geometry of the upper surface of PSP, and estimated a rupture process and a ground motion of the 1923 Kanto earthquake [Sato et al., 2005]. Hagiwara et al. (2006) estimated the velocity structure of Boso peninsula. However, these results are not sufficient for the assessment of the entire picture of the seismic hazards beneath the metropolitan Tokyo area including those due to an intra-slab M7+ earthquake. So, we have carried out a 5-year project since 2007, the Special Project for Earthquake Disaster Mitigation in the Metropolitan Tokyo area. Proving the more detailed geometry and physical properties (e.g. velocities, densities, attenuation) of PSP is very important to attain this issue. The core item of this project is the dense seismic array observation in metropolitan area, which is called the MeSO-net (Metropolitan Seismic Observation network). In order to obtain the high resolution images of a velocity structure, it is requested to construct a seismic network with a spacing of 2-5 km. The total number of seismic stations of the MeSO-net will be about 400 and will be deployed in 4 years. We deployed the 178 seismic stations, which construct 5 seismic arrays such as Tsukuba-Fujisawa (TF) array etc., by 2008, and we are now deploying the 45 seismic stations in this year. The MeSO-net data are quasi-real-time transferred to the data center at ERI [Kasahara et al., 2007; Nakagawa et al., 2007]. In this study, we applied the tomography to image the heterogeneous structure under the metropolitan Tokyo area. We selected events from the catalogue by Hagiwara et al. (2006) and merged the new event data observed by MeSO-net with these data. Around the Kanto region there are several seismic explorations using active sources were carried out [Sato et al., 2005; Oikawa et al., 2007]. Since these data may improve the velocity structure in shallower part, we added the arrival time data of these explorations into the dataset. Then, we applied the double-difference tomography method [Zhang and Thurber, 2003] to this dataset and estimated the fine-scale velocity structure. The initial velocity structure is the same in Hagiwara et al. (2006), and the VP/VS ratio is set to 1.73 for all grid nodes. The TF array passes directory above Tokyo and is parallel to Boso peninsula. The depth section of P-wave velocity structure along the TF array clearly shows that thin low-velocity layer which overlies high-velocity layer subducts towards northeast. This low-velocity layer corresponds to the oceanic crust of the subducting PSP. The increase of MeSO-net stations and event data may improve images of heterogeneous structure and contribute the purpose of this special project. Acknowledgement: This study was supported by the Earthquake Research Institute cooperative research program.

High temporal resolution mapping of seismic noise sources using heterogeneous supercomputers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gokhberg, Alexey; Ermert, Laura; Paitz, Patrick; Fichtner, Andreas

2017-04-01

Time- and space-dependent distribution of seismic noise sources is becoming a key ingredient of modern real-time monitoring of various geo-systems. Significant interest in seismic noise source maps with high temporal resolution (days) is expected to come from a number of domains, including natural resources exploration, analysis of active earthquake fault zones and volcanoes, as well as geothermal and hydrocarbon reservoir monitoring. Currently, knowledge of noise sources is insufficient for high-resolution subsurface monitoring applications. Near-real-time seismic data, as well as advanced imaging methods to constrain seismic noise sources have recently become available. These methods are based on the massive cross-correlation of seismic noise records from all available seismic stations in the region of interest and are therefore very computationally intensive. Heterogeneous massively parallel supercomputing systems introduced in the recent years combine conventional multi-core CPU with GPU accelerators and provide an opportunity for manifold increase and computing performance. Therefore, these systems represent an efficient platform for implementation of a noise source mapping solution. We present the first results of an ongoing research project conducted in collaboration with the Swiss National Supercomputing Centre (CSCS). The project aims at building a service that provides seismic noise source maps for Central Europe with high temporal resolution (days to few weeks depending on frequency and data availability). The service is hosted on the CSCS computing infrastructure; all computationally intensive processing is performed on the massively parallel heterogeneous supercomputer "Piz Daint". The solution architecture is based on the Application-as-a-Service concept in order to provide the interested external researchers the regular access to the noise source maps. The solution architecture includes the following sub-systems: (1) data acquisition responsible for collecting, on a periodic basis, raw seismic records from the European seismic networks, (2) high-performance noise source mapping application responsible for generation of source maps using cross-correlation of seismic records, (3) back-end infrastructure for the coordination of various tasks and computations, (4) front-end Web interface providing the service to the end-users and (5) data repository. The noise mapping application is composed of four principal modules: (1) pre-processing of raw data, (2) massive cross-correlation, (3) post-processing of correlation data based on computation of logarithmic energy ratio and (4) generation of source maps from post-processed data. Implementation of the solution posed various challenges, in particular, selection of data sources and transfer protocols, automation and monitoring of daily data downloads, ensuring the required data processing performance, design of a general service oriented architecture for coordination of various sub-systems, and engineering an appropriate data storage solution. The present pilot version of the service implements noise source maps for Switzerland. Extension of the solution to Central Europe is planned for the next project phase.

Geophysical Technologies to Image Old Mine Works

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Kanaan Hanna; Jim Pfeiffer

2007-01-15

ZapataEngineering, Blackhawk Division performed geophysical void detection demonstrations for the US Department of Labor Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA). The objective was to advance current state-of-practices of geophysical technologies for detecting underground mine voids. The presence of old mine works above, adjacent, or below an active mine presents major health and safety hazards to miners who have inadvertently cut into locations with such features. In addition, the presence of abandoned mines or voids beneath roadways and highway structures may greatly impact the performance of the transportation infrastructure in terms of cost and public safety. Roads constructed over abandoned minesmore » are subject to potential differential settlement, subsidence, sinkholes, and/or catastrophic collapse. Thus, there is a need to utilize geophysical imaging technologies to accurately locate old mine works. Several surface and borehole geophysical imaging methods and mapping techniques were employed at a known abandoned coal mine in eastern Illinois to investigate which method best map the location and extent of old works. These methods included: 1) high-resolution seismic (HRS) using compressional P-wave (HRPW) and S-wave (HRSW) reflection collected with 3-D techniques; 2) crosshole seismic tomography (XHT); 3) guided waves; 4) reverse vertical seismic profiling (RVSP); and 5) borehole sonar mapping. In addition, several exploration borings were drilled to confirm the presence of the imaged mine voids. The results indicated that the RVSP is the most viable method to accurately detect the subsurface voids with horizontal accuracy of two to five feet. This method was then applied at several other locations in Colorado with various topographic, geologic, and cultural settings for the same purpose. This paper presents the significant results obtained from the geophysical investigations in Illinois.« less

Mapping Shear-wave Velocity Structures of the "African Anomaly" Along a Northwest to Southeast Arc From New Zealand to the Mid-Atlantic Ridge

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Frodsham, A. E.; Wen, L.

2006-12-01

A previous study [Wang and Wen, 2006] investigated the geometry and shear velocity structure of the "African Anomaly" along a great circle arc from the East Pacific Rise to the Japan Sea, and concluded the anomaly extends 1300 km above the core-mantle boundary, that the sides of the anomaly slope towards the apex and has velocity deviations of -5% in the base and -2% to -3% in the mid-lower mantle. Wang and Wen [2004] also reported on the very low velocity province that forms the base of the "African Anomaly" and its lateral extent, but the northern edge of the anomaly was poorly constrained because of the nature of the seismic data. In this presentation we focus on the nature of the anomaly in a cross-section of the mantle along a great arc, from New Zealand, to the Mid-Atlantic Ridge off the coast of Newfoundland, centered over the anomaly. In particular, we focus on the northern edge of the "African Anomaly" where a paucity of large, deep focus earthquakes makes seismic arrivals from the northwest difficult to analyze. We map the lateral extent, thickness, and shear velocity structures of the "African Anomaly" on the basis of forward travel time and waveform modeling of direct S, ScS, and SKS waves. Seismic data used in this study were collected from PASSCAL arrays: KAAPVAAL seismic array (operating years 1997-1999), Tanzania seismic array (1994- 1995), Ethiopia/Kenya seismic array (2000-2002), and the Global Seismographic Network (1994-2002). We minimize uncertainty from earthquake mislocation by relocation of the earthquakes using a global tomographic shear wave velocity model and also correct for heterogeneities outside the anomaly. We explore various methods of data processing, such as frequency filtration, low fold stacking, and cross correlation, to best interpret the arrival times of the various seismic phases and constrain the nature of the "African Anomaly" along a northwest to southeast cross-section.

Ambient seismic noise applications for Titan

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jackson, J. M.; Zhan, Z.; Clayton, R. W.; Helmberger, D. V.; Tsai, V. C.

2010-12-01

Titan is Saturn’s largest moon and is host to a myriad of surface, crustal, and perhaps interior dynamic processes (e.g., Lunine & Lorenz 2009; Sotin et al. 2009). Although recent gravity data put constraints on the nature of Titan’s deep interior (Iess et al. 2010), details regarding the layering and crustal structure remain poorly constrained. For example, the crustal thickness derived from modeling of the gravity data suggests a value ~100 km, but with a large uncertainty. There may exist a subsurface ocean or reservoirs of liquid that actively connects with Titan’s hyrdrocarbon-bearing lakes and atmosphere. Cross-correlation of ambient seismic noise is an emerging method to study crustal structures (e.g., Shapiro et al. 2005). Recent results show that under certain conditions, such as post-critical reflections, the Moho-reflected shear wave (SmS) can be clearly identified with ambient seismic noise [Zhan et al. 2010]. Titan may represent a plausible planetary body to apply the methods of ambient seismic noise, thereby providing a unique opportunity to better understand the interior of an icy body in our solar system. We will explore the use of ambient seismic noise on Titan and assess its application to determine interior structures, such as signals expected for different crust-(ocean)-mantle boundary depths. References: Iess, L. et al. (2010), Science 327: 1367-1369 Lunine, J.I. and Lorenz, R.D. (2009), Ann. Rev. Earth Planet. Sci. 37: 299-320. Shapiro et al. (2005), Science 307: 1615-1618. Sotin et al. (2009), in Titan from Cassini-Huygens: 61-73. R.H. Brown, J.-P. Lebreton, J. Hunter Waite, Eds. Zhan, Z. et al. (2010), Geophys. J. Int. doi: 10.1111/j/1365-246X.2010.04625.x Acknowledgments: Parts of this work grew out of discussions during a mini study at the Keck Institute for Space Studies, which is funded by the W. M. Keck Foundation.

Automatic Phase Picker for Local and Teleseismic Events Using Wavelet Transform and Simulated Annealing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gaillot, P.; Bardaine, T.; Lyon-Caen, H.

2004-12-01

Since recent years, various automatic phase pickers based on the wavelet transform have been developed. The main motivation for using wavelet transform is that they are excellent at finding the characteristics of transient signals, they have good time resolution at all periods, and they are easy to program for fast execution. Thus, the time-scale properties and flexibility of the wavelets allow detection of P and S phases in a broad frequency range making their utilization possible in various context. However, the direct application of an automatic picking program in a different context/network than the one for which it has been initially developed is quickly tedious. In fact, independently of the strategy involved in automatic picking algorithms (window average, autoregressive, beamforming, optimization filtering, neuronal network), all developed algorithms use different parameters that depend on the objective of the seismological study, the region and the seismological network. Classically, these parameters are manually defined by trial-error or calibrated learning stage. In order to facilitate this laborious process, we have developed an automated method that provide optimal parameters for the picking programs. The set of parameters can be explored using simulated annealing which is a generic name for a family of optimization algorithms based on the principle of stochastic relaxation. The optimization process amounts to systematically modifying an initial realization so as to decrease the value of the objective function, getting the realization acceptably close to the target statistics. Different formulations of the optimization problem (objective function) are discussed using (1) world seismicity data recorded by the French national seismic monitoring network (ReNass), (2) regional seismicity data recorded in the framework of the Corinth Rift Laboratory (CRL) experiment, (3) induced seismicity data from the gas field of Lacq (Western Pyrenees), and (4) micro-seismicity data from glacier monitoring. The developed method is discussed and tested using our wavelet version of the standard STA-LTA algorithm.

76 FR 34656 - Taking and Importing Marine Mammals; Geological and Geophysical Exploration of Mineral and Energy...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-06-14

..., but not limited to, migration, breathing, nursing, breeding, feeding, or sheltering (Level B... surveys [WAZ]), and ocean bottom surveys [OBS], and (2) high resolution surveys. Deep Seismic Surveys For... seismic surveys (2D, 3D, or WAZ) are typically deeper penetrating than high resolution surveys and may...

Variational Bayesian Inversion of Quasi-Localized Seismic Attributes for the Spatial Distribution of Geological Facies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nawaz, Muhammad Atif; Curtis, Andrew

2018-04-01

We introduce a new Bayesian inversion method that estimates the spatial distribution of geological facies from attributes of seismic data, by showing how the usual probabilistic inverse problem can be solved using an optimization framework still providing full probabilistic results. Our mathematical model consists of seismic attributes as observed data, which are assumed to have been generated by the geological facies. The method infers the post-inversion (posterior) probability density of the facies plus some other unknown model parameters, from the seismic attributes and geological prior information. Most previous research in this domain is based on the localized likelihoods assumption, whereby the seismic attributes at a location are assumed to depend on the facies only at that location. Such an assumption is unrealistic because of imperfect seismic data acquisition and processing, and fundamental limitations of seismic imaging methods. In this paper, we relax this assumption: we allow probabilistic dependence between seismic attributes at a location and the facies in any neighbourhood of that location through a spatial filter. We term such likelihoods quasi-localized.

Computer power fathoms the depths: billion-bit data processors illuminate the subsurface. [3-D Seismic techniques

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Ross, J.J.

Some of the same space-age signal technology being used to track events 200 miles above the earth is helping petroleum explorationists track down oil and natural gas two miles and more down into the earth. The breakthroughs, which have come in a technique called three-dimensional seismic work, could change the complexion of exploration for oil and natural gas. Thanks to this 3-D seismic approach, explorationists can make dynamic maps of sites miles beneath the surface. Then explorationists can throw these maps on space-age computer systems and manipulate them every which way - homing in sharply on salt domes, faults, sandsmore » and traps associated with oil and natural gas. ''The 3-D seismic scene has exploded within the last two years,'' says, Peiter Tackenberg, Marathon technical consultant who deals with both domestic and international exploration. The 3-D technique has been around for more than a decade, he notes, but recent achievements in space-age computer hardware and software have unlocked its full potential.« less

Characteristic Analysis of Air-gun Source Wavelet based on the Vertical Cable Data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xing, L.

2016-12-01

Air guns are important sources for marine seismic exploration. Far-field wavelets of air gun arrays, as a necessary parameter for pre-stack processing and source models, plays an important role during marine seismic data processing and interpretation. When an air gun fires, it generates a series of air bubbles. Similar to onshore seismic exploration, the water forms a plastic fluid near the bubble; the farther the air gun is located from the measurement, the more steady and more accurately represented the wavelet will be. In practice, hydrophones should be placed more than 100 m from the air gun; however, traditional seismic cables cannot meet this requirement. On the other hand, vertical cables provide a viable solution to this problem. This study uses a vertical cable to receive wavelets from 38 air guns and data are collected offshore Southeast Qiong, where the water depth is over 1000 m. In this study, the wavelets measured using this technique coincide very well with the simulated wavelets and can therefore represent the real shape of the wavelets. This experiment fills a technology gap in China.

Sequence stratigraphic applications to deep-water exploration in the Makassar Strait, offshore East Kalimantan, Indonesia

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Malacek, S.J.; Reaves, C.M.; Atmadja, W.S.

1994-07-01

A sequence stratigraphic study was conducted to help evaluate the exploration potential of the Makassar PSC, offshore East Kalimantan, Indonesia. The PSC is on the present-day slope in water depths of 500-3000 ft and borders the large oil and gas fields of the Mahakam delta. The study provided important insights on reservoir distribution, trapping style, and seismic hydrocarbon indicators. Lowstand deposition on a slope modified by growth faulting and shale diapirism controlled reservoir distribution within the prospective late Miocene section. Three major lowstand intervals can be seismically defined and tied to deep-water sands in nearby wells where log character andmore » biostratigraphic data support the seismic system tract interpretation. The three intervals appear to correlate with third-order global lowstand events and are consistent with existing sequence stratigraphic schemes for the shelf and upper slope in the Makassar area. Seismic mapping delineated lowstand features, including incised valleys and intraslope to basin-floor thicks. Regional information on positions of middle-late Miocene delta lobes and shelf edges, helped complete the picture for sand sources, transport routes, and depocenters.« less

Application of the H/V and SPAC Method to Estimate a 3D Shear Wave Velocity Model, in the City of Coatzacoalcos, Veracruz.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Morales, L. E. A. P.; Aguirre, J.; Vazquez Rosas, R.; Suarez, G.; Contreras Ruiz-Esparza, M. G.; Farraz, I.

2014-12-01

Methods that use seismic noise or microtremors have become very useful tools worldwide due to its low costs, the relative simplicity in collecting data, the fact that these are non-invasive methods hence there is no need to alter or even perforate the study site, and also these methods require a relatively simple analysis procedure. Nevertheless the geological structures estimated by this methods are assumed to be parallel, isotropic and homogeneous layers. Consequently precision of the estimated structure is lower than that from conventional seismic methods. In the light of these facts this study aimed towards searching a new way to interpret the results obtained from seismic noise methods. In this study, seven triangular SPAC (Aki, 1957) arrays were performed in the city of Coatzacoalcos, Veracruz, varying in sizes from 10 to 100 meters. From the autocorrelation between the stations of each array, a Rayleigh wave phase velocity dispersion curve was calculated. Such dispersion curve was used to obtain a S wave parallel layers velocity (VS) structure for the study site. Subsequently the horizontal to vertical ratio of the spectrum of microtremors H/V (Nogoshi and Igarashi, 1971; Nakamura, 1989, 2000) was calculated for each vertex of the SPAC triangular arrays, and from the H/V spectrum the fundamental frequency was estimated for each vertex. By using the H/V spectral ratio curves interpreted as a proxy to the Rayleigh wave ellipticity curve, a series of VS structures were inverted for each vertex of the SPAC array. Lastly each VS structure was employed to calculate a 3D velocity model, in which the exploration depth was approximately 100 meters, and had a velocity range in between 206 (m/s) to 920 (m/s). The 3D model revealed a thinning of the low velocity layers. This proved to be in good agreement with the variation of the fundamental frequencies observed at each vertex. With the previous kind of analysis a preliminary model can be obtained as a first approximation, so that more careful studies can be conducted to assess a detailed geological characterization of a specific site. The continuous development of the methods that use microtremors, create many areas of interest in the seismic engineering study field. This and other reasons are why these methods have acquired more presence all over the globe.

Seismic features and evolution of a late Miocene submarine channel system in the Yinggehai basin, northwestern South China Sea

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sun, H.; Jiang, T.; Wang, Z.; Zhang, Y.

2014-12-01

Submarine channel is one of key conduits for coarse terrigenous clastic sediments to abyssal plain, which provides the possibility for deepwater hydrocarbon exploration. Recently, a new high-quality 3D seismic data is acquired in south Yinggehai basin (YGHB) and the detailed interpretations on those seismic profiles as well as RMS amplitude attributes and variance slices reveal a submarine channel system developed in late Miocene, which could be supplied from Hainan Island via turbidity currents so that it would be filled with sand-rich turbidites as good hydrocarbon reservoir. Based on the integration between regional seismic survey and some boreholes, the investigations on its infilling architectures and depositional processes are carried out. The results show that it composes two converged submarine channels with two channelized submarine fans to their west and the main submarine channel (MSC) is characterized by a downstream increasing width and is infilled by sediments with high amplitude seismic facies, which could be originated from channelized submarine fans. Furthermore, the complicated depositional processes around the confluence region of these two channels are pointed out and the interactions between the submarine channel system and nearby channelized submarine fans are discussed. The detailed illustration on the seismic features and depositional processes of the subsurface submarine system provides us better understanding deepwater sedimentary dynamics and would be more benefit for the hydrocarbon exploration in similar deepwater area around the world.

Producing data-based sensitivity kernels from convolution and correlation in exploration geophysics.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chmiel, M. J.; Roux, P.; Herrmann, P.; Rondeleux, B.

2016-12-01

Many studies have shown that seismic interferometry can be used to estimate surface wave arrivals by correlation of seismic signals recorded at a pair of locations. In the case of ambient noise sources, the convergence towards the surface wave Green's functions is obtained with the criterion of equipartitioned energy. However, seismic acquisition with active, controlled sources gives more possibilities when it comes to interferometry. The use of controlled sources makes it possible to recover the surface wave Green's function between two points using either correlation or convolution. We investigate the convolutional and correlational approaches using land active-seismic data from exploration geophysics. The data were recorded on 10,710 vertical receivers using 51,808 sources (seismic vibrator trucks). The sources spacing is the same in both X and Y directions (30 m) which is known as a "carpet shooting". The receivers are placed in parallel lines with a spacing 150 m in the X direction and 30 m in the Y direction. Invoking spatial reciprocity between sources and receivers, correlation and convolution functions can thus be constructed between either pairs of receivers or pairs of sources. Benefiting from the dense acquisition, we extract sensitivity kernels from correlation and convolution measurements of the seismic data. These sensitivity kernels are subsequently used to produce phase-velocity dispersion curves between two points and to separate the higher mode from the fundamental mode for surface waves. Potential application to surface wave cancellation is also envisaged.

Noise-based body-wave seismic tomography in an active underground mine.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Olivier, G.; Brenguier, F.; Campillo, M.; Lynch, R.; Roux, P.

2014-12-01

Over the last decade, ambient noise tomography has become increasingly popular to image the earth's upper crust. The seismic noise recorded in the earth's crust is dominated by surface waves emanating from the interaction of the ocean with the solid earth. These surface waves are low frequency in nature ( < 1 Hz) and not usable for imaging smaller structures associated with mining or oil and gas applications. The seismic noise recorded at higher frequencies are typically from anthropogenic sources, which are short lived, spatially unstable and not well suited for constructing seismic Green's functions between sensors with conventional cross-correlation methods. To examine the use of ambient noise tomography for smaller scale applications, continuous data were recorded for 5 months in an active underground mine in Sweden located more than 1km below surface with 18 high frequency seismic sensors. A wide variety of broadband (10 - 3000 Hz) seismic noise sources are present in an active underground mine ranging from drilling, scraping, trucks, ore crushers and ventilation fans. Some of these sources generate favorable seismic noise, while others are peaked in frequency and not usable. In this presentation, I will show that the noise generated by mining activity can be useful if periods of seismic noise are carefully selected. Although noise sources are not temporally stable and not evenly distributed around the sensor array, good estimates of the seismic Green's functions between sensors can be retrieved for a broad frequency range (20 - 400 Hz) when a selective stacking scheme is used. For frequencies below 100 Hz, the reconstructed Green's functions show clear body-wave arrivals for almost all of the 153 sensor pairs. The arrival times of these body-waves are picked and used to image the local velocity structure. The resulting 3-dimensional image shows a high velocity structure that overlaps with a known ore-body. The material properties of the ore-body differ from the host rock and is likely the cause of the observed high velocity structure. For frequencies above 200 Hz, the seismic waves are multiply scattered by the tunnels and excavations and used to determine the scattering properties of the medium. The results of this study should be useful for future imaging and exploration projects in mining and oil and gas industries.

An integrated geophysical and geochemical exploration of critical zone weathering on opposing montane hillslope

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Singha, K.; Navarre-Sitchler, A.; Bandler, A.; Pommer, R. E.; Novitsky, C. G.; Holbrook, S.; Moore, J.

2017-12-01

Quantifying coupled geochemical and hydrological properties and processes that operate in the critical zone is key to predicting rock weathering and subsequent transmission and storage of water in the shallow subsurface. Geophysical data have the potential to elucidate geochemical and hydrologic processes across landscapes over large spatial scales that are difficult to achieve with point measurements alone. Here, we explore the connections between weathering and fracturing, as measured from integrated geochemical and geophysical borehole data and seismic velocities on north- and south-facing aspects within one watershed in the Boulder Creek Critical Zone Observatory. We drilled eight boreholes up to 13 m deep on north- and south-facing aspects within Upper Gordon Gulch, and surface seismic refraction data were collected near these wells to explore depths of regolith and bedrock, as well as anisotropic characteristics of the subsurface material due to fracturing. Optical televiewer data were collected in these wells to infer the dominant direction of fracturing and fracture density in the near surface to corroborate with the seismic data. Geochemical samples were collected from four of these wells and a series of shallow soil pits for bulk chemistry, clay fraction, and exchangeable cation concentrations to identify depths of chemically altered saprolite. Seismic data show that depth to unweathered bedrock, as defined by p-wave seismic velocity, is slightly thicker on the north-facing slopes. Geochemical data suggest that the depth to the base of saprolite ranges from 3-5 m, consistent with a p-wave velocity value of 1200 m/s. Based on magnitude and anisotropy of p-wave velocities together with optical televiewer data, regolith on north-facing slopes is thought to be more fractured than south-facing slopes, while geochemical data indicate that position on the landscape is another important characteristic in determining depths of weathering. We explore the importance of fracture opening in controlling both saprolite and regolith thickness within this watershed.

Receiver deghosting in the t-x domain based on super-Gaussianity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lu, Wenkai; Xu, Ziqiang; Fang, Zhongyu; Wang, Ruiliang; Yan, Chengzhi

2017-01-01

Deghosting methods in the time-space (t-x) domain have attracted a lot of attention because of their flexibility for various source/receiver configurations. Based on the well-known knowledge that the seismic signal has a super-Gaussian distribution, we present a Super-Gaussianity based Receiver Deghosting (SRD) method in the t-x domain. In our method, we denote the upgoing wave and its ghost (downgoing wave) as a single seismic signal, and express the relationship between the upgoing wave and its ghost using two ghost parameters: the sea surface reflection coefficient and the time-shift between the upgoing wave and its ghost. For a single seismic signal, we estimate these two parameters by maximizing the super-Gaussianity of the deghosted output, which is achieved by a 2D grid search method using an adaptively predefined discrete solution space. Since usually a large number of seismic signals are mixed together in a seismic trace, in the proposed method we divide the seismic trace into overlapping frames using a sliding time window with a step of one time sample, and consider each frame as a replacement for a single seismic signal. For a 2D seismic gather, we obtain two 2D maps of the ghost parameters. By assuming that these two parameters vary slowly in the t-x domain, we apply a 2D average filter to these maps, to improve their reliability further. Finally, these deghosted outputs are merged to form the final deghosted result. To demonstrate the flexibility of the proposed method for arbitrary variable depths of the receivers, we apply it to several synthetic and field seismic datasets acquired by variable depth streamer.

Delineating gas bearing reservoir by using spectral decomposition attribute: Case study of Steenkool formation, Bintuni Basin

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Haris, A.; Pradana, G. S.; Riyanto, A.

2017-07-01

Tectonic setting of the Bird Head Papua Island becomes an important model for petroleum system in Eastern part of Indonesia. The current exploration has been started since the oil seepage finding in Bintuni and Salawati Basin. The biogenic gas in shallow layer turns out to become an interesting issue in the hydrocarbon exploration. The hydrocarbon accumulation appearance in a shallow layer with dry gas type, appeal biogenic gas for further research. This paper aims at delineating the sweet spot hydrocarbon potential in shallow layer by applying the spectral decomposition technique. The spectral decomposition is decomposing the seismic signal into an individual frequency, which has significant geological meaning. One of spectral decomposition methods is Continuous Wavelet Transform (CWT), which transforms the seismic signal into individual time and frequency simultaneously. This method is able to make easier time-frequency map analysis. When time resolution increases, the frequency resolution will be decreased, and vice versa. In this study, we perform low-frequency shadow zone analysis in which the amplitude anomaly at a low frequency of 15 Hz was observed and we then compare it to the amplitude at the mid (20 Hz) and the high-frequency (30 Hz). The appearance of the amplitude anomaly at a low frequency was disappeared at high frequency, this anomaly disappears. The spectral decomposition by using CWT algorithm has been successfully applied to delineate the sweet spot zone.

The shallow seismic structure of the Larderello geothermal field (Italy) as seen from Receiver Function analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Piana Agostinetti, Nicola; Licciardi, Andrea; Piccinini, Davide; Mazzarini, Francesco; Musumeci, Giovanni; Saccorotti, Gilberto

2017-04-01

The Larderello field (Tuscany, Italy) is the oldest example in the world of geothermal energy exploitation for industrial purposes. Despite its century long history of exploration and exploitation, the deep structure (4-8km depth) of the Larderello field is still poorly known, due to (a) the lack of resolution of the applied exploration techniques and (b) the lack of interest in the investigation of deep geothermal reservoirs, given the abundant amount of energy extracted from the shallow reservoirs. Recently, the increasing demand of green-energy promoted a renewed interest in the geothermal industrial sector, which translated into new exploration efforts, especially to obtain a detailed characterization of deep geothermal sources. We investigate the seismic structure of the Larderello geothermal field using Receiver Function (RF) analysis. Crustal seismic structures are routinely investigated using the RF methodology, where teleseismic P-wave are analysed to extract P-to-S converted phases that can be related to the propagation of the P-wave across a seismic discontinuity. We compute RF from 26 seismic stations, belonging to both temporary and permanent networks: the GAPSS and RETREAT experiments and the Italian Seismic Network. The RF data-set is migrated at depth and decomposed into azimuthal harmonics. Computing the first, k=0, and the second, k=1, harmonics allows to separate the "isotropic" contribution, due to the change of the isotropic properties of the sampled materials (recorded on the k=0 harmonics), from the "anisotropic" contribution, where the energy is related to the propagation of the P-wave through anisotropic materials (recorded on the k=1 harmonics). Preliminary results allow us: (1) to infer the position of the main S-wave velocity discontinuities in the study area, mainly a shallow Tyrrhenian Moho and a very-low S-wave velocity body in the center of the Larderello dome, at about 5-15km depth; and (2) to map the presence of anisotropic materials at depth beneath the central part of the geothermal field. Our finding are discussed in relation to the distribution of local microseismicity recorded during the GAPSS experiment and to the geometry of the main seismic interfaces inferred from the analysis of active seismic data.

Effects of disturbance associated with seismic exploration for oil and gas reserves in coastal marshes

USGS Publications Warehouse

Howard, Rebecca J.; Wells, Christopher J.; Michot, Thomas C.; Johnson, Darren J.

2014-01-01

Anthropogenic disturbances in wetland ecosystems can alter the composition and structure of plant assemblages and affect system functions. Extensive oil and gas extraction has occurred in wetland habitats along the northern Gulf of Mexico coast since the early 1900s. Activities involved with three-dimensional (3D) seismic exploration for these resources cause various disturbances to vegetation and soils. We documented the impact of a 3D seismic survey in coastal marshes in Louisiana, USA, along transects established before exploration began. Two semi-impounded marshes dominated by Spartina patens were in the area surveyed. Vegetation, soil, and water physicochemical data were collected before the survey, about 6 weeks following its completion, and every 3 months thereafter for 2 years. Soil cores for seed bank emergence experiments were also collected. Maximum vegetation height at impact sites was reduced in both marshes 6 weeks following the survey. In one marsh, total vegetation cover was also reduced, and dead vegetation cover increased, at impact sites 6 weeks after the survey. These effects, however, did not persist 3 months later. No effects on soil or water properties were identified. The total number of seeds that germinated during greenhouse studies increased at impact sites 5 months following the survey in both marshes. Although some seed bank effects persisted 1 year, these effects were not reflected in standing vegetation. The marshes studied were therefore resilient to the impacts resulting from 3D seismic exploration because vegetation responses were short term in that they could not be identified a few months following survey completion.

Effects of Disturbance Associated With Seismic Exploration for Oil and Gas Reserves in Coastal Marshes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Howard, Rebecca J.; Wells, Christopher J.; Michot, Thomas C.; Johnson, Darren J.

2014-07-01

Anthropogenic disturbances in wetland ecosystems can alter the composition and structure of plant assemblages and affect system functions. Extensive oil and gas extraction has occurred in wetland habitats along the northern Gulf of Mexico coast since the early 1900s. Activities involved with three-dimensional (3D) seismic exploration for these resources cause various disturbances to vegetation and soils. We documented the impact of a 3D seismic survey in coastal marshes in Louisiana, USA, along transects established before exploration began. Two semi-impounded marshes dominated by Spartina patens were in the area surveyed. Vegetation, soil, and water physicochemical data were collected before the survey, about 6 weeks following its completion, and every 3 months thereafter for 2 years. Soil cores for seed bank emergence experiments were also collected. Maximum vegetation height at impact sites was reduced in both marshes 6 weeks following the survey. In one marsh, total vegetation cover was also reduced, and dead vegetation cover increased, at impact sites 6 weeks after the survey. These effects, however, did not persist 3 months later. No effects on soil or water properties were identified. The total number of seeds that germinated during greenhouse studies increased at impact sites 5 months following the survey in both marshes. Although some seed bank effects persisted 1 year, these effects were not reflected in standing vegetation. The marshes studied were therefore resilient to the impacts resulting from 3D seismic exploration because vegetation responses were short term in that they could not be identified a few months following survey completion.

Effects of disturbance associated with seismic exploration for oil and gas reserves in coastal marshes.

PubMed

Howard, Rebecca J; Wells, Christopher J; Michot, Thomas C; Johnson, Darren J

2014-07-01

Anthropogenic disturbances in wetland ecosystems can alter the composition and structure of plant assemblages and affect system functions. Extensive oil and gas extraction has occurred in wetland habitats along the northern Gulf of Mexico coast since the early 1900s. Activities involved with three-dimensional (3D) seismic exploration for these resources cause various disturbances to vegetation and soils. We documented the impact of a 3D seismic survey in coastal marshes in Louisiana, USA, along transects established before exploration began. Two semi-impounded marshes dominated by Spartina patens were in the area surveyed. Vegetation, soil, and water physicochemical data were collected before the survey, about 6 weeks following its completion, and every 3 months thereafter for 2 years. Soil cores for seed bank emergence experiments were also collected. Maximum vegetation height at impact sites was reduced in both marshes 6 weeks following the survey. In one marsh, total vegetation cover was also reduced, and dead vegetation cover increased, at impact sites 6 weeks after the survey. These effects, however, did not persist 3 months later. No effects on soil or water properties were identified. The total number of seeds that germinated during greenhouse studies increased at impact sites 5 months following the survey in both marshes. Although some seed bank effects persisted 1 year, these effects were not reflected in standing vegetation. The marshes studied were therefore resilient to the impacts resulting from 3D seismic exploration because vegetation responses were short term in that they could not be identified a few months following survey completion.

