Impact of an 0.2 km3 Rock Avalanche on Lake Eibsee (Bavarian Alps,Germany) – Part I: Reconstruction of the paleolake and Effects of the Impact

Rock avalanches destroy and reshape landscapes in only a few minutes and are among the most hazardous processes on Earth. The surface morphology of rock avalanche deposits and the interaction with the underlying material are crucial for runout properties and reach. Water within the travel path is displaced, producing large impact waves and reducing friction, leading to long runouts. We hypothesize that the 0.2 km³ Holocene Eibsee rock avalanche from Mount Zugspitze in the Bavarian Alps overran and destroyed Paleolake Eibsee and left a unique sedimentological legacy of processes active during the landslide. We captured 9.5 km of electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) profiles across the rock avalanche deposits, with up to 120 m penetration depth and more than 34 000 datum points. The ERT profiles reveal up to ~50 m thick landslide debris, locally covering up to ~30 m of rock debris with entrained fine-grained sediments on top of isolated remnants of decametre-wide paleolake sediments. The ERT profiles allow us to infer processes involved in the interaction of the rock avalanche with bedrock, lake sediments, and morainal sediments, including shearing, bulging, and bulldozing. Complementary data from drilling, a gravel pit exposure, laboratory tests, and geomorphic features were used for ERT calibration. Sediments overrun by the rock avalanche show water-escape structures. Based on all of these datasets, we reconstructed both position and size of the paleolake prior to the catastrophic event. Our reconstruction of the event contributes to process an understanding of the rock avalanche and future modelling and hazard assessment. Here we show how integrated geomorphic, geophysical, and sedimentological approaches can provide detailed insights into the impact of a rock avalanche on a lake. © 2020 The Authors. Earth Surface Processes and Landforms published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd     

矿震震动波速度层析成像评估冲击危险的验证

矿震震动波速度层析成像,作为一种新的地球物理方法在冲击矿压危险评估领域具有广阔的应用前景,但截至目前,采用该技术评估冲击危险的现场应用研究还比较少,尤其是与传统监测手段的对比验证研究,还未见有相关文献报道.本文将层析成像技术和微震实时监测相结合,对河南义马跃进煤矿25110工作面回采过程中的P波速度进行了反演,并对比分析了该技术与传统监测手段之间的对应关系.研究结果表明,强矿震主要发生在高波速区或高波速变化梯度区;波速与数值模拟结果、钻屑量、钻孔应力值以及电磁辐射值之间存在正相关关系,且对应一致性较好,进而验证了矿震震动波速度层析成像技术评估冲击危险的可行性,同时也为进一步研究波速与应力或冲击危险的直接及定量关系提供参考.     

地震走时层析成像方法及在陨石坑探测中的应用

地震走时层析成像是地球物理反演中成熟的方法之一,已在许多领域得到广泛应用,并取得了良好的效果。本文介绍的地震层析成像方法包括模型参数化、射线追踪和理论走时计算、非线性方程组的线性化、线性化方程组的求解以及解的评价。观测数据使用了中国地震局地球物理勘探中心在岫岩陨石坑取得的浅层地震折射资料,反演得到两条近垂直交叉剖面的P波速度结构。结果表明,该坑为一简单坑,直接撞击形成的区域为直径约1．8km、深度约700m的坑体;坑中心深度约700m周围以及向下出现的7．0km／s以上的高波速可能是陨石撞击时所产生的高温高压使表层岩石达到熔融状态,改变了围岩的性质,致使围岩速度升高。     

Geophysical imaging of a kaolinite deposit at Sylvan,Manitoba, Canada

A geophysical survey was performed at Sylvan, Manitoba, Canada (51°5′N, 97°22′W) to investigate a Lower Cretaceous kaolinite deposit. The deposit consists of zones of kaolinite, silica sand, and lignitic clay located in a series of channels formed during karsting of the underlying Palaeozoic bedrock and is covered by 3 to 5 m of glacial drift. The aim of the study was to identify cost-efficient electrical and electromagnetic (EM) geophysical methods for locating, mapping, and assessing this target. Methods applied included terrain conductivity (EM31), VLF-EM, time-domain electromagnetics (TEM), DC-resistivity, and shallow seismic refraction. The survey showed that EM methods offer a viable alternative to more expensive seismic reflection surveys in the investigation of small industrial mineral deposits. Comparison of the geophysical survey results with those of a drilling program indicated that VLF-EM and TEM were the best methods for delineating the kaolinite deposit. VLF-EM was the most cost-efficient method for delineating the kaolinite deposit over a ca. 10 ha area and for exploring for further deposits within several kilometers of the main site. Joint interpretation of the in-phase and quadrature response is required for increased reliability in identifying the major kaolinite-filled channels. The TEM method provided more detailed resolution of the deposit than VLF-EM and was the optimal method for assessing its thickness. However, TEM data acquisition is too slow and inefficient for reconnaissance mapping of 10 ha sites. EM31 surveying is useful for defining the palaeokarst surface and overburden thickness in areas surrounding the deposit but cannot be used reliably for mapping the kaolinite deposit itself. The combined geophysical survey results show the kaolinite deposit at Sylvan to be located in a channel which is 100 m wide and about 25 m deep. The deposit has a bulk electrical conductivity between 13 mS m⁻¹ and 25 mS m⁻¹ consistent with low cation exchange capacity values measured for the kaolinite. The palaeokarst surface surrounding the deposit contains a series of sinuous, discontinuous, depressions with a depth variations of several meters.     

