Numerical simulation of the propagation of P waves in fractured media

We study the propagation of P waves through media containing open fractures by performing numerical simulations. The important parameter in such problems is the ratio between crack length and incident wavelength. When the wavelength of the incident wavefield is close to or shorter than the crack length, the scattered waves are efficiently excited and the attenuation of the primary waves can be observed on synthetic seismograms. On the other hand, when the incident wavelength is greater than the crack length, we can simulate the anisotropic behaviour of fractured media resulting from the scattering of seismic waves by the cracks through the time delay of the arrival of the transmitted wave. The method of calculation used is a boundary element method in which the Green's functions are computed by the discrete wavenumber method. For simplicity, the 2-D elastodynamic diffraction problem is considered. The rock matrix is supposed to be elastic, isotropic and homogeneous, while the cracks are all empty and have the same length and strike direction. An iterative method of calculation of the diffracted wavefield is developed in the case where a large number of cracks are present in order to reduce the computation time. The attenuation factor Q ⁻¹ of the direct waves passing through a fractured zone is measured in several frequency bands. We observe that the attenuation factor Q ⁻¹ of the direct P wave peaks around kd = 2, where k is the incident wavenumber and d the crack length, and decreases proportionally to ( kd ) ⁻¹ in the high-wavenumber range. In the long-wavelength domain, the velocity of the direct P wave measured for two different crack realizations is very close to the value predicted by Hudson's theory on the overall elastic properties of fractured materials.     

Freezing and thawing effects of sand-silt mixtures on elastic waves

Freezing and thawing during the winter season change soil properties such as density. The density change in the particulate media influences soil stiffness. In addition, freezing of partially or fully saturated soils changes the soil matrix from a particulate media to a continuum. The goal of this study is to investigate the cyclic freezing and thawing effects on elastic waves. Sand-silt mixtures with 10% silt fraction in weight and 40% saturation are prepared. The sand-silt mixtures are placed in a nylon cell, onto which a pair of bender elements and a pair of piezoelectric disk elements are installed for the measurement of shear and compressional waves, respectively. The temperature of the mixtures decreases from 20°C to 10°C to freezing. The frozen sample is gradually thawed at room temperature (20°C). These freezing-thawing processes are repeated three times. The test result shows that the shear and compressional wave velocities significantly increase when the specimen is frozen. When the temperature is greater than 0°C, the elastic wave velocities are lower during thawing than during freezing due to soil structure change. This study demonstrates that soil structure change during the winter season may be effectively estimated from elastic waves.     

Experimental study of the anisotropy of longitudinal and transverse waves from local earthquake records

Summary. The paper gives the results of a study of the anisotropy of seismic wave velocities within the Ashkhabad test field in Central Asia. The anisotropy was studied by analysing variations in the values of apparent velocities of first arrivals for epicentral distances ranging from 30 to 130 km and by analysing the delays (Δ t_s1-_s2 ) between the arrival times of shear waves with different polarizations.
The velocities of P -waves vary with azimuth from 5.3 to 6.27 km s^-1 and the velocities of S -waves vary from 3.15 to 3.5 km s^-1.
The delay times Δ t_S1 - _S2 depend on the direction of the propagation. The character of the variation of the propagation velocity of the longitudinal wave, the presence of two differently polarized shear waves S 1 and S 2 propagating at different velocities, and the character of the distribution of Δ t_S1 - _S2 on the stereogram suggest that the symmetry of the anisotropic medium is close to hexagonal with a nearly horizontal symmetry axis coinciding with the direction of maximal velocity. The azimuth of the symmetry axis of the medium is 140° and coincides with the direction of geological faults.     

Effective anisotropic elastic constants for wave propagation through cracked solids

Summary. Theoretical developments of Hudson demonstrate how to calculate the variations of velocity and attenuation of seismic waves propagating through solids containing aligned cracks. The analysis can handle a wide variety of crack configurations and crack geometries. Hudson associates the velocity variations with effective elastic constants. In this paper we associate the variation of attenuation with the imaginary parts of complex effective elastic constants. These complex elastic constants permit the simulation of wave propagation through two-phase materials by the calculation of wave propagation through homogeneous anisotropic solids.     