Integration of 2D and 3D reflection seismic data with deep boreholes in the Kevitsa Ni-Cu-PGE deposit, northern Finland

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Koivisto, Emilia; Malehmir, Alireza; Voipio, Teemu; Wijns, Chris

2013-04-01

Kevitsa is a large disseminated sulphide Ni-Cu-PGE deposit hosted by the Kevitsa mafic-ultramafic intrusion in northern Finland and dated as about 2.06 Ga old. The Geological Survey of Finland first discovered the Kevitsa deposit in 1987. Open pit mining by Kevitsa Mining Oy/First Quantum Minerals Ltd. commenced in June 2012. The final pit depth is planned to be 550-600 m. The estimated ore reserves of the Kevitsa intrusion are about 240 million tones (using a nickel cut-off grade of 0.1%). The expected life-of-mine is 20-30 years. More than 400 hundred holes have been drilled in the Kevitsa area, but most are concentrated close to the known deposit and do not provide a comprehensive understanding of the extent of the intrusion. The basal contact of the intrusion is penetrated by only about 30 drill holes, most of which are shallow. A better knowledge of the geometry of the intrusion would provide a framework for near-mine and deep exploration in the area. An exact knowledge on the basal contact of the intrusion would also provide an exploration target for the contact-type mineralization that is often more massive and richer in Ni-Cu. In December 2007, a series of 2D reflection seismic profiles was acquired in the Kevitsa area. It consisted of four connected survey lines between 6 and 11 km long. In 2010, the initial positive results of the 2D seismic survey led Kevitsa Mining Oy/First Quantum Minerals Ltd. to initiate a 3D reflection seismic survey. The 3D seismic survey is limited to the closer vicinity of the known deposit, while the 2D seismic survey was designed to provide a more regional view of the Kevitsa intrusive complex. The main aims of the 2D and 3D seismic surveys were to delineate the shape and extent of the ore-bearing Kevitsa intrusion and the geometry of some of the host rock and surrounding units, and extract information about the larger-scale structures and structures important for mine-planning purposes. The 2D and 3D seismic data were used to create a 3D lithological and structural model for the architecture of the whole complex. The information on the extent of the ore-bearing Kevitsa intrusion can be used for more effective exploration in the area. The base of the intrusion is particularly clear in the northern and eastern sectors. Toward the east, the base is mostly defined by disruption of the reflectors internal to the intrusion. The 2D seismic data, which extend beyond the 3D seismic study, reveal that the prominent reflectors at the base of the intrusion continue deeper toward the south-southwest. This has been interpreted as a previously unknown southern continuation of the intrusion. Furthermore, the data reveal strong reflectors at the base of the intrusion that have been penetrated by two deep drill holes in the area. These drill holes reveal contact-type mineralization at the onset of the reflectors. Thus, the seismic data can be directly used for exploration of the contact-type mineralization.

A global database of seismically and non-seismically triggered landslides for 2D/3D numerical modeling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Domej, Gisela; Bourdeau, Céline; Lenti, Luca; Pluta, Kacper

2017-04-01

Landsliding is a worldwide common phenomenon. Every year, and ranging in size from very small to enormous, landslides cause all too often loss of life and disastrous damage to infrastructure, property and the environment. One main reason for more frequent catastrophes is the growth of population on the Earth which entails extending urbanization to areas at risk. Landslides are triggered by a variety and combination of causes, among which the role of water and seismic activity appear to have the most serious consequences. In this regard, seismic shaking is of particular interest since topographic elevation as well as the landslide mass itself can trap waves and hence amplify incoming surface waves - a phenomenon known as "site effects". Research on the topic of landsliding due to seismic and non-seismic activity is extensive and a broad spectrum of methods for modeling slope deformation is available. Those methods range from pseudo-static and rigid-block based models to numerical models. The majority is limited to 2D modeling since more sophisticated approaches in 3D are still under development or calibration. However, the effect of lateral confinement as well as the mechanical properties of the adjacent bedrock might be of great importance because they may enhance the focusing of trapped waves in the landslide mass. A database was created to study 3D landslide geometries. It currently contains 277 distinct seismically and non-seismically triggered landslides spread all around the globe whose rupture bodies were measured in all available details. Therefore a specific methodology was developed to maintain predefined standards, to keep the bias as low as possible and to set up a query tool to explore the database. Besides geometry, additional information such as location, date, triggering factors, material, sliding mechanisms, event chronology, consequences, related literature, among other things are stored for every case. The aim of the database is to enable statistical analysis on a vast and newly updated set of data and to create numerical models in the future. It is possible to define groups of landslides sharing the same characteristics, or cases belonging to different groups can be used to compare their responses to external loads. Thus, different options exist to create input data for numerical models. This is very promising especially considering the possibility of comparing 2D and 3D models having the same framework conditions (i.e. geometry, material, etc.). Comparison of 2D and 3D approaches might contribute to a better understanding of landsliding phenomena to improve the hazard prevention.

Deep structure of Medicine Lake volcano, California

USGS Publications Warehouse

Ritter, J.R.R.; Evans, J.R.

1997-01-01

Medicine Lake volcano (MLV) in northeastern California is the largest-volume volcano in the Cascade Range. The upper-crustal structure of this Quaternary shield volcano is well known from previous geological and geophysical investigations. In 1981, the U.S. Geological Survey conducted a teleseismic tomography experiment on MLV to explore its deeper structure. The images we present, calculated using a modern form of the ACH-inversion method, reveal that there is presently no hint of a large (> 100 km3), hot magma reservoir in the crust. The compressional-wave velocity perturbations show that directly beneath MLV's caldera there is a zone of increased seismic velocity. The perturbation amplitude is +10% in the upper crust, +5% in the lower crust, and +3% in the lithospheric mantle. This positive seismic velocity anomaly presumably is caused by mostly subsolidus gabbroic intrusive rocks in the crust. Heat and melt removal are suggested as the cause in the upper mantle beneath MLV, inferred from petro-physical modeling. The increased seismic velocity appears to be nearly continuous to 120 km depth and is a hint that the original melts come at least partly from the lower lithospheric mantle. Our second major finding is that the upper mantle southeast of MLV is characterized by relatively slow seismic velocities (-1%) compared to the northwest side. This anomaly is interpreted to result from the elevated temperatures under the northwest Basin and Range Province.

Investigation of the deep structure of the Sivas Basin (innereast Anatolia, Turkey) with geophysical methods

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Onal, K. Mert; Buyuksarac, Aydin; Aydemir, Attila; Ates, Abdullah

2008-11-01

Sivas Basin is the easternmost and third largest basin of the Central Anatolian Basins. In this study, gravity, aeromagnetic and seismic data are used to investigate the deep structure of the Sivas Basin, together with the well seismic velocity data, geological observations from the surface and the borehole data of the Celalli-1 well. Basement depth is modeled three-dimensionally (3D) using the gravity anomalies, and 2D gravity and magnetic models were constructed along with a N-S trending profile. Densities of the rock samples were obtained from the distinct parts of the basin surface and in-situ susceptibilities were also measured and evaluated in comparison with the other geophysical and geological data. Additionally, seismic sections, in spite of their low resolution, were used to define the velocity variation in the basin in order to compare depth values and geological cross-section obtained from the modeling studies. Deepest parts of the basin (12-13 km), determined from the 3D model, are located below the settlement of Hafik and to the south of Zara towns. Geometry, extension and wideness of the basin, together with the thickness and lithologies of the sedimentary units are reasonably appropriate for further hydrocarbon exploration in the Sivas Basin that is still an unexplored area with the limited number of seismic lines and only one borehole.

Seismic attribute analysis for reservoir and fluid prediction, Malay Basin

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Mansor, M.N.; Rudolph, K.W.; Richards, F.B.

1994-07-01

The Malay Basin is characterized by excellent seismic data quality, but complex clastic reservoir architecture. With these characteristics, seismic attribute analysis is a very important tool in exploration and development geoscience and is routinely used for mapping fluids and reservoir, recognizing and risking traps, assessment, depth conversion, well placement, and field development planning. Attribute analysis can be successfully applied to both 2-D and 3-D data as demonstrated by comparisons of 2-D and 3-D amplitude maps of the same area. There are many different methods of extracting amplitude information from seismic data, including amplitude mapping, horizon slice, summed horizon slice, isochronmore » slice, and horizon slice from AVO (amplitude versus offset) cube. Within the Malay Basin, horizon/isochron slice techniques have several advantages over simply extracting amplitudes from a picked horizon: they are much faster, permit examination of the amplitude structure of the entire cube, yield better results for weak/variable signatures, and aid summation of amplitudes. Summation in itself often yields improved results because it incorporates the signature from the entire reservoir interval, reducing any effects due to noise, mispicking, or waveform variations. Dip and azimuth attributes have been widely applied by industry for fault identification. In addition, these attributes can also be used to map signature variations associated with hydrocarbon contacts or stratigraphic changes, and this must be considered when using these attributes for structural interpretation.« less

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

AllamehZadeh, Mostafa, E-mail: dibaparima@yahoo.com

A Quadratic Neural Networks (QNNs) model has been developed for identifying seismic source classification problem at regional distances using ARMA coefficients determination by Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs). We have devised a supervised neural system to discriminate between earthquakes and chemical explosions with filter coefficients obtained by windowed P-wave phase spectra (15 s). First, we preprocess the recording's signals to cancel out instrumental and attenuation site effects and obtain a compact representation of seismic records. Second, we use a QNNs system to obtain ARMA coefficients for feature extraction in the discrimination problem. The derived coefficients are then applied to the neuralmore » system to train and classification. In this study, we explore the possibility of using single station three-component (3C) covariance matrix traces from a priori-known explosion sites (learning) for automatically recognizing subsequent explosions from the same site. The results have shown that this feature extraction gives the best classifier for seismic signals and performs significantly better than other classification methods. The events have been tested, which include 36 chemical explosions at the Semipalatinsk test site in Kazakhstan and 61 earthquakes (mb = 5.0-6.5) recorded by the Iranian National Seismic Network (INSN). The 100% correct decisions were obtained between site explosions and some of non-site events. The above approach to event discrimination is very flexible as we can combine several 3C stations.« less

Evaluating the Use of Declustering for Induced Seismicity Hazard Assessment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Llenos, A. L.; Michael, A. J.

2016-12-01

The recent dramatic seismicity rate increase in the central and eastern US (CEUS) has motivated the development of seismic hazard assessments for induced seismicity (e.g., Petersen et al., 2016). Standard probabilistic seismic hazard assessment (PSHA) relies fundamentally on the assumption that seismicity is Poissonian (Cornell, BSSA, 1968); therefore, the earthquake catalogs used in PSHA are typically declustered (e.g., Petersen et al., 2014) even though this may remove earthquakes that may cause damage or concern (Petersen et al., 2015; 2016). In some induced earthquake sequences in the CEUS, the standard declustering can remove up to 90% of the sequence, reducing the estimated seismicity rate by a factor of 10 compared to estimates from the complete catalog. In tectonic regions the reduction is often only about a factor of 2. We investigate how three declustering methods treat induced seismicity: the window-based Gardner-Knopoff (GK) algorithm, often used for PSHA (Gardner and Knopoff, BSSA, 1974); the link-based Reasenberg algorithm (Reasenberg, JGR,1985); and a stochastic declustering method based on a space-time Epidemic-Type Aftershock Sequence model (Ogata, JASA, 1988; Zhuang et al., JASA, 2002). We apply these methods to three catalogs that likely contain some induced seismicity. For the Guy-Greenbrier, AR earthquake swarm from 2010-2013, declustering reduces the seismicity rate by factors of 6-14, depending on the algorithm. In northern Oklahoma and southern Kansas from 2010-2015, the reduction varies from factors of 1.5-20. In the Salton Trough of southern California from 1975-2013, the rate is reduced by factors of 3-20. Stochastic declustering tends to remove the most events, followed by the GK method, while the Reasenberg method removes the fewest. Given that declustering and choice of algorithm have such a large impact on the resulting seismicity rate estimates, we suggest that more accurate hazard assessments may be found using the complete catalog.

Seismic retrofit guidelines for Utah highway bridges.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2009-05-01

Much of Utahs population dwells in a seismically active region, and many of the bridges connecting transportation lifelines predate the rigorous seismic design standards that have been developed in the past 10-20 years. Seismic retrofitting method...

Elastic-Waveform Inversion with Compressive Sensing for Sparse Seismic Data

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Lin, Youzuo; Huang, Lianjie

2015-01-28

Accurate velocity models of compressional- and shear-waves are essential for geothermal reservoir characterization and microseismic imaging. Elastic-waveform inversion of multi-component seismic data can provide high-resolution inversion results of subsurface geophysical properties. However, the method requires seismic data acquired using dense source and receiver arrays. In practice, seismic sources and/or geophones are often sparsely distributed on the surface and/or in a borehole, such as 3D vertical seismic profiling (VSP) surveys. We develop a novel elastic-waveform inversion method with compressive sensing for inversion of sparse seismic data. We employ an alternating-minimization algorithm to solve the optimization problem of our new waveform inversionmore » method. We validate our new method using synthetic VSP data for a geophysical model built using geologic features found at the Raft River enhanced-geothermal-system (EGS) field. We apply our method to synthetic VSP data with a sparse source array and compare the results with those obtained with a dense source array. Our numerical results demonstrate that the velocity models produced with our new method using a sparse source array are almost as accurate as those obtained using a dense source array.« less

Improved recovery demonstration for Williston Basin carbonates. Final report

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Sippel, M.A.

The purpose of this project was to demonstrate targeted infill and extension drilling opportunities, better determinations of oil-in-place, and methods for improved completion efficiency. The investigations and demonstrations were focussed on Red River and Ratcliffe reservoirs in the Williston Basin within portions of Montana, North Dakota and South Dakota. Both of these formations have been successfully explored with conventional 2-dimensional (2D) seismic. Improved reservoir characterization utilizing 3-dimensional (3D) seismic was investigated for identification of structural and stratigraphic reservoir compartments. These seismic characterizations were integrated with geological and engineering studies. The project tested lateral completion techniques, including high-pressure jetting lance technologymore » and short-radius lateral drilling to enhance completion efficiency. Lateral completions should improve economics for both primary and secondary oil where low permeability is a problem and higher-density drilling of vertical infill wells is limited by drilling cost. New vertical wells were drilled to test bypassed oil in ares that were identified by 3D seismic. These new wells are expected to recover as much or greater oil than was produced by nearby old wells. The project tested water injection through vertical and horizontal wells in reservoirs where application of waterflooding has been limited. A horizontal well was drilled for testing water injection. Injection rates were tested at three times that of a vertical well. This demonstration well shows that water injection with horizontal completions can improve injection rates for economic waterflooding. This report is divided into two sections, part 1 covers the Red River and part 2 covers the Ratcliffe. Each part summarizes integrated reservoir characterizations and outlines methods for targeting by-passed oil reserves in the respective formation and locality.« less

High-resolution seismic imaging of the Kevitsa mafic-ultramafic Cu-Ni-PGE hosted intrusion, northern Finland

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Malehmir, Alireza; Koivisto, Emilia; Wjins, Chris; Tryggvason, Ari; Juhlin, Christopher

2014-05-01

Kevitsa, in northern Finland, is a large nickel/copper ore body hosted by a massive mafic-ultramafic intrusion with measured and indicated resources of 240 million tons (cutoff 0.1%) grading 0.30% Ni and 0.41% Cu. Mining started in 2012 with an open pit that will extend down to about 550-600 m depth. The expected mine life is more than 20 years. Numerous boreholes are available in the area, but the majority of them are shallow and do not provide a comprehensive understanding of the dimensions of the intrusion. However, a number of boreholes do penetrate the basal contact of the intrusion. Most of these are also shallow and concentrated at the edge of the intrusion. A better knowledge of the geometry of the intrusion would provide a framework for near-mine and deep exploration in the area, but also a better understanding of the geology. Exact mapping of the basal contact of the intrusion would also provide an exploration target for the contact-type mineralization that is often more massive and richer in Ni-Cu than the disseminated mineralization away from the contact. With the objective of better characterizing the intrusion, a series of 2D profiles were acquired followed by a 3D reflection survey that covered an area of about 3 km by 3 km. Even though the geology is complex and the seismic P-wave velocity ranges between 5 to 8 km/s, conventional processing results show gently- to steeply-dipping reflections from depths of approximately 2 km to as shallow as 100 m. Many of these reflections are interpreted to originate from either fault systems or internal magmatic layering within the Kevitsa main intrusion. Correlations between the 3D surface seismic data and VSP data, based upon time shifts or phase changes along the reflections, support the interpretation that numerous faults are imaged in the volume. Some of these faults cross the planned open-pit mine at depths of about 300-500 m, and it is, therefore, critical to map them for mine planning. The seismic 3D volume better represents the geology around the mine and in the vicinity of the known deposit, while the 2D seismic profiles were designed to provide information on larger-scale structures in the area. Both the 2D and 3D seismic data were used to create a 3D lithological and structural model of the entire complex. Information on the dimensions of the ore-bearing Kevitsa intrusion can be used for more effective exploration in the area. The base of the intrusion is particularly clear in the northern and western sectors of the seismic data. Toward the east, the base is mostly defined by disruption of the reflectors internal to the intrusion. Recent tests using prestack migration methods on the 3D data show partial improvements in the image, especially at shallow depths. 3D seismic tomography has also been performed and the results indicate low velocity zones crossing the open pit that can be interpreted as zones of weakness. Future studies will focus on using the tomography results as the input velocity field for prestack depth migration of the 3D data and also improving the 3D geological model of the study area. Acknowledgments: FQM, GTK, HiSeis and Vibrometric

Comparison between deterministic and statistical wavelet estimation methods through predictive deconvolution: Seismic to well tie example from the North Sea

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

de Macedo, Isadora A. S.; da Silva, Carolina B.; de Figueiredo, J. J. S.; Omoboya, Bode

2017-01-01

Wavelet estimation as well as seismic-to-well tie procedures are at the core of every seismic interpretation workflow. In this paper we perform a comparative study of wavelet estimation methods for seismic-to-well tie. Two approaches to wavelet estimation are discussed: a deterministic estimation, based on both seismic and well log data, and a statistical estimation, based on predictive deconvolution and the classical assumptions of the convolutional model, which provides a minimum-phase wavelet. Our algorithms, for both wavelet estimation methods introduce a semi-automatic approach to determine the optimum parameters of deterministic wavelet estimation and statistical wavelet estimation and, further, to estimate the optimum seismic wavelets by searching for the highest correlation coefficient between the recorded trace and the synthetic trace, when the time-depth relationship is accurate. Tests with numerical data show some qualitative conclusions, which are probably useful for seismic inversion and interpretation of field data, by comparing deterministic wavelet estimation and statistical wavelet estimation in detail, especially for field data example. The feasibility of this approach is verified on real seismic and well data from Viking Graben field, North Sea, Norway. Our results also show the influence of the washout zones on well log data on the quality of the well to seismic tie.

Method for inverting reflection trace data from 3-D and 4-D seismic surveys and identifying subsurface fluid and pathways in and among hydrocarbon reservoirs based on impedance models

DOEpatents

He, W.; Anderson, R.N.

1998-08-25

A method is disclosed for inverting 3-D seismic reflection data obtained from seismic surveys to derive impedance models for a subsurface region, and for inversion of multiple 3-D seismic surveys (i.e., 4-D seismic surveys) of the same subsurface volume, separated in time to allow for dynamic fluid migration, such that small scale structure and regions of fluid and dynamic fluid flow within the subsurface volume being studied can be identified. The method allows for the mapping and quantification of available hydrocarbons within a reservoir and is thus useful for hydrocarbon prospecting and reservoir management. An iterative seismic inversion scheme constrained by actual well log data which uses a time/depth dependent seismic source function is employed to derive impedance models from 3-D and 4-D seismic datasets. The impedance values can be region grown to better isolate the low impedance hydrocarbon bearing regions. Impedance data derived from multiple 3-D seismic surveys of the same volume can be compared to identify regions of dynamic evolution and bypassed pay. Effective Oil Saturation or net oil thickness can also be derived from the impedance data and used for quantitative assessment of prospective drilling targets and reservoir management. 20 figs.

Method for inverting reflection trace data from 3-D and 4-D seismic surveys and identifying subsurface fluid and pathways in and among hydrocarbon reservoirs based on impedance models

DOEpatents

He, Wei; Anderson, Roger N.

1998-01-01

A method is disclosed for inverting 3-D seismic reflection data obtained from seismic surveys to derive impedance models for a subsurface region, and for inversion of multiple 3-D seismic surveys (i.e., 4-D seismic surveys) of the same subsurface volume, separated in time to allow for dynamic fluid migration, such that small scale structure and regions of fluid and dynamic fluid flow within the subsurface volume being studied can be identified. The method allows for the mapping and quantification of available hydrocarbons within a reservoir and is thus useful for hydrocarbon prospecting and reservoir management. An iterative seismic inversion scheme constrained by actual well log data which uses a time/depth dependent seismic source function is employed to derive impedance models from 3-D and 4-D seismic datasets. The impedance values can be region grown to better isolate the low impedance hydrocarbon bearing regions. Impedance data derived from multiple 3-D seismic surveys of the same volume can be compared to identify regions of dynamic evolution and bypassed pay. Effective Oil Saturation or net oil thickness can also be derived from the impedance data and used for quantitative assessment of prospective drilling targets and reservoir management.

Seismic analysis for translational failure of landfills with retaining walls.

PubMed

Feng, Shi-Jin; Gao, Li-Ya

2010-11-01

In the seismic impact zone, seismic force can be a major triggering mechanism for translational failures of landfills. The scope of this paper is to develop a three-part wedge method for seismic analysis of translational failures of landfills with retaining walls. The approximate solution of the factor of safety can be calculated. Unlike previous conventional limit equilibrium methods, the new method is capable of revealing the effects of both the solid waste shear strength and the retaining wall on the translational failures of landfills during earthquake. Parameter studies of the developed method show that the factor of safety decreases with the increase of the seismic coefficient, while it increases quickly with the increase of the minimum friction angle beneath waste mass for various horizontal seismic coefficients. Increasing the minimum friction angle beneath the waste mass appears to be more effective than any other parameters for increasing the factor of safety under the considered condition. Thus, selecting liner materials with higher friction angle will considerably reduce the potential for translational failures of landfills during earthquake. The factor of safety gradually increases with the increase of the height of retaining wall for various horizontal seismic coefficients. A higher retaining wall is beneficial to the seismic stability of the landfill. Simply ignoring the retaining wall will lead to serious underestimation of the factor of safety. Besides, the approximate solution of the yield acceleration coefficient of the landfill is also presented based on the calculated method. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Reconnaissance profiles with WLP in complex geological regions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Michon, Dominique

1993-04-01

3-D has now become an essential technique for subsurface imaging. Until recently, it was predominantly employed for reservoir description, but is now starting to be used for exploration. However, in crustal seismic, it would seem that such a tool is still far from being cost-effective. WLP, or Wide Line Profiling, developed by CGG in 1973, is an attractive alternative which we shall examine. First, we shall examine why 3-D is so difficult to apply, for both financial and technical reasons. Next, we shall study the principle of WLP, and emphasize the fundamental differences between WLP and 3-D. We shall then study the resulting data processing and parameters. Using a set of examples, we shall also examine the special characteristics of the method and the advantages that it can offer: (1) 3-D analysis of reflections on a 2-D section. (2) Avoiding interference between reflections. (3) Highlighting faults or folds. (4) For continuous horizons, positioning reflection points. (5) Possibility of mapping in depth, whether in migrated time or not, the swaths explored by the seismic line. (6) Improving the quality of the standard time section by noise reduction.

The sequentially discounting autoregressive (SDAR) method for on-line automatic seismic event detecting on long term observation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, L.; Toshioka, T.; Nakajima, T.; Narita, A.; Xue, Z.

2017-12-01

In recent years, more and more Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) studies focus on seismicity monitoring. For the safety management of geological CO2 storage at Tomakomai, Hokkaido, Japan, an Advanced Traffic Light System (ATLS) combined different seismic messages (magnitudes, phases, distributions et al.) is proposed for injection controlling. The primary task for ATLS is the seismic events detection in a long-term sustained time series record. Considering the time-varying characteristics of Signal to Noise Ratio (SNR) of a long-term record and the uneven energy distributions of seismic event waveforms will increase the difficulty in automatic seismic detecting, in this work, an improved probability autoregressive (AR) method for automatic seismic event detecting is applied. This algorithm, called sequentially discounting AR learning (SDAR), can identify the effective seismic event in the time series through the Change Point detection (CPD) of the seismic record. In this method, an anomaly signal (seismic event) can be designed as a change point on the time series (seismic record). The statistical model of the signal in the neighborhood of event point will change, because of the seismic event occurrence. This means the SDAR aims to find the statistical irregularities of the record thought CPD. There are 3 advantages of SDAR. 1. Anti-noise ability. The SDAR does not use waveform messages (such as amplitude, energy, polarization) for signal detecting. Therefore, it is an appropriate technique for low SNR data. 2. Real-time estimation. When new data appears in the record, the probability distribution models can be automatic updated by SDAR for on-line processing. 3. Discounting property. the SDAR introduces a discounting parameter to decrease the influence of present statistic value on future data. It makes SDAR as a robust algorithm for non-stationary signal processing. Within these 3 advantages, the SDAR method can handle the non-stationary time-varying long-term series and achieve real-time monitoring. Finally, we employ the SDAR on a synthetic model and Tomakomai Ocean Bottom Cable (OBC) baseline data to prove the feasibility and advantage of our method.

Artist Rendition of InSight

NASA Image and Video Library

2012-08-20

Artist rendition of the InSight (Interior exploration using Seismic Investigations, Geodesy and Heat Transport) Lander. InSight is based on the proven Phoenix Mars spacecraft and lander design with state-of-the-art avionics from the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter and Gravity Recovery and Interior Laboratory missions. Note: After thorough examination, NASA managers have decided to suspend the planned March 2016 launch of the Interior Exploration using Seismic Investigations Geodesy and Heat Transport (InSight) mission. The decision follows unsuccessful attempts to repair a leak in a section of the prime instrument in the science payload. http://photojournal.jpl.nasa.gov/catalog/PIA16079

An improved peak frequency shift method for Q estimation based on generalized seismic wavelet function

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Qian; Gao, Jinghuai

2018-02-01

As a powerful tool for hydrocarbon detection and reservoir characterization, the quality factor, Q, provides useful information in seismic data processing and interpretation. In this paper, we propose a novel method for Q estimation. The generalized seismic wavelet (GSW) function was introduced to fit the amplitude spectrum of seismic waveforms with two parameters: fractional value and reference frequency. Then we derive an analytical relation between the GSW function and the Q factor of the medium. When a seismic wave propagates through a viscoelastic medium, the GSW function can be employed to fit the amplitude spectrum of the source and attenuated wavelets, then the fractional values and reference frequencies can be evaluated numerically from the discrete Fourier spectrum. After calculating the peak frequency based on the obtained fractional value and reference frequency, the relationship between the GSW function and the Q factor can be built by the conventional peak frequency shift method. Synthetic tests indicate that our method can achieve higher accuracy and be more robust to random noise compared with existing methods. Furthermore, the proposed method is applicable to different types of source wavelet. Field data application also demonstrates the effectiveness of our method in seismic attenuation and the potential in the reservoir characteristic.

GrowYourIC: an open access Python code to facilitate comparison between kinematic models of inner core evolution and seismic observations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lasbleis, M.; Day, E. A.; Waszek, L.

2017-12-01

The complex nature of inner core structure has been well-established from seismic studies, with heterogeneities at various length scales, both radially and laterally. Despite this, no geodynamic model has successfully explained all of the observed seismic features. To facilitate comparisons between seismic observations and geodynamic models of inner core growth we have developed a new, open access Python tool - GrowYourIC - that allows users to compare models of inner core structure. The code allows users to simulate different evolution models of the inner core, with user-defined rates of inner core growth, translation and rotation. Once the user has "grown" an inner core with their preferred parameters they can then explore the effect of "their" inner core's evolution on the relative age and growth rate in different regions of the inner core. The code will convert these parameters into seismic properties using either built-in mineral physics models, or user-supplied ones that calculate these seismic properties with users' own preferred mineralogical models. The 3D model of isotropic inner core properties can then be used to calculate the predicted seismic travel time anomalies for a random, or user-specified, set of seismic ray paths through the inner core. A real dataset of inner core body-wave differential travel times is included for the purpose of comparing user-generated models of inner core growth to actual observed travel time anomalies in the top 100km of the inner core. Here, we explore some of the possibilities of our code. We investigate the effect of the limited illumination of the inner core by seismic waves on the robustness of kinematic model interpretation. We test the impact on seismic differential travel time observations of several kinematic models of inner core growth: fast lateral translation; slow differential growth; and inner core super-rotation. We find that a model of inner core evolution incorporating both differential growth and slow super-rotation is able to recreate some of the more intricate details of the seismic observations. Specifically we are able to "grow" an inner core that has an asymmetric shift in isotropic hemisphere boundaries with increasing depth in the inner core.

Remote Imaging of Earthquake Characteristics Along Oceanic Transforms

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cleveland, M.; Ammon, C. J.

2014-12-01

Compared with subduction and continental transform systems, many characteristics of oceanic transform faults (OTF) are better defined (first-order structure and composition, thermal properties, etc.). Still, many aspects of earthquake behavior along OTFs remain poorly understood as a result of their relative remoteness. But the substantial aseismic deformation (averaging roughly 85%) that occurs along OTFs and the implied interaction of aseismic with seismic deformation is an opportunity to explore fundamental earthquake nucleation and rupture processes. However, the study of OTF earthquake properties is not easy because these faults are often located in remote regions, lacking nearby seismic networks. Thus, many standard network-based seismic approaches are infeasible, but some can be adapted to the effort. For example, double-difference methods applied to cross-correlation measured Rayleigh wave time shifts is an effective tool to provide greatly improved relative epicentroid locations, origin-time shifts, and relative event magnitudes for earthquakes in remote regions. The same comparative waveform measurements can provide insight into rupture directivity of the larger OTF events. In this study, we calculate improved relative earthquake locations and magnitudes of earthquakes along the Blanco Fracture Zone in the northeast Pacific Ocean and compare and contrast that work with a study of the more remote Menard Transform Fault (MTF), located in the southeast Pacific Ocean. For the Blanco, we work exclusively with Rayleigh (R1) observations exploiting the dense networks in the northern hemisphere. For the MTF, we combine R1 with Love (G1) observations to map and to analyze the distribution of strong asperities along this remote, 200-km-long fault. Specifically, we attempt to better define the relationship between observed near-transform normal and vertical strike-slip earthquakes in the vicinity of the MTF. We test our ability to use distant observations (the closest station is about 2,500 km distant) to constrain rupture characteristics of recent strong earthquakes in the region. We compare the seismicity characteristics along the faults to explore the relationship of fault age and morphology on rupture behavior.

Experimental Evidence of Volcanic Earthquakes Induced by Different Fluid Types

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Clarke, J. A.; Adam, L.; Sarout, J.; van Wijk, K.; Dautriat, J. D.; Kennedy, B.

2017-12-01

Low Frequency volcanic seismicity has long been associated with resonance in fluid-filled cracks or conduits driven by pressure perturbations at depth. In volcano monitoring, fluid movement, fracturing and the conduit geometry are interpreted based on field observations, laboratory experiments, and numerical models. Fluids in a volcanic environment include gasses, brine and magmas with different viscosities. Magma viscosity is a key influence on eruptive behaviour. For example, increasing magma viscosity is known to favour explosive eruptions. How different fluids affect volcano seismicity is not well understood. Here, we explore the effects of fluid type on volcano seismic signals. Frequency content in the signal, frequency of the events, source mechanism and quality factor are studied. We simulate volcano tectonic (fracturing) and volcano seismic (fluid movement) signatures in a controlled laboratory environment using a range of rock samples, fluid types and pressure conditions. The viscosity of the fluids spans six orders of magnitude, representing realistic volcanic fluids. Microseismicity is generated by venting pressurised fluids through pre-generated fracture networks in cylindrical rock core samples and detected by an array of 18 ultrasonic transducers. We fracture samples of two lithologies: 1) low porosity impermeable granite samples and 2) a permeable volcanic ash tuff sample. Permeability and porosity in the granites are due to a fracture network, while in the tuff a high porosity matrix ( 40 %) and a fracture network interact. The fluids used are nitrogen gas, water, and mixtures of water and glycerol. We generate and detect a myriad of seismic event types, some of which resemble well-known families of volcano-tectonic, low-frequency, hybrid and tremor-type seismicity. Samples with fluids of lower density and viscosity generate a higher number of seismic events. We will present an integrated analysis of the event types, frequency content, source locations and mechanisms. In addition, we explore the importance of seismic wave attenuation by studying the relationship between wave path and event frequency content.

Europa's small impactor flux and seismic detection predictions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tsuji, Daisuke; Teanby, Nicholas A.

2016-10-01

Europa is an attractive target for future lander missions due to its dynamic surface and potentially habitable sub-surface environment. Seismology has the potential to provide powerful new constraints on the internal structure using natural sources such as faults or meteorite impacts. Here we predict how many meteorite impacts are likely to be detected using a single seismic station on Europa to inform future mission planning efforts. To this end, we derive: (1) the current small impactor flux on Europa from Jupiter impact rate observations and models; (2) a crater diameter versus impactor energy scaling relation for icy moons by merging previous experiments and simulations; and (3) scaling relations for seismic signal amplitudes as a function of distance from the impact site for a given crater size, based on analogue explosive data obtained on Earth's ice sheets. Finally, seismic amplitudes are compared to predicted noise levels and seismometer performance to determine detection rates. We predict detection of 0.002-20 small local impacts per year based on P-waves travelling directly through the ice crust. Larger regional and global-scale impact events, detected through mantle-refracted waves, are predicted to be extremely rare (10-8-1 detections per year), so are unlikely to be detected by a short duration mission. Estimated ranges include uncertainties from internal seismic attenuation, impactor flux, and seismic amplitude scaling. Internal attenuation is the most significant unknown and produces extreme uncertainties in the mantle-refracted P-wave amplitudes. Our nominal best-guess attenuation model predicts 0.002-5 local direct P detections and 6 × 10-6-0.2 mantle-refracted detections per year. Given that a plausible Europa landed mission will only last around 30 days, we conclude that impacts should not be relied upon for a seismic exploration of Europa. For future seismic exploration, faulting due to stresses in the rigid outer ice shell is likely to be a much more viable mechanism for probing Europa's interior.