基于交叉梯度交替结构约束的二维地震走时与全通道直流电阻率联合反演

在利用不同的地球物理勘探方法对地下复杂介质成像时,因观测系统的非完备性及数据本身对某些岩石物性的不敏感性,单独成像的结果存在较大的不确定性和不一致性.对于地震体波走时成像与直流电阻率成像,均面临着成像阴影区问题.对于地震走时成像,地震射线对低速区域覆盖较差形成阴影区,造成低速区域分辨率降低.对于电阻率成像,电场线在高阻区域分布较少,造成高阻区域分辨率较低.为了提高地下介质成像的精度,Gallado和Meju(2003)提出了基于交叉梯度结构约束的联合地球物理成像方法.在要求不同的物性模型拟合各自对应的数据同时,模型之间的结构要求一致,即交叉梯度趋于零.为了更有效地实现基于交叉梯度的结构约束,我们提出了一种新的交替结构约束的联合反演流程,即交替反演不同的数据而且在反演一种数据时要求对应的模型与另一个模型结构一致.新的算法能够更容易地把单独的反演系统耦合在一起,而且也更容易建立结构约束和数据拟合之间的平衡.基于新的联合反演流程,我们测试了基于交叉梯度结构约束的二维跨孔地震走时和直流电阻率联合成像.合成数据测试表明,我们提出的交替结构约束流程能够很好地实现基于交叉梯度结构约束的联合成像.与单独成像结果相比,地震走时和全通道电阻率联合成像更可靠地确定了速度和电阻率异常.     

Insights into rock avalanche emplacement processes from detailed morpho‐lithological studies of the Tschirgant deposit (Tyrol,Austria)

Large, rapid rockslope failures generate deposits with complex morphologies due to a number of causal and influencing factors. To investigate these, we conducted a detailed case study at the carbonate Tschirgant deposit (Tyrol, Austria). It preserved evidence of simultaneous rock sliding (very large, coherent hummocks) and rock avalanche spreading (smaller, more scattered hummocks and ridges). Motion indicators, such as longitudinal ridges furthermore pinpoint the transition between linear sliding and radial spreading. The lithological distribution in the Tschirgant deposit shows that it retained source stratigraphy despite being split into two accumulation lobes by a high bedrock ridge. Furthermore, lithology had a very strong control on the final deposit morphology in that the different lithologic units form individual deposit surfaces. River erosion has created fortuitous outcrops that reveal the basal rock avalanche contact. The underlying valley‐fill sediments (substrates) have been intricately involved in shaping the rock avalanche morphology and, where entrained, highlight internal rock avalanche deformation features. This study shows that intrinsic dynamic properties of granular media (e.g. tendency for longitudinal alignments), emplacement mode, lithology (and source predisposition), runout path topography, and substrates form the quintet of causal factors that shape rock avalanche morphology. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Runout of the Socompa volcanic debris avalanche, Chile: a mechanical explanation for low basal shear resistance

We propose a mechanical explanation for the low basal shear resistance (about 50 kPa) previously used to simulate successfully the complex, well-documented deposit morphology and lithological distribution produced by emplacement of the 25 km³ Socompa volcanic debris avalanche deposit, Chile. Stratigraphic evidence for intense basal comminution indicates the occurrence of dynamic rock fragmentation in the basal region of this large granular mass flow, and we show that such fragmentation generates a basal shear stress, retarding motion of the avalanche, that is a function of the flow thickness and intact rock strength. The topography of the Socompa deposit is realistically simulated using this fragmentation-derived resistance function. Basal fragmentation is also compatible with the evidence from the deposit that reflection of the avalanche from topography caused a secondary wave that interacted with the primary flow.     