Analysis of the Spatial Coherence of Short-Period Acoustic-Gravity Waves in the Atmosphere

Summary The coherence of atmospheric acoustic-gravity waves has been measured in the period range 10–100 s at the Large Aperture Microbarograph Array in south-eastern Montana. The acoustic-gravity waves observed were signals generated by presumed nuclear explosions. The decrease of coherence with increasing distance between pairs of microbarographs is less rapid in the direction of wave propagation than transverse to it. Variation of direction of arrival over a small range of azimuth (±5°) explains the spatial behaviour of coherence in the direction normal to the wave propagation; variation of phase velocity of ±10 ms^-1 explains the behaviour along the direction of wave propagation. Both effects may be due to inhomogeneities in the atmosphere; the velocity variation may be due to the presence in the signal of several normal modes of acoustic- gravity waves, each travelling at a slightly different phase velocity in the range 300–330 ms^-1.     

Coupled normal-mode sensitivity to inner-core shear velocity and attenuation

We have studied the response of normal modes to perturbations in inner-core shear velocity and attenuation, using fully coupled mode synthetics. Our results indicate that (i) mode pairs   _n S _l – _{n ±1} S _l   are strongly coupled by anelasticity, (ii) this coupling causes shear velocity perturbations to strongly affect the Q values of modes through exchange of inner-core characteristics, (iii) there is no evidence for a weakly attenuating inner core in shear, and (iv) the discrepancy between attenuation models returned from normal modes and body waves is small. These results suggest that inversions for inner-core attenuation and shear velocity should be performed simultaneously and should take account of the strong cross-coupling due to attenuation.     

Dynamic behavior of the Qinghai-Tibetan railway embankment in permafrost regions under trained-induced vertical loads

The unfrozen water content and ice content of frozen soil change continuously with varying temperatures, resulting in the temperature dependence of mechanical properties of frozen soil. Thus the dynamic behavior of embankment in permafrost regions under train loading also alters with seasons. Based on a series of strong-motion tests that were carried out on the traditional embankment of Qinghai-Tibet Railway(QTR) in permafrost regions, the acceleration waveforms recorded at the embankment shoulder and slope toes were obtained. Testing results show an obvious attenuation effect on the vertical train loading from road shoulder to slope toes. Furthermore, numerical simulations of a traditional embankment under vertical train loading in different seasons were conducted, and the dynamic behavior of the embankment was described. The results show that the vibration attenuation in the cold season is greater than that in the warm season. The maximum acceleration of vibration drops to about 5% when the train vibration load is transferred through the embankment into the permafrost, and the high-frequency components are absorbed when the vibration transmits downward. Moreover, the dynamic stress under the dynamic train loading decreases exponentially with an increasing depth in different seasons. The results can be a reference for design and maintenance of embankments in permafrost regions.     

Analysis and discussion of different methods of artificial ice-high specimen preparation

Because ice-high foundation soil is widely distributed in permafrost regions,the correct preparation of ice-high specimens is of critical interest in engineering design for foundation stability.Past research has shown that the uniaxial compression strength of ice-high frozen soils changes as the ice or total water content increases; the differences of different methods of specimen preparation are analyzed here and the advantages and disadvantages of them are presented.It is confirmed that the role of crushed ice is significantly different from that of naturally frozen ice in frozen soils,and the size and amount of crushed ice will influence the strength and deformation mechanism of frozen soils.Therefore,it is strongly recommended that when a ice-high specimen is artificially prepared,the ice should be frozen through natural means and not be replaced with crushed ice.     