Contemporary Tectonics of China

DTIC Science & Technology

1978-02-01

that it would be of value to the United States to understand seismicity in China because their methods used in predicting large intraplate seismic...ability to discriminate between natural events and nuclear explosions. General Method In order to circumvent the limitations placed on studies of...accurate relative locations. Fault planes maybe determined with this method , thereby removing the ambiguity of the choice of fault plane from a fault plane

Exploring the Earth's crust: history and results of controlled-source seismology

USGS Publications Warehouse

Prodehl, Claus; Mooney, Walter D.

2012-01-01

This volume contains a comprehensive, worldwide history of seismological studies of the Earth’s crust using controlled sources from 1850 to 2005. Essentially all major seismic projects on land and the most important oceanic projects are covered. The time period 1850 to 1939 is presented as a general synthesis, and from 1940 onward the history and results are presented in separate chapters for each decade, with the material organized by geographical region. Each chapter highlights the major advances achieved during that decade in terms of data acquisition, processing technology, and interpretation methods. For all major seismic projects, the authors provide specific details on field observations, interpreted crustal cross sections, and key references. They conclude with global and continental-scale maps of all field measurements and interpreted Moho contours. An accompanying DVD contains important out-of-print publications and an extensive collection of controlled-source data, location maps, and crustal cross sections.

Exploring the relative contribution of mineralogy and CPO to the seismic velocity anisotropy of evaporites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vargas-Meleza, Liliana; Healy, David; Alsop, G. Ian; Timms, Nicholas E.

2015-01-01

We present the influence of mineralogy and microstructure on the seismic velocity anisotropy of evaporites. Bulk elastic properties and seismic velocities are calculated for a suite of 20 natural evaporite samples, which consist mainly of halite, anhydrite, and gypsum. They exhibit strong fabrics as a result of tectonic and diagenetic processes. Sample mineralogy and crystallographic preferred orientation (CPO) were obtained with the electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) technique and the data used for seismic velocity calculations. Bulk seismic properties for polymineralic evaporites were evaluated with a rock recipe approach. Ultrasonic velocity measurements were also taken on cube shaped samples to assess the contribution of grain-scale shape preferred orientation (SPO) to the total seismic anisotropy. The sample results suggest that CPO is responsible for a significant fraction of the bulk seismic properties, in agreement with observations from previous studies. Results from the rock recipe indicate that increasing modal proportion of anhydrite grains can lead to a greater seismic anisotropy of a halite-dominated rock. Conversely, it can lead to a smaller seismic anisotropy degree of a gypsum-dominated rock until an estimated threshold proportion after which anisotropy increases again. The difference between the predicted anisotropy due to CPO and the anisotropy measured with ultrasonic velocities is attributed to the SPO and grain boundary effects in these evaporites.

Classifying elephant behaviour through seismic vibrations.

PubMed

Mortimer, Beth; Rees, William Lake; Koelemeijer, Paula; Nissen-Meyer, Tarje

2018-05-07

Seismic waves - vibrations within and along the Earth's surface - are ubiquitous sources of information. During propagation, physical factors can obscure information transfer via vibrations and influence propagation range [1]. Here, we explore how terrain type and background seismic noise influence the propagation of seismic vibrations generated by African elephants. In Kenya, we recorded the ground-based vibrations of different wild elephant behaviours, such as locomotion and infrasonic vocalisations [2], as well as natural and anthropogenic seismic noise. We employed techniques from seismology to transform the geophone recordings into source functions - the time-varying seismic signature generated at the source. We used computer modelling to constrain the propagation ranges of elephant seismic vibrations for different terrains and noise levels. Behaviours that generate a high force on a sandy terrain with low noise propagate the furthest, over the kilometre scale. Our modelling also predicts that specific elephant behaviours can be distinguished and monitored over a range of propagation distances and noise levels. We conclude that seismic cues have considerable potential for both behavioural classification and remote monitoring of wildlife. In particular, classifying the seismic signatures of specific behaviours of large mammals remotely in real time, such as elephant running, could inform on poaching threats. Copyright © 2018 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.

Seismic waveform inversion best practices: regional, global and exploration test cases

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Modrak, Ryan; Tromp, Jeroen

2016-09-01

Reaching the global minimum of a waveform misfit function requires careful choices about the nonlinear optimization, preconditioning and regularization methods underlying an inversion. Because waveform inversion problems are susceptible to erratic convergence associated with strong nonlinearity, one or two test cases are not enough to reliably inform such decisions. We identify best practices, instead, using four seismic near-surface problems, one regional problem and two global problems. To make meaningful quantitative comparisons between methods, we carry out hundreds of inversions, varying one aspect of the implementation at a time. Comparing nonlinear optimization algorithms, we find that limited-memory BFGS provides computational savings over nonlinear conjugate gradient methods in a wide range of test cases. Comparing preconditioners, we show that a new diagonal scaling derived from the adjoint of the forward operator provides better performance than two conventional preconditioning schemes. Comparing regularization strategies, we find that projection, convolution, Tikhonov regularization and total variation regularization are effective in different contexts. Besides questions of one strategy or another, reliability and efficiency in waveform inversion depend on close numerical attention and care. Implementation details involving the line search and restart conditions have a strong effect on computational cost, regardless of the chosen nonlinear optimization algorithm.

Automated seismic waveform location using Multichannel Coherency Migration (MCM)-I. Theory

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shi, Peidong; Angus, Doug; Rost, Sebastian; Nowacki, Andy; Yuan, Sanyi

2018-03-01

With the proliferation of dense seismic networks sampling the full seismic wavefield, recorded seismic data volumes are getting bigger and automated analysis tools to locate seismic events are essential. Here, we propose a novel Multichannel Coherency Migration (MCM) method to locate earthquakes in continuous seismic data and reveal the location and origin time of seismic events directly from recorded waveforms. By continuously calculating the coherency between waveforms from different receiver pairs, MCM greatly expands the available information which can be used for event location. MCM does not require phase picking or phase identification, which allows fully automated waveform analysis. By migrating the coherency between waveforms, MCM leads to improved source energy focusing. We have tested and compared MCM to other migration-based methods in noise-free and noisy synthetic data. The tests and analysis show that MCM is noise resistant and can achieve more accurate results compared with other migration-based methods. MCM is able to suppress strong interference from other seismic sources occurring at a similar time and location. It can be used with arbitrary 3D velocity models and is able to obtain reasonable location results with smooth but inaccurate velocity models. MCM exhibits excellent location performance and can be easily parallelized giving it large potential to be developed as a real-time location method for very large datasets.

Annotated bibliography, seismicity of and near the island of Hawaii and seismic hazard analysis of the East Rift of Kilauea

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Klein, F.W.

1994-03-28

This bibliography is divided into the following four sections: Seismicity of Hawaii and Kilauea Volcano; Occurrence, locations and accelerations from large historical Hawaiian earthquakes; Seismic hazards of Hawaii; and Methods of seismic hazard analysis. It contains 62 references, most of which are accompanied by short abstracts.

Fiber Optic Geophysics Sensor Array

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Grochowski, Lucjan

1989-01-01

The distributed optical sensor arrays are analysed in view of specific needs of 3-D seismic explorations methods. There are compared advantages and disadventages of arrays supported by the sensors which are modulated in intensity and phase. In these systems all-fiber optic structures and their compabilities with digital geophysic formats are discussed. It was shown that the arrays based on TDM systems with the intensity modulated sensors are economically and technically the best matched for geophysic systems supported by a large number of the sensors.

Preparing for InSight - using the continuous seismic data flow to investigate the deep interior of Mars

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hempel, S.; Garcia, R.; Weber, R. C.; Schmerr, N. C.; Panning, M. P.; Lognonne, P. H.; Banerdt, W. B.

2016-12-01

Complementary to investigating ray theoretically predictable parameters to explore the deep interior of Mars (see AGU contribution by R. Weber et al.), this paper presents the waveform approach to illuminate the lowermost mantle and core-mantle boundary of Mars. In preparation to the NASA discovery mission InSight, scheduled for launch in May, 2018, we produce synthetic waveforms considering realistic combinations of sources and a single receiver, as well as noise models. Due to a lack of constraints on the scattering properties of the Martian crust and mantle, we assume Earth-like scattering as a minimum and Moon-like scattering as a maximum possibility. Various seismic attenuation models are also investigated. InSight is set up to deliver event data as well as a continuous data flow. Where ray theoretical approaches will investigate the event data, the continuous data flow may contain signals reflected multiple times off the same reflector, e.g. the underside of the lithosphere, or the core-mantle boundary. It may also contain signals of individual events not detected or interfering wavefields radiated off multiple undetected events creating 'seismic noise'. We will use AxiSEM to simulate a continuous data flow for these cases for various 1D and 2D Mars models, and explore the possibilities of seismic interferometry to use seismic information hidden in the coda to investigate the deep interior of Mars.

Structural Imaging around the SMS Deposit by the Multi-Source ZVCS Survey Method in the Izena Hole, Mid-Okinawa Trough

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tara, K.; Asakawa, E.; Murakami, F.; Tsukahara, H.; Saito, S.; Lee, S.; Katou, M.; Jamali Hondori, E.; Sumi, T.; Kadoshima, K.; Kose, M.

2017-12-01

Seafloor Massive Sulfide (SMS) deposits typically show rugged topography such as abundant chimney structures and sulfide mounds. However, buried SMS deposits are not well studied because of few efficient methods to detect and characterize them. Therefore, we proposed a Zero-offset Vertical Cable Seismic (ZVCS) survey using a Sparker and a Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) which was equipped with autonomous hydrophone arrays and a sub-bottom profiler (SBP). Zero-offset shooting and near-bottom recording can acquire high resolution acoustic data that could separate the reflection and scattered wave by vertically towed hydrophone arrays. We conducted the multi-source ZVCS survey in the Hakurei site, where the existence of the exposed and the buried SMS deposits has been reported, in Izena Hole, the Mid-Okinawa Trough, during the exploration cruise JM16-04. We obtained the two source's cross-sections of the buried SMS that enabled us to identify the area from the viewpoint of seismic facies. Buried SMS area is characterized by wavy to subparallel internal configuration and semi-continuously reflections. These features suggest that results from collapse of original sedimentary structure and hydrothermal alteration. Previous our exploration of the entire Izena Hole by the Autonomous Cable Seismic (ACS) were conducted in the JM16-02. Comparison between the ZVCS and ACS results gave us not only structural features in the surrounding area of SMS, but also the hydrothermal system of the Izena Hole. These results suggest that the hydrothermal circulation in the Izena Hole is vertically limited to the fracture zone caused by the depression and the buried SMS occurs in a sedimentary layer in the fracture zone. We conclude that ZVCS and ACS imaging of the shallow sub-seafloor structures will be useful for discussion about the geological background of SMS deposits.

Application of seismic-refraction techniques to hydrologic studies

USGS Publications Warehouse

Haeni, F.P.

1986-01-01

During the past 30 years, seismic-refraction methods have been used extensively in petroleum, mineral, and engineering investigations, and to some extent for hydrologic applications. Recent advances in equipment, sound sources, and computer interpretation techniques make seismic refraction a highly effective and economical means of obtaining subsurface data in hydrologic studies. Aquifers that can be defined by one or more high seismic-velocity surfaces, such as (1) alluvial or glacial deposits in consolidated rock valleys, (2) limestone or sandstone underlain by metamorphic or igneous rock, or (3) saturated unconsolidated deposits overlain by unsaturated unconsolidated deposits,are ideally suited for applying seismic-refraction methods. These methods allow the economical collection of subsurface data, provide the basis for more efficient collection of data by test drilling or aquifer tests, and result in improved hydrologic studies.This manual briefly reviews the basics of seismic-refraction theory and principles. It emphasizes the use of this technique in hydrologic investigations and describes the planning, equipment, field procedures, and intrepretation techniques needed for this type of study.Examples of the use of seismic-refraction techniques in a wide variety of hydrologic studies are presented.

Application of seismic-refraction techniques to hydrologic studies

USGS Publications Warehouse

Haeni, F.P.

1988-01-01

During the past 30 years, seismic-refraction methods have been used extensively in petroleum, mineral, and engineering investigations and to some extent for hydrologic applications. Recent advances in equipment, sound sources, and computer interpretation techniques make seismic refraction a highly effective and economical means of obtaining subsurface data in hydrologic studies. Aquifers that can be defined by one or more high-seismic-velocity surface, such as (1) alluvial or glacial deposits in consolidated rock valleys, (2) limestone or sandstone underlain by metamorphic or igneous rock, or (3) saturated unconsolidated deposits overlain by unsaturated unconsolidated deposits, are ideally suited for seismic-refraction methods. These methods allow economical collection of subsurface data, provide the basis for more efficient collection of data by test drilling or aquifer tests, and result in improved hydrologic studies. This manual briefly reviews the basics of seismic-refraction theory and principles. It emphasizes the use of these techniques in hydrologic investigations and describes the planning, equipment, field procedures, and interpretation techniques needed for this type of study. Further-more, examples of the use of seismic-refraction techniques in a wide variety of hydrologic studies are presented.

Enhancement of seismic monitoring in hydrocarbon reservoirs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Caffagni, Enrico; Bokelmann, Götz

2017-04-01

Hydraulic Fracturing (HF) is widely considered as one of the most significant enablers of the successful exploitation of hydrocarbons in North America. Massive usage of HF is currently adopted to increase the permeability in shale and tight-sand deep reservoirs, despite the economical downturn. The exploitation success is less due to the subsurface geology, but in technology that improves exploration, production, and decision-making. This includes monitoring of the reservoir, which is vital. Indeed, the general mindset in the industry is to keep enhancing seismic monitoring. It allows understanding and tracking processes in hydrocarbon reservoirs, which serves two purposes, a) to optimize recovery, and b) to help minimize environmental impact. This raises the question of how monitoring, and especially seismic techniques could be more efficient. There is a pressing demand from seismic service industry to evolve quickly and to meet the oil-gas industry's changing needs. Nonetheless, the innovative monitoring techniques, to achieve the purpose, must enhance the characterization or the visualization of a superior-quality images of the reservoir. We discuss recent applications of seismic monitoring in hydrocarbon reservoirs, detailing potential enhancement and eventual limitations. The aim is to test the validity of these seismic monitoring techniques, qualitatively discuss their potential application to energy fields that are not only limited to HF. Outcomes from our investigation may benefit operators and regulators in case of future massive HF applications in Europe, as well. This work is part of the FracRisk consortium (www.fracrisk.eu), funded by the Horizon2020 research programme, whose aims is to help minimize the environmental footprint of the shale-gas exploration and exploitation.

A fast complex domain-matching pursuit algorithm and its application to deep-water gas reservoir detection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zeng, Jing; Huang, Handong; Li, Huijie; Miao, Yuxin; Wen, Junxiang; Zhou, Fei

2017-12-01

The main emphasis of exploration and development is shifting from simple structural reservoirs to complex reservoirs, which all have the characteristics of complex structure, thin reservoir thickness and large buried depth. Faced with these complex geological features, hydrocarbon detection technology is a direct indication of changes in hydrocarbon reservoirs and a good approach for delimiting the distribution of underground reservoirs. It is common to utilize the time-frequency (TF) features of seismic data in detecting hydrocarbon reservoirs. Therefore, we research the complex domain-matching pursuit (CDMP) method and propose some improvements. First is the introduction of a scale parameter, which corrects the defect that atomic waveforms only change with the frequency parameter. Its introduction not only decomposes seismic signal with high accuracy and high efficiency but also reduces iterations. We also integrate jumping search with ergodic search to improve computational efficiency while maintaining the reasonable accuracy. Then we combine the improved CDMP with the Wigner-Ville distribution to obtain a high-resolution TF spectrum. A one-dimensional modeling experiment has proved the validity of our method. Basing on the low-frequency domain reflection coefficient in fluid-saturated porous media, we finally get an approximation formula for the mobility attributes of reservoir fluid. This approximation formula is used as a hydrocarbon identification factor to predict deep-water gas-bearing sand of the M oil field in the South China Sea. The results are consistent with the actual well test results and our method can help inform the future exploration of deep-water gas reservoirs.

Initialising reservoir models for history matching using pre-production 3D seismic data: constraining methods and uncertainties

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Niri, Mohammad Emami; Lumley, David E.

2017-10-01

Integration of 3D and time-lapse 4D seismic data into reservoir modelling and history matching processes poses a significant challenge due to the frequent mismatch between the initial reservoir model, the true reservoir geology, and the pre-production (baseline) seismic data. A fundamental step of a reservoir characterisation and performance study is the preconditioning of the initial reservoir model to equally honour both the geological knowledge and seismic data. In this paper we analyse the issues that have a significant impact on the (mis)match of the initial reservoir model with well logs and inverted 3D seismic data. These issues include the constraining methods for reservoir lithofacies modelling, the sensitivity of the results to the presence of realistic resolution and noise in the seismic data, the geostatistical modelling parameters, and the uncertainties associated with quantitative incorporation of inverted seismic data in reservoir lithofacies modelling. We demonstrate that in a geostatistical lithofacies simulation process, seismic constraining methods based on seismic litho-probability curves and seismic litho-probability cubes yield the best match to the reference model, even when realistic resolution and noise is included in the dataset. In addition, our analyses show that quantitative incorporation of inverted 3D seismic data in static reservoir modelling carries a range of uncertainties and should be cautiously applied in order to minimise the risk of misinterpretation. These uncertainties are due to the limited vertical resolution of the seismic data compared to the scale of the geological heterogeneities, the fundamental instability of the inverse problem, and the non-unique elastic properties of different lithofacies types.

Quantitative Estimation of Seismic Velocity Changes Using Time-Lapse Seismic Data and Elastic-Wave Sensitivity Approach

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Denli, H.; Huang, L.

2008-12-01

Quantitative monitoring of reservoir property changes is essential for safe geologic carbon sequestration. Time-lapse seismic surveys have the potential to effectively monitor fluid migration in the reservoir that causes geophysical property changes such as density, and P- and S-wave velocities. We introduce a novel method for quantitative estimation of seismic velocity changes using time-lapse seismic data. The method employs elastic sensitivity wavefields, which are the derivatives of elastic wavefield with respect to density, P- and S-wave velocities of a target region. We derive the elastic sensitivity equations from analytical differentiations of the elastic-wave equations with respect to seismic-wave velocities. The sensitivity equations are coupled with the wave equations in a way that elastic waves arriving in a target reservoir behave as a secondary source to sensitivity fields. We use a staggered-grid finite-difference scheme with perfectly-matched layers absorbing boundary conditions to simultaneously solve the elastic-wave equations and the elastic sensitivity equations. By elastic-wave sensitivities, a linear relationship between relative seismic velocity changes in the reservoir and time-lapse seismic data at receiver locations can be derived, which leads to an over-determined system of equations. We solve this system of equations using a least- square method for each receiver to obtain P- and S-wave velocity changes. We validate the method using both surface and VSP synthetic time-lapse seismic data for a multi-layered model and the elastic Marmousi model. Then we apply it to the time-lapse field VSP data acquired at the Aneth oil field in Utah. A total of 10.5K tons of CO2 was injected into the oil reservoir between the two VSP surveys for enhanced oil recovery. The synthetic and field data studies show that our new method can quantitatively estimate changes in seismic velocities within a reservoir due to CO2 injection/migration.

New approach to detect seismic surface waves in 1Hz-sampled GPS time series

PubMed Central

Houlié, N.; Occhipinti, G.; Blanchard, T.; Shapiro, N.; Lognonné, P.; Murakami, M.

2011-01-01

Recently, co-seismic seismic source characterization based on GPS measurements has been completed in near- and far-field with remarkable results. However, the accuracy of the ground displacement measurement inferred from GPS phase residuals is still depending of the distribution of satellites in the sky. We test here a method, based on the double difference (DD) computations of Line of Sight (LOS), that allows detecting 3D co-seismic ground shaking. The DD method is a quasi-analytically free of most of intrinsic errors affecting GPS measurements. The seismic waves presented in this study produced DD amplitudes 4 and 7 times stronger than the background noise. The method is benchmarked using the GEONET GPS stations recording the Hokkaido Earthquake (2003 September 25th, Mw = 8.3). PMID:22355563

Method for enhancing low frequency output of impulsive type seismic energy sources and its application to a seismic energy source for use while drilling

DOEpatents

Radtke, Robert P; Stokes, Robert H; Glowka, David A

2014-12-02

A method for operating an impulsive type seismic energy source in a firing sequence having at least two actuations for each seismic impulse to be generated by the source. The actuations have a time delay between them related to a selected energy frequency peak of the source output. One example of the method is used for generating seismic signals in a wellbore and includes discharging electric current through a spark gap disposed in the wellbore in at least one firing sequence. The sequence includes at least two actuations of the spark gap separated by an amount of time selected to cause acoustic energy resulting from the actuations to have peak amplitude at a selected frequency.

Waveform Retrieval and Phase Identification for Seismic Data from the CASS Experiment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Zhiwei; You, Qingyu; Ni, Sidao; Hao, Tianyao; Wang, Hongti; Zhuang, Cantao

2013-05-01

The little destruction to the deployment site and high repeatability of the Controlled Accurate Seismic Source (CASS) shows its potential for investigating seismic wave velocities in the Earth's crust. However, the difficulty in retrieving impulsive seismic waveforms from the CASS data and identifying the seismic phases substantially prevents its wide applications. For example, identification of the seismic phases and accurate measurement of travel times are essential for resolving the spatial distribution of seismic velocities in the crust. Until now, it still remains a challenging task to estimate the accurate travel times of different seismic phases from the CASS data which features extended wave trains, unlike processing of the waveforms from impulsive events such as earthquakes or explosive sources. In this study, we introduce a time-frequency analysis method to process the CASS data, and try to retrieve the seismic waveforms and identify the major seismic phases traveling through the crust. We adopt the Wigner-Ville Distribution (WVD) approach which has been used in signal detection and parameter estimation for linear frequency modulation (LFM) signals, and proves to feature the best time-frequency convergence capability. The Wigner-Hough transform (WHT) is applied to retrieve the impulsive waveforms from multi-component LFM signals, which comprise seismic phases with different arrival times. We processed the seismic data of the 40-ton CASS in the field experiment around the Xinfengjiang reservoir with the WVD and WHT methods. The results demonstrate that these methods are effective in waveform retrieval and phase identification, especially for high frequency seismic phases such as PmP and SmS with strong amplitudes in large epicenter distance of 80-120 km. Further studies are still needed to improve the accuracy on travel time estimation, so as to further promote applicability of the CASS for and imaging the seismic velocity structure.

Estimation of seismic attenuation in carbonate rocks using three different methods: Application on VSP data from Abu Dhabi oilfield

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bouchaala, F.; Ali, M. Y.; Matsushima, J.

2016-06-01

In this study a relationship between the seismic wavelength and the scale of heterogeneity in the propagating medium has been examined. The relationship estimates the size of heterogeneity that significantly affects the wave propagation at a specific frequency, and enables a decrease in the calculation time of wave scattering estimation. The relationship was applied in analyzing synthetic and Vertical Seismic Profiling (VSP) data obtained from an onshore oilfield in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Prior to estimation of the attenuation, a robust processing workflow was applied to both synthetic and recorded data to increase the Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR). Two conventional methods of spectral ratio and centroid frequency shift methods were applied to estimate the attenuation from the extracted seismic waveforms in addition to a new method based on seismic interferometry. The attenuation profiles derived from the three approaches demonstrated similar variation, however the interferometry method resulted in greater depth resolution, differences in attenuation magnitude. Furthermore, the attenuation profiles revealed significant contribution of scattering on seismic wave attenuation. The results obtained from the seismic interferometry method revealed estimated scattering attenuation ranges from 0 to 0.1 and estimated intrinsic attenuation can reach 0.2. The subsurface of the studied zones is known to be highly porous and permeable, which suggest that the mechanism of the intrinsic attenuation is probably the interactions between pore fluids and solids.

Archive of digital CHIRP seismic reflection data collected during USGS cruise 06FSH01 offshore of Siesta Key, Florida, May 2006

USGS Publications Warehouse

Harrison, Arnell S.; Dadisman, Shawn V.; Flocks, James G.; Wiese, Dana S.; Robbins, Lisa L.

2007-01-01

In May of 2006, the U.S. Geological Survey conducted geophysical surveys offshore of Siesta Key, Florida. This report serves as an archive of unprocessed digital chirp seismic reflection data, trackline maps, navigation files, GIS information, Field Activity Collection System (FACS) logs, observer's logbook, and formal FGDC metadata. Gained digital images of the seismic profiles are also provided. The archived trace data are in standard Society of Exploration Geophysicists (SEG) SEG-Y format (Barry and others, 1975) and may be downloaded and processed with commercial or public domain software such as Seismic Unix (SU). Example SU processing scripts and USGS software for viewing the SEG-Y files (Zihlman, 1992) are also provided.

Archive of digital CHIRP seismic reflection data collected during USGS cruise 06SCC01 offshore of Isles Dernieres, Louisiana, June 2006

USGS Publications Warehouse

Harrison, Arnell S.; Dadisman, Shawn V.; Ferina, Nick F.; Wiese, Dana S.; Flocks, James G.

2007-01-01

In June of 2006, the U.S. Geological Survey conducted a geophysical survey offshore of Isles Dernieres, Louisiana. This report serves as an archive of unprocessed digital CHIRP seismic reflection data, trackline maps, navigation files, GIS information, Field Activity Collection System (FACS) logs, observer's logbook, and formal FGDC metadata. Gained digital images of the seismic profiles are also provided. The archived trace data are in standard Society of Exploration Geophysicists (SEG) SEG-Y format (Barry and others, 1975) and may be downloaded and processed with commercial or public domain software such as Seismic UNIX (SU). Example SU processing scripts and USGS software for viewing the SEG-Y files (Zihlman, 1992) are also provided.

Development of the Multi-Level Seismic Receiver (MLSR)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sleefe, G. E.; Engler, B. P.; Drozda, P. M.; Franco, R. J.; Morgan, Jeff

1995-02-01

The Advanced Geophysical Technology Department (6114) and the Telemetry Technology Development Department (2664) have, in conjunction with the Oil Recovery Technology Partnership, developed a Multi-Level Seismic Receiver (MLSR) for use in crosswell seismic surveys. The MLSR was designed and evaluated with the significant support of many industry partners in the oil exploration industry. The unit was designed to record and process superior quality seismic data operating in severe borehole environments, including high temperature (up to 200 C) and static pressure (10,000 psi). This development has utilized state-of-the-art technology in transducers, data acquisition, and real-time data communication and data processing. The mechanical design of the receiver has been carefully modeled and evaluated to insure excellent signal coupling into the receiver.

National Archive of Marine Seismic Surveys (NAMSS): A USGS-Boem Partnership to Provide Free and Easy Access to Previously Proprietary Seismic Reflection Data on the U.S. Outer Continental Shelf

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Triezenberg, P. J.; Hart, P. E.; Childs, J. R.

2014-12-01

The National Archive of Marine Seismic Surveys (NAMSS) was established by the USGS in 2004 in an effort to rescue marine seismic reflection profile data acquired largely by the oil exploration industry throughout the US outer continental shelf (OCS). It features a Web interface for easy on-line geographic search and download. The commercial value of these data had decreased significantly because of drilling moratoria and newer acquisition technology, and large quantities were at risk of disposal. But, the data still had tremendous value for scientific research and education purposes, and an effort was undertaken to ensure that the data were preserved and publicly available. More recently, the USGS and Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) have developed a partnership to make similarly available a much larger quantity of 2D and 3D seismic data acquired by the U.S. government for assessment of resources in the OCS. Under Federal regulation, BOEM is required to publicly release all processed geophysical data, including seismic profiles, acquired under an exploration permit, purchased and retained by BOEM, no sooner than 25 years after issuance of the permit. Data acquired prior to 1989 are now eligible for release. Currently these data are distributed on CD or DVD, but data discovery can be tedious. Inclusion of these data within NAMSS vastly increases the amount of seismic data available for research purposes. A new NAMSS geographical interface provides easy and intuitive access to the data library. The interface utilizes OpenLayers, Mapnik, and the Django web framework. In addition, metadata capabilities have been greatly increased using a PostgresSQL/PostGIS database incorporating a community-developed ISO-compliant XML template. The NAMSS database currently contains 452 2D seismic surveys comprising 1,645,956 line km and nine 3D seismic surveys covering 9,385 square km. The 2D data holdings consist of stack, migrated and depth sections, most in SEG-Y format.

Picking vs Waveform based detection and location methods for induced seismicity monitoring

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Grigoli, Francesco; Boese, Maren; Scarabello, Luca; Diehl, Tobias; Weber, Bernd; Wiemer, Stefan; Clinton, John F.

2017-04-01

Microseismic monitoring is a common operation in various industrial activities related to geo-resouces, such as oil and gas and mining operations or geothermal energy exploitation. In microseismic monitoring we generally deal with large datasets from dense monitoring networks that require robust automated analysis procedures. The seismic sequences being monitored are often characterized by very many events with short inter-event times that can even provide overlapped seismic signatures. In these situations, traditional approaches that identify seismic events using dense seismic networks based on detections, phase identification and event association can fail, leading to missed detections and/or reduced location resolution. In recent years, to improve the quality of automated catalogues, various waveform-based methods for the detection and location of microseismicity have been proposed. These methods exploit the coherence of the waveforms recorded at different stations and do not require any automated picking procedure. Although this family of methods have been applied to different induced seismicity datasets, an extensive comparison with sophisticated pick-based detection and location methods is still lacking. We aim here to perform a systematic comparison in term of performance using the waveform-based method LOKI and the pick-based detection and location methods (SCAUTOLOC and SCANLOC) implemented within the SeisComP3 software package. SCANLOC is a new detection and location method specifically designed for seismic monitoring at local scale. Although recent applications have proved an extensive test with induced seismicity datasets have been not yet performed. This method is based on a cluster search algorithm to associate detections to one or many potential earthquake sources. On the other hand, SCAUTOLOC is more a "conventional" method and is the basic tool for seismic event detection and location in SeisComp3. This approach was specifically designed for regional and teleseismic applications, thus its performance with microseismic data might be limited. We analyze the performance of the three methodologies for a synthetic dataset with realistic noise conditions as well as for the first hour of continuous waveform data, including the Ml 3.5 St. Gallen earthquake, recorded by a microseismic network deployed in the area. We finally compare the results obtained all these three methods with a manually revised catalogue.

Tyler sands play entices operators

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Stremel, K.

Encouraging seismic data and recent discoveries are causing a renewed interest in an intensive exploration effort in central Montana's Tyler play. With new subsurface information obtained from recent seismic surveys, geologists are reviewing the elusive Tyler sands from a different perspective. Several operators are competing for lease positions through farmouts and joint ventures and increased drilling activity is expected to begin within the next year.

Unsupervised Approaches for Post-Processing in Computationally Efficient Waveform-Similarity-Based Earthquake Detection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bergen, K.; Yoon, C. E.; OReilly, O. J.; Beroza, G. C.

2015-12-01

Recent improvements in computational efficiency for waveform correlation-based detections achieved by new methods such as Fingerprint and Similarity Thresholding (FAST) promise to allow large-scale blind search for similar waveforms in long-duration continuous seismic data. Waveform similarity search applied to datasets of months to years of continuous seismic data will identify significantly more events than traditional detection methods. With the anticipated increase in number of detections and associated increase in false positives, manual inspection of the detection results will become infeasible. This motivates the need for new approaches to process the output of similarity-based detection. We explore data mining techniques for improved detection post-processing. We approach this by considering similarity-detector output as a sparse similarity graph with candidate events as vertices and similarities as weighted edges. Image processing techniques are leveraged to define candidate events and combine results individually processed at multiple stations. Clustering and graph analysis methods are used to identify groups of similar waveforms and assign a confidence score to candidate detections. Anomaly detection and classification are applied to waveform data for additional false detection removal. A comparison of methods will be presented and their performance will be demonstrated on a suspected induced and non-induced earthquake sequence.

Seismic Hazard Assessment at Esfaraen‒Bojnurd Railway, North‒East of Iran

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Haerifard, S.; Jarahi, H.; Pourkermani, M.; Almasian, M.

2018-01-01

The objective of this study is to evaluate the seismic hazard at the Esfarayen-Bojnurd railway using the probabilistic seismic hazard assessment (PSHA) method. This method was carried out based on a recent data set to take into account the historic seismicity and updated instrumental seismicity. A homogenous earthquake catalogue was compiled and a proposed seismic sources model was presented. Attenuation equations that recently recommended by experts and developed based upon earthquake data obtained from tectonic environments similar to those in and around the studied area were weighted and used for assessment of seismic hazard in the frame of logic tree approach. Considering a grid of 1.2 × 1.2 km covering the study area, ground acceleration for every node was calculated. Hazard maps at bedrock conditions were produced for peak ground acceleration, in addition to return periods of 74, 475 and 2475 years.

Site Amplification Characteristics of the Several Seismic Stations at Jeju Island, in Korea, using S-wave Energy, Background Noise, and Coda waves from the East Japan earthquake (Mar. 11th, 2011) Series.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Seong-hwa, Y.; Wee, S.; Kim, J.

2016-12-01

Observed ground motions are composed of 3 main factors such as seismic source, seismic wave attenuation and site amplification. Among them, site amplification is also important factor and should be considered to estimate soil-structure dynamic interaction with more reliability. Though various estimation methods are suggested, this study used the method by Castro et. al.(1997) for estimating site amplification. This method has been extended to background noise, coda waves and S waves recently for estimating site amplification. This study applied the Castro et. al.(1997)'s method to 3 different seismic waves, that is, S-wave Energy, Background Noise, and Coda waves. This study analysed much more than about 200 ground motions (acceleration type) from the East Japan earthquake (March 11th, 2011) Series of seismic stations at Jeju Island (JJU, SGP, HALB, SSP and GOS; Fig. 1), in Korea. The results showed that most of the seismic stations gave similar results among three types of seismic energies. Each station showed its own characteristics of site amplification property in low, high and specific resonance frequency ranges. Comparison of this study to other studies can give us much information about dynamic amplification of domestic sites characteristics and site classification.

Motorized Activity on Legacy Seismic Lines: A Predictive Modeling Approach to Prioritize Restoration Efforts.