井震联合分析预测神狐海域天然气水合物可能的垂向分布

已有的地质与地球物理信息表明南中国海北部陆坡神狐海域存在天然气水合物,2007年钻井和取样结果证实其以细颗粒均匀存在于水合物稳定带内,但区域分布范围极不规则.由于测井记录长度和取样深度的范围有限,天然气水合物垂向分布特征难以确定.为了深入了解此区域天然气水合物深度上的分布规律,对SH7井的多种测井数据进行综合分析并与地震反射特征建立联系,得到三个主要的沉积物性变化层位并以此为基础进行叠后数据的伪井约束反演,结果表明在已证实的含水合物层之下还存在高速层.而AVO叠前正演模拟分析结果与实际地震数据对比表明,研究区的天然气水合物稳定带可能由含水合物沉积物与饱水沉积物的薄互层组成,这就意味着在取样获得天然气水合物样品的深度之下,很可能存在另一个含水合物层.     

Theory of EM monitoring of sea bottom geothermal areas

Monitoring of geophysical conditions of marine sedimentary basins is necessary for predicting seismic events and for adaptation of geothermal technologies for seismically active (as a rule) sea bottom geothermal areas. These conditions are characterized by seismo-hydro-electromagnetic (EM) geophysical field interaction in the presence of gravity. Based on the main physical principles, geophysical and petrophysical data, we formulate a mathematical model of seismo-hydro-EM interaction in a basin of a marginal sea and calculate the transformation of a seismic excitation in the upper mantle under the central part of the sea of Japan into the low-frequency (0.1 to 10 Hz) EM signals at the top of the sea bottom sedimentary layer, at the sea surface and in the atmosphere up to the lower boundary of the ionosphere. Physics of the EM generation and propagation process is shown including: generation of EM waves in the upper mantle layer M by a seismic wave from under M, spatial modulation of diffusive EM waves by a seismic wave, stopping of the EM wave arrived (before the seismic P wave) from the upper mantle at the top of the sediments because of the high electric conductivity of seawater (3.5 S/m), immediate penetration of the EM wave through the seawater thickness after the delayed seismic P wave shock into the sea bottom, and EM emission from the sea surface into the atmosphere. Let us note that the EM signal in the sea bottom sediments is the first measurable signal of a seismic activation of geological structures beneath the seafloor and this signal is protected by seawater from the influence ionosphere disturbances. Amplitude of the computed magnetic signals (300, 200, 50, and 30 pT at the ocean–atmosphere interface and at the height of 10, 30 and 50 km, respectively), their predominant frequency (0.25 Hz), the delay of the seismic P wave in regard to the magnetic signal for the receivers at the shore (20 s), the amplitude of temperature disturbances in sediments (up to 0.02 K), the parameters of the long (150 km) tsunami wave of a small (up to 20 cm) amplitude far from the shore and other values that characterize the seismo-hydro-EM process are of the orders observed. Recommendations for the EM monitoring of dynamic processes beneath seafloor geothermal areas are given.     

Using near-surface seismic refraction tomography and multichannel analysis of surface waves to detect shallow tunnels: A feasibility study

Near-surface seismic refraction and surface wave data were collected at a site to determine the feasibility and limitations of using these seismic methods to detect and localize a shallow tunnel in unconsolidated sediments. Data sets were collected both before and after the construction of the tunnel. We were able to detect the air-filled cavity using multichannel analysis of surface waves. The refraction tomography results showed the tunnel location in the raypath coverage plots, but only small velocity variations were observed. In tandem the two methods would reduce false positives, but individually the false alarm rate would likely be high due to non-uniqueness of the results. In this geologic setting, these methods are not the best choice of geophysical methods to detect clandestine tunnels and should be combined with other geophysical techniques to improve and constrain interpretations.     

Application of electrical and electromagnetic methods to study sedimentary covers in high mountain areas

The results of geophysical studies conducted with selected electrical and electromagnetic methods in the Kondratowa Valley in the Tatra Mountains (the Carpathian Mountains, Poland) are presented in the article. The surveys were performed with the following methods: electrical resistivity tomography (ERT), georadar (GPR) and conductivity meter (CM). The objective of the noninvasive geophysical measurements was to determine the thickness of the Quaternary postglacial sediments that fill the bottom of the valley and to designate the accumulation of boulders deposited on Quaternary sediments. The results of ERT surveys conducted along the axis of the valley allowed to determine the changeability of the thickness of the postglacial sediments and allowed to designate a few areas of occurrence of boulders. The ERT, GPR and CM surveys conducted across the valley allowed to designate with high accuracy the thickness of the accumulation of boulders sliding down the valley bottom from the couloirs surrounding the valley.     