土壤颗粒组成影响137Cs含量的初步实验结果

放射性核素¹³⁷Cs作为人类核试验的产物,以其独特的理化性质而成为研究土壤侵蚀和泥沙沉积一种良好的示踪源。在¹³⁷Cs的再分配过程中,土壤颗粒组成是影响土壤¹³⁷Cs的重要因子。一般认为,土壤中的¹³⁷Cs活度主要与粘粘含量有关,但这要取决于原生沉积物的颗粒组成。通过选取共和盆地主要的三种土壤类型,采集0~30cm的混合样品,进行入工筛分,测定不同粒径成分的¹³⁷Cs含量。初步实验表明,砂质土的¹³⁷Cs活度与平均粒径之间呈负指数关系,0.01~0.1mm组分对¹³⁷Cs含量的影响最为显著;壤质土的¹³⁷Cs活度主要与粗粉砂(0.01~0.05mm)含量有关,与137Cs活度主要与原生沉积物的颗粒特性和粒度有关.¹³⁷Cs一旦被原生沉积物颗粒吸附,在以后的土壤颗粒再分配过程中,是很难被置换掉的。     

Synthetic logs of multipole sources in boreholes based on the Kelvin–Voigt stress–strain relation

We design a numerical algorithm for wave simulation in a borehole due to multipole sources. The stress–strain relation of the formation is based on the Kelvin–Voigt mechanical model to describe the attenuation. The modelling, which requires two anelastic parameters and twice the spatial derivatives of the lossless case, simulates 3-D waves in an axisymmetric medium by using the Fourier and Chebyshev methods to compute the spatial derivatives along the vertical and horizontal directions, respectively. Instabilities of the Chebyshev differential operator due to the implementation of the fluid–solid boundary conditions are solved with a characteristic approach, where the characteristic variables are evaluated at the source central frequency. The algorithm uses two meshes to model the fluid and the solid. The presence of the logging tool is modelled by imposing rigid boundary conditions at the inner surface of the fluid mesh. Examples illustrating the propagation of waves are presented, namely, by using monopoles, dipoles and a quadrupoles as sources in hard and soft formations. Moreover, the presence of casing and layers is considered. The modelling correctly simulates the features—traveltime and attenuation—of the wave modes observed in sonic logs, namely, the P and S body waves, the Stoneley wave, and the dispersive S waves in the case of multipole sources.     

Surface-wave propagation in a cracked poroelastic half-space lying under a uniform layer of fluid

The effect of cracks on the elastic properties of an isotropic elastic solid is studied when the cracks are saturated with a soft fluid. A polynomial equation in effective Poisson's ratio is obtained, whose coefficients are functions of Poisson's ratio of the uncracked solid, crack density and saturating fluid parameter. Elastic and dynamical constants used in Blot's theory of wave propagation in poroelastic solids are modified for the introduction of cracks. The effects of cracks on the velocities of three types of waves are observed numerically. The frequency equation is derived for the propagation of Rayleigh-type surface waves in a saturated poroelastic half-space lying under a uniform layer of liquid. Dispersion curves for a particular model of oceanic crust containing cracks are plotted. The effects of variations in crack density and saturation on the phase and group velocity are also analysed.     

西北冰洋楚科奇海台08P23孔氧同位素3期以来的古海洋与古气候记录

通过中国第三次北极科学考察在北冰洋楚科奇海台采集的08P23孔样品的多项指标分析以及与其他孔的沉积记录综合对比,将08P23孔沉积物初步分为氧同位素3期(MIS 3)-MIS 1的沉积序列。MIS 3以来,楚科奇海台08P23孔可以识别出5个显著的冰筏碎屑(Ice-Rafted Detritus,IRD)事件,分别出现在MIS 2和MIS 3。其中,MIS 3的IRD事件中碎屑碳酸盐岩主要来自于加拿大北极群岛分布广泛的古生代碳酸盐岩露头,MIS 2的IRD事件中碎屑石英可能来源于欧亚大陆边缘。该孔大部分层位浮游有孔虫左旋厚壁新方球虫Neogloboquadrina pachyderma(sinistral)(Nps)的δ18O和δ13C都轻于表层沉积物中的平均值。MIS 3中两个褐色层中偏轻的Nps-δ18O和Nps-δ13C值是由冰融水造成;MIS 1和MIS 3灰色层中偏轻的Nps的δ18O和δ13C值指示海冰形成速率的提高,导致轻同位素卤水的生产和下沉。MIS 2的Nps的δ18O和δ13C值变化趋势相反,是因为温度急剧降低导致Nps-δ18O变重,海水冻结成冰,海气交换明显降低使得Nps-δ13C偏轻。MIS 1和MIS 3的Nps的δ18O和δ13C受到融冰水或轻同位素卤水影响导致同时偏轻。     