PubMed

Hornseth, M L; Pigeon, K E; MacNearney, D; Larsen, T A; Stenhouse, G; Cranston, J; Finnegan, L

2018-05-11

Natural regeneration of seismic lines, cleared for hydrocarbon exploration, is slow and often hindered by vegetation damage, soil compaction, and motorized human activity. There is an extensive network of seismic lines in western Canada which is known to impact forest ecosystems, and seismic lines have been linked to declines in woodland caribou (Rangifer tarandus caribou). Seismic line restoration is costly, but necessary for caribou conservation to reduce cumulative disturbance. Understanding where motorized activity may be impeding regeneration of seismic lines will aid in prioritizing restoration. Our study area in west-central Alberta, encompassed five caribou ranges where restoration is required under federal species at risk recovery strategies, hence prioritizing seismic lines for restoration is of immediate conservation value. To understand patterns of motorized activity on seismic lines, we evaluated five a priori hypotheses using a predictive modeling framework and Geographic Information System variables across three landscapes in the foothills and northern boreal regions of Alberta. In the northern boreal landscape, motorized activity was most common in dry areas with a large industrial footprint. In highly disturbed areas of the foothills, motorized activity on seismic lines increased with low vegetation heights, relatively dry soils, and further from forest cutblocks, while in less disturbed areas of the foothills, motorized activity on seismic lines decreased proportional to seismic line density, slope steepness, and white-tailed deer abundance, and increased proportional with distance to roads. We generated predictive maps of high motorized activity, identifying 21,777 km of seismic lines where active restoration could expedite forest regeneration.

Geophysical Exploration Technologies for the Deep Lithosphere Research: An Education Materials for High School Students

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xu, H.; Xu, C.; Luo, S.; Chen, H.; Qin, R.

2012-12-01

The science of Geophysics applies the principles of physics to study of the earth. Geophysical exploration technologies include the earthquake seismology, the seismic reflection and refraction methods, the gravity method, the magnetic method and the magnetotelluric method, which are used to measure the interior material distribution, their structure and the tectonics in the lithosphere of the earth. Part of the research project in SinoProbe-02-06 is to develop suitable education materials for carton movies targeting the high school students and public. The carton movies include five parts. The first part includes the structures of the earth's interior and variation in their physical properties that include density, p-wave, s-wave and so on, which are the fundamentals of the geophysical exploration technologies. The second part includes the seismology that uses the propagation of elastic waves through the earth to study the structure and the material distribution of the earth interior. It can be divided into earthquake seismology and artifice seismics commonly using reflection and refraction. The third part includes the magnetic method. Earth's magnetic field (also known as the geomagnetic field)extends from the Earth's inner core to where it meets the solar wind, a stream of energetic particles emanating from the Sun. The aim of magnetic survey is to investigate subsurface geology on the basis of anomalies in the Earth's magnetic field resulting from the magnetic properties of the underlying rocks. The magnetic method in the lithosphere attempts to use magnetic disturbance to analyse the regional geological structure and the magnetic boundaries of the crust. The fourth part includes the gravity method. A gravity anomaly results from the inhomogeneous distribution of density of the Earth. Usually gravity anomalies contain superposed anomalies from several sources. The long wave length anomalies due to deep density contrasts are called regional anomalies. They are important for understanding the large-scale structure of the earth's crust under major geographic features, such as mountain ranges, oceanic ridges and subduction zones. Short wave length residual anomalies are due to shallow anomalous masses that may be of interest for commercial exploitation. The last part is the magnetotellurics (MT), which is an electromagnetic geophysical method of imaging the earth's subsurface by measuring natural variations of electrical and magnetic fields at the Earth's surface. The long-period MT technique is used to exploration deep crustal. MT has been used to investigate the distribution of silicate melts in the Earth's mantle and crust and to better understand the plate-tectonic processes.

Fracture Flow Characterization from Seismic and Electric Properties: Insight from Experimental and Numerical Approaches

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sawayama, K.; Kitamura, K.; Tsuji, T.; Fujimitsu, Y.

2017-12-01

The estimation of fluid flow and its distribution in the fracture is essential to evaluate subsurface fluid (e.g., geothermal water, ground water, oil and gas). Recently, fluid flow in the geothermal reservoir has been attracting attention to develop EGS (enhanced geothermal system) technique. To detect the fluid distribution under the ground, geophysical exploration such as seismic and electromagnetic methods have been broadly applied. For better interpretation of these exploration data, more detailed investigation about the effect of fluid on seismic and electric properties of fracture is required. In this study, we measured and calculated seismic and electric properties of a cracked rock to discuss the effect of water distribution and saturation on them as well as fluid flow. For the experimental observation, we developed the technique to measure electrical impedance, P-wave velocity and water saturation simultaneously during the fluid-flow test. The test has been conducted as follows; a cracked andesite core sample was filled with nitrogen gas (Pp = 10 MPa) under 20 MPa of confining pressure and then, brine (1wt.%-KCl, 1.75 S/m) was injected into the sample to replace the gas. During the test, water saturation, permeability, electrical impedance and P-wave velocity were measured. As a result of this experimental study, electrical impedance dramatically decreased from 105 to 103 Ω and P-wave velocity increased by 2% due to the brine injection. This remarkable change of the electrical impedance could be due to the replacement of pre-filled nitrogen gas to the brine in the broad fracture. After the brine injection, electrical impedance decreased with injection pressure by up to 40% while P-wave velocity was almost constant. This decrease of electrical impedance could be related to the flow to the narrow path (microcrack) which cannot be detected by P-wave velocity. These two types of fluid flow mechanism were also suggested from other parameters such as permeability, water saturation and saturation exponent of Archie's law. To quantify the fluid flow and its distribution in the fracture, we applied fluid flow simulation by LBM (Lattice Boltzmann Method). From this result, we calculate physical parameters by FEM and FDM and then discuss effect of fluid on them as well as their comparison with experimental results.

Using 3D Simulation of Elastic Wave Propagation in Laplace Domain for Electromagnetic-Seismic Inverse Modeling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Petrov, P.; Newman, G. A.

2010-12-01

Quantitative imaging of the subsurface objects is essential part of modern geophysical technology important in oil and gas exploration and wide-range engineering applications. A significant advancement in developing a robust, high resolution imaging technology is concerned with using the different geophysical measurements (gravity, EM and seismic) sense the subsurface structure. A joint image of the subsurface geophysical attributes (velocity, electrical conductivity and density) requires the consistent treatment of the different geophysical data (electromagnetic and seismic) due to their differing physical nature - diffusive and attenuated propagation of electromagnetic energy and nonlinear, multiple scattering wave propagation of seismic energy. Recent progress has been reported in the solution of this problem by reducing the complexity of seismic wave field. Works formed by Shin and Cha (2009 and 2008) suggests that low-pass filtering the seismic trace via Laplace-Fourier transformation can be an effective approach for obtaining seismic data that has similar spatial resolution to EM data. The effect of Laplace- Fourier transformation on the low-pass filtered trace changes the modeling of the seismic wave field from multi-wave propagation to diffusion. The key benefit of transformation is that diffusive wave-field inversion works well for both data sets seismic (Shin and Cha, 2008) and electromagnetic (Commer and Newman 2008, Newman et al., 2010). Moreover the different data sets can also be matched for similar and consistent resolution. Finally, the low pass seismic image is also an excellent choice for a starting model when analyzing the entire seismic waveform to recover the high spatial frequency components of the seismic image; its reflectivity (Shin and Cha, 2009). Without a good starting model full waveform seismic imaging and migration can encounter serious difficulties. To produce seismic wave fields consistent for joint imaging in the Laplace-Fourier domain we had developed 3D code for full-wave field simulation in the elastic media which take into account nonlinearity introduced by free-surface effects. Our approach is based on the velocity-stress formulation. In the contrast to conventional formulation we defined the material properties such as density and Lame constants not at nodal points but within cells. This second order finite differences method formulated in the cell-based grid, generate numerical solutions compatible with analytical ones within the range errors determinate by dispersion analysis. Our simulator will be embedded in an inversion scheme for joint seismic- electromagnetic imaging. It also offers possibilities for preconditioning the seismic wave propagation problems in the frequency domain. References. Shin, C. & Cha, Y. (2009), Waveform inversion in the Laplace-Fourier domain, Geophys. J. Int. 177(3), 1067- 1079. Shin, C. & Cha, Y. H. (2008), Waveform inversion in the Laplace domain, Geophys. J. Int. 173(3), 922-931. Commer, M. & Newman, G. (2008), New advances in three-dimensional controlled-source electromagnetic inversion, Geophys. J. Int. 172(2), 513-535. Newman, G. A., Commer, M. & Carazzone, J. J. (2010), Imaging CSEM data in the presence of electrical anisotropy, Geophysics, in press.

A comparison of methods to estimate seismic phase delays--Numerical examples for coda wave interferometry

USGS Publications Warehouse

Mikesell, T. Dylan; Malcolm, Alison E.; Yang, Di; Haney, Matthew M.

2015-01-01

Time-shift estimation between arrivals in two seismic traces before and after a velocity perturbation is a crucial step in many seismic methods. The accuracy of the estimated velocity perturbation location and amplitude depend on this time shift. Windowed cross correlation and trace stretching are two techniques commonly used to estimate local time shifts in seismic signals. In the work presented here, we implement Dynamic Time Warping (DTW) to estimate the warping function – a vector of local time shifts that globally minimizes the misfit between two seismic traces. We illustrate the differences of all three methods compared to one another using acoustic numerical experiments. We show that DTW is comparable to or better than the other two methods when the velocity perturbation is homogeneous and the signal-to-noise ratio is high. When the signal-to-noise ratio is low, we find that DTW and windowed cross correlation are more accurate than the stretching method. Finally, we show that the DTW algorithm has better time resolution when identifying small differences in the seismic traces for a model with an isolated velocity perturbation. These results impact current methods that utilize not only time shifts between (multiply) scattered waves, but also amplitude and decoherence measurements. DTW is a new tool that may find new applications in seismology and other geophysical methods (e.g., as a waveform inversion misfit function).

Quantitative estimation of time-variable earthquake hazard by using fuzzy set theory

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Deyi, Feng; Ichikawa, M.

1989-11-01

In this paper, the various methods of fuzzy set theory, called fuzzy mathematics, have been applied to the quantitative estimation of the time-variable earthquake hazard. The results obtained consist of the following. (1) Quantitative estimation of the earthquake hazard on the basis of seismicity data. By using some methods of fuzzy mathematics, seismicity patterns before large earthquakes can be studied more clearly and more quantitatively, highly active periods in a given region and quiet periods of seismic activity before large earthquakes can be recognized, similarities in temporal variation of seismic activity and seismic gaps can be examined and, on the other hand, the time-variable earthquake hazard can be assessed directly on the basis of a series of statistical indices of seismicity. Two methods of fuzzy clustering analysis, the method of fuzzy similarity, and the direct method of fuzzy pattern recognition, have been studied is particular. One method of fuzzy clustering analysis is based on fuzzy netting, and another is based on the fuzzy equivalent relation. (2) Quantitative estimation of the earthquake hazard on the basis of observational data for different precursors. The direct method of fuzzy pattern recognition has been applied to research on earthquake precursors of different kinds. On the basis of the temporal and spatial characteristics of recognized precursors, earthquake hazards in different terms can be estimated. This paper mainly deals with medium-short-term precursors observed in Japan and China.

Applying the seismic interferometry method to vertical seismic profile data using tunnel excavation noise as source

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jurado, Maria Jose; Teixido, Teresa; Martin, Elena; Segarra, Miguel; Segura, Carlos

2013-04-01

In the frame of the research conducted to develop efficient strategies for investigation of rock properties and fluids ahead of tunnel excavations the seismic interferometry method was applied to analyze the data acquired in boreholes instrumented with geophone strings. The results obtained confirmed that seismic interferometry provided an improved resolution of petrophysical properties to identify heterogeneities and geological structures ahead of the excavation. These features are beyond the resolution of other conventional geophysical methods but can be the cause severe problems in the excavation of tunnels. Geophone strings were used to record different types of seismic noise generated at the tunnel head during excavation with a tunnelling machine and also during the placement of the rings covering the tunnel excavation. In this study we show how tunnel construction activities have been characterized as source of seismic signal and used in our research as the seismic source signal for generating a 3D reflection seismic survey. The data was recorded in vertical water filled borehole with a borehole seismic string at a distance of 60 m from the tunnel trace. A reference pilot signal was obtained from seismograms acquired close the tunnel face excavation in order to obtain best signal-to-noise ratio to be used in the interferometry processing (Poletto et al., 2010). The seismic interferometry method (Claerbout 1968) was successfully applied to image the subsurface geological structure using the seismic wave field generated by tunneling (tunnelling machine and construction activities) recorded with geophone strings. This technique was applied simulating virtual shot records related to the number of receivers in the borehole with the seismic transmitted events, and processing the data as a reflection seismic survey. The pseudo reflective wave field was obtained by cross-correlation of the transmitted wave data. We applied the relationship between the transmission response and the reflection response for a 1D multilayer structure, and next 3D approach (Wapenaar 2004). As a result of this seismic interferometry experiment the 3D reflectivity model (frequencies and resolution ranges) was obtained. We proved also that the seismic interferometry approach can be applied in asynchronous seismic auscultation. The reflections detected in the virtual seismic sections are in agreement with the geological features encountered during the excavation of the tunnel and also with the petrophysical properties and parameters measured in previous geophysical borehole logging. References Claerbout J.F., 1968. Synthesis of a layered medium from its acoustic transmision response. Geophysics, 33, 264-269 Flavio Poletto, Piero Corubolo and Paolo Comeli.2010. Drill-bit seismic interferometry whith and whitout pilot signals. Geophysical Prospecting, 2010, 58, 257-265. Wapenaar, K., J. Thorbecke, and D. Draganov, 2004, Relations between reflection and transmission responses of three-dimensional inhomogeneous media: Geophysical Journal International, 156, 179-194.

Stress modulation of earthquakes: A study of long and short period stress perturbations and the crustal response

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Johnson, Christopher W.

Decomposing fault mechanical processes advances our understanding of active fault systems and properties of the lithosphere, thereby increasing the effectiveness of seismic hazard assessment and preventative measures implemented in urban centers. Along plate boundaries earthquakes are inevitable as tectonic forces reshape the Earth's surface. Earthquakes, faulting, and surface displacements are related systems that require multidisciplinary approaches to characterize deformation in the lithosphere. Modern geodetic instrumentation can resolve displacements to millimeter precision and provide valuable insight into secular deformation in near real-time. The expansion of permanent seismic networks as well as temporary deployments allow unprecedented detection of microseismic events that image fault interfaces and fracture networks in the crust. The research presented in this dissertation is at the intersection of seismology and geodesy to study the Earth's response to transient deformation and explores research questions focusing on earthquake triggering, induced seismicity, and seasonal loading while utilizing seismic data, geodetic data, and modeling tools. The focus is to quantify stress changes in the crust, explore seismicity rate variations and migration patterns, and model crustal deformation in order to characterize the evolving state of stress on faults and the migration of fluids in the crust. The collection of problems investigated all investigate the question: Why do earthquakes nucleate following a low magnitude stress perturbation? Answers to this question are fundamental to understanding the time dependent failure processes of the lithosphere. Dynamic triggering is the interaction of faults and triggering of earthquakes represents stress transferring from one system to another, at both local and remote distances [Freed, 2005]. The passage of teleseismic surface waves from the largest earthquakes produce dynamic stress fields and provides a natural laboratory to explore the causal relationship between low-amplitude stress changes and dynamically triggered events. Interestingly, observations of dynamically triggered M≥5.5 earthquakes are absent in the seismic records [Johnson et al., 2015; Parsons and Velasco, 2011], which invokes questions regarding whether or not large magnitude events can be dynamically triggered. Emerging results in the literature indicate undocumented M≥5.5 events at near to intermediate distances are dynamically triggered during the passage of surface waves but are undetected by automated networks [Fan and Shearer, 2016]. This raises new questions about the amplitude and duration of dynamic stressing for large magnitude events. I used 35-years of global seismicity and find that large event rate increases only occur following a delay from the transient load, suggesting aseismic processes are associated with large magnitude triggered events. To extend this finding I investigated three cases of large magnitude delayed dynamic triggering following the M8.6 2012 Indian Ocean earthquake [Pollitz et al., 2012] by producing microseismicity catalogs and modeling the transient stresses. The results indicate immediate triggering of microseismic events that hours later culminate into a large magnitude event and support the notion that large magnitude events are triggerable by transient loading, but seismic and aseismic processes (e.g. induced creep or fluid mobilization) are contributing to the nucleation process. Open questions remain concerning the source of a nucleation delay period following a stress perturbation that require both geodetic and seismic observations to constrain the source of delayed dynamic triggering and possibly provide insight into a precursory nucleation phase. Induced seismicity has gained much attention in the past 5 years as earthquake rates in regions of low tectonic strain accumulation accelerate to unprecedented levels [Ellsworth, 2013]. The source of the seismicity is attributed to shallow fluid injection associated with energy production. As hydrocarbon extraction continues to increase in the U.S. the deformation and induced seismicity from wastewater injection is providing new avenues to explore crustal properties. The large magnitude events associated with regions of high rate injection support the notion that the crust is critically stressed. Seismic data in these areas provides the opportunity to delineate fault structures in the crust using precise earthquake locations. To augment the studies of transient loading cycles I investigated induced seismicity at The Geysers geothermal field in northern California. Using high-resolution hypocenter data I implement an epidemic type aftershock sequence (ETAS) model to develop seismicity rate time series in the active geothermal field and characterize the migration of fluids from high volume water injection. Subtle stress changes induced by thermo- and poroelastic strains trigger seismicity for 5 months after peak injection at depths 3 km below the main injection interval. This suggests vertical migration paths are maintained in the geothermal field that allows fluid propagation on annual time scales. Fully describing the migration pattern of fluids in the crust and the associated stresses are applicable to tectonic related faulting and triggered seismic activity. Seasonal hydrological loading is a source of annual periodic transient deformation that is ideal for investigating the modulation of seismicity. The initial step in exploring the modulation of seismicity is to validate that a significant annual period does exist in California earthquake records. The periodicity results [Dutilleul et al., 2015] motivate continued investigation of seismically active regions that experience significant seasonal mass loading, i.e. high precipitation and snowfall rates, to quantify the magnitude of seasonal stress changes and possible correlation with seismicity modulation. The implication of this research addresses questions concerning the strength and state of stress on faults. High-resolution water storage time series throughout California are developed using continuous GPS records. The results allow an estimation of the stress changes induced by hydrological loading, which is combined with a detailed focal mechanism analysis to characterize the modulation of seismicity. The hydrologic loading is augmented with the contribution of additional deformation sources (e.g. tidal, atmosphere, and temperature) and find that annual stress changes of 5 kPa are modulating seismicity, most notably on dip-slip structures. These observations suggest that mechanical differences exist between the vertically dipping strike-slip faults and the shallowly dipping oblique structures in California. When comparing all the annual loading cycles it is evident that future studies incorporate all the sources of solid Earth deformation to fully describe the stresses realized on fault systems that respond to seasonal loads.

Seismic data restoration with a fast L1 norm trust region method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cao, Jingjie; Wang, Yanfei

2014-08-01

Seismic data restoration is a major strategy to provide reliable wavefield when field data dissatisfy the Shannon sampling theorem. Recovery by sparsity-promoting inversion often get sparse solutions of seismic data in a transformed domains, however, most methods for sparsity-promoting inversion are line-searching methods which are efficient but are inclined to obtain local solutions. Using trust region method which can provide globally convergent solutions is a good choice to overcome this shortcoming. A trust region method for sparse inversion has been proposed, however, the efficiency should be improved to suitable for large-scale computation. In this paper, a new L1 norm trust region model is proposed for seismic data restoration and a robust gradient projection method for solving the sub-problem is utilized. Numerical results of synthetic and field data demonstrate that the proposed trust region method can get excellent computation speed and is a viable alternative for large-scale computation.

Convolutional neural network for earthquake detection and location

PubMed Central

Perol, Thibaut; Gharbi, Michaël; Denolle, Marine

2018-01-01

The recent evolution of induced seismicity in Central United States calls for exhaustive catalogs to improve seismic hazard assessment. Over the last decades, the volume of seismic data has increased exponentially, creating a need for efficient algorithms to reliably detect and locate earthquakes. Today’s most elaborate methods scan through the plethora of continuous seismic records, searching for repeating seismic signals. We leverage the recent advances in artificial intelligence and present ConvNetQuake, a highly scalable convolutional neural network for earthquake detection and location from a single waveform. We apply our technique to study the induced seismicity in Oklahoma, USA. We detect more than 17 times more earthquakes than previously cataloged by the Oklahoma Geological Survey. Our algorithm is orders of magnitude faster than established methods. PMID:29487899

Evidence of Biot Slow Waves in Electroseismic Measurementss on Laboratory-Scale

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Devi, M. S.

2015-12-01

Electroseismic methods which are the opposite of seismo-electric methods have only been little investigated up to now especially in the near surface scale. These methods can generate the solid-fluid relative movement induced by the electric potential in fluid-filled porous media. These methods are the response of electro-osmosis due to the presence of the electrical double layer. Laboratory experiments and numerical simulations of electroseismic studies have been performed. Electroseismic measurements conducted in micro glass beads saturated with demineralized water. Pair of 37 x 37 mm square aluminium grids with 2 mm of aperture and 4 mm of spacing is used as the electric dipole that connected to the electric power source with the voltage output 150 V. A laser doppler vibrometer is the system used to measure velocity of vibrating objects during measurements by placing a line of reflective paper on the surface of media that scattered back a helium-neon laser. The results in homogeneous media shows that the compressional waves induced by an electric signal. We confirm that the results are not the effects of thermal expansion. We also noticed that there are two kinds of the compressional waves are recorded: fast and slow P-waves. The latter, Biot slow waves, indicate the dominant amplitude. Moreover, we found that the transition frequency (ωc) of Biot slow waves depends on mechanical parameters such as porosity and permeability. The ωc is not affected when varying conductivity of the fluid from 25 - 320 μS/cm, although the amplitude slightly changed. For the results in two layer media by placing a sandstone as a top layer shows that a large amount of transmission seismic waves (apparently as Biot slow waves) rather than converted electromagnetic-to-seismic waves. These properties have also been simulated with full waveform numerical simulations relying on Pride's (1994) using our computer code (Garambois & Dietrich, 2002). If it is true that the electric source in the safe voltage range generates seismic waves dominantly, it may be a reason of electro-osmosis dewatering technique to transport liquids. And this source may be used an alternative as a seismic source in geophysical exploration.

Seismic detectability of meteorite impacts on Europa

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tsuji, Daisuke; Teanby, Nicholas

2016-04-01

Europa, the second of Jupiter's Galilean satellites, has an icy outer shell, beneath which there is probably liquid water in contact with a rocky core. Europa, may thus provide an example of a sub-surface habitable environment so is an attractive object for future lander missions. In fact, the Jupiter Icy Moon Explorer (JUICE) mission has been selected for the L1 launch slot of ESA's Cosmic Vision science programme with the aim of launching in 2022 to explore Jupiter and its potentially habitable icy moons. One of the best ways to probe icy moon interiors in any future mission will be with a seismic investigation. Previously, the Apollo seismic experiment, installed by astronauts, enhanced our knowledge of the lunar interior. For a recent mission, NASA's 2016 InSight Mars lander aims to obtain seismic data and will deploy a seismometer directly onto Mars' surface. Motivated by these works, in this study we show how many meteorite impacts will be detected using a single seismic station on Europa, which will be useful for planning the next generation of outer solar system missions. To this end, we derive: (1) the current small impact flux on Europa from Jupiter impact rate models; (2) a crater diameter versus impactor energy scaling relation for ice by merging previous experiments and simulations; (3) scaling relations for seismic signals as a function of distance from an impact site for a given crater size based on analogue explosive data obtained on Earth's icy surfaces. Finally, resultant amplitudes are compared to the noise level of a likely seismic instrument (based on the NASA InSight mission seismometers) and the number of detectable impacts are estimated. As a result, 0.5-3.0 local/regional small impacts (i.e., direct P-waves through the ice crust) are expected to be detected per year, while global-scale impact events (i.e., PKP-waves refracted through the mantle) are rare and unlikely to be detected by a short duration mission. We note that our results are only appropriate for order of magnitude calculations because of considerable uncertainties in the small impactor source population, internal structure, and ambient noise level. However, our results suggest that probing the deep interior using impacts will be challenging and require an extended mission duration and low noise levels to give a reasonable chance of detection. Therefore, for future seismic exploration, faulting due to stresses in the rigid outer ice shell is likely to be much more viable mechanism for probing the interior.

Exploring hydrocarbon-bearing shale formations with multi-component seismic technology and evaluating direct shear modes produced by vertical-force sources

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Alkan, Engin

It is essential to understand natural fracture systems embedded in shale-gas reservoirs and the stress fields that influence how induced fractures form in targeted shale units. Multicomponent seismic technology and elastic seismic stratigraphy allow geologic formations to be better images through analysis of different S-wave modes as well as the P-wave mode. Significant amounts of energy produced by P-wave sources radiate through the Earth as downgoing SV-wave energy. A vertical-force source is an effective source for direct SV radiation and provides a pure shear-wave mode (SV-SV) that should reveal crucial information about geologic surfaces located in anisotropic media. SV-SV shear wave modes should carry important information about petrophysical characteristics of hydrocarbon systems that cannot be obtained using other elastic-wave modes. Regardless of the difficulties of extracting good-quality SV-SV signal, direct shear waves as well as direct P and converted S energy should be accounted for in 3C seismic studies. Acquisition of full-azimuth seismic data and sampling data at small intervals over long offsets are required for detailed anisotropy analysis. If 3C3D data can be acquired with improved signal-to-noise ratio, more uniform illumination of targets, increased lateral resolution, more accurate amplitude attributes, and better multiple attenuation, such data will have strong interest by the industry. The objectives of this research are: (1) determine the feasibility of extracting direct SV-SV common-mid-point sections from 3-C seismic surveys, (2) improve the exploration for stratigraphic traps by developing systematic relationship between petrophysical properties and combinations of P and S wave modes, (3) create compelling examples illustrating how hydrocarbon-bearing reservoirs in low-permeable rocks (particularly anisotropic shale formations) can be better characterized using different Swave modes (P-SV, SV-SV) in addition to the conventional P-P modes, and (4) analyze P and S radiation patterns produced by a variety of seismic sources. The research done in this study has contributed to understanding the physics involved in direct-S radiation from vertical-force source stations. A U.S. Patent issued to the Board of Regents of the University of Texas System now protects the intellectual property the Exploration Geophysics Laboratory has developed related to S-wave generation by vertical-force sources. The University's Office of Technology Commercialization is actively engaged in commercializing this new S-wave reflection seismic technology on behalf of the Board of Regents.

A stochastic approach to uncertainty quantification in residual moveout analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Johng-Ay, T.; Landa, E.; Dossou-Gbété, S.; Bordes, L.

2015-06-01

Oil and gas exploration and production relies usually on the interpretation of a single seismic image, which is obtained from observed data. However, the statistical nature of seismic data and the various approximations and assumptions are sources of uncertainties which may corrupt the evaluation of parameters. The quantification of these uncertainties is a major issue which supposes to help in decisions that have important social and commercial implications. The residual moveout analysis, which is an important step in seismic data processing is usually performed by a deterministic approach. In this paper we discuss a Bayesian approach to the uncertainty analysis.

Micro-seismicity in the Gulf of Cadiz: Is there a link between micro-seismicity, high magnitude earthquakes and active faults?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Silva, Sónia; Terrinha, Pedro; Matias, Luis; Duarte, João C.; Roque, Cristina; Ranero, César R.; Geissler, Wolfram H.; Zitellini, Nevio

2017-10-01

The Gulf of Cadiz seismicity is characterized by persistent low to intermediate magnitude earthquakes, occasionally punctuated by high magnitude events such as the M 8.7 1755 Great Lisbon earthquake and the M = 7.9 event of February 28th, 1969. Micro-seismicity was recorded during 11 months by a temporary network of 25 ocean bottom seismometers (OBSs) in an area of high seismic activity, encompassing the potential source areas of the mentioned large magnitude earthquakes. We combined micro-seismicity analysis with processing and interpretation of deep crustal seismic reflection profiles and available refraction data to investigate the possible tectonic control of the seismicity in the Gulf of Cadiz area. Three controlling mechanisms are explored: i) active tectonic structures, ii) transitions between different lithospheric domains and inherited Mesozoic structures, and iii) fault weakening mechanisms. Our results show that micro-seismicity is mostly located in the upper mantle and is associated with tectonic inversion of extensional rift structures and to the transition between different lithospheric/rheological domains. Even though the crustal structure is well imaged in the seismic profiles and in the bathymetry, crustal faults show low to negligible seismic activity. A possible explanation for this is that the crustal thrusts are thin-skinned structures rooting in relatively shallow sub-horizontal décollements associated with (aseismic) serpentinization levels at the top of the lithospheric mantle. Therefore, co-seismic slip along crustal thrusts may only occur during large magnitude events, while for most of the inter-seismic cycle these thrusts remain locked, or slip aseismically. We further speculate that high magnitude earthquake's ruptures may only nucleate in the lithospheric mantle and then propagate into the crust across the serpentinized layers.

Improved 3D seismic attribute mapping by CRS stacking instead of NMO stacking: Application to a geothermal reservoir in the Polish Basin

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pussak, Marcin; Bauer, Klaus; Stiller, Manfred; Bujakowski, Wieslaw

2014-04-01

Within a seismic reflection processing work flow, the common-reflection-surface (CRS) stack can be applied as an alternative for the conventional normal moveout (NMO) or the dip moveout (DMO) stack. The advantages of the CRS stack include (1) data-driven automatic determination of stacking operator parameters, (2) imaging of arbitrarily curved geological boundaries, and (3) significant increase in signal-to-noise (S/N) ratio by stacking far more traces than used in a conventional stack. In this paper we applied both NMO and CRS stackings to process a sparse 3D seismic data set acquired within a geothermal exploration study in the Polish Basin. The stacked images show clear enhancements in quality achieved by the CRS stack in comparison with the conventional stack. While this was expected from previous studies, we also found remarkable improvements in the quality of seismic attributes when the CRS stack was applied instead of the conventional stack. For the major geothermal target reservoir (Lower Jurassic horizon Ja1), we present a comparison between both stacking methods for a number of common attributes, including root-mean-square (RMS) amplitudes, instantaneous frequencies, coherency, and spectral decomposition attributes derived from the continuous wavelet transform. The attribute maps appear noisy and highly fluctuating after the conventional stack, and are clearly structured after the CRS stack. A seismic facies analysis was finally carried out for the Ja1 horizon using the attributes derived from the CRS stack by using self-organizing map clustering techniques. A corridor parallel to a fault system was identified, which is characterized by decreased RMS amplitudes and decreased instantaneous frequencies. In our interpretation, this region represents a fractured, fluid-bearing compartment within the sandstone reservoir, which indicates favorable conditions for geothermal exploitation.

Local SPTHA through tsunami inundation simulations: a test case for two coastal critical infrastructures in the Mediterranean

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Volpe, M.; Selva, J.; Tonini, R.; Romano, F.; Lorito, S.; Brizuela, B.; Argyroudis, S.; Salzano, E.; Piatanesi, A.

2016-12-01

Seismic Probabilistic Tsunami Hazard Analysis (SPTHA) is a methodology to assess the exceedance probability for different thresholds of tsunami hazard intensity, at a specific site or region in a given time period, due to a seismic source. A large amount of high-resolution inundation simulations is typically required for taking into account the full variability of potential seismic sources and their slip distributions. Starting from regional SPTHA offshore results, the computational cost can be reduced by considering for inundation calculations only a subset of `important' scenarios. We here use a method based on an event tree for the treatment of the seismic source aleatory variability; a cluster analysis on the offshore results to define the important sources; epistemic uncertainty treatment through an ensemble modeling approach. We consider two target sites in the Mediterranean (Milazzo, Italy, and Thessaloniki, Greece) where coastal (non nuclear) critical infrastructures (CIs) are located. After performing a regional SPTHA covering the whole Mediterranean, for each target site, few hundreds of representative scenarios are filtered out of all the potential seismic sources and the tsunami inundation is explicitly modeled, obtaining a site-specific SPTHA, with a complete characterization of the tsunami hazard in terms of flow depth and velocity time histories. Moreover, we also explore the variability of SPTHA at the target site accounting for coseismic deformation (i.e. uplift or subsidence) due to near field sources located in very shallow water. The results are suitable and will be applied for subsequent multi-hazard risk analysis for the CIs. These applications have been developed in the framework of the Italian Flagship Project RITMARE, EC FP7 ASTARTE (Grant agreement 603839) and STREST (Grant agreement 603389) projects, and of the INGV-DPC Agreement.

Kinematic source inversions of teleseismic data based on the QUESO library for uncertainty quantification and prediction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zielke, O.; McDougall, D.; Mai, P. M.; Babuska, I.

2014-12-01

One fundamental aspect of seismic hazard mitigation is gaining a better understanding of the rupture process. Because direct observation of the relevant parameters and properties is not possible, other means such as kinematic source inversions are used instead. By constraining the spatial and temporal evolution of fault slip during an earthquake, those inversion approaches may enable valuable insights in the physics of the rupture process. However, due to the underdetermined nature of this inversion problem (i.e., inverting a kinematic source model for an extended fault based on seismic data), the provided solutions are generally non-unique. Here we present a statistical (Bayesian) inversion approach based on an open-source library for uncertainty quantification (UQ) called QUESO that was developed at ICES (UT Austin). The approach has advantages with respect to deterministic inversion approaches as it provides not only a single (non-unique) solution but also provides uncertainty bounds with it. Those uncertainty bounds help to qualitatively and quantitatively judge how well constrained an inversion solution is and how much rupture complexity the data reliably resolve. The presented inversion scheme uses only tele-seismically recorded body waves but future developments may lead us towards joint inversion schemes. After giving an insight in the inversion scheme ifself (based on delayed rejection adaptive metropolis, DRAM) we explore the method's resolution potential. For that, we synthetically generate tele-seismic data, add for example different levels of noise and/or change fault plane parameterization and then apply our inversion scheme in the attempt to extract the (known) kinematic rupture model. We conclude with exemplary inverting real tele-seismic data of a recent large earthquake and compare those results with deterministically derived kinematic source models provided by other research groups.

Effects of volcanic tremor on noise-based measurements of temporal velocity changes at Hawaiian volcanoes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ballmer, S.; Wolfe, C. J.; Okubo, P.; Haney, M. M.; Thurber, C. H.