Seismic characterization of shallow bedrock sites with multimodal Monte Carlo inversion of surface wave data

Sites with a limited overburden over a stiff basement are of particular relevance for seismic site response. The characterization of such stratigraphies by means of surface wave methods poses some difficulties in interpretation. Indeed the presence of sharp seismic contrasts between the sediments and the shallow bedrock is likely to cause a relevance of higher modes in the surface wave apparent dispersion curve, which must be properly taken into account in order to provide reliable results. In this study a Monte Carlo algorithm based on a multimodal misfit function has been used for the inversion of experimental dispersion curves. Case histories related to the characterization of stations of the Italian accelerometric network are reported. Spectral ratios and amplification functions associated to each site are moreover evaluated to provide an independent benchmark test. The results show the robustness of the inversion method in such non-trivial conditions and the possibility of getting an estimate of uncertainty related to solution non-uniqueness.     

Semiautomatic and Automatic Cooperative Inversion of Seismic and Magnetotelluric Data

Natural source electromagnetic methods have the potential to recover rock property distributions from the surface to great depths. Unfortunately, results in complex 3D geo-electrical settings can be disappointing, especially where significant near-surface conductivity variations exist. In such settings, unconstrained inversion of magnetotelluric data is inexorably non-unique. We believe that: (1) correctly introduced information from seismic reflection can substantially improve MT inversion, (2) a cooperative inversion approach can be automated, and (3) massively parallel computing can make such a process viable. Nine inversion strategies including baseline unconstrained inversion and new automated/semiautomated cooperative inversion approaches are applied to industry-scale co-located 3D seismic and magnetotelluric data sets. These data sets were acquired in one of the Carlin gold deposit districts in north-central Nevada, USA. In our approach, seismic information feeds directly into the creation of sets of prior conductivity model and covariance coefficient distributions. We demonstrate how statistical analysis of the distribution of selected seismic attributes can be used to automatically extract subvolumes that form the framework for prior model 3D conductivity distribution. Our cooperative inversion strategies result in detailed subsurface conductivity distributions that are consistent with seismic, electrical logs and geochemical analysis of cores. Such 3D conductivity distributions would be expected to provide clues to 3D velocity structures that could feed back into full seismic inversion for an iterative practical and truly cooperative inversion process. We anticipate that, with the aid of parallel computing, cooperative inversion of seismic and magnetotelluric data can be fully automated, and we hold confidence that significant and practical advances in this direction have been accomplished.     

Integrating basin modeling with seismic technology and rock physics

We explore the link between basin modelling and seismic inversion by applying different rock physics models. This study uses the E‐Dragon II data in the Gulf of Mexico. To investigate the impact of different rock physics models on the link between basin modelling and seismic inversion, we first model relationships between seismic velocities and both (1) porosity and (2) effective stress for well‐log data using published rock physics models. Then, we build 1D basin models to predict seismic velocities derived from basin modelling with different rock physics models, in a comparison with average sonic velocities measured in the wells. Finally, we examine how basin modelling outputs can be used to aid seismic inversion by providing constraints for the background low‐frequency model. For this, we run different scenarios of inverting near angle partial stack seismic data into elastic impedances to test the impact of the background model on the quality of the inversion results. The results of the study suggest that the link between basin modelling and seismic technology is a two‐way interaction in terms of potential applications, and the key to refine it is establishing a rock physics models that properly describes changes in seismic signatures reflecting changes in rock properties.     

Electrical resistivity and seismic refraction tomography to detect buried cavities

Near‐surface cavities can pose serious hazards to human safety, especially in highly urbanized town centres. The location of subsurface voids, the estimation of their size and the evaluation of the overburden thickness are necessary to assess the risk of collapse. In this study, electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) and seismic refraction tomography data are integrated in a joint interpretation process for cavity location in the city of Rome. ERT is a well established and widely employed method for cavity detection. However, additional information provided by seismic refraction tomography is capable of eliminating some potential pitfalls in resistivity data interpretation. We propose that the structure of the cavities defined by ERT can be used as a base to optimize seismic refraction tomography investigations within the framework of a joint interpretation process. Data integration and the insertion of a priori information are key issues for reducing the uncertainties associated with the inversion process and for optimizing both acquisition procedures and computation time. Herein, the two geophysical methods are tested on both synthetic and real data and the integration of the results is found to be successful in detecting isolated cavities and in assessing their geometrical characteristics. The cavity location inferred by geophysical non‐invasive methods has been subsequently confirmed by direct inspection.     