Simulated effect of soil freeze-thaw process on surface hydrologic and thermal fluxes in frozen ground region of the Northern Hemisphere

Soil freeze-thaw process is closely related to surface energy budget,hydrological activity,and terrestrial ecosystems.In this study,two numerical experiments(including and excluding soil freeze-thaw process)were designed to examine the effect of soil freeze-thaw process on surface hydrologic and thermal fluxes in frozen ground region in the Northern Hemisphere based on the state-of-the-art Community Earth System Model version 1.0.5.Results show that in response to soil freeze-thaw process,the area averaged soil temperature in the shallow layer(0.0175?0.0451 m)decreases by 0.35℃in the TP(Tibetan Plateau),0.69℃in CES(Central and Eastern Siberia),and 0.6℃in NA(North America)during summer,and increases by 1.93℃in the TP,2.28℃in CES and 1.61℃in NA during winter,respectively.Meanwhile,in response to soil freeze-thaw process,the area averaged soil liquid water content increases in summer and decrease in winter.For surface heat flux components,the ground heat flux is most significantly affected by the freeze-thaw process in both summer and winter,followed by sensible heat flux and latent heat flux in summer.In the TP area,the ground heat flux increases by 2.82 W/m2(28.5%)in summer and decreases by 3.63 W/m2(40%)in winter.Meanwhile,in CES,the ground heat flux increases by 1.89 W/m2(11.3%)in summer and decreases by 1.41 W/m2(18.6%)in winter.The heat fluxes in the Tibetan Plateau are more susceptible to the freeze-thaw process compared with the high-latitude frozen soil regions.Soil freeze-thaw process can induce significant warming in the Tibetan Plateau in winter.Also,this process induces significant cooling in high-latitude regions in summer.The frozen ground can prevent soil liquid water from infiltrating to deep soil layers at the beginning of thawing;however,as the frozen ground thaws continuously,the infiltration of the liquid water increases and the deep soil can store water like a sponge,accompanied by decreasing surface runoff.The influence of the soil freeze-thaw process on surface hydrologic and thermal fluxes varies seasonally and spatially.     

塔里木沙漠公路防护林土壤水分特征曲线模型分析与比较

应用压力膜仪对塔里木沙漠公路防护林地0~150 cm范围的土层进行土壤水分特征曲线的脱水试验,并选取Gardner模型和VG模型对实测数据进行了拟合分析与比较。结果表明:(1)实测的土壤水分特征曲线可准确地反映土壤结构的差异性,各土层的曲线特征与其基本物理性质一一对应,即容重较小、粉粘粒含量较多的土层其持水性较强,饱和含水率和凋萎含水率也较高;物理性差异小的土层间,其土壤水力性质接近。(2)由VG模型得到的土壤饱和含水率均值为0.429 cm³· cm^-3,凋萎含水率均值为0.040 cm³· cm^-3。由Gardner模型得到的各土层由于各层的物理性状差异造成持水性由强到弱,依次为0~5 cm, 40~60 cm, 100~150 cm, 60~100 cm, 5~40 cm;土壤易效水与难效水的平均临界点水势值为1.5×10⁵ Pa,均值凋萎含水率对应的水势值为15.0×10⁵ Pa。以上结果均较符合砂质土地的实际情况。(3)两种模型均可用于拟合防护林沙质土的土壤水分特征曲线,但VG模型在低吸力段的拟合精度较高, Gardner模型在中吸力段的拟合精度稍高,整体上, VG模型的模拟效果优于Gardner模型。旨在揭示高矿化度咸水滴灌条件下塔里木沙漠公路防护林不同土层的土壤水分曲线特征及其最优拟合模型,为之后开展区域水盐运移数值模拟等研究提供理论依据。     

Seismic wave properties in time-dependent porosity homogeneous media

It is quantified the properties of seismic waves in fully saturated homogeneous porous media within the framework of Sahay's modified and reformulated poroelastic theory. The computational results comprise amplitude attenuation, velocity dispersion and seismic waveforms. They show that the behaviour of all four waves modelled as a function of offset, frequency, porosity, fluid viscosity and source bandwidth depicts realistic dissipation within the sonic–ultrasonic band. Therefore, it appears that there is no need to include material heterogeneity to model attenuation. By inference it is concluded that the fluid viscosity effects may be enhanced by dynamic porosity.     