2011-12-01

Green's functions calculated with ambient seismic noise may aid in volcano research and monitoring. The continuous character of ambient seismic noise and hence of the reconstructed Green's functions has enabled measurements of short-term (~days) temporal perturbations in seismic velocities. Very small but clear velocity decreases prior to some volcanic eruptions have been documented and motivate our present study. We apply this method to Hawaiian volcanoes using data from the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (HVO) seismic network. In order to obtain geologically relevant and reliable results, stable Green's functions need to be recovered from the ambient noise. Station timing problems, changes in noise source directivity, as well as changes in the source's spectral content are known biases that critically affect the Green's functions' stability and hence need to be considered. Here we show that volcanic tremor is a potential additional bias. During the time period of our study (2007-present), we find that volcanic tremor is a common feature in the HVO seismic data. Pu'u O'o tremor is continuously present before a dike intrusion into Kilauea's east rift zone in June 2007 and Halema'uma'u tremor occurs before and during resumed Kilauea summit activity from early 2008 and onward. For the frequency band considered (0.1-0.9 Hz), we find that these active tremor sources can drastically modify the recovered Green's functions for station pairs on the entire island at higher (> 0.5 Hz) frequencies, although the effect of tremor appears diminished at lower frequencies. In this presentation, we perform measurements of temporal velocity changes using ambient noise Green's functions and explore how volcanic tremor affects the results. Careful quality assessment of reconstructed Green's functions appears to be essential for the desired high precision measurements.

Issues related to handling Exploration Seismic data within the EU FP7 GeoSeas project

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Diviacco, Paolo; Cox, Simon

2010-05-01

GeoSeas is a sibling of the SeaDataNet initiative, aiming at creating an e-infrastructure where users will be able to identify, locate and access pan-European, harmonized and federated marine Geological and Geophysical data. GeoSeas adopts many of the technologies developed within SeaDataNet. While for most of the designated data types, only minor tuning is required, the case of Exploration Seismics poses several issues needing specific solutions. The main issue is the sampling strategy, where the technologies, practices and the legacies of exploration geophysics differ considerably from those found in Oceanography (the original research field considered by SeaDataNet). Specific extensions to the SeaDataNet framework were required at many levels. The most significant interventions concerned the Common Data Index (CDI) metadatabase and data access mechanisms. The primary feature of interest in marine exploration geophysics is the seismic line (in the 2D case) or the seismic volume (3D). For various reasons seismic lines are often segmented, which poses serious problems to the one-to-one correspondence between the CDI and data files. Furthermore, common practice is for positioning and the observation data to be managed separately. Another issue is that the catalogue of metadata items needed for Seismic data discovery and browsing needs parameters that are not available in the standard CDI. However, in the context of data discovery a common framework for all data types is preferable, so we should avoid unnecessary customization for this data type. Both of these issues have been addressed using the framework provided by the OGC Observations and Measurements standard (O&M - see Cox, this conference). O&M provides a structure for observation metadata, allowing the description of the feature of interest, observation procedure, sampling features and the relationships between them, while still allowing the original encoding of the actual observation result. Thus, the additional indexing information is encoded in what is effectively an extension to CDI, but using cross-domain standards, which will allow geophysics data to be discovered and assessed in a common framework with other marine and oceanography data. Data access in this field poses further problems. There are significant economic interests in seismic data. The publication of relatively raw data through web service interfaces must follow a schedule that respect legitimate intellectual property concerns. Nevertheless, more open data publication can be used to position the data owner within the scientific community and to attract new projects and therefore funding. From the data owner point of view the difficulty in balancing opening and protection can be overcome only offering to external users a controlled, server-side, web-based data access. This is also preferred considering that data volumes are large (Seismic data (post-stack) is often 50-100 MB, while field data can easily reach GB).

Joint inversion of 3-D seismic, gravimetric and magnetotelluric data for sub-basalt imaging in the Faroe-Shetland Basin

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Heincke, B.; Moorkamp, M.; Jegen, M.; Hobbs, R. W.

2012-12-01

Imaging of sub-basalt sediments with reflection seismic techniques is limited due to absorption, scattering and transmission effects and the presence of peg-leg multiples. Although many of the difficulties facing conventional seismic profiles can be overcome by recording long offset data resolution of sub-basalt sediments in seismic sections is typically still largely restricted. Therefore multi-parametric approaches in general and joint inversion strategies in particular (e.g. Colombo et al., 2008, Jordan et al., 2012) are considered as alternative to gain additional information from sub-basalt structures. Here, we combine in a 3-D joint inversion first-arrival time tomography, FTG gravity and MT data to identify the base basalt and resolve potential sediments underneath. For sub-basalt exploration the three methods complement each other such that the null space is reduced and significantly better resolved models can be obtained than would be possible by the individual methods: The seismic data gives a robust model for the supra-basalt sediments whilst the gravity field is dominated by the high density basalt and basement features. The MT on the other hand is sensitive to the conductivity in both the supra- and sub-basalt sediments. We will present preliminary individual and joint inversion result for a FTG, seismic and MT data set located in the Faroe-Shetland basin. Because the investigated area is rather large (~75 x 40 km) and the individual data sets are relatively huge, we use a joint inversion framework (see Moorkamp et al., 2011) which is designed to handle large amount of data/model parameters. This program has moreover the options to link the individual parameter models either petrophysically using fixed parameter relationships or structurally using the cross-gradient approach. The seismic data set consists of a pattern of 8 intersecting wide-angle seismic profiles with maximum offsets of up to ~24 km. The 3-D gravity data set (size :~ 30 x 30 km) is collected along parallel lines by a shipborne gradiometer and the marine MT data set is composed of 41 stations that are distributed over the whole investigation area. Logging results from a borehole located in the central part of the investigation area enable us to derive parameter relationships between seismic velocities, resistivities and densities that are adequately describe the rock property behaviors of both the basaltic lava flows and sedimentary layers in this region. In addition, a 3-D reflection seismic survey covering the central part allows us to incorporate the top of basalt and other features as constraints in the joint inversions and to evaluate the quality of the final results. Literature: D. Colombo, M. Mantovani, S. Hallinan, M. Virgilio, 2008. Sub-basalt depth imaging using simultaneous joint inversion of seismic and electromagnetic (MT) data: a CRB field study. SEG Expanded Abstract, Las Vegas, USA, 2674-2678. M. Jordan, J. Ebbing, M. Brönner, J. Kamm , Z. Du, P. Eliasson, 2012. Joint Inversion for Improved Sub-salt and Sub-basalt Imaging with Application to the More Margin. EAGE Expanded Abstracts, Copenhagen, DK. M. Moorkamp, B. Heincke, M. Jegen, A.W.Roberts, R.W. Hobbs, 2011. A framework for 3-D joint inversion of MT, gravity and seismic refraction data. Geophysical Journal International, 184, 477-493.

Estimating the location of baleen whale calls using dual streamers to support mitigation procedures in seismic reflection surveys.

PubMed

Abadi, Shima H; Tolstoy, Maya; Wilcock, William S D

2017-01-01

In order to mitigate against possible impacts of seismic surveys on baleen whales it is important to know as much as possible about the presence of whales within the vicinity of seismic operations. This study expands on previous work that analyzes single seismic streamer data to locate nearby calling baleen whales with a grid search method that utilizes the propagation angles and relative arrival times of received signals along the streamer. Three dimensional seismic reflection surveys use multiple towed hydrophone arrays for imaging the structure beneath the seafloor, providing an opportunity to significantly improve the uncertainty associated with streamer-generated call locations. All seismic surveys utilizing airguns conduct visual marine mammal monitoring surveys concurrent with the experiment, with powering-down of seismic source if a marine mammal is observed within the exposure zone. This study utilizes data from power-down periods of a seismic experiment conducted with two 8-km long seismic hydrophone arrays by the R/V Marcus G. Langseth near Alaska in summer 2011. Simulated and experiment data demonstrate that a single streamer can be utilized to resolve left-right ambiguity because the streamer is rarely perfectly straight in a field setting, but dual streamers provides significantly improved locations. Both methods represent a dramatic improvement over the existing Passive Acoustic Monitoring (PAM) system for detecting low frequency baleen whale calls, with ~60 calls detected utilizing the seismic streamers, zero of which were detected using the current R/V Langseth PAM system. Furthermore, this method has the potential to be utilized not only for improving mitigation processes, but also for studying baleen whale behavior within the vicinity of seismic operations.

Estimating the location of baleen whale calls using dual streamers to support mitigation procedures in seismic reflection surveys

PubMed Central

Abadi, Shima H.; Tolstoy, Maya; Wilcock, William S. D.

2017-01-01

In order to mitigate against possible impacts of seismic surveys on baleen whales it is important to know as much as possible about the presence of whales within the vicinity of seismic operations. This study expands on previous work that analyzes single seismic streamer data to locate nearby calling baleen whales with a grid search method that utilizes the propagation angles and relative arrival times of received signals along the streamer. Three dimensional seismic reflection surveys use multiple towed hydrophone arrays for imaging the structure beneath the seafloor, providing an opportunity to significantly improve the uncertainty associated with streamer-generated call locations. All seismic surveys utilizing airguns conduct visual marine mammal monitoring surveys concurrent with the experiment, with powering-down of seismic source if a marine mammal is observed within the exposure zone. This study utilizes data from power-down periods of a seismic experiment conducted with two 8-km long seismic hydrophone arrays by the R/V Marcus G. Langseth near Alaska in summer 2011. Simulated and experiment data demonstrate that a single streamer can be utilized to resolve left-right ambiguity because the streamer is rarely perfectly straight in a field setting, but dual streamers provides significantly improved locations. Both methods represent a dramatic improvement over the existing Passive Acoustic Monitoring (PAM) system for detecting low frequency baleen whale calls, with ~60 calls detected utilizing the seismic streamers, zero of which were detected using the current R/V Langseth PAM system. Furthermore, this method has the potential to be utilized not only for improving mitigation processes, but also for studying baleen whale behavior within the vicinity of seismic operations. PMID:28199400

Detection capability of the IMS seismic network based on ambient seismic noise measurements

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gaebler, Peter J.; Ceranna, Lars

2016-04-01

All nuclear explosions - on the Earth's surface, underground, underwater or in the atmosphere - are banned by the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT). As part of this treaty, a verification regime was put into place to detect, locate and characterize nuclear explosion testings at any time, by anyone and everywhere on the Earth. The International Monitoring System (IMS) plays a key role in the verification regime of the CTBT. Out of the different monitoring techniques used in the IMS, the seismic waveform approach is the most effective technology for monitoring nuclear underground testing and to identify and characterize potential nuclear events. This study introduces a method of seismic threshold monitoring to assess an upper magnitude limit of a potential seismic event in a certain given geographical region. The method is based on ambient seismic background noise measurements at the individual IMS seismic stations as well as on global distance correction terms for body wave magnitudes, which are calculated using the seismic reflectivity method. From our investigations we conclude that a global detection threshold of around mb 4.0 can be achieved using only stations from the primary seismic network, a clear latitudinal dependence for the detection threshold can be observed between northern and southern hemisphere. Including the seismic stations being part of the auxiliary seismic IMS network results in a slight improvement of global detection capability. However, including wave arrivals from distances greater than 120 degrees, mainly PKP-wave arrivals, leads to a significant improvement in average global detection capability. In special this leads to an improvement of the detection threshold on the southern hemisphere. We further investigate the dependence of the detection capability on spatial (latitude and longitude) and temporal (time) parameters, as well as on parameters such as source type and percentage of operational IMS stations.

Natural regeneration on seismic lines influences movement behaviour of wolves and grizzly bears.

PubMed

Finnegan, Laura; Pigeon, Karine E; Cranston, Jerome; Hebblewhite, Mark; Musiani, Marco; Neufeld, Lalenia; Schmiegelow, Fiona; Duval, Julie; Stenhouse, Gordon B

2018-01-01

Across the boreal forest of Canada, habitat disturbance is the ultimate cause of caribou (Rangifer tarandus caribou) declines. Habitat restoration is a focus of caribou recovery efforts, with a goal to finding ways to reduce predator use of disturbances, and caribou-predator encounters. One of the most pervasive disturbances within caribou ranges in Alberta, Canada are seismic lines cleared for energy exploration. Seismic lines facilitate predator movement, and although vegetation on some seismic lines is regenerating, it remains unknown whether vegetation regrowth is sufficient to alter predator response. We used Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) data, and GPS locations, to understand how vegetation and other attributes of seismic lines influence movements of two predators, wolves (Canis lupus) and grizzly bears (Ursus arctos). During winter, wolves moved towards seismic lines regardless of vegetation height, while during spring wolves moved towards seismic lines with higher vegetation. During summer, wolves moved towards seismic lines with lower vegetation and also moved faster near seismic lines with vegetation <0.7 m. Seismic lines with lower vegetation height were preferred by grizzly bears during spring and summer, but there was no relationship between vegetation height and grizzly bear movement rates. These results suggest that wolves use seismic lines for travel during summer, but during winter wolf movements relative to seismic lines could be influenced by factors additional to movement efficiency; potentially enhanced access to areas frequented by ungulate prey. Grizzly bears may be using seismic lines for movement, but could also be using seismic lines as a source of vegetative food or ungulate prey. To reduce wolf movement rate, restoration could focus on seismic lines with vegetation <1 m in height. However our results revealed that seismic lines continue to influence wolf movement behaviour decades after they were built, and even at later stages of regeneration. Therefore it remains unknown at what stage of natural regeneration, if any, wolves cease to respond to seismic lines. To reduce wolf response to seismic lines, active restoration tactics like blocking seismic lines and tree planting, along with management of alternate prey, could be evaluated.

Natural regeneration on seismic lines influences movement behaviour of wolves and grizzly bears

PubMed Central

Pigeon, Karine E.; Cranston, Jerome; Hebblewhite, Mark; Musiani, Marco; Neufeld, Lalenia; Schmiegelow, Fiona; Duval, Julie; Stenhouse, Gordon B.

2018-01-01

Across the boreal forest of Canada, habitat disturbance is the ultimate cause of caribou (Rangifer tarandus caribou) declines. Habitat restoration is a focus of caribou recovery efforts, with a goal to finding ways to reduce predator use of disturbances, and caribou-predator encounters. One of the most pervasive disturbances within caribou ranges in Alberta, Canada are seismic lines cleared for energy exploration. Seismic lines facilitate predator movement, and although vegetation on some seismic lines is regenerating, it remains unknown whether vegetation regrowth is sufficient to alter predator response. We used Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) data, and GPS locations, to understand how vegetation and other attributes of seismic lines influence movements of two predators, wolves (Canis lupus) and grizzly bears (Ursus arctos). During winter, wolves moved towards seismic lines regardless of vegetation height, while during spring wolves moved towards seismic lines with higher vegetation. During summer, wolves moved towards seismic lines with lower vegetation and also moved faster near seismic lines with vegetation <0.7 m. Seismic lines with lower vegetation height were preferred by grizzly bears during spring and summer, but there was no relationship between vegetation height and grizzly bear movement rates. These results suggest that wolves use seismic lines for travel during summer, but during winter wolf movements relative to seismic lines could be influenced by factors additional to movement efficiency; potentially enhanced access to areas frequented by ungulate prey. Grizzly bears may be using seismic lines for movement, but could also be using seismic lines as a source of vegetative food or ungulate prey. To reduce wolf movement rate, restoration could focus on seismic lines with vegetation <1 m in height. However our results revealed that seismic lines continue to influence wolf movement behaviour decades after they were built, and even at later stages of regeneration. Therefore it remains unknown at what stage of natural regeneration, if any, wolves cease to respond to seismic lines. To reduce wolf response to seismic lines, active restoration tactics like blocking seismic lines and tree planting, along with management of alternate prey, could be evaluated. PMID:29659615

MeProRisk - a Joint Venture for Minimizing Risk in Geothermal Reservoir Development

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Clauser, C.; Marquart, G.

2009-12-01

Exploration and development of geothermal reservoirs for the generation of electric energy involves high engineering and economic risks due to the need for 3-D geophysical surface surveys and deep boreholes. The MeProRisk project provides a strategy guideline for reducing these risks by combining cross-disciplinary information from different specialists: Scientists from three German universities and two private companies contribute with new methods in seismic modeling and interpretation, numerical reservoir simulation, estimation of petrophysical parameters, and 3-D visualization. The approach chosen in MeProRisk consists in considering prospecting and developing of geothermal reservoirs as an iterative process. A first conceptual model for fluid flow and heat transport simulation can be developed based on limited available initial information on geology and rock properties. In the next step, additional data is incorporated which is based on (a) new seismic interpretation methods designed for delineating fracture systems, (b) statistical studies on large numbers of rock samples for estimating reliable rock parameters, (c) in situ estimates of the hydraulic conductivity tensor. This results in a continuous refinement of the reservoir model where inverse modelling of fluid flow and heat transport allows infering the uncertainty and resolution of the model at each iteration step. This finally yields a calibrated reservoir model which may be used to direct further exploration by optimizing additional borehole locations, estimate the uncertainty of key operational and economic parameters, and optimize the long-term operation of a geothermal resrvoir.

The Effects of Realistic Geological Heterogeneity on Seismic Modeling: Applications in Shear Wave Generation and Near-Surface Tunnel Detection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sherman, Christopher Scott

Naturally occurring geologic heterogeneity is an important, but often overlooked, aspect of seismic wave propagation. This dissertation presents a strategy for modeling the effects of heterogeneity using a combination of geostatistics and Finite Difference simulation. In the first chapter, I discuss my motivations for studying geologic heterogeneity and seis- mic wave propagation. Models based upon fractal statistics are powerful tools in geophysics for modeling heterogeneity. The important features of these fractal models are illustrated using borehole log data from an oil well and geomorphological observations from a site in Death Valley, California. A large part of the computational work presented in this disserta- tion was completed using the Finite Difference Code E3D. I discuss the Python-based user interface for E3D and the computational strategies for working with heterogeneous models developed over the course of this research. The second chapter explores a phenomenon observed for wave propagation in heteroge- neous media - the generation of unexpected shear wave phases in the near-source region. In spite of their popularity amongst seismic researchers, approximate methods for modeling wave propagation in these media, such as the Born and Rytov methods or Radiative Trans- fer Theory, are incapable of explaining these shear waves. This is primarily due to these method's assumptions regarding the coupling of near-source terms with the heterogeneities and mode conversion. To determine the source of these shear waves, I generate a suite of 3D synthetic heterogeneous fractal geologic models and use E3D to simulate the wave propaga- tion for a vertical point force on the surface of the models. I also present a methodology for calculating the effective source radiation patterns from the models. The numerical results show that, due to a combination of mode conversion and coupling with near-source hetero- geneity, shear wave energy on the order of 10% of the compressional wave energy may be generated within the shear radiation node of the source. Interestingly, in some cases this shear wave may arise as a coherent pulse, which may be used to improve seismic imaging efforts. In the third and fourth chapters, I discuss the results of a numerical analysis and field study of seismic near-surface tunnel detection methods. Detecting unknown tunnels and voids, such as old mine workings or solution cavities in karst terrain, is a challenging prob- lem in geophysics and has implications for geotechnical design, public safety, and domestic security. Over the years, a number of different geophysical methods have been developed to locate these objects (microgravity, resistivity, seismic diffraction, etc.), each with varying results. One of the major challenges facing these methods is understanding the influence of geologic heterogeneity on their results, which makes this problem a natural extension of the modeling work discussed in previous chapters. In the third chapter, I present the results of a numerical study of surface-wave based tunnel detection methods. The results of this analysis show that these methods are capable of detecting a void buried within one wavelength of the surface, with size potentially much less than one wavelength. In addition, seismic surface- wave based detection methods are effective in media with moderate heterogeneity (epsilon < 5 %), and in fact, this heterogeneity may serve to increase the resolution of these methods. In the fourth chapter, I discuss the results of a field study of tunnel detection methods at a site within the Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve, near Antioch California. I use a com- bination of surface wave backscattering, 1D surface wave attenuation, and 2D attenuation tomography to locate and determine the condition of two tunnels at this site. These results compliment the numerical study in chapter 3 and highlight their usefulness for detecting tunnels at other sites.

Analysis of the Seismicity Preceding Large Earthquakes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stallone, A.; Marzocchi, W.

2016-12-01

The most common earthquake forecasting models assume that the magnitude of the next earthquake is independent from the past. This feature is probably one of the most severe limitations of the capability to forecast large earthquakes.In this work, we investigate empirically on this specific aspect, exploring whether spatial-temporal variations in seismicity encode some information on the magnitude of the future earthquakes. For this purpose, and to verify the universality of the findings, we consider seismic catalogs covering quite different space-time-magnitude windows, such as the Alto Tiberina Near Fault Observatory (TABOO) catalogue, and the California and Japanese seismic catalog. Our method is inspired by the statistical methodology proposed by Zaliapin (2013) to distinguish triggered and background earthquakes, using the nearest-neighbor clustering analysis in a two-dimension plan defined by rescaled time and space. In particular, we generalize the metric based on the nearest-neighbor to a metric based on the k-nearest-neighbors clustering analysis that allows us to consider the overall space-time-magnitude distribution of k-earthquakes (k-foreshocks) which anticipate one target event (the mainshock); then we analyze the statistical properties of the clusters identified in this rescaled space. In essence, the main goal of this study is to verify if different classes of mainshock magnitudes are characterized by distinctive k-foreshocks distribution. The final step is to show how the findings of this work may (or not) improve the skill of existing earthquake forecasting models.

A Revised Earthquake Catalogue for South Iceland

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Panzera, Francesco; Zechar, J. Douglas; Vogfjörd, Kristín S.; Eberhard, David A. J.

2016-01-01

In 1991, a new seismic monitoring network named SIL was started in Iceland with a digital seismic system and automatic operation. The system is equipped with software that reports the automatic location and magnitude of earthquakes, usually within 1-2 min of their occurrence. Normally, automatic locations are manually checked and re-estimated with corrected phase picks, but locations are subject to random errors and systematic biases. In this article, we consider the quality of the catalogue and produce a revised catalogue for South Iceland, the area with the highest seismic risk in Iceland. We explore the effects of filtering events using some common recommendations based on network geometry and station spacing and, as an alternative, filtering based on a multivariate analysis that identifies outliers in the hypocentre error distribution. We identify and remove quarry blasts, and we re-estimate the magnitude of many events. This revised catalogue which we consider to be filtered, cleaned, and corrected should be valuable for building future seismicity models and for assessing seismic hazard and risk. We present a comparative seismicity analysis using the original and revised catalogues: we report characteristics of South Iceland seismicity in terms of b value and magnitude of completeness. Our work demonstrates the importance of carefully checking an earthquake catalogue before proceeding with seismicity analysis.

Seismic envelope-based detection and location of ground-coupled airwaves from volcanoes in Alaska

USGS Publications Warehouse

Fee, David; Haney, Matt; Matoza, Robin S.; Szuberla, Curt A.L.; Lyons, John; Waythomas, Christopher F.

2016-01-01

Volcanic explosions and other infrasonic sources frequently produce acoustic waves that are recorded by seismometers. Here we explore multiple techniques to detect, locate, and characterize ground‐coupled airwaves (GCA) on volcano seismic networks in Alaska. GCA waveforms are typically incoherent between stations, thus we use envelope‐based techniques in our analyses. For distant sources and planar waves, we use f‐k beamforming to estimate back azimuth and trace velocity parameters. For spherical waves originating within the network, we use two related time difference of arrival (TDOA) methods to detect and localize the source. We investigate a modified envelope function to enhance the signal‐to‐noise ratio and emphasize both high energies and energy contrasts within a spectrogram. We apply these methods to recent eruptions from Cleveland, Veniaminof, and Pavlof Volcanoes, Alaska. Array processing of GCA from Cleveland Volcano on 4 May 2013 produces robust detection and wave characterization. Our modified envelopes substantially improve the short‐term average/long‐term average ratios, enhancing explosion detection. We detect GCA within both the Veniaminof and Pavlof networks from the 2007 and 2013–2014 activity, indicating repeated volcanic explosions. Event clustering and forward modeling suggests that high‐resolution localization is possible for GCA on typical volcano seismic networks. These results indicate that GCA can be used to help detect, locate, characterize, and monitor volcanic eruptions, particularly in difficult‐to‐monitor regions. We have implemented these GCA detection algorithms into our operational volcano‐monitoring algorithms at the Alaska Volcano Observatory.

Seismic hazard and risk assessment in the intraplate environment: The New Madrid seismic zone of the central United States

USGS Publications Warehouse

Wang, Z.

2007-01-01

Although the causes of large intraplate earthquakes are still not fully understood, they pose certain hazard and risk to societies. Estimating hazard and risk in these regions is difficult because of lack of earthquake records. The New Madrid seismic zone is one such region where large and rare intraplate earthquakes (M = 7.0 or greater) pose significant hazard and risk. Many different definitions of hazard and risk have been used, and the resulting estimates differ dramatically. In this paper, seismic hazard is defined as the natural phenomenon generated by earthquakes, such as ground motion, and is quantified by two parameters: a level of hazard and its occurrence frequency or mean recurrence interval; seismic risk is defined as the probability of occurrence of a specific level of seismic hazard over a certain time and is quantified by three parameters: probability, a level of hazard, and exposure time. Probabilistic seismic hazard analysis (PSHA), a commonly used method for estimating seismic hazard and risk, derives a relationship between a ground motion parameter and its return period (hazard curve). The return period is not an independent temporal parameter but a mathematical extrapolation of the recurrence interval of earthquakes and the uncertainty of ground motion. Therefore, it is difficult to understand and use PSHA. A new method is proposed and applied here for estimating seismic hazard in the New Madrid seismic zone. This method provides hazard estimates that are consistent with the state of our knowledge and can be easily applied to other intraplate regions. ?? 2007 The Geological Society of America.

Hear it, See it, Explore it: Visualizations and Sonifications of Seismic Signals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fisher, M.; Peng, Z.; Simpson, D. W.; Kilb, D. L.

2010-12-01

Sonification of seismic data is an innovative way to represent seismic data in the audible range (Simpson, 2005). Seismic waves with different frequency and temporal characteristics, such as those from teleseismic earthquakes, deep “non-volcanic” tremor and local earthquakes, can be easily discriminated when time-compressed to the audio range. Hence, sonification is particularly useful for presenting complicated seismic signals with multiple sources, such as aftershocks within the coda of large earthquakes, and remote triggering of earthquakes and tremor by large teleseismic earthquakes. Previous studies mostly focused on converting the seismic data into audible files by simple time compression or frequency modulation (Simpson et al., 2009). Here we generate animations of the seismic data together with the sounds. We first read seismic data in the SAC format into Matlab, and generate a sequence of image files and an associated WAV sound file. Next, we use a third party video editor, such as the QuickTime Pro, to combine the image sequences and the sound file into an animation. We have applied this simple procedure to generate animations of remotely triggered earthquakes, tremor and low-frequency earthquakes in California, and mainshock-aftershock sequences in Japan and California. These animations clearly demonstrate the interactions of earthquake sequences and the richness of the seismic data. The tool developed in this study can be easily adapted for use in other research applications and to create sonification/animation of seismic data for education and outreach purpose.

Seismic reflection imaging of shallow oceanographic structures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Piété, Helen; Marié, Louis; Marsset, Bruno; Thomas, Yannick; Gutscher, Marc-André

2013-05-01

Multichannel seismic (MCS) reflection profiling can provide high lateral resolution images of deep ocean thermohaline fine structure. However, the shallowest layers of the water column (z < 150 m) have remained unexplored by this technique until recently. In order to explore the feasibility of shallow seismic oceanography (SO), we reprocessed and analyzed four multichannel seismic reflection sections featuring reflectors at depths between 10 and 150 m. The influence of the acquisition parameters was quantified. Seismic data processing dedicated to SO was also investigated. Conventional seismic acquisition systems were found to be ill-suited to the imaging of shallow oceanographic structures, because of a high antenna filter effect induced by large offsets and seismic trace lengths, and sources that typically cannot provide both a high level of emission and fine vertical resolution. We considered a test case, the imagery of the seasonal thermocline on the western Brittany continental shelf. New oceanographic data acquired in this area allowed simulation of the seismic acquisition. Sea trials of a specifically designed system were performed during the ASPEX survey, conducted in early summer 2012. The seismic device featured: (i) four seismic streamers, each consisting of six traces of 1.80 m; (ii) a 1000 J SIG sparker source, providing a 400 Hz signal with a level of emission of 205 dB re 1 μPa @ 1 m. This survey captured the 15 m thick, 30 m deep seasonal thermocline in unprecedented detail, showing images of vertical displacements most probably induced by internal waves.

Seismic Imaging of a Prospective Geothermal Play, Using a Dense Geophone Array

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Trow, A.; Pankow, K. L.; Wannamaker, P. E.; Lin, F. C.; Ward, K. M.

2017-12-01

In the summer of 2016 a dense array of 48 Nodal Seismic geophones was deployed near Beaver, Utah on the eastern flank of the Mineral Mountains. The array aperture was approximately 20 kilometers and recorded continuous seismic data for 30 days. Geophones were centered on a previously known shallow (5km depth) magnetolluric (MT) low-resistivity body. This region of low resistivity was interpreted to possibly contain hydrothermal/geothermal fluids and was targeted for further seismic investigation. The seismic array geometry was designed to optimize seismic event detection for small (magnitude of completeness zero) earthquakes and to facilitate seismic imaging at depths of 5 km and deeper. For the duration of the experiment, one ML 1 earthquake was detected underneath the array with 15 other earthquakes detected to the east and south in the more seismically active Pavant Range. Different passive imaging techniques, including ambient noise and earthquake tomography are being explored in order to produce a seismic velocity image. Understanding the subsurface, specifically the fracture network and fluid content of the bedrock is important for characterization of a geothermal prospect. If it is rich in fluids, it can be assumed that some fracture network is in place to accommodate such fluids. Both fractures and fluid content of the prospect will have an effect on the seismic velocities in the basement structure. These properties can help determine the viability of a geothermal system for power production.

Design and development of digital seismic amplifier recorder

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Samsidar, Siti Alaa; Afuar, Waldy; Handayani, Gunawan, E-mail: gunawanhandayani@gmail.com

2015-04-16

A digital seismic recording is a recording technique of seismic data in digital systems. This method is more convenient because it is more accurate than other methods of seismic recorders. To improve the quality of the results of seismic measurements, the signal needs to be amplified to obtain better subsurface images. The purpose of this study is to improve the accuracy of measurement by amplifying the input signal. We use seismic sensors/geophones with a frequency of 4.5 Hz. The signal is amplified by means of 12 units of non-inverting amplifier. The non-inverting amplifier using IC 741 with the resistor values 1KΩmore » and 1MΩ. The amplification results were 1,000 times. The results of signal amplification converted into digital by using the Analog Digital Converter (ADC). Quantitative analysis in this study was performed using the software Lab VIEW 8.6. The Lab VIEW 8.6 program was used to control the ADC. The results of qualitative analysis showed that the seismic conditioning can produce a large output, so that the data obtained is better than conventional data. This application can be used for geophysical methods that have low input voltage such as microtremor application.« less

Kernel Smoothing Methods for Non-Poissonian Seismic Hazard Analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Woo, Gordon

2017-04-01

For almost fifty years, the mainstay of probabilistic seismic hazard analysis has been the methodology developed by Cornell, which assumes that earthquake occurrence is a Poisson process, and that the spatial distribution of epicentres can be represented by a set of polygonal source zones, within which seismicity is uniform. Based on Vere-Jones' use of kernel smoothing methods for earthquake forecasting, these methods were adapted in 1994 by the author for application to probabilistic seismic hazard analysis. There is no need for ambiguous boundaries of polygonal source zones, nor for the hypothesis of time independence of earthquake sequences. In Europe, there are many regions where seismotectonic zones are not well delineated, and where there is a dynamic stress interaction between events, so that they cannot be described as independent. From the Amatrice earthquake of 24 August, 2016, the subsequent damaging earthquakes in Central Italy over months were not independent events. Removing foreshocks and aftershocks is not only an ill-defined task, it has a material effect on seismic hazard computation. Because of the spatial dispersion of epicentres, and the clustering of magnitudes for the largest events in a sequence, which might all be around magnitude 6, the specific event causing the highest ground motion can vary from one site location to another. Where significant active faults have been clearly identified geologically, they should be modelled as individual seismic sources. The remaining background seismicity should be modelled as non-Poissonian using statistical kernel smoothing methods. This approach was first applied for seismic hazard analysis at a UK nuclear power plant two decades ago, and should be included within logic-trees for future probabilistic seismic hazard at critical installations within Europe. In this paper, various salient European applications are given.

Time-frequency domain SNR estimation and its application in seismic data processing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhao, Yan; Liu, Yang; Li, Xuxuan; Jiang, Nansen

2014-08-01

Based on an approach estimating frequency domain signal-to-noise ratio (FSNR), we propose a method to evaluate time-frequency domain signal-to-noise ratio (TFSNR). This method adopts short-time Fourier transform (STFT) to estimate instantaneous power spectrum of signal and noise, and thus uses their ratio to compute TFSNR. Unlike FSNR describing the variation of SNR with frequency only, TFSNR depicts the variation of SNR with time and frequency, and thus better handles non-stationary seismic data. By considering TFSNR, we develop methods to improve the effects of inverse Q filtering and high frequency noise attenuation in seismic data processing. Inverse Q filtering considering TFSNR can better solve the problem of amplitude amplification of noise. The high frequency noise attenuation method considering TFSNR, different from other de-noising methods, distinguishes and suppresses noise using an explicit criterion. Examples of synthetic and real seismic data illustrate the correctness and effectiveness of the proposed methods.

The Utility of the Extended Images in Ambient Seismic Wavefield Migration

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Girard, A. J.; Shragge, J. C.