Seismic anisotropy analysis at the Low-Noise Underground Laboratory (LSBB) of Rustrel (France)

Seismic anisotropy of a fractured karstic limestone massif in sub-parallel underground galleries is studied. As the fractures are mostly vertically oriented, the seismic properties of the massif are approximated by horizontal transverse isotropy (HTI). Several data inversion methods were applied to a seismic dataset of arrival-times of P and S-waves.The applied methods include: isotropic tomography, simple cosine function fit, homogeneous Monte-Carlo anisotropic inversion for the parameters of horizontal transverse isotropy and anisotropic tomography for tilted transversely isotropic bodies. All methods lead to the conclusion that there is indeed an anisotropy present in the rock massif and confirm the direction of maximum velocity parallel to the direction of fracturing. Strong anisotropy of about 15% is found in the studied area. Repeated measurements show variations of the P-wave parameters, but not of the S-wave parameters, which is reflecting a change in water saturation.     

Surface and downhole shear wave seismic methods for thick soil site investigations

Shear wave velocity–depth information is required for predicting the ground motion response to earthquakes in areas where significant soil cover exists over firm bedrock. Rather than estimating this critical parameter, it can be reliably measured using a suite of surface (non-invasive) and downhole (invasive) seismic methods. Shear wave velocities from surface measurements can be obtained using SH refraction techniques. Array lengths as large as 1000 m and depth of penetration to 250 m have been achieved in some areas. High resolution shear wave reflection techniques utilizing the common midpoint method can delineate the overburden-bedrock surface as well as reflecting boundaries within the overburden. Reflection data can also be used to obtain direct estimates of fundamental site periods from shear wave reflections without the requirement of measuring average shear wave velocity and total thickness of unconsolidated overburden above the bedrock surface. Accurate measurements of vertical shear wave velocities can be obtained using a seismic cone penetrometer in soft sediments, or with a well-locked geophone array in a borehole. Examples from thick soil sites in Canada demonstrate the type of shear wave velocity information that can be obtained with these geophysical techniques, and show how these data can be used to provide a first look at predicted ground motion response for thick soil sites.     

地震层析成像技术在岩体完整性测试中的应用

地震波层析成像借鉴了医学上X射线断面扫描的基本原理,利用地震波穿过地质体后走时及能量的改变等物理信息,通过数学处理重建地质体内部图像,从而得到所研究地质体的岩性及构造分布。本文利用这种方法,在一个钻孔中利用电火花震源激了弹性波,在另一个钻孔布设多个检波点同时接收,拾取弹性波初至时间,将接收到的数据利用SIRT方法进行反演迭代计算,最终形成一个弹性波速度谱图,然后利用岩土体的弹性波速度差异推断岩体完整性分布。与其它测试方法比较,该方法分辨率高,空间位置准确,在工程物探、岩土工程勘察中具有较好的应用前景。     

Three-dimensional seismic velocity structure of the Tibetan Plateau and its eastern neighboring areas with implications to the model of collision between continents

Since the collision of Indian subcontinent to Eurasia, a huge quantity of crustal materials from India has been penetrated into the crust or mantle of Eurasia. Investigation of the place, on which those materials have been deposited is a key problem for constructing a model of collision between continents. The results of three-dimensional seismic velocity structure obtained from seismic tomography technique may provide an evidence of the deposit of anomalous materials in the crust and upper mantle of the Tibetan Plateau and its neighboring areas. A detailed analysis of the results from the seismic surface wave tomography has deduced a new model of the continental collision from India to Eurasia. It is compatible to the velocity data obtained from other geological and geophysical observations. The main points of the new model of the continental collision from Indian to Eurasia can be summarized as follows:

1. The Indian crust has been penetrating into the lower crust of Tibetan Plateau, instead of into the uppermost mantle beneath the crust or the asthenosphere of Tibetan Plateau;
2. The surplus materials from the Tibetan lower crust have been squeezed and thrusted into the asthenosphere of its eastern neighboring areas (Qinghai-Sichuan-Yunnan) through the broken Moho;
3. Some hot materials were intruded into the crust from the uppermost mantle in Tibetan Plateau and Sichuan-Yunnan provinces. The intruded hot materials may reach the ground surface (such as the Tibetan Plateau) or a depth about 25 km (such as Sichuan-Yunnan provinces) depending on the different local environmental conditions. The extensional geological structures in those regions are closely related to the intrusion of hot materials.