On high-frequency spheroidal modes and the structure of the upper mantle

Summary. The asymptotic properties of spheroidal mode dispersion at high frequency for fixed phase velocity are related to the intercept times τ_β( p ) for P and S waves. If the mode eigenfrequency and the ratio of horizontal to vertical displacement at the surface for the mode are known τ_α( p ) and τ_β( p ) may be separately estimated. If discontinuities exist in the velocity model then 'solotone' effects occur, in frequency at fixed slowness, and in τ_α( p ), τ_β( p ) estimated from the mode dispersion as a function of slowness. The coupling of P and S waves in the spheroidal modes means that the interaction of P waves with upper-mantle discontinuities affects also the estimates of the S wave τ_β( p ) values for which the corresponding turning points lie in the lower mantle. The asymptotic formalism also shows that sharp pulses formed by superposition of spheroidal modes correspond to multiple PS reflections.
A study of τ_α( p ), τ_β( p ) estimates derived from spheroidal modes with periods from 45–50s, calculated for model 1066B, shows that even in the presence of strong upper-mantle discontinuities the errors in intercept time are only about one-tenth of a period. The asymptotic properties may there-for provide a useful means of estimating intercept times from modes with a few seconds period as a supplement to travel-time methods.     

利用冰雷达诊断南极冰盖底部环境的研究综述

现今南极冰盖底部的环境对冰盖的动力演化有着重要的影响,准确的冰盖底部环境信息有利于更加准确地模拟南极冰盖的起源、发展以及未来的演化。采用无线电回波技术,可有效地对冰盖进行探测。通过定量地处理雷达波在冰盖内部的介电衰减,可以获取冰盖底部的反射率,从而对冰盖底部环境,特别是冰下水文环境进行诊断。综述了雷达波在冰盖内部衰减处理的三种方法,分析了它们的适用性及局限性,并对这些方法应用于诊断冰盖底部的环境以及方法本身可能的改进进行了讨论。     

Seismic body waves in anisotropic media: synthetic seismograms

Summary. Synthetic seismograms and particle motion diagrams are computed for simple, layered Earth models containing an anisotropic layer. The presence of anisotropy couples the P, SV and SH wave motion so that P waves incident on the anisotropic layer from below produce P, SV and small-amplitude SH waves at the surface both the P velocity and the amplitudes of the converted phases vary with azimuth. Significant SH amplitudes may be generated even when the wavelength of the P wave is much greater than the thickness of the anisotropic layer. Incident SV or SH waves may each generate large amplitudes of both SV and SH motion. This strong coupling is largely independent of the degree of velocity anisotropy of the medium. The arrivals from short-period S waves exhibit S-wave splitting, but arrivals from longer period S waves superpose into a modified waveform. This strong coupling does not allow the arrival of separate phases with pure SV and SH polarization except along directions of symmetry where the motion decouples.     

Time-lapse traveltime change of singly scattered acoustic waves

We present a technique based on the single-scattering approximation that relates time-lapse localized changes in the propagation velocity to changes in the traveltime of singly scattered waves. We describe wave propagation in a random medium with homogeneous statistical properties as a single-scattering process where the fluctuations of the velocity with respect to the background velocity are assumed to be weak. This corresponds to one of two end-member regimes of wave propagation in a random medium, the first being single scattering, and the second multiple scattering. We present a formulation that relates the change in the traveltime of the scattered waves to a localized change in the propagation velocity by means of the Born approximation for the scattered wavefield. We validate the methodology with synthetic seismograms calculated with finite differences for 2-D acoustic waves. Potential applications of this technique include non-destructive evaluation of heterogeneous materials and time-lapse monitoring of heterogeneous reservoirs.