2015-12-01

Active-source 3D seismic migration and migration velocity analysis (MVA) are robust and highly used methods for imaging Earth structure. One class of migration methods uses extended images constructed by incorporating spatial and/or temporal wavefield correlation lags to the imaging conditions. These extended images allow users to directly assess whether images focus better with different parameters, which leads to MVA techniques that are based on the tenets of adjoint-state theory. Under certain conditions (e.g., geographical, cultural or financial), however, active-source methods can prove impractical. Utilizing ambient seismic energy that naturally propagates through the Earth is an alternate method currently used in the scientific community. Thus, an open question is whether extended images are similarly useful for ambient seismic migration processing and verifying subsurface velocity models, and whether one can similarly apply adjoint-state methods to perform ambient migration velocity analysis (AMVA). Herein, we conduct a number of numerical experiments that construct extended images from ambient seismic recordings. We demonstrate that, similar to active-source methods, there is a sensitivity to velocity in ambient seismic recordings in the migrated extended image domain. In synthetic ambient imaging tests with varying degrees of error introduced to the velocity model, the extended images are sensitive to velocity model errors. To determine the extent of this sensitivity, we utilize acoustic wave-equation propagation and cross-correlation-based migration methods to image weak body-wave signals present in the recordings. Importantly, we have also observed scenarios where non-zero correlation lags show signal while zero-lags show none. This may be a valuable missing piece for ambient migration techniques that have yielded largely inconclusive results, and might be an important piece of information for performing AMVA from ambient seismic recordings.

Seismic multiple attenuation in the northern continent-ocean transition zone of the South China Sea

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, N.; Li, C. F.

2017-12-01

In seismic exploration, especially in marine oil and gas exploration, presence of multiple reflections lowers signal-to-noise ratio of seismic data and makes it difficult to analyze seismic velocity. In northern continent-ocean transition zone of the South China Sea (SCS), low-velocity Cenozoic strata cover sets of high-velocity carbonate strata directly, and over 1000 m thick of sediments were deposited on the igneous basement in the northwest SCS. These sedimentary boundaries generate quite strong impedance interfaces and strong internal multiples. Diffractions as a result of variation of seabed topography, coupled with the vibration, free surface multiples and refraction multiples, cause a variety of strong energy disturbances and missing of frequency component. In this study, we process four recently acquired multichannel reflection seismic profiles from the northern continent-ocean transition zone of the SCS with a new combination of demultiple techniques. There is a variety of strong multiples in the raw data, and the seabed multiple occurs between 9 to 11 seconds in two-way travel time (TWTT), and we apply Surface-related Multiple Elimination (SRME) to attenuate the free surface multiples. After SRME, we use high-resolution Radon transform (RAMUR) to attenuate deep multiples concentrating below 10 seconds in TWTT. Normal moveout correction (NMO) is necessary to flatten true reflections and turn multiples into a parabola before RAMUR, and we can attenuate the deep multiples in theτ-p domain. The seabed topography varies greatly in the continent-ocean transition zone, so the diffractions are well developed. However, SRME and RAMUR are not effective in attenuating diffractions and internal multiples. We select diffracted multiple attenuation (DIMAT) after many trials and detailed analysis. The diffractions are extracted in decomposed frequency bands. The internal multiples below 11 seconds in TWTT and high-amplitude noises are successfully suppressed while keeping the primary events. This combination of SRME, RAMUR and DIMAT in sequence demonstrates to be quite effective in attenuating these types of multiples on the continent-ocean transition zone. Keywords: Continent-ocean transition zone, seismic exploration, data processing, multiple attenuation

Location of the Green Canyon (Offshore Southern Louisiana) Seismic Event of February 10, 2006

USGS Publications Warehouse

Dewey, James W.; Dellinger, Joseph A.

2008-01-01

We calculated an epicenter for the Offshore Southern Louisiana seismic event of February 10, 2006 (the 'Green Canyon event') that was adopted as the preferred epicenter for the event by the USGS/NEIC. The event is held at a focal depth of 5 km; the focal depth could not be reliably calculated but was most likely between 1 km and 15 km beneath sea level. The epicenter was calculated with a radially symmetric global Earth model similar to that routinely used at the USGS/NEIC for all earthquakes worldwide. The location was calculated using P-waves recorded by seismographic stations from which the USGS/NEIC routinely obtains seismological data, plus data from two seismic exploration arrays, the Atlantis ocean-bottom node array, operated by BP in partnership with BHP Billiton Limited, and the CGG Green Canyon phase VIII multi-client towed-streamer survey. The preferred epicenter is approximately 26 km north of an epicenter earlier published by the USGS/NEIC, which was obtained without benefit of the seismic exploration arrays. We estimate that the preferred epicenter is accurate to within 15 km. We selected the preferred epicenter from a suite of trial calculations that attempted to fit arrival times of seismic energy associated with the Green Canyon event and that explored the effect of errors in the velocity model used to calculate the preferred epicenter. The various trials were helpful in confirming the approximate correctness of the preferred epicenter and in assessing the accuracy of the preferred epicenter, but none of the trial calculations, including that of the preferred epicenter, was able to reconcile arrival-time observations and assumed velocity model as well as is typical for the vast majority of earthquakes in and near the continental United States. We believe that remaining misfits between the preferred solution and the observations reflect errors in interpreted arrival times of emergent seismic phases that are due partly to a temporally extended source-time function and partly to failure of our travel-time model to account for the extremely complicated velocity structure of the sedimentary section in which the event occurred.

75 FR 6175 - Notice of Intent to Prepare an Environmental Impact Statement on the Effects of Oil and Gas...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-02-08

... taking of marine mammals incidental to offshore exploration activities (e.g., seismic surveys and... drilling operations during the open water season in order for the industry to drill priority exploration..., helps to optimally locate exploration and development wells, maximizing extraction and production from a...

Archive of digital boomer and CHIRP seismic reflection data collected during USGS cruise 06FSH03 offshore of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, September 2006

USGS Publications Warehouse

Harrison, Arnell S.; Dadisman, Shawn V.; Reich, Christopher D.; Wiese, Dana S.; Greenwood, Jason W.; Swarzenski, Peter W.

2007-01-01

In September of 2006, the U.S. Geological Survey conducted geophysical surveys offshore of Fort Lauderdale, FL. This report serves as an archive of unprocessed digital boomer and CHIRP seismic reflection data, trackline maps, navigation files, GIS information, Field Activity Collection System (FACS) logs, observer's logbook, and formal FGDC metadata. Filtered and gained digital images of the seismic profiles are also provided. The archived trace data are in standard Society of Exploration Geophysicists (SEG) SEG-Y format (Barry and others, 1975) and may be downloaded and processed with commercial or public domain software such as Seismic Unix (SU). Example SU processing scripts and USGS software for viewing the SEG-Y files (Zihlman, 1992) are also provided.

Characterizing Geological Facies using Seismic Waveform Classification in Sarawak Basin

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zahraa, Afiqah; Zailani, Ahmad; Prasad Ghosh, Deva

2017-10-01

Numerous effort have been made to build relationship between geology and geophysics using different techniques throughout the years. The integration of these two most important data in oil and gas industry can be used to reduce uncertainty in exploration and production especially for reservoir productivity enhancement and stratigraphic identification. This paper is focusing on seismic waveform classification to different classes using neural network and to link them according to the geological facies which are established using the knowledge on lithology and log motif of well data. Seismic inversion is used as the input for the neural network to act as the direct lithology indicator reducing dependency on well calibration. The interpretation of seismic facies classification map provides a better understanding towards the lithology distribution, depositional environment and help to identify significant reservoir rock

Numerical Modeling of 3D Seismic Wave Propagation around Yogyakarta, the Southern Part of Central Java, Indonesia, Using Spectral-Element Method on MPI-GPU Cluster

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sudarmaji; Rudianto, Indra; Eka Nurcahya, Budi

2018-04-01

A strong tectonic earthquake with a magnitude of 5.9 Richter scale has been occurred in Yogyakarta and Central Java on May 26, 2006. The earthquake has caused severe damage in Yogyakarta and the southern part of Central Java, Indonesia. The understanding of seismic response of earthquake among ground shaking and the level of building damage is important. We present numerical modeling of 3D seismic wave propagation around Yogyakarta and the southern part of Central Java using spectral-element method on MPI-GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) computer cluster to observe its seismic response due to the earthquake. The homogeneous 3D realistic model is generated with detailed topography surface. The influences of free surface topography and layer discontinuity of the 3D model among the seismic response are observed. The seismic wave field is discretized using spectral-element method. The spectral-element method is solved on a mesh of hexahedral elements that is adapted to the free surface topography and the internal discontinuity of the model. To increase the data processing capabilities, the simulation is performed on a GPU cluster with implementation of MPI (Message Passing Interface).

Seismic passive earth resistance using modified pseudo-dynamic method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pain, Anindya; Choudhury, Deepankar; Bhattacharyya, S. K.

2017-04-01

In earthquake prone areas, understanding of the seismic passive earth resistance is very important for the design of different geotechnical earth retaining structures. In this study, the limit equilibrium method is used for estimation of critical seismic passive earth resistance for an inclined wall supporting horizontal cohesionless backfill. A composite failure surface is considered in the present analysis. Seismic forces are computed assuming the backfill soil as a viscoelastic material overlying a rigid stratum and the rigid stratum is subjected to a harmonic shaking. The present method satisfies the boundary conditions. The amplification of acceleration depends on the properties of the backfill soil and on the characteristics of the input motion. The acceleration distribution along the depth of the backfill is found to be nonlinear in nature. The present study shows that the horizontal and vertical acceleration distribution in the backfill soil is not always in-phase for the critical value of the seismic passive earth pressure coefficient. The effect of different parameters on the seismic passive earth pressure is studied in detail. A comparison of the present method with other theories is also presented, which shows the merits of the present study.

Fault analysis as part of urban geothermal exploration in the German Molasse Basin around Munich

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ziesch, Jennifer; Tanner, David C.; Hanstein, Sabine; Buness, Hermann; Krawczyk, Charlotte M.; Thomas, Rüdiger

2017-04-01

Faults play an essential role in geothermal exploration. The prediction of potential fluid pathways in urban Munich has been started with the interpretation of a 3-D seismic survey (170 km2) that was acquired during the winter of 2015/2016 in Munich (Germany) within the Bavarian Molasse Basin. As a part of the research project GeoParaMoL*, we focus on the structural interpretation and retro-deformation analysis to detect sub-seismic structures within the reservoir and overburden. We explore the hydrothermal Malm carbonate reservoir (at a depth of 3 km) as a source of deep geothermal energy and the overburden of Tertiary Molasse sediments. The stratigraphic horizons, Top Aquitan, Top Chatt, Top Bausteinschichten, Top Lithothamnien limestone (Top Eocene), Top and Base Malm (Upper Jurassic), together with the detailed interpretation of the faults in the study area are used to construct a 3-D geological model. The study area is characterised by synthetic normal faults that strike parallel to the alpine front. Most major faults were active from Upper Jurassic up to the Miocene. The Munich Fault, which belongs to the Markt-Schwabener Lineament, has a maximum vertical offset of 350 metres in the central part, and contrary to previous interpretation based on 2-D seismic, this fault dies out in the eastern part of the area. The south-eastern part of the study area is dominated by a very complex fault system. Three faults that were previously detected in a smaller 3-D seismic survey at Unterhaching, to the south of the study area, with strike directions of 25°, 45° and 70° (Lüschen et al. 2014), were followed in to the new 3-D seismic survey interpretation. Particularly noticeable are relay ramps and horst/graben structures. The fault with a strike of 25° ends in three big sinkholes with a maximum vertical offset of 60 metres. We interpret this special structure as fault tip horsetail-structure, which caused a large amount of sub-seismic deformation. Consequently, this area could be characterised by increased fluid flow. This detailed understanding of the structural development and regional tectonics of the study area will guide the subsequent determination of potential fluid pathways in the new 3-D subsurface model of urban Munich. This project is funded by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWi). Lüschen, E., Wolfgramm, M., Fritzer, T., Dussel, M., Thomas, R. & Schulz, R. (2014): 3D seismic survey explores geothermal targets for reservoir characterization at Unterhaching, Munich, Germany, Geothermics, 50, 167-179. * https://www.liag-hannover.de/en/fsp/ge/geoparamol.html

Using P-wave Triplications to Constrain the Mantle Transition Zone beneath Central Iranian Plateau and Surrounding Area

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chi, H. C.; Tseng, T. L.

2014-12-01

The Iranian Plateau is a tectonically complex region resulting from the continental collision between the African and Eurasian plates. The convergence of the two continents created the Zagros Mountains, the high topography southwest of Iran, and active seismicity along the Zagros-Bitlis suture. Tomographic studies in Iran reveal low seismic speeds and high attenuation of Sn wave in the uppermost mantle beneath the Iranian Plateau relative to adjacent regions. The deeper structure, however, remains curiously inconclusive. By contrast, a prominent fast seismic anomaly is found under central Tibet near depth of 600 km in the mantle transition zone (TZ), and it is speculated to be the remnant of lithosphere detached during the continental collision. We conduct a comparative study that utilizes triplicate arrivals of high-resolution P waveforms to investigate the velocity structure of mantle beneath the central Iranian Plateau and surroundings. Due to the abrupt increase in seismic wave speeds and density across the 410- and 660-km discontinuities, seismic waves at epicentral distances of 15-30 degrees would form multiple arrivals and the relative times and amplitudes between them are most sensitive to the variations in seismic speeds near the TZ. We combine several broadband arrays to construct 8 seismic profiles, each about 800 km long, that mainly sample the TZ under central Iranian Plateau, Turan shield and part of South Caspian basin. Move-outs between arrivals are clear in the profiles. Relative timings suggest a slightly smaller 660-km contrast under stable Turan shield. In the next stage, it is necessary to model waveforms after the source effect being removed properly. Our preliminary tests show that the F-K method can efficiently calculate the synthetic seismograms. We will determine the 1D velocity model for each sampled sector by minimizing the overall misfits between observed and predicted waveforms. The lateral variations may be further explored by comparing adjacent sectors. The results are important for understanding the lithosphere-mantle interaction during the process of continental collision.

Three-dimensional P-wave velocity structure in the greater Mount Rainier area from local earthquake tomography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Moran, Seth Charles

1997-08-01

One of the most striking features of seismicity in western Washington is the clustering of crustal earthquakes into one of several zones of concentrated seismicity. In this dissertation I explore the hypothesis that geologic structures, in conjunction with regional tectonic forces, are primarily responsible for controlling the location of seismicity in parts of western Washington. The primary tool for testing this hypothesis is a 3-dimensional image of the P-wave velocity structure of the greater Mount Rainier area that I derive using local earthquake tomography. I use P-wave arrival times from local earthquakes occurring between 1980 and 1996 recorded at short-period vertical component stations operated by the Pacific Northwest Seismograph Network (PNSN) and 18 temporary sites operated during a field experiment in 1995 and 1996. The tomographic methodology I use is similar to that described by Lees and Crosson (1989, 1990). In addition, I use the parameter separation method to decouple the hypocenter and velocity problems, don't use station corrections, and use ray-bending for 3-D raytracing, allowing for a full non-linear inversion. In the upper 4 km several low velocity features show good correlation with the Carbon River, Skate Creek, and Morton anticlines, as well as the Chehalis, Tacoma, and Seattle basins. There is also good correlation between high velocity features and surface exposures of several plutons. One seismic zone, the St. Helens Seismic Zone, correlates well with a planar low velocity feature. This correlation supports the idea that this seismic zone reflects a continuous structure roughly 50 km in length. A second zone, the Western Rainier Seismic Zone (WRSZ), does not correlate in any simple way with anomaly patterns, suggesting that the WRSZ does not represent a distinct fault. A 10 km-wide low velocity anomaly occurs 8 to 18 km beneath Mount Rainier, which I interpret to be due to a thermal aureole associated with the magmatic system beneath Mount Rainier. Volcano-tectonic earthquakes locate above this feature, and are interpreted to be caused by forces related to hydrothermal circulation and/or the cooling of magmatic bodies at depth.

Tomography 3D models of S wave from cross-correlation of seismic noise to explore irregularities of subsoil under the artificial lake of Chapultepec Park

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cárdenas-Soto, M.; Valdes, J. E.; Escobedo-Zenil, D.

2013-05-01

In June 2006, the base of the artificial lake in Chapultepec Park collapsed. 20 thousand liters of water were filtered to the ground through a crack increasing the dimensions of initial gap. Studies indicated that the collapse was due to saturated material associated with a sudden and massive water filtration process. Geological studies indicates that all the area of this section the subsoil is composed of vulcano-sedimentary materials that were economically exploited in the mid-20th century, leaving a series of underground mines that were rehabilitated for the construction of the Park. Currently, the Lake is rehabilitated and running for recreational activities. In this study we have applied two methods of seismic noise correlation; seismic interferometry (SI) in time domain and the Spatial Power Auto Correlation (SPAC) in frequency domain, in order to explore the 3D subsoil velocity structure. The aim is to highlight major variations in velocity that can be associated with irregularities in the subsoil that may pose a risk to the stability of the Lake. For this purpose we use 96 vertical geophones of 4.5 Hz with 5-m spacing that conform a semi-circular array that provide a length of 480 m around the lake zone. For both correlation methods, we extract the phase velocity associated with the dispersion characteristics between each pair of stations in the frequency range from 4 to 12 Hz. In the SPAC method the process was through the dispersion curve, and in SI method we use the time delay of the maximum amplitude in the correlation pulse, which was previously filtered in multiple frequency bands. The results of both processes were captured in 3D velocity volumes (in the case SI a process of traveltime tomography was applied). We observed that in the frequency range from 6 to 8 Hz, appear irregular structures, with high velocity contrast in relation with the shear wave velocity of surface layer (ten thick m of saturated sediments). One of these anomalies is related to areas where the lake was rehabilitated, but other ones are not reported in previous geophysical or geotechnical studies.

Seismic gradiometry using ambient seismic noise in an anisotropic Earth

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

de Ridder, S. A. L.; Curtis, A.

2017-05-01

We introduce a wavefield gradiometry technique to estimate both isotropic and anisotropic local medium characteristics from short recordings of seismic signals by inverting a wave equation. The method exploits the information in the spatial gradients of a seismic wavefield that are calculated using dense deployments of seismic arrays. The application of the method uses the surface wave energy in the ambient seismic field. To estimate isotropic and anisotropic medium properties we invert an elliptically anisotropic wave equation. The spatial derivatives of the recorded wavefield are evaluated by calculating finite differences over nearby recordings, which introduces a systematic anisotropic error. A two-step approach corrects this error: finite difference stencils are first calibrated, then the output of the wave-equation inversion is corrected using the linearized impulse response to the inverted velocity anomaly. We test the procedure on ambient seismic noise recorded in a large and dense ocean bottom cable array installed over Ekofisk field. The estimated azimuthal anisotropy forms a circular geometry around the production-induced subsidence bowl. This conforms with results from studies employing controlled sources, and with interferometry correlating long records of seismic noise. Yet in this example, the results were obtained using only a few minutes of ambient seismic noise.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

O'Leary, J.; Hayward, T.; Addison, F.

The Llanos Foothills petroleum trend of the Eastern Cordillera in Colombia containing the giant Cusiana Field has proven to be one of the most exciting hydrocarbon provinces discovered in recent years. The Llanos Foothills trend is a fold and thrust belt with cumulative discovered reserves to date of nearly 6 billion barrels of oil equivalent. This paper summarizes the critical exploration techniques used in unlocking the potential of this major petroleum system. The first phase of exploration in the Llanos Foothills lasted from the early 1960's to the mid-70's. Several large structures defined by surface geology and seismic data weremore » drilled. Although no major discoveries were made, evidence of a petroleum play was found. The seismic imaging and drilling technology combined with the geological understanding which was then available did not allow the full potential of the trend to be realized. In the late 1980's better data and a revised geological perception of the trend led BP, Triton and Total into active exploration, which resulted in the discovery of the Cusiana Field. The subsequent discovery of the Cupiagua, Volcanera, Florena and Pauto Sur Fields confirmed the trend as a major hydrocarbon province. The exploration programme has used a series of geological and geophysical practices and techniques which have allowed the successful exploitation of the trend. The critical success factor has been the correct application of technology in seismic acquisition and recessing and drilling techniques.« less

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

O`Leary, J.; Hayward, T.; Addison, F.

The Llanos Foothills petroleum trend of the Eastern Cordillera in Colombia containing the giant Cusiana Field has proven to be one of the most exciting hydrocarbon provinces discovered in recent years. The Llanos Foothills trend is a fold and thrust belt with cumulative discovered reserves to date of nearly 6 billion barrels of oil equivalent. This paper summarizes the critical exploration techniques used in unlocking the potential of this major petroleum system. The first phase of exploration in the Llanos Foothills lasted from the early 1960`s to the mid-70`s. Several large structures defined by surface geology and seismic data weremore » drilled. Although no major discoveries were made, evidence of a petroleum play was found. The seismic imaging and drilling technology combined with the geological understanding which was then available did not allow the full potential of the trend to be realized. In the late 1980`s better data and a revised geological perception of the trend led BP, Triton and Total into active exploration, which resulted in the discovery of the Cusiana Field. The subsequent discovery of the Cupiagua, Volcanera, Florena and Pauto Sur Fields confirmed the trend as a major hydrocarbon province. The exploration programme has used a series of geological and geophysical practices and techniques which have allowed the successful exploitation of the trend. The critical success factor has been the correct application of technology in seismic acquisition and recessing and drilling techniques.« less

Identification of third-order (approx. 10{sup 6} yrs) and fourth-order (approx. 10{sup 5}/10{sup 4} yrs) stratigraphic cycles in the South Addition, West Cameron Lease Area, Louisiana offshore

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Lowrie, A.; Meeks, P.; Hoffman, K.

In the highly explored South Addition of the West Cameron Lease Area, Louisiana offshore, interpretation of a six-mile ({approx}10 km) seismic section across a single intraslope basin yielded 20 sediment packages. Several interpretive tools were necessary. Seismic stratigraphy indicated that the shallower zone was an outer shelf marked by 8 major sea level oscillations. In the portion between 1 and 3 seconds, seismic stratigraphy and paleontology led to the interpretation of depositional environments such as upper slope, and paleobathymetrically deeper intervals with descent through the section. The intraslope basin, while small, may be viewed as a micro-continental margin. Each seamore » level oscillation cycle apparently made a distinct progradational unit, decipherable in the seismic data. Fourth order cycles have been provisionally interpreted, throughout most of the entire 3.7 second section. Such precision is possible only in explored basins with excellent seismic data. The sequence thickness showed a seven-fold variability, from 0.08 to 0.58 seconds. The shallower section, deposited along an outer shelf, has an average individual sequence thickness of 0.13 seconds. Individual seismic sequences in the deeper section, interpreted to have been deposited on an upper slope, have average thicknesses of 0.25 seconds. The thinner sequences of the shallower section are compatible with the notion that the outer shelf was a bypass zone during a glacial epoch. The thicker sequences of the deeper section are the result of deposition onto an aggrading upper slope within an intraslope basin during a highstand.« less

Demonstration of improved seismic source inversion method of tele-seismic body wave

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yagi, Y.; Okuwaki, R.

2017-12-01

Seismic rupture inversion of tele-seismic body wave has been widely applied to studies of large earthquakes. In general, tele-seismic body wave contains information of overall rupture process of large earthquake, while the tele-seismic body wave is inappropriate for analyzing a detailed rupture process of M6 7 class earthquake. Recently, the quality and quantity of tele-seismic data and the inversion method has been greatly improved. Improved data and method enable us to study a detailed rupture process of M6 7 class earthquake even if we use only tele-seismic body wave. In this study, we demonstrate the ability of the improved data and method through analyses of the 2016 Rieti, Italy earthquake (Mw 6.2) and the 2016 Kumamoto, Japan earthquake (Mw 7.0) that have been well investigated by using the InSAR data set and the field observations. We assumed the rupture occurring on a single fault plane model inferred from the moment tensor solutions and the aftershock distribution. We constructed spatiotemporal discretized slip-rate functions with patches arranged as closely as possible. We performed inversions using several fault models and found that the spatiotemporal location of large slip-rate area was robust. In the 2016 Kumamoto, Japan earthquake, the slip-rate distribution shows that the rupture propagated to southwest during the first 5 s. At 5 s after the origin time, the main rupture started to propagate toward northeast. First episode and second episode correspond to rupture propagation along the Hinagu fault and the Futagawa fault, respectively. In the 2016 Rieti, Italy earthquake, the slip-rate distribution shows that the rupture propagated to up-dip direction during the first 2 s, and then rupture propagated toward northwest. From both analyses, we propose that the spatiotemporal slip-rate distribution estimated by improved inversion method of tele-seismic body wave has enough information to study a detailed rupture process of M6 7 class earthquake.

Estimation of the displacements among distant events based on parallel tracking of events in seismic traces under uncertainty

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huamán Bustamante, Samuel G.; Cavalcanti Pacheco, Marco A.; Lazo Lazo, Juan G.

2018-07-01

The method we propose in this paper seeks to estimate interface displacements among strata related with reflection seismic events, in comparison to the interfaces at other reference points. To do so, we search for reflection events in the reference point of a second seismic trace taken from the same 3D survey and close to a well. However, the nature of the seismic data introduces uncertainty in the results. Therefore, we perform an uncertainty analysis using the standard deviation results from several experiments with cross-correlation of signals. To estimate the displacements of events in depth between two seismic traces, we create a synthetic seismic trace with an empirical wavelet and the sonic log of the well, close to the second seismic trace. Then, we relate the events of the seismic traces to the depth of the sonic log. Finally, we test the method with data from the Namorado Field in Brazil. The results show that the accuracy of the event estimated depth depends on the results of parallel cross-correlation, primarily those from the procedures used in the integration of seismic data with data from the well. The proposed approach can correctly identify several similar events in two seismic traces without requiring all seismic traces between two distant points of interest to correlate strata in the subsurface.

Active and long-lived permanent forearc deformation driven by the subduction seismic cycle

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aron Melo, Felipe Alejandro

I have used geological, geophysical and engineering methods to explore mechanisms of upper plate, brittle deformation at active forearc regions. My dissertation particularly addresses the permanent deformation style experienced by the forearc following great subduction ruptures, such as the 2010 M w8.8 Maule, Chile and 2011 Mw9.0 Tohoku, Japan earthquakes. These events triggered large, shallow seismicity on upper plate normal faults above the rupture reaching Mw7.0. First I present new structural data from the Chilean Coastal Cordillera over the rupture zone of the Maule earthquake. The study area contains the Pichilemu normal fault, which produced the large crustal aftershocks of the megathrust event. Normal faults are the major neotectonic structural elements but reverse faults also exist. Crustal seismicity and GPS surface displacements show that the forearc experiences pulses of rapid coseismic extension, parallel to the heave of the megathrust, and slow interseismic, convergence-parallel shortening. These cycles, over geologic time, build the forearc structural grain, reactivating structures properly-oriented respect to the deformation field of each stage of the interplate cycle. Great subduction events may play a fundamental role in constructing the crustal architecture of extensional forearc regions. Static mechanical models of coseismic and interseismic upper plate deformation are used to explore for distinct features that could result from brittle fracturing over the two stages of the interplate cycle. I show that the semi-elliptical outline of the first-order normal faults along the Coastal Cordillera may define the location of a characteristic, long-lived megathrust segment. Finally, using data from the Global CMT catalog I analyzed the seismic behavior through time of forearc regions that have experienced great subduction ruptures >Mw7.7 worldwide. Between 61% and 83% of the cases where upper plate earthquakes exhibited periods of increased seismicity above background levels occurred contemporaneous to megathrust ruptures. That correlation is stronger for normal fault events than reverse or strike-slip crustal earthquakes. More importantly, for any given megathrust the summation of the Mw accounted by the forearc normal fault aftershocks appears to have a positive linear correlation with the Mw of the subduction earthquake -- the larger the megathrust the larger the energy released by forearc events.

Study of time dynamics of seismicity for the Mexican subduction zone by means of the visibility graph method.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ramírez-Rojas, Alejandro; Telesca, Luciano; Lovallo, Michele; Flores, Leticia

2015-04-01

By using the method of the visibility graph (VG), five magnitude time series extracted from the seismic catalog of the Mexican subduction zone were investigated. The five seismic sequences represent the seismicity which occurred between 2005 and 2012 in five seismic areas: Guerrero, Chiapas, Oaxaca, Jalisco and Michoacan. Among the five seismic sequences, the Jalisco sequence shows VG properties significantly different from those shown by the other four. Such a difference could be inherent in the different tectonic settings of Jalisco with respect to those characterizing the other four areas. The VG properties of the seismic sequences have been put in relationship with the more typical seismological characteristics (b-value and a-value of the Gutenberg-Richter law). The present study was supported by the Bilateral Project Italy-Mexico "Experimental Stick-slip models of tectonic faults: innovative statistical approaches applied to synthetic seismic sequences", jointly funded by MAECI (Italy) and AMEXCID (Mexico) in the framework of the Bilateral Agreement for Scientific and Technological Cooperation PE 2014-2016

Discriminating Induced-Microearthquakes Using New Seismic Features

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mousavi, S. M.; Horton, S.

2016-12-01

We studied characteristics of induced-microearthquakes on the basis of the waveforms recorded on a limited number of surface receivers using machine-learning techniques. Forty features in the time, frequency, and time-frequency domains were measured on each waveform, and several techniques such as correlation-based feature selection, Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs), Logistic Regression (LR) and X-mean were used as research tools to explore the relationship between these seismic features and source parameters. The results show that spectral features have the highest correlation to source depth. Two new measurements developed as seismic features for this study, spectral centroids and 2D cross-correlations in the time-frequency domain, performed better than the common seismic measurements. These features can be used by machine learning techniques for efficient automatic classification of low energy signals recorded at one or more seismic stations. We applied the technique to 440 microearthquakes-1.7Reference: Mousavi, S.M., S.P. Horton, C. A. Langston, B. Samei, (2016) Seismic features and automatic discrimination of deep and shallow induced-microearthquakes using neural network and logistic regression, Geophys. J. Int. doi: 10.1093/gji/ggw258.

Probing dynamic hydrologic system of slowly-creeping landslides with passive seismic imaging: A comprehensive landslide monitoring site at Lantai, Ilan area in Taiwan

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huang, H. H.; Hsu, Y. J.; Kuo, C. Y.; Chen, C. C.; Kuo, L. W.; Chen, R. F.; Lin, C. R.; Lin, P. P.; Lin, C. W.; Lin, M. L.; Wang, K. L.

2017-12-01

A unique landslide monitoring project integrating multidisciplinary geophysics experiments such as GPS, inclinometer, piezometer, and spontaneous potential log has been established at Lantai, Ilan area to investigating the possible detachment depth range and the physical mechanism of a slowly creeping landslide. In parallel with this, a lately deployed local seismic network also lends an opportunity to employ the passive seismic imaging technique to detect the time-lapse changes of seismic velocity in and around the landslide area. Such technique that retrieves Green's functions by cross-correlation of continuous ambient noise has opened new opportunities to seismologically monitoring the environmental and tectonic events such as ground water variation, magma intrusion under volcanos, and co-seismic medium damage in recent years. Integrating these geophysical observations, we explore the primary controls of derived seismic velocity changes and especially the hydrological response of the landslide to the passage of Megi typhoon in the last September 2016, which could potentially further our understanding of the dynamic system of landslides and in turn help the hazard mitigation.

Acoustic and Seismic Fields of Hydraulic Jumps at Varying Froude Numbers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ronan, Timothy J.; Lees, Jonathan M.; Mikesell, T. Dylan; Anderson, Jacob F.; Johnson, Jeffrey B.

2017-10-01

Mechanisms that produce seismic and acoustic wavefields near rivers are poorly understood because of a lack of observations relating temporally dependent river conditions to the near-river seismoacoustic fields. This controlled study at the Harry W. Morrison Dam (HWMD) on the Boise River, Idaho, explores how temporal variation in fluvial systems affects surrounding acoustic and seismic fields. Adjusting the configuration of the HWMD changed the river bathymetry and therefore the form of the standing wave below the dam. The HWMD was adjusted to generate four distinct wave regimes that were parameterized through their dimensionless Froude numbers (Fr) and observations of the ambient seismic and acoustic wavefields at the study site. To generate detectable and coherent signals, a standing wave must exceed a threshold Fr value of 1.7, where a nonbreaking undular jump turns into a breaking weak hydraulic jump. Hydrodynamic processes may partially control the spectral content of the seismic and acoustic energies. Furthermore, spectra related to reproducible wave conditions can be used to calibrate and verify fluvial seismic and acoustic models.

Probabilistic properties of injection induced seismicity - implications for the seismic hazard analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lasocki, Stanislaw; Urban, Pawel; Kwiatek, Grzegorz; Martinez-Garzón, Particia

2017-04-01

Injection induced seismicity (IIS) is an undesired dynamic rockmass response to massive fluid injections. This includes reactions, among others, to hydro-fracturing for shale gas exploitation. Complexity and changeability of technological factors that induce IIS, may result in significant deviations of the observed distributions of seismic process parameters from the models, which perform well in natural, tectonic seismic processes. Classic formulations of probabilistic seismic hazard analysis in natural seismicity assume the seismic marked point process to be a stationary Poisson process, whose marks - magnitudes are governed by a Gutenberg-Richter born exponential distribution. It is well known that the use of an inappropriate earthquake occurrence model and/or an inappropriate of magnitude distribution model leads to significant systematic errors of hazard estimates. It is therefore of paramount importance to check whether the mentioned, commonly used in natural seismicity assumptions on the seismic process, can be safely used in IIS hazard problems or not. Seismicity accompanying shale gas operations is widely studied in the framework of the project "Shale Gas Exploration and Exploitation Induced Risks" (SHEER). Here we present results of SHEER project investigations of such seismicity from Oklahoma and of a proxy of such seismicity - IIS data from The Geysers geothermal field. We attempt to answer to the following questions: • Do IIS earthquakes follow the Gutenberg-Richter distribution law, so that the magnitude distribution can be modelled by an exponential distribution? • Is the occurrence process of IIS earthquakes Poissonian? Is it segmentally Poissonian? If yes, how are these segments linked to cycles of technological operations? Statistical tests indicate that the Gutenberg-Richter relation born exponential distribution model for magnitude is, in general, inappropriate. The magnitude distribution can be complex, multimodal, with no ready-to-use functional model. In this connection, we recommend to use in hazard analyses non-parametric, kernel estimators of magnitude distribution. The earthquake occurrence process of IIS is not a Poisson process. When earthquakes' occurrences are influenced by a multitude of inducing factors, the interevent time distribution can be modelled by the Weibull distribution supporting a negative ageing property of the process. When earthquake occurrences are due to a specific injection activity, the earthquake rate directly depends on the injection rate and responds immediately to the changes of the injection rate. Furthermore, this response is not limited only to correlated variations of the seismic activity but it also concerns significant changes of the shape of interevent time distribution. Unlike the event rate, the shape of magnitude distribution does not exhibit correlation with the injection rate. This work was supported within SHEER: "Shale Gas Exploration and Exploitation Induced Risks" project funded from Horizon 2020 - R&I Framework Programme, call H2020-LCE 16-2014-1 and within statutory activities No3841/E-41/S/2016 of Ministry of Science and Higher Education of Poland.

On the use of a laser ablation as a laboratory seismic source

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shen, Chengyi; Brito, Daniel; Diaz, Julien; Zhang, Deyuan; Poydenot, Valier; Bordes, Clarisse; Garambois, Stéphane

2017-04-01

Mimic near-surface seismic imaging conducted in well-controlled laboratory conditions is potentially a powerful tool to study large scale wave propagations in geological media by means of upscaling. Laboratory measurements are indeed particularly suited for tests of theoretical modellings and comparisons with numerical approaches. We have developed an automated Laser Doppler Vibrometer (LDV) platform, which is able to detect and register broadband nano-scale displacements on the surface of various materials. This laboratory equipment has already been validated in experiments where piezoelectric transducers were used as seismic sources. We are currently exploring a new seismic source in our experiments, a laser ablation, in order to compensate some drawbacks encountered with piezoelectric sources. The laser ablation source is considered to be an interesting ultrasound wave generator since the 1960s. It was believed to have numerous potential applications such as the Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) and the measurements of velocities and attenuations in solid samples. We aim at adapting and developing this technique into geophysical experimental investigations in order to produce and explore complete micro-seismic data sets in the laboratory. We will first present the laser characteristics including its mechanism, stability, reproducibility, and will evaluate in particular the directivity patterns of such a seismic source. We have started by applying the laser ablation source on the surfaces of multi-scale homogeneous aluminum samples and are now testing it on heterogeneous and fractured limestone cores. Some other results of data processing will also be shown, especially the 2D-slice V P and V S tomographic images obtained in limestone samples. Apart from the experimental records, numerical simulations will be carried out for both the laser source modelling and the wave propagation in different media. First attempts will be done to compare quantitatively the experimental data with simulations. Meanwhile, CT-scan X-ray images of these limestone cores will be used to check the relative pertinences of velocity tomography images produced by this newly developed laser ablation seismic source.

In-situ Planetary Subsurface Imaging System

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Song, W.; Weber, R. C.; Dimech, J. L.; Kedar, S.; Neal, C. R.; Siegler, M.

2017-12-01

Geophysical and seismic instruments are considered the most effective tools for studying the detailed global structures of planetary interiors. A planet's interior bears the geochemical markers of its evolutionary history, as well as its present state of activity, which has direct implications to habitability. On Earth, subsurface imaging often involves massive data collection from hundreds to thousands of geophysical sensors (seismic, acoustic, etc) followed by transfer by hard links or wirelessly to a central location for post processing and computing, which will not be possible in planetary environments due to imposed mission constraints on mass, power, and bandwidth. Emerging opportunities for geophysical exploration of the solar system from Venus to the icy Ocean Worlds of Jupiter and Saturn dictate that subsurface imaging of the deep interior will require substantial data reduction and processing in-situ. The Real-time In-situ Subsurface Imaging (RISI) technology is a mesh network that senses and processes geophysical signals. Instead of data collection then post processing, the mesh network performs the distributed data processing and computing in-situ, and generates an evolving 3D subsurface image in real-time that can be transmitted under bandwidth and resource constraints. Seismic imaging algorithms (including traveltime tomography, ambient noise imaging, and microseismic imaging) have been successfully developed and validated using both synthetic and real-world terrestrial seismic data sets. The prototype hardware system has been implemented and can be extended as a general field instrumentation platform tailored specifically for a wide variety of planetary uses, including crustal mapping, ice and ocean structure, and geothermal systems. The team is applying the RISI technology to real off-world seismic datasets. For example, the Lunar Seismic Profiling Experiment (LSPE) deployed during the Apollo 17 Moon mission consisted of four geophone instruments spaced up to 100 meters apart, which in essence forms a small aperture seismic network. A pattern recognition technique based on Hidden Markov Models was able to characterize this dataset, and we are exploring how the RISI technology can be adapted for this dataset.

Cenozoic pulsed compression of Da'an-Dedu Fault Zone in Songliao Basin (NE China) and its implications for earthquake potential: Evidence from seismic data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yu, Zhongyuan; Zhang, Peizhen; Min, Wei; Wei, Qinghai; Zhao, Bin

2018-01-01

The Da'an-Dedu Fault Zone (DDFZ) is a major tectonic feature cutting through the Songliao Basin from south to north in NE China. Pulsed compression deformation of DDFZ during the Cenozoic implies a complex geodynamic process, and the latest stage of which occurred in the Quaternary directly influences the present seismicity of the interior basin. Although most of the evidence for Quaternary deformation about the Songliao Basin in the past decades was concentrated in marginal faults, all five earthquake swarms with magnitudes over 5.0 along the buried DDFZ with no surface expression during the past 30 years suggest it is a main seismogenic structure with seismic potential, which should deserve more attention of geologists. However, limited by the coverage of the Quaternary sedimentary and absence of strong historic and instrumental earthquakes records (M > 7), the geometric pattern, Quaternary activity and seismic potential of the DDFZ remain poorly understood. Thus, unlike previous geophysical studies focused on crust/mantle velocity structure across the fault and the aim of exploring possible mineral resources in the basin, in this study we have integrated a variety of the latest seismic data and drilling holes from petroleum explorations and shallow-depth seismic reflection profiles, to recognize the Cenozoic pulsed compression deformation of the DDFZ, and to discuss its implication for earthquake potential. The results show that at least four stages of compression deformation have occurred along the DDFZ in the Cenozoic: 65 Ma, 23 Ma, 5.3 Ma, and 1.8 Ma, respectively, although the geodynamic process behind which still in dispute. The results also imply that the tectonic style of the DDFZ fits well with the occurrence of modern seismic swarms. Moderate earthquake potential (M ≤ 7.0) is suggested along the DDFZ.

Nowcasting Earthquakes: A Comparison of Induced Earthquakes in Oklahoma and at the Geysers, California

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Luginbuhl, Molly; Rundle, John B.; Hawkins, Angela; Turcotte, Donald L.

2018-01-01

Nowcasting is a new method of statistically classifying seismicity and seismic risk (Rundle et al. 2016). In this paper, the method is applied to the induced seismicity at the Geysers geothermal region in California and the induced seismicity due to fluid injection in Oklahoma. Nowcasting utilizes the catalogs of seismicity in these regions. Two earthquake magnitudes are selected, one large say M_{λ } ≥ 4, and one small say M_{σ } ≥ 2. The method utilizes the number of small earthquakes that occurs between pairs of large earthquakes. The cumulative probability distribution of these values is obtained. The earthquake potential score (EPS) is defined by the number of small earthquakes that has occurred since the last large earthquake, the point where this number falls on the cumulative probability distribution of interevent counts defines the EPS. A major advantage of nowcasting is that it utilizes "natural time", earthquake counts, between events rather than clock time. Thus, it is not necessary to decluster aftershocks and the results are applicable if the level of induced seismicity varies in time. The application of natural time to the accumulation of the seismic hazard depends on the applicability of Gutenberg-Richter (GR) scaling. The increasing number of small earthquakes that occur after a large earthquake can be scaled to give the risk of a large earthquake occurring. To illustrate our approach, we utilize the number of M_{σ } ≥ 2.75 earthquakes in Oklahoma to nowcast the number of M_{λ } ≥ 4.0 earthquakes in Oklahoma. The applicability of the scaling is illustrated during the rapid build-up of injection-induced seismicity between 2012 and 2016, and the subsequent reduction in seismicity associated with a reduction in fluid injections. The same method is applied to the geothermal-induced seismicity at the Geysers, California, for comparison.

A High-Sensitivity Broad-Band Seismic Sensor for Shallow Seismic Sounding of the Lunar Regolith

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Pike, W. Thomas; Standley, Ian M.; Banerdt, W. Bruce

2005-01-01

The recently undertaken Space Exploration Initiative has prompted a renewed interest in techniques for characterizing the surface and shallow subsurface (0-10s of meters depth) of the Moon. There are several reasons for this: First, there is an intrinsic scientific interest in the subsurface structure. For example the stratigraphy, depth to bedrock, density/porosity, and block size distribution all have implications for the formation of, and geological processes affecting the surface, such as sequential crater ejecta deposition, impact gardening, and seismic settling. In some permanently shadowed craters there may be ice deposits just below the surface. Second, the geotechnical properties of the lunar surface layers are of keen interest to future mission planners. Regolith thickness, strength, density, grain size and compaction will affect construction of exploration infrastructure in terms of foundation strength and stability, ease of excavation, radiation shielding effectiveness, as well as raw material handling and processing techniques for resource extraction.

Seismic risk assessment and application in the central United States

USGS Publications Warehouse

Wang, Z.

2011-01-01

Seismic risk is a somewhat subjective, but important, concept in earthquake engineering and other related decision-making. Another important concept that is closely related to seismic risk is seismic hazard. Although seismic hazard and seismic risk have often been used interchangeably, they are fundamentally different: seismic hazard describes the natural phenomenon or physical property of an earthquake, whereas seismic risk describes the probability of loss or damage that could be caused by a seismic hazard. The distinction between seismic hazard and seismic risk is of practical significance because measures for seismic hazard mitigation may differ from those for seismic risk reduction. Seismic risk assessment is a complicated process and starts with seismic hazard assessment. Although probabilistic seismic hazard analysis (PSHA) is the most widely used method for seismic hazard assessment, recent studies have found that PSHA is not scientifically valid. Use of PSHA will lead to (1) artifact estimates of seismic risk, (2) misleading use of the annual probability of exccedance (i.e., the probability of exceedance in one year) as a frequency (per year), and (3) numerical creation of extremely high ground motion. An alternative approach, which is similar to those used for flood and wind hazard assessments, has been proposed. ?? 2011 ASCE.

Virtual and super - virtual refraction method: Application to synthetic data and 2012 of Karangsambung survey data

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Nugraha, Andri Dian; Adisatrio, Philipus Ronnie

2013-09-09

Seismic refraction survey is one of geophysical method useful for imaging earth interior, definitely for imaging near surface. One of the common problems in seismic refraction survey is weak amplitude due to attenuations at far offset. This phenomenon will make it difficult to pick first refraction arrival, hence make it challenging to produce the near surface image. Seismic interferometry is a new technique to manipulate seismic trace for obtaining Green's function from a pair of receiver. One of its uses is for improving first refraction arrival quality at far offset. This research shows that we could estimate physical properties suchmore » as seismic velocity and thickness from virtual refraction processing. Also, virtual refraction could enhance the far offset signal amplitude since there is stacking procedure involved in it. Our results show super - virtual refraction processing produces seismic image which has higher signal-to-noise ratio than its raw seismic image. In the end, the numbers of reliable first arrival picks are also increased.« less

Subspace Dimensionality: A Tool for Automated QC in Seismic Array Processing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rowe, C. A.; Stead, R. J.; Begnaud, M. L.

2013-12-01

Because of the great resolving power of seismic arrays, the application of automated processing to array data is critically important in treaty verification work. A significant problem in array analysis is the inclusion of bad sensor channels in the beamforming process. We are testing an approach to automated, on-the-fly quality control (QC) to aid in the identification of poorly performing sensor channels prior to beam-forming in routine event detection or location processing. The idea stems from methods used for large computer servers, when monitoring traffic at enormous numbers of nodes is impractical on a node-by node basis, so the dimensionality of the node traffic is instead monitoried for anomalies that could represent malware, cyber-attacks or other problems. The technique relies upon the use of subspace dimensionality or principal components of the overall system traffic. The subspace technique is not new to seismology, but its most common application has been limited to comparing waveforms to an a priori collection of templates for detecting highly similar events in a swarm or seismic cluster. In the established template application, a detector functions in a manner analogous to waveform cross-correlation, applying a statistical test to assess the similarity of the incoming data stream to known templates for events of interest. In our approach, we seek not to detect matching signals, but instead, we examine the signal subspace dimensionality in much the same way that the method addresses node traffic anomalies in large computer systems. Signal anomalies recorded on seismic arrays affect the dimensional structure of the array-wide time-series. We have shown previously that this observation is useful in identifying real seismic events, either by looking at the raw signal or derivatives thereof (entropy, kurtosis), but here we explore the effects of malfunctioning channels on the dimension of the data and its derivatives, and how to leverage this effect for identifying bad array elements through a jackknifing process to isolate the anomalous channels, so that an automated analysis system might discard them prior to FK analysis and beamforming on events of interest.

Spectral element modelling of fault-plane reflections arising from fluid pressure distributions

USGS Publications Warehouse

Haney, M.; Snieder, R.; Ampuero, J.-P.; Hofmann, R.

2007-01-01

The presence of fault-plane reflections in seismic images, besides indicating the locations of faults, offers a possible source of information on the properties of these poorly understood zones. To better understand the physical mechanism giving rise to fault-plane reflections in compacting sedimentary basins, we numerically model the full elastic wavefield via the spectral element method (SEM) for several different fault models. Using well log data from the South Eugene Island field, offshore Louisiana, we derive empirical relationships between the elastic parameters (e.g. P-wave velocity and density) and the effective-stress along both normal compaction and unloading paths. These empirical relationships guide the numerical modelling and allow the investigation of how differences in fluid pressure modify the elastic wavefield. We choose to simulate the elastic wave equation via SEM since irregular model geometries can be accommodated and slip boundary conditions at an interface, such as a fault or fracture, are implemented naturally. The method we employ for including a slip interface retains the desirable qualities of SEM in that it is explicit in time and, therefore, does not require the inversion of a large matrix. We performa complete numerical study by forward modelling seismic shot gathers over a faulted earth model using SEM followed by seismic processing of the simulated data. With this procedure, we construct post-stack time-migrated images of the kind that are routinely interpreted in the seismic exploration industry. We dip filter the seismic images to highlight the fault-plane reflections prior to making amplitude maps along the fault plane. With these amplitude maps, we compare the reflectivity from the different fault models to diagnose which physical mechanism contributes most to observed fault reflectivity. To lend physical meaning to the properties of a locally weak fault zone characterized as a slip interface, we propose an equivalent-layer model under the assumption of weak scattering. This allows us to use the empirical relationships between density, velocity and effective stress from the South Eugene Island field to relate a slip interface to an amount of excess pore-pressure in a fault zone. ?? 2007 The Authors Journal compilation ?? 2007 RAS.

Detecting aseismic strain transients from seismicity data

USGS Publications Warehouse

Llenos, A.L.; McGuire, J.J.

2011-01-01

Aseismic deformation transients such as fluid flow, magma migration, and slow slip can trigger changes in seismicity rate. We present a method that can detect these seismicity rate variations and utilize these anomalies to constrain the underlying variations in stressing rate. Because ordinary aftershock sequences often obscure changes in the background seismicity caused by aseismic processes, we combine the stochastic Epidemic Type Aftershock Sequence model that describes aftershock sequences well and the physically based rate- and state-dependent friction seismicity model into a single seismicity rate model that models both aftershock activity and changes in background seismicity rate. We implement this model into a data assimilation algorithm that inverts seismicity catalogs to estimate space-time variations in stressing rate. We evaluate the method using a synthetic catalog, and then apply it to a catalog of M???1.5 events that occurred in the Salton Trough from 1990 to 2009. We validate our stressing rate estimates by comparing them to estimates from a geodetically derived slip model for a large creep event on the Obsidian Buttes fault. The results demonstrate that our approach can identify large aseismic deformation transients in a multidecade long earthquake catalog and roughly constrain the absolute magnitude of the stressing rate transients. Our method can therefore provide a way to detect aseismic transients in regions where geodetic resolution in space or time is poor. Copyright 2011 by the American Geophysical Union.

Alternative Energy Sources in Seismic Methods

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tün, Muammer; Pekkan, Emrah; Mutlu, Sunay; Ecevitoğlu, Berkan

2015-04-01

When the suitability of a settlement area is investigated, soil-amplification, liquefaction and fault-related hazards should be defined, and the associated risks should be clarified. For this reason, soil engineering parameters and subsurface geological structure of a new settlement area should be investigated. Especially, faults covered with quaternary alluvium; thicknesses, shear-wave velocities and geometry of subsurface sediments could lead to a soil amplification during an earthquake. Likewise, changes in shear-wave velocities along the basin are also very important. Geophysical methods can be used to determine the local soil properties. In this study, use of alternative seismic energy sources when implementing seismic reflection, seismic refraction and MASW methods in the residential areas of Eskisehir/Turkey, were discussed. Our home developed seismic energy source, EAPSG (Electrically-Fired-PS-Gun), capable to shoot 2x24 magnum shotgun cartridges at once to generate P and S waves; and our home developed WD-500 (500 kg Weight Drop) seismic energy source, mounted on a truck, were developed under a scientific research project of Anadolu University. We were able to reach up to penetration depths of 1200 m for EAPSG, and 800 m for WD-500 in our seismic reflection surveys. WD-500 seismic energy source was also used to perform MASW surveys, using 24-channel, 10 m apart, 4.5 Hz vertical geophone configuration. We were able to reach 100 m of penetration depth in MASW surveys.

Analysing seismic-source mechanisms by linear-programming methods.

USGS Publications Warehouse

Julian, B.R.

1986-01-01

Linear-programming methods are powerful and efficient tools for objectively analysing seismic focal mechanisms and are applicable to a wide range of problems, including tsunami warning and nuclear explosion identification. The source mechanism is represented as a point in the 6-D space of moment-tensor components. The present method can easily be extended to fit observed seismic-wave amplitudes (either signed or absolute) subject to polarity constraints, and to assess the range of mechanisms consistent with a set of measured amplitudes. -from Author

Method for determining formation quality factor from seismic data

DOEpatents

Taner, M. Turhan; Treitel, Sven

2005-08-16

A method is disclosed for calculating the quality factor Q from a seismic data trace. The method includes calculating a first and a second minimum phase inverse wavelet at a first and a second time interval along the seismic data trace, synthetically dividing the first wavelet by the second wavelet, Fourier transforming the result of the synthetic division, calculating the logarithm of this quotient of Fourier transforms and determining the slope of a best fit line to the logarithm of the quotient.

InSAR Analysis of Post-Seismic Deformation Following the 2013 Mw 7.7 Balochistan, Pakistan Earthquake

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Peterson, K.; Barnhart, W. D.

2017-12-01

On September 24th, 2013, a Mw 7.7 earthquake ruptured a 200 km portion of the Hoshab fault, a reverse fault in the Makran accretionary prism of southern Pakistan. This earthquake is notable because it ruptured a reverse fault with a predominantly strike-slip sense of displacement, and it ruptured a mechanically weak accretionary prism. Here, we present initial analysis of ongoing post-seismic deformation imaged with the Sentinel-1 interferometric synthetic aperture radar (InSAR) mission with the goals of a) determining the dominant post-seismic deformation processes active, b) characterizing the rigidity and rheological structure of a flat-slab subduction zone, and c) elucidating whether post-seismic deformation may account for or exacerbate the 4-6 m fault convergence deficit left by the 2013 earthquake. We first present InSAR time series analysis of the post-seismic transient derived from ongoing Sentinel-1 SAR acquisitions, including a comparison of atmosphere-corrected and uncorrected time series. Interferograms spanning December 2014 to the present reveal an ongoing post-seismic deformation transient in the region surrounding the Hoshab fault. Additionally, fault creep signals on and adjacent to the Hoshab fault are present. Second, we present a suite of forward models that explore the potential contributions of viscoelastic relaxation and frictional afterslip to the recorded displacement signal. These models, conducted using the semi-analytical solutions of RELAX and compared to InSAR line-of-sight time series displacements, explore a range of candidate rheological descriptions of the Makran subduction zone that are designed to probe the rheological structure of a region where current knowledge of the subsurface geology is highly limited. Our preliminary results suggest that post-seismic displacements arise from a combination of viscoelastic deformation and frictional afterslip, as opposed to one single mechanism. Additionally, our preliminary results suggest surface displacements are characterized by dominantly fault- parallel displacements, indicating that post-seismic deformation in the observed time period following the 2013 earthquake likely cannot account for the 4-6 m convergence deficit left by that earthquake.

3-D Characterization of Seismic Properties at the Smart Weapons Test Range, YPG

DTIC Science & Technology

2001-10-01

confidence limits around each interpolated value. Ground truth was accomplished through cross-hole seismic measurements and borehole logs. Surface wave... seismic method, as well as estimating the optimal orientation and spacing of the seismic array . A variety of sources and receivers was evaluated...location within the array is partially related to at least two seismic lines. Either through good fortune or foresight by the designers of the SWTR site

Exploring Thermal Shear Runaway as a triggering process for Intermediate-Depth Earthquakes: Overview of the Northern Chilean seismic nest.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Derode, B.; Riquelme, S.; Ruiz, J. A.; Leyton, F.; Campos, J. A.; Delouis, B.

2014-12-01

The intermediate depth earthquakes of high moment magnitude (Mw ≥ 8) in Chile have had a relative greater impact in terms of damage, injuries and deaths, than thrust type ones with similar magnitude (e.g. 1939, 1950, 1965, 1997, 2003, and 2005). Some of them have been studied in details, showing paucity of aftershocks, down-dip tensional focal mechanisms, high stress-drop and subhorizontal rupture. At present, their physical mechanism remains unclear because ambient temperatures and pressures are expected to lead to ductile, rather than brittle deformation. We examine source characteristics of more than 100 intraslab intermediate depth earthquakes using local and regional waveforms data obtained from broadband and accelerometers stations of IPOC network in northern Chile. With this high quality database, we estimated the total radiated energy from the energy flux carried by P and S waves integrating this flux in time and space, and evaluated their seismic moment directly from both spectral amplitude and near-field waveform inversion methods. We estimated the three parameters Ea, τa and M0 because their estimates entail no model dependence. Interestingly, the seismic nest studied using near-field re-location and only data from stations close to the source (D<250km) appears to not be homogeneous in terms of depths, displaying unusual seismic gaps along the Wadati-Benioff zone. Moreover, as confirmed by other studies of intermediate-depth earthquakes in subduction zones, very high stress drop ( >> 10MPa) and low radiation efficiency in this seismic nest were found. These unusual seismic parameter values can be interpreted as the expression of the loose of a big quantity of the emitted energy by heating processes during the rupture. Although it remains difficult to conclude about the processes of seismic nucleation, we present here results that seem to support a thermal weakening behavior of the fault zones and the existence of thermal stress processes like thermal shear runaway as a preferred mechanism for intermediate earthquake triggering. Despite the non-exhaustive aspect of this study, data presented here lead to the necessity of new systematic near-field studies to obtain valuable conclusions and constrain more accurately the physics of rupture mechanisms of these intermediate-depth seismic event.

An evaluation of applicability of seismic refraction method in identifying shallow archaeological features A case study at archaeological site

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jahangardi, Morteza; Hafezi Moghaddas, Naser; Keivan Hosseini, Sayyed; Garazhian, Omran

2015-04-01

We applied the seismic refraction method at archaeological site, Tepe Damghani located in Sabzevar, NE of Iran, in order to determine the structures of archaeological interests. This pre-historical site has special conditions with respect to geographical location and geomorphological setting, so it is an urban archaeological site, and in recent years it has been used as an agricultural field. In spring and summer of 2012, the third season of archaeological excavation was carried out. Test trenches of excavations in this site revealed that cultural layers were often disturbed adversely due to human activities such as farming and road construction in recent years. Conditions of archaeological cultural layers in southern and eastern parts of Tepe are slightly better, for instance, in test trench 3×3 m²1S03, third test trench excavated in the southern part of Tepe, an adobe in situ architectural structure was discovered that likely belongs to cultural features of a complex with 5 graves. After conclusion of the third season of archaeological excavation, all of the test trenches were filled with the same soil of excavated test trenches. Seismic refraction method was applied with12 channels of P geophones in three lines with a geophone interval of 0.5 meter and a 1.5 meter distance between profiles on test trench 1S03. The goal of this operation was evaluation of applicability of seismic method in identification of archaeological features, especially adobe wall structures. Processing of seismic data was done with the seismic software, SiesImager. Results were presented in the form of seismic section for every profile, so that identification of adobe wall structures was achieved hardly. This could be due to that adobe wall had been built with the same materials of the natural surrounding earth. Thus, there is a low contrast and it has an inappropriate effect on seismic processing and identifying of archaeological features. Hence the result could be that application of the seismic method in order to determine the archaeological features, having the same conditions, is not affordable and efficient in comparison to GPR or magnetic methods which yield more desirable results.

Inverting seismic data for rock physical properties; Mathematical background and application

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Farfour, Mohammed; Yoon, Wang Jung; Kim, Jinmo

2016-06-08

The basic concept behind seismic inversion is that mathematical assumptions can be established to relate seismic to geological formation properties that caused their seismic responses. In this presentation we address some widely used seismic inversion method in hydrocarbon reservoirs identification and characterization. A successful use of the inversion in real example from gas sand reservoir in Boonsville field, Noth Central Texas is presented. Seismic data was not unambiguous indicator of reservoir facies distribution. The use of the inversion led to remove the ambiguity and reveal clear information about the target.

Discrimination of porosity and fluid saturation using seismic velocity analysis

DOEpatents

Berryman, James G.

2001-01-01

The method of the invention is employed for determining the state of saturation in a subterranean formation using only seismic velocity measurements (e.g., shear and compressional wave velocity data). Seismic velocity data collected from a region of the formation of like solid material properties can provide relatively accurate partial saturation data derived from a well-defined triangle plotted in a (.rho./.mu., .lambda./.mu.)-plane. When the seismic velocity data are collected over a large region of a formation having both like and unlike materials, the method first distinguishes the like materials by initially plotting the seismic velocity data in a (.rho./.lambda., .mu./.lambda.)-plane to determine regions of the formation having like solid material properties and porosity.

Imaging of 3-D seismic velocity structure of Southern Sumatra region using double difference tomographic method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lestari, Titik; Nugraha, Andri Dian

2015-04-01

Southern Sumatra region has a high level of seismicity due to the influence of the subduction system, Sumatra fault, Mentawai fault and stretching zone activities. The seismic activities of Southern Sumatra region are recorded by Meteorological Climatological and Geophysical Agency (MCGA's) Seismograph network. In this study, we used earthquake data catalog compiled by MCGA for 3013 events from 10 seismic stations around Southern Sumatra region for time periods of April 2009 - April 2014 in order to invert for the 3-D seismic velocities structure (Vp, Vs, and Vp/Vs ratio). We applied double-difference seismic tomography method (tomoDD) to determine Vp, Vs and Vp/Vs ratio with hypocenter adjustment. For the inversion procedure, we started from the initial 1-D seismic velocity model of AK135 and constant Vp/Vs of 1.73. The synthetic travel time from source to receiver was calculated using ray pseudo-bending technique, while the main tomographic inversion was applied using LSQR method. The resolution model was evaluated using checkerboard test and Derivative Weigh Sum (DWS). Our preliminary results show low Vp and Vs anomalies region along Bukit Barisan which is may be associated with weak zone of Sumatran fault and migration of partial melted material. Low velocity anomalies at 30-50 km depth in the fore arc region may indicated the hydrous material circulation because the slab dehydration. We detected low seismic seismicity in the fore arc region that may be indicated as seismic gap. It is coincides contact zone of high and low velocity anomalies. And two large earthquakes (Jambi and Mentawai) also occurred at the contact of contrast velocity.

Imaging of 3-D seismic velocity structure of Southern Sumatra region using double difference tomographic method

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Lestari, Titik, E-mail: t2klestari@gmail.com; Faculty of Earth Science and Technology, Bandung Institute of Technology, Jalan Ganesa No.10, Bandung 40132; Nugraha, Andri Dian, E-mail: nugraha@gf.itb.ac.id

2015-04-24

Southern Sumatra region has a high level of seismicity due to the influence of the subduction system, Sumatra fault, Mentawai fault and stretching zone activities. The seismic activities of Southern Sumatra region are recorded by Meteorological Climatological and Geophysical Agency (MCGA’s) Seismograph network. In this study, we used earthquake data catalog compiled by MCGA for 3013 events from 10 seismic stations around Southern Sumatra region for time periods of April 2009 – April 2014 in order to invert for the 3-D seismic velocities structure (Vp, Vs, and Vp/Vs ratio). We applied double-difference seismic tomography method (tomoDD) to determine Vp, Vsmore » and Vp/Vs ratio with hypocenter adjustment. For the inversion procedure, we started from the initial 1-D seismic velocity model of AK135 and constant Vp/Vs of 1.73. The synthetic travel time from source to receiver was calculated using ray pseudo-bending technique, while the main tomographic inversion was applied using LSQR method. The resolution model was evaluated using checkerboard test and Derivative Weigh Sum (DWS). Our preliminary results show low Vp and Vs anomalies region along Bukit Barisan which is may be associated with weak zone of Sumatran fault and migration of partial melted material. Low velocity anomalies at 30-50 km depth in the fore arc region may indicated the hydrous material circulation because the slab dehydration. We detected low seismic seismicity in the fore arc region that may be indicated as seismic gap. It is coincides contact zone of high and low velocity anomalies. And two large earthquakes (Jambi and Mentawai) also occurred at the contact of contrast velocity.« less

A Novel Approach to Constrain Near-Surface Seismic Wave Speed Based on Polarization Analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Park, S.; Ishii, M.

2016-12-01

Understanding the seismic responses of cities around the world is essential for the risk assessment of earthquake hazards. One of the important parameters is the elastic structure of the sites, in particular, near-surface seismic wave speed, that influences the level of ground shaking. Many methods have been developed to constrain the elastic structure of the populated sites or urban basins, and here, we introduce a new technique based on analyzing the polarization content or the three-dimensional particle motion of seismic phases arriving at the sites. Polarization analysis of three-component seismic data was widely used up to about two decades ago, to detect signals and identify different types of seismic arrivals. Today, we have good understanding of the expected polarization direction and ray parameter for seismic wave arrivals that are calculated based on a reference seismic model. The polarization of a given phase is also strongly sensitive to the elastic wave speed immediately beneath the station. This allows us to compare the observed and predicted polarization directions of incoming body waves and infer the near-surface wave speed. This approach is applied to High-Sensitivity Seismograph Network in Japan, where we benchmark the results against the well-log data that are available at most stations. There is a good agreement between our estimates of seismic wave speeds and those from well logs, confirming the efficacy of the new method. In most urban environments, where well logging is not a practical option for measuring the seismic wave speeds, this method can provide a reliable, non-invasive, and computationally inexpensive estimate of near-surface elastic properties.

High precision gas hydrate imaging of small-scale and high-resolution marine sparker multichannel seismic data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Luo, D.; Cai, F.

2017-12-01

Small-scale and high-resolution marine sparker multi-channel seismic surveys using large energy sparkers are characterized by a high dominant frequency of the seismic source, wide bandwidth, and a high resolution. The technology with a high-resolution and high-detection precision was designed to improve the imaging quality of shallow sedimentary. In the study, a 20KJ sparker and 24-channel streamer cable with a 6.25m group interval were used as a seismic source and receiver system, respectively. Key factors for seismic imaging of gas hydrate are enhancement of S/N ratio, amplitude compensation and detailed velocity analysis. However, the data in this study has some characteristics below: 1. Small maximum offsets are adverse to velocity analysis and multiple attenuation. 2. Lack of low frequency information, that is, information less than 100Hz are invisible. 3. Low S/N ratio since less coverage times (only 12 times). These characteristics make it difficult to reach the targets of seismic imaging. In the study, the target processing methods are used to improve the seismic imaging quality of gas hydrate. First, some technologies of noise suppression are combined used in pre-stack seismic data to suppression of seismic noise and improve the S/N ratio. These technologies including a spectrum sharing noise elimination method, median filtering and exogenous interference suppression method. Second, the combined method of three technologies including SRME, τ-p deconvolution and high precision Radon transformation is used to remove multiples. Third, accurate velocity field are used in amplitude energy compensation to highlight the Bottom Simulating Reflector (short for BSR, the indicator of gas hydrates) and gas migration pathways (such as gas chimneys, hot spots et al.). Fourth, fine velocity analysis technology are used to improve accuracy of velocity analysis. Fifth, pre-stack deconvolution processing technology is used to compensate for low frequency energy and suppress of ghost, thus formation reflection characteristics are highlighted. The result shows that the small-scale and high resolution marine sparker multi-channel seismic surveys are very effective in improving the resolution and quality of gas hydrate imaging than the conventional seismic acquisition technology.

Final Report: Seismic Hazard Assessment at the PGDP

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Wang, Zhinmeng

2007-06-01

Selecting a level of seismic hazard at the Paducah Gaseous Diffusion Plant for policy considerations and engineering design is not an easy task because it not only depends on seismic hazard, but also on seismic risk and other related environmental, social, and economic issues. Seismic hazard is the main focus. There is no question that there are seismic hazards at the Paducah Gaseous Diffusion Plant because of its proximity to several known seismic zones, particularly the New Madrid Seismic Zone. The issues in estimating seismic hazard are (1) the methods being used and (2) difficulty in characterizing the uncertainties ofmore » seismic sources, earthquake occurrence frequencies, and ground-motion attenuation relationships. This report summarizes how input data were derived, which methodologies were used, and what the hazard estimates at the Paducah Gaseous Diffusion Plant are.« less

Application of Collocated GPS and Seismic Sensors to Earthquake Monitoring and Early Warning

PubMed Central

Li, Xingxing; Zhang, Xiaohong; Guo, Bofeng

2013-01-01

We explore the use of collocated GPS and seismic sensors for earthquake monitoring and early warning. The GPS and seismic data collected during the 2011 Tohoku-Oki (Japan) and the 2010 El Mayor-Cucapah (Mexico) earthquakes are analyzed by using a tightly-coupled integration. The performance of the integrated results is validated by both time and frequency domain analysis. We detect the P-wave arrival and observe small-scale features of the movement from the integrated results and locate the epicenter. Meanwhile, permanent offsets are extracted from the integrated displacements highly accurately and used for reliable fault slip inversion and magnitude estimation. PMID:24284765

Seismic, satellite, and site observations of internal solitary waves in the NE South China Sea.

PubMed

Tang, Qunshu; Wang, Caixia; Wang, Dongxiao; Pawlowicz, Rich

2014-06-20

Internal solitary waves (ISWs) in the NE South China Sea (SCS) are tidally generated at the Luzon Strait. Their propagation, evolution, and dissipation processes involve numerous issues still poorly understood. Here, a novel method of seismic oceanography capable of capturing oceanic finescale structures is used to study ISWs in the slope region of the NE SCS. Near-simultaneous observations of two ISWs were acquired using seismic and satellite imaging, and water column measurements. The vertical and horizontal length scales of the seismic observed ISWs are around 50 m and 1-2 km, respectively. Wave phase speeds calculated from seismic observations, satellite images, and water column data are consistent with each other. Observed waveforms and vertical velocities also correspond well with those estimated using KdV theory. These results suggest that the seismic method, a new option to oceanographers, can be further applied to resolve other important issues related to ISWs.

Application of the principal component analysis (PCA) to HVSR data aimed at the seismic characterization of earthquake prone areas

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Paolucci, Enrico; Lunedei, Enrico; Albarello, Dario

2017-10-01

In this work, we propose a procedure based on principal component analysis on data sets consisting of many horizontal to vertical spectral ratio (HVSR or H/V) curves obtained by single-station ambient vibration acquisitions. This kind of analysis aimed at the seismic characterization of the investigated area by identifying sites characterized by similar HVSR curves. It also allows to extract the typical HVSR patterns of the explored area and to establish their relative importance, providing an estimate of the level of heterogeneity under the seismic point of view. In this way, an automatic explorative seismic characterization of the area becomes possible by only considering ambient vibration data. This also implies that the relevant outcomes can be safely compared with other available information (geological data, borehole measurements, etc.) without any conceptual trade-off. The whole algorithm is remarkably fast: on a common personal computer, the processing time takes few seconds for a data set including 100-200 HVSR measurements. The procedure has been tested in three study areas in the Central-Northern Italy characterized by different geological settings. Outcomes demonstrate that this technique is effective and well correlates with most significant seismostratigraphical heterogeneities present in each of the study areas.

Approximate inverse for the common offset acquisition geometry in 2D seismic imaging

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Grathwohl, Christine; Kunstmann, Peer; Quinto, Eric Todd; Rieder, Andreas

2018-01-01

We explore how the concept of approximate inverse can be used and implemented to recover singularities in the sound speed from common offset measurements in two space dimensions. Numerical experiments demonstrate the performance of the method. We gratefully acknowledge financial support by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) through CRC 1173. Quinto additionally thanks the Otto Mønsteds Fond and U.S. National Science Foundation (under grants DMS 1311558 and DMS 1712207) for their support. He thanks colleagues at DTU and KIT for their warm hospitality while this research was being done.

Pick- and waveform-based techniques for real-time detection of induced seismicity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Grigoli, Francesco; Scarabello, Luca; Böse, Maren; Weber, Bernd; Wiemer, Stefan; Clinton, John F.

2018-05-01

The monitoring of induced seismicity is a common operation in many industrial activities, such as conventional and non-conventional hydrocarbon production or mining and geothermal energy exploitation, to cite a few. During such operations, we generally collect very large and strongly noise-contaminated data sets that require robust and automated analysis procedures. Induced seismicity data sets are often characterized by sequences of multiple events with short interevent times or overlapping events; in these cases, pick-based location methods may struggle to correctly assign picks to phases and events, and errors can lead to missed detections and/or reduced location resolution and incorrect magnitudes, which can have significant consequences if real-time seismicity information are used for risk assessment frameworks. To overcome these issues, different waveform-based methods for the detection and location of microseismicity have been proposed. The main advantages of waveform-based methods is that they appear to perform better and can simultaneously detect and locate seismic events providing high-quality locations in a single step, while the main disadvantage is that they are computationally expensive. Although these methods have been applied to different induced seismicity data sets, an extensive comparison with sophisticated pick-based detection methods is still missing. In this work, we introduce our improved waveform-based detector and we compare its performance with two pick-based detectors implemented within the SeiscomP3 software suite. We test the performance of these three approaches with both synthetic and real data sets related to the induced seismicity sequence at the deep geothermal project in the vicinity of the city of St. Gallen, Switzerland.

Development and programming of Geophonino: A low cost Arduino-based seismic recorder for vertical geophones

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Soler-Llorens, J. L.; Galiana-Merino, J. J.; Giner-Caturla, J.; Jauregui-Eslava, P.; Rosa-Cintas, S.; Rosa-Herranz, J.

2016-09-01

The commercial data acquisition systems used for seismic exploration are usually expensive equipment. In this work, a low cost data acquisition system (Geophonino) has been developed for recording seismic signals from a vertical geophone. The signal goes first through an instrumentation amplifier, INA155, which is suitable for low amplitude signals like the seismic noise, and an anti-aliasing filter based on the MAX7404 switched-capacitor filter. After that, the amplified and filtered signal is digitized and processed by Arduino Due and registered in an SD memory card. Geophonino is configured for continuous registering, where the sampling frequency, the amplitude gain and the registering time are user-defined. The complete prototype is an open source and open hardware system. It has been tested by comparing the registered signals with the ones obtained through different commercial data recording systems and different kind of geophones. The obtained results show good correlation between the tested measurements, presenting Geophonino as a low-cost alternative system for seismic data recording.

Hydraulic fracturing volume is associated with induced earthquake productivity in the Duvernay play.

PubMed

Schultz, R; Atkinson, G; Eaton, D W; Gu, Y J; Kao, H

2018-01-19

A sharp increase in the frequency of earthquakes near Fox Creek, Alberta, began in December 2013 in response to hydraulic fracturing. Using a hydraulic fracturing database, we explore relationships between injection parameters and seismicity response. We show that induced earthquakes are associated with completions that used larger injection volumes (10 4 to 10 5 cubic meters) and that seismic productivity scales linearly with injection volume. Injection pressure and rate have an insignificant association with seismic response. Further findings suggest that geological factors play a prominent role in seismic productivity, as evidenced by spatial correlations. Together, volume and geological factors account for ~96% of the variability in the induced earthquake rate near Fox Creek. This result is quantified by a seismogenic index-modified frequency-magnitude distribution, providing a framework to forecast induced seismicity. Copyright © 2018 The Authors, some rights reserved; exclusive licensee American Association for the Advancement of Science. No claim to original U.S. Government Works.

Pre-seismic geomagnetic and ionosphere signatures related to the Mw5.7 earthquake occurred in Vrancea zone on September 24, 2016

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stanica, Dragos Armand; Stanica, Dumitru; Błęcki, Jan; Ernst, Tomasz; Jóźwiak, Waldemar; Słomiński, Jan

2018-02-01

To emphasize the relationship between the pre-seismic geomagnetic signals and Vrancea seismicity, in this work it is hypothesized that before an earthquake initiation, the high stress reached into seismogenic volume generates dehydration of the rocks and fracturing processes followed by release of electric charges along the faulting systems, which lead to resistivity changes. These changes were explored on September 2016 by the normalized function Bzn obtained from the geomagnetic data recorded in ULF range (0.001-0.0083 Hz). A statistical analysis was also performed to discriminate on the new Bzn* time series a pre-seismic signature related to the Mw5.7 earthquake. Significant anomalous behavior of Bzn* was identified on September 21, with 3 days prior to the onset of the seismic event. Similar information is provided by registrations of the magnetic and electron concentration variations in the ionosphere over the Vrancea zone, by Swarm satellites, 4 days and 1 day before the earthquake.

Neural network analysis of crosshole tomographic images: The seismic signature of gas hydrate bearing sediments in the Mackenzie Delta (NW Canada)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bauer, K.; Pratt, R. G.; Haberland, C.; Weber, M.

2008-10-01

Crosshole seismic experiments were conducted to study the in-situ properties of gas hydrate bearing sediments (GHBS) in the Mackenzie Delta (NW Canada). Seismic tomography provided images of P velocity, anisotropy, and attenuation. Self-organizing maps (SOM) are powerful neural network techniques to classify and interpret multi-attribute data sets. The coincident tomographic images are translated to a set of data vectors in order to train a Kohonen layer. The total gradient of the model vectors is determined for the trained SOM and a watershed segmentation algorithm is used to visualize and map the lithological clusters with well-defined seismic signatures. Application to the Mallik data reveals four major litho-types: (1) GHBS, (2) sands, (3) shale/coal interlayering, and (4) silt. The signature of seismic P wave characteristics distinguished for the GHBS (high velocities, strong anisotropy and attenuation) is new and can be used for new exploration strategies to map and quantify gas hydrates.

New inferences from spectral seismic energy measurement of a link between regional seismicity and volcanic activity at Mt. Etna, Italy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ortiz, R.; Falsaperla, S.; Marrero, J. M.; Messina, A.

2009-04-01

The existence of a relationship between regional seismicity and changes in volcanic activity has been the subject of several studies in the last years. Generally, activity in basaltic volcanoes such as Villarica (Chile) and Tungurahua (Ecuador) shows very little changes after the occurrence of regional earthquakes. In a few cases volcanic activity has changed before the occurrence of regional earthquakes, such as observed at Teide, Tenerife, in 2004 and 2005 (Tárraga et al., 2006). In this paper we explore the possible link between regional seismicity and changes in volcanic activity at Mt. Etna in 2006 and 2007. On 24 November, 2006 at 4:37:40 GMT an earthquake of magnitude 4.7 stroke the eastern coast of Sicily. The epicenter was localized 50 km SE of the south coast of the island, and at about 160 km from the summit craters of Mt. Etna. The SSEM (Spectral Seismic Energy Measurement) of the seismic signal at stations at 1 km and 6 km from the craters highlights that four hours before this earthquake the energy associated with volcanic tremor increased, reached a maximum, and finally became steady when the earthquake occurred. Conversely, neither before nor after the earthquake, the SSEM of stations located between 80 km and 120 km from the epicentre and outside the volcano edifice showed changes. On 5 September, 2007 at 21:24:13 GMT an earthquake of magnitude 3.2 and 7.9 km depth stroke the Lipari Island, at the north of Sicily. About 38 hours before the earthquake occurrence, there was an episode of lava fountain lasting 20 hours at Etna volcano. The SSEM of the seismic signal recorded during the lava fountain at a station located at 6 km from the craters highlights changes heralding this earthquake ten hours before its occurrence using the FFM method (e.g., Voight, 1988; Ortiz et al., 2003). A change in volcanic activity - with the onset of ash emission and Strombolian explosions - was observed a couple of hours before the occurrence of the regional earthquakes. It can be interpreted as the magmatic response to a change of the distribution of tectonic stress in the edifice before the earthquake. In the light of this hypothesis, we surmise that the magmatic system behaved similar to a dilatometer and promise news lines to forecasting the volcano activity. References M. Tárraga, R. Carniel, R. Ortiz, J. M. Marrero, and A. García, 2006. On the predictability of volcano.tectonic events by low frequency seismic noise analysis at Teide-Pico Viejo volcanic complex, Canary Islands. Nat. Hazards Earth Syst. Sci., 6, 365-376. Ortiz, R., H. Moreno, A. García, G. Fuentealba, M. Astiz, P. Peña, N. Sánchez, M. Tárraga, 2003. Villarrica volcano (Chile): characteristics of the volcanic tremor and forecasting of small explosions by means of a material failure method. J. Volcanol. Geotherm. Res. 128: 247-259. B. Voight, 1988. A method for prediction of volcanic eruptions. Nature 332, 10:125-130.

An application of LOTEM around salt dome near Houston, Texas

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Paembonan, Andri Yadi; Arjwech, Rungroj; Davydycheva, Sofia; Smirnov, Maxim; Strack, Kurt M.

2017-07-01

A salt dome is an important large geologic structure for hydrocarbon exploration. It may seal a porous reservoir of rocks that form petroleum reservoirs. Several techniques such as seismic, gravity, and electromagnetic including magnetotelluric have successfully yielded salt dome interpretation. Seismic has difficulties seeing through the salt because the seismic energy gets trapped by the salt due to its high velocity. Gravity and electromagnetics are more ideal methods. Long Offset Transient Electromagnetic (LOTEM) and Focused Source Electromagnetic (FSEM) were tested over a salt dome near Houston, Texas. LOTEM data were recorded at several stations with varying offset, and the FSEM tests were also made at some receiver locations near a suspected salt overhang. The data were processed using KMS's processing software: First, for assurance, including calibration and header checking; then transmitter and receiver data are merged and microseismic data is separated; Finally, data analysis and processing follows. LOTEM processing leads to inversion or in the FSEM case 3D modeling. Various 3D models verify the sensitivity under the salt dome. In addition, the processing was conducted pre-stack, stack, and post-stack. After pre-stacking, the noise was reduced, but showed the ringing effect due to a low-pass filter. Stacking and post-stacking with applying recursive average could reduce the Gibbs effect and produce smooth data.

Using discrete wavelet transform features to discriminate between noise and phases in seismic waveforms

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Forrest, R.; Ray, J.; Hansen, C. W.

2017-12-01

Currently, simple polarization metrics such as the horizontal-to-vertical ratio are used to discriminate between noise and various phases in three-component seismic waveform data collected at regional distances. Accurately establishing the identity and arrival of these waves in adverse signal-to-noise environments is helpful in detecting and locating the seismic events. In this work, we explore the use of multiresolution decompositions to discriminate between noise and event arrivals. A segment of the waveform lying inside a time-window that spans the coda of an arrival is subjected to a discrete wavelet decomposition. Multi-resolution classification features as well as statistical tests are derived from these wavelet decomposition quantities to quantify their discriminating power. Furthermore, we move to streaming data and address the problem of false positives by introducing ensembles of classifiers. We describe in detail results of these methods tuned from data obtained from Coronel Fontana, Argentina (CFAA), as well as Stephens Creek, Australia (STKA). Acknowledgement: Sandia National Laboratories is a multi-mission laboratory managed and operated by National Technology and Engineering Solutions of Sandia, LLC., a wholly owned subsidiary of Honeywell International, Inc., for the U.S. Department of Energy's National Nuclear Security Administration under contract DE-NA-0003525.

New insights into the North Taranaki Basin from New Zealand's first broadband 3D survey

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Uzcategui, Marjosbet; Francis, Malcolm; Kong, Wai Tin Vincent; Patenall, Richard; Fell, Dominic; Paxton, Andrea; Allen, Tristan

2016-06-01

The Taranaki Basin is the only hydrocarbon producing basin in New Zealand. The North Taranaki Basin has widespread two-dimensional (2D) seismic coverage and numerous wells that have not encountered commercial accumulations. This is attributed to the structural complexity in the central graben and the absence of necessary information to help understand the basin's evolution. An active petroleum system has been confirmed by hydrocarbon shows and non-commercial oil and gas discoveries (Karewa-1 and Kora-1). A broadband long offset three-dimensional (3D) seismic survey was acquired and processed by Schlumberger in 2013 to evaluate the hydrocarbon potential of the North Taranaki Basin. Innovative acquisition techniques were combined with advanced processing and imaging methods. Raypath distortions and depth uncertainty were significantly reduced by processing through tilted transverse isotropy (TTI) anisotropic Kirchhoff prestack depth migration with a geologically constrained velocity model. The survey provided the necessary information to understand the petroleum system and provide evidence for material hydrocarbon accumulations. In this investigation, we assessed the hydrocarbon potential of the North Taranaki Basin using the newly acquired data. 3D seismic interpretation and amplitude-versus-offset (AVO) analysis support the renewed potential of the basin and demonstrate effectiveness of these technologies that together can achieve encouraging results for hydrocarbon exploration.

Geophysical Monitoring Methods Evaluation for the FutureGen 2.0 Project

DOE PAGES

Strickland, Chris E.; USA, Richland Washington; Vermeul, Vince R.; ...

2014-12-31

A comprehensive monitoring program will be needed in order to assess the effectiveness of carbon sequestration at the FutureGen 2.0 carbon capture and storage (CCS) field-site. Geophysical monitoring methods are sensitive to subsurface changes that result from injection of CO 2 and will be used for: (1) tracking the spatial extent of the free phase CO 2 plume, (2) monitoring advancement of the pressure front, (3) identifying or mapping areas where induced seismicity occurs, and (4) identifying and mapping regions of increased risk for brine or CO 2 leakage from the reservoir. Site-specific suitability and cost effectiveness were evaluated formore » a number of geophysical monitoring methods including: passive seismic monitoring, reflection seismic imaging, integrated surface deformation, time-lapse gravity, pulsed neutron capture logging, cross-borehole seismic, electrical resistivity tomography, magnetotellurics and controlled source electromagnetics. The results of this evaluation indicate that CO 2 injection monitoring using reflection seismic methods would likely be difficult at the FutureGen 2.0 site. Electrical methods also exhibited low sensitivity to the expected CO 2 saturation changes and would be affected by metallic infrastructure at the field site. Passive seismic, integrated surface deformation, time-lapse gravity, and pulsed neutron capture monitoring were selected for implementation as part of the FutureGen 2.0 storage site monitoring program.« less

Geophysical Monitoring Methods Evaluation for the FutureGen 2.0 Project

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Strickland, Chris E.; USA, Richland Washington; Vermeul, Vince R.

A comprehensive monitoring program will be needed in order to assess the effectiveness of carbon sequestration at the FutureGen 2.0 carbon capture and storage (CCS) field-site. Geophysical monitoring methods are sensitive to subsurface changes that result from injection of CO 2 and will be used for: (1) tracking the spatial extent of the free phase CO 2 plume, (2) monitoring advancement of the pressure front, (3) identifying or mapping areas where induced seismicity occurs, and (4) identifying and mapping regions of increased risk for brine or CO 2 leakage from the reservoir. Site-specific suitability and cost effectiveness were evaluated formore » a number of geophysical monitoring methods including: passive seismic monitoring, reflection seismic imaging, integrated surface deformation, time-lapse gravity, pulsed neutron capture logging, cross-borehole seismic, electrical resistivity tomography, magnetotellurics and controlled source electromagnetics. The results of this evaluation indicate that CO 2 injection monitoring using reflection seismic methods would likely be difficult at the FutureGen 2.0 site. Electrical methods also exhibited low sensitivity to the expected CO 2 saturation changes and would be affected by metallic infrastructure at the field site. Passive seismic, integrated surface deformation, time-lapse gravity, and pulsed neutron capture monitoring were selected for implementation as part of the FutureGen 2.0 storage site monitoring program.« less

Connecting crustal seismicity and earthquake-driven stress evolution in Southern California

USGS Publications Warehouse

Pollitz, Fred; Cattania, Camilla

2017-01-01

Tectonic stress in the crust evolves during a seismic cycle, with slow stress accumulation over interseismic periods, episodic stress steps at the time of earthquakes, and transient stress readjustment during a postseismic period that may last months to years. Static stress transfer to surrounding faults has been well documented to alter regional seismicity rates over both short and long time scales. While static stress transfer is instantaneous and long lived, postseismic stress transfer driven by viscoelastic relaxation of the ductile lower crust and mantle leads to additional, slowly varying stress perturbations. Both processes may be tested by comparing a decade-long record of regional seismicity to predicted time-dependent seismicity rates based on a stress evolution model that includes viscoelastic stress transfer. Here we explore crustal stress evolution arising from the seismic cycle in Southern California from 1981 to 2014 using five M≥6.5 source quakes: the M7.3 1992 Landers, M6.5 1992 Big Bear, M6.7 1994 Big Bear, M7.1 1999 Hector Mine, and M7.2 2010 El Mayor-Cucapah earthquakes. We relate the stress readjustment in the surrounding crust generated by each quake to regional seismicity using rate-and-state friction theory. Using a log likelihood approach, we quantify the potential to trigger seismicity of both static and viscoelastic stress transfer, finding that both processes have systematically shaped the spatial pattern of Southern California seismicity since 1992.

40 CFR 146.95 - Class VI injection depth waiver requirements.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... methods (e.g., seismic, electrical, gravity, or electromagnetic surveys and/or down-hole carbon dioxide... injection zone(s); and indirect methods (e.g., seismic, electrical, gravity, or electromagnetic surveys and...

40 CFR 146.95 - Class VI injection depth waiver requirements.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... methods (e.g., seismic, electrical, gravity, or electromagnetic surveys and/or down-hole carbon dioxide... injection zone(s); and indirect methods (e.g., seismic, electrical, gravity, or electromagnetic surveys and...

40 CFR 146.95 - Class VI injection depth waiver requirements.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... methods (e.g., seismic, electrical, gravity, or electromagnetic surveys and/or down-hole carbon dioxide... injection zone(s); and indirect methods (e.g., seismic, electrical, gravity, or electromagnetic surveys and...

Archive of digital and digitized analog boomer seismic reflection data collected during USGS cruise 96CCT02 in Copano, Corpus Christi, and Nueces Bays and Corpus Christi Bayou, Texas, July 1996

USGS Publications Warehouse

Harrison, Arnell S.; Dadisman, Shawn V.; Kindinger, Jack G.; Morton, Robert A.; Blum, Mike D.; Wiese, Dana S.; Subiño, Janice A.

2007-01-01

In June of 1996, the U.S. Geological Survey conducted geophysical surveys from Nueces to Copano Bays, Texas. This report serves as an archive of unprocessed digital boomer seismic reflection data, trackline maps, navigation files, GIS information, cruise log, and formal FGDC metadata. Filtered and gained digital images of the seismic profiles and high resolution scanned TIFF images of the original paper printouts are also provided. The archived trace data are in standard Society of Exploration Geophysicists (SEG) SEG-Y format (Barry and others, 1975) and may be downloaded and processed with commercial or public domain software such as Seismic Unix (SU). Example SU processing scripts and USGS software for viewing the SEG-Y files (Zihlman, 1992) are also provided.

Archive of Digital Boomer Seismic Reflection Data Collected During USGS Field Activity 08LCA04 in Lakes Cherry, Helen, Hiawassee, Louisa, and Prevatt, Central Florida, September 2008

USGS Publications Warehouse

Harrison, Arnell S.; Dadisman, Shawn V.; Davis, Jeffrey B.; Flocks, James G.; Wiese, Dana S.

2009-01-01

From September 2 through 4, 2008, the U.S. Geological Survey and St. Johns River Water Management District (SJRWMD) conducted geophysical surveys in Lakes Cherry, Helen, Hiawassee, Louisa, and Prevatt, central Florida. This report serves as an archive of unprocessed digital boomer seismic reflection data, trackline maps, navigation files, GIS information, FACS logs, and formal FGDC metadata. Filtered and gained digital images of the seismic profiles are also provided. The archived trace data are in standard Society of Exploration Geophysicists (SEG) SEG-Y format (Barry and others, 1975) and may be downloaded and processed with commercial or public domain software such as Seismic Unix (SU). Example SU processing scripts and USGS software for viewing the SEG-Y files (Zihlman, 1992) are also provided.

Seismic experiment ross ice shelf 1990/91: Characteristics of the seismic reflection data

USGS Publications Warehouse

1993-01-01

The Transantarctic Mountains, with a length of 3000-3500 km and elevations of up to 4500 m, are one of the major Cenozoic mountain ranges in the world and are by far the most striking example of rift-shoulder mountains. Over the 1990-1991 austral summer Seismic Experiment Ross Ice Shelf (SERIS) was carried out across the Transantarctic Mountain front, between latitudes 82 degrees to 83 degrees S, in order to investigate the transition zone between the rifted area of the Ross Embayment and the uplifted Transantarctic Mountains. This experiment involved a 140 km long seismic reflection profile together with a 96 km long coincident wide-angle reflection/refraction profile. Gravity and relative elevation (using barometric pressure) were also measured along the profile. The primary purpose was to examine the boundary between the rift system and the uplifted rift margin (represented by the Transantarctic Mountains) using modern multi-channel crustal reflection/refraction techniques. The results provide insight into crustal structure across the plate boundary. SERIS also represented one of the first large-scale and modern multi-channel seismic experiments in the remote interior of Antarctica. As such, the project was designed to test different seismic acquisition techniques which will be involved in future seismic exploration of the continent. This report describes the results from the analysis of the acquisition tests as well as detailing some of the characteristics of the reflection seismic data. (auths.)

Seismic signal and noise on Europa

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Panning, Mark; Stähler, Simon; Bills, Bruce; Castillo Castellanos, Jorge; Huang, Hsin-Hua; Husker, Allen; Kedar, Sharon; Lorenz, Ralph; Pike, William T.; Schmerr, Nicholas; Tsai, Victor; Vance, Steven

2017-10-01

Seismology is one of our best tools for detailing interior structure of planetary bodies, and a seismometer is included in the baseline and threshold mission design for the upcoming Europa Lander mission. Guiding mission design and planning for adequate science return, though, requires modeling of both the anticipated signal and noise. Assuming ice seismicity on Europa behaves according to statistical properties observed in Earth catalogs and scaling cumulative seismic moment release to the moon, we can simulate long seismic records and estimate background noise and peak signal amplitudes (Panning et al., 2017). This suggests a sensitive instrument comparable to many broadband terrestrial instruments or the SP instrument from the InSight mission to Mars will be able to record signals, while high frequency geophones are likely inadequate. We extend this analysis to also begin incorporation of spatial and temporal variation due to the tidal cycle, which can help inform landing site selection. We also begin exploration of how chaotic terrane at the bottom of the ice shell and inter-ice heterogeneities (i.e. internal melt structures) may affect anticipated seismic observations using 2D numerical seismic simulations.M. P. Panning, S. C. Stähler, H.-H. Huang, S. D. Vance, S. Kedar, V. C. Tsai, W. T. Pike, R. D. Lorenz, “Expected seismicity and the seismic noise environment of Europa,” J. Geophys. Res., in revision, 2017.

Earthquake Building Damage Mapping Based on Feature Analyzing Method from Synthetic Aperture Radar Data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

An, L.; Zhang, J.; Gong, L.

2018-04-01

Playing an important role in gathering information of social infrastructure damage, Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) remote sensing is a useful tool for monitoring earthquake disasters. With the wide application of this technique, a standard method, comparing post-seismic to pre-seismic data, become common. However, multi-temporal SAR processes, are not always achievable. To develop a post-seismic data only method for building damage detection, is of great importance. In this paper, the authors are now initiating experimental investigation to establish an object-based feature analysing classification method for building damage recognition.

Study on vulnerability matrices of masonry buildings of mainland China

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sun, Baitao; Zhang, Guixin

2018-04-01

The degree and distribution of damage to buildings subjected to earthquakes is a concern of the Chinese Government and the public. Seismic damage data indicates that seismic capacities of different types of building structures in various regions throughout mainland China are different. Furthermore, the seismic capacities of the same type of structure in different regions may vary. The contributions of this research are summarized as follows: 1) Vulnerability matrices and earthquake damage matrices of masonry structures in mainland China were chosen as research samples. The aim was to analyze the differences in seismic capacities of sample matrices and to present general rules for categorizing seismic resistance. 2) Curves relating the percentage of damaged masonry structures with different seismic resistances subjected to seismic demand in different regions of seismic intensity (VI to X) have been developed. 3) A method has been proposed to build vulnerability matrices of masonry structures. The damage ratio for masonry structures under high-intensity events such as the Ms 6.1 Panzhihua earthquake in Sichuan province on 30 August 2008, was calculated to verify the applicability of this method. This research offers a significant theoretical basis for predicting seismic damage and direct loss assessment of groups of buildings, as well as for earthquake disaster insurance.

a Comparative Case Study of Reflection Seismic Imaging Method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Alamooti, M.; Aydin, A.

2017-12-01

Seismic imaging is the most common means of gathering information about subsurface structural features. The accuracy of seismic images may be highly variable depending on the complexity of the subsurface and on how seismic data is processed. One of the crucial steps in this process, especially in layered sequences with complicated structure, is the time and/or depth migration of seismic data.The primary purpose of the migration is to increase the spatial resolution of seismic images by repositioning the recorded seismic signal back to its original point of reflection in time/space, which enhances information about complex structure. In this study, our objective is to process a seismic data set (courtesy of the University of South Carolina) to generate an image on which the Magruder fault near Allendale SC can be clearly distinguished and its attitude can be accurately depicted. The data was gathered by common mid-point method with 60 geophones equally spaced along an about 550 m long traverse over a nearly flat ground. The results obtained from the application of different migration algorithms (including finite-difference and Kirchhoff) are compared in time and depth domains to investigate the efficiency of each algorithm in reducing the processing time and improving the accuracy of seismic images in reflecting the correct position of the Magruder fault.

Imaging the ascent path of fluids and partial melts at convergent plate boundaries by geophysical characteristics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Luehr, B. G.; Koulakov, I.; Kopp, H.; Rabbel, W.; Zschau, J.

2011-12-01

During the last decades many investigations were carried out at active continental margins to understand the link between the subduction of the fluid saturated oceanic plate and the process of ascent of fluids and partial melts forming a magmatic system that leads to volcanism at the earth surface. For this purpose structural information are needed about the slap itself, the part above it, the ascent paths as well as the storage of fluids and partial melts in the mantle and the crust above the down going slap up to the volcanoes on the surface. If we consider statistically the distance between the trench and the volcanic chain as well as the inclination angle of the down going plate, then the mean value of the depth distance down to the Wadati Benioff zone results of approximately 100 kilometers. Surprisingly, this depth range shows pronounced seismicity at most of all subduction zones. Additionally, mineralogical investigations in the lab have shown that the diving plate is maximal dehydrated around 100 km depth because of temperature and pressure conditions at this depth range. However, assuming a vertical fluid ascent there are exceptions. For instance at the Sunda Arc beneath Central Java the vertical distance results in approximately 150 km. But, in this case seismic investigations have shown that the fluids do not ascend vertically, but inclined even from a source area at around the 100 km depth. The ascent of the fluids and the appearance of partial melts as well as the distribution of these materials in the crust can be proved by seismic and seismological methods. With the seismic tomography these areas are imaged by lowered seismic velocities, high Vp/Vs ratios, as well as increased attenuation of seismic shear waves. But, to explore plate boundaries large and complex amphibious experiments are required, in which active and passive seismic investigations should be combined. They have to recover a range from before the trench to far behind the volcanic chain, to provide under favorable conditions information down to a depth of 150 km. In particular the record of the natural seismicity and its distribution allows the three-dimensional imaging of the entire crust and lithosphere structure above the Wadati Benioff zone with the help of tomographic procedures, and therewith the entire ascent path region of the fluids and melts, which are responsible for volcanism. The seismic velocity anomalies detected so far are within a range of a few per cent to more than 30% reduction. In the lecture findings of different subduction zones are compared and discussed.

Deep Structures of The Angola Margin

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Moulin, M.; Contrucci, I.; Olivet, J.-L.; Aslanian, D.; Géli, L.; Sibuet, J.-C.

1 Ifremer Centre de Brest, DRO/Géosciences Marines, B.P. 70, 29280 Plouzané cedex (France) mmoulin@ifremer.fr/Fax : 33 2 98 22 45 49 2 Université de Bretagne Occidentale, Institut Universitaire Europeen de la Mer, Place Nicolas Copernic, 29280 Plouzane (France) 3 Total Fina Elf, DGEP/GSR/PN -GEOLOGIE, 2,place de la Coupole-La Defense 6, 92078 Paris la Defense Cedex Deep reflection and refraction seismic data were collected in April 2000 on the West African margin, offshore Angola, within the framework of the Zaiango Joint Project, conducted by Ifremer and Total Fina Elf Production. Vertical multichannel reflection seismic data generated by a « single-bubble » air gun array array (Avedik et al., 1993) were recorded on a 4.5 km long, digital streamer, while refraction and wide angle reflection seismic data were acquired on OBSs (Ocean Bottom Seismometers). Despite the complexity of the margin (5 s TWT of sediment, salt tectonics), the combination of seismic reflection and refraction methods results in an image and a velocity model of the ground structures below the Aptian salt layer. Three large seismic units appear in the reflection seismic section from the deep part on the margin under the base of salt. The upper seismic unit is layered with reflectors parallel to the base of the salt ; it represents unstructured sediments, filling a basin. The middle unit is seismically transparent. The lower unit is characterized by highly energetic reflectors. According to the OBS refraction data, these two units correspond to the continental crust and the base of the high energetic unit corresponds to the Moho. The margin appears to be divided in 3 domains, from east to west : i) a domain with an unthinned, 30 km thick, continental crust ; ii) a domain located between the hinge line and the foot of the continental slope, where the crust thins sharply, from 30 km to less than 7 km, this domain is underlain by an anormal layer with velocities comprising between 7,2 and 7,4 km/s. The maximum thickness of this layer is located where the crust shows the strongest thinning at the foot of the continental slope ; and iii) a transitional domain, 160 km wide, with an average crustal thickness of 6 km. Moreover, no tilted blocks nor detachment faults are observed on the reflection seismic sections. The consequences of these observations on the models of crustal thinning classically used in the litterature are examined. Avedik, F., V. Renard, J-P. Allenou, B. Morvan, "Single bubble" air gun for deep exploration, Geophysics, 58, 366-382, 1993.

Contribution to the study of historical seismicity in the Maghrebian region, Catalogue of historiacal seismicity of the Maghreb region

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Elmrabet, T.

2009-04-01

The seismic risk assessment in countries with moderate seismic activity is a very delicate action as well as a high priority one in land use management and urban rehabilitation. The credibility of this assessment is based mainly on the effects of destructive earthquakes whose maximum intensities become a reference for determining the level of protection. This knowledge requires a detailed study of the damage caused by major earthquakes over a long period of time. In this context, a broad scale research about past earthquakes started in the Geophysics Laboratory, now called the National Geophysics Institute (ING) within the National Center for Scientific and Technical Research in Rabat, Morocco. It supported a thorough study which included critical historical texts scattered in various local and foreign archives. The pursuit of this study, under the project called PAMERAR, which was launched in the early 80's aimed at reducing of earthquake risk in the Arab region, led us to investigate the origin of these texts according to various public and private libraries, as in Spain and France. The scientific interest in the historical seismicity in Morocco was highlighted at the beginning of the twentieth century in several reports and catalogs but with several gaps in time and space, further research was thus necessary especially to explore documents in particular from origin sources. This interest in historical archives is within the scope of understanding the natural hazards over long period to evaluate the recurrence of earthquakes. This study leads to significant results covering 11 centuries, from AD 846 to the present. We continued to study the effects of recent earthquakes on humans and buildings heritage, this work has led to a study in the footsteps of local seismic culture. Since earthquakes do not recognize the limits of political geography, since 1993 we have undertaken to extend the research to include the entire Maghreb region. We then used the database available to study the effects of earthquakes on humans and their social environment. The historical seismic catalog compiled for the maghrebian region is relatively homogeneous and complete covering the past twelve centuries. The seismic events are plotted on an appropriate Maghreb map. We started the study of the acquired seismic culture by identifying clues and traces left in the methods of construction and building measures taken on the old buildings that have enabled then to withstand strong earthquakes found in particular in the Moroccan catalogs and in the western mediterranean in general.