Seismic anisotropy of the crystalline crust: what does it tell us?

The study of the directional dependence of seismic velocities (seismic anisotropy) promises more refined insight into mineral composition and physical properties of the crystalline crust than conventional deep seismic refraction or reflection profiles providing average values of P-and S-wave velocities. The alignment of specific minerals by ductile rock deformation, for instance, causes specific types of seismic anisotropy which can be identified by appropriate field measurements.
Vice versa , the determination of anisotropy can help to discriminate between different rock candidates in the deep crust. Seismic field measurements at the Continental Deep Drilling Site (KTB, S Germany) are shown as an example that anisotropy has to be considered in crustal studies. At the KTB, the dependence of seismic velocity on the direction of wave propagation in situ was found to be compatible with the texture, composition and fracture density of drilled crustal rocks.     

Azimuthal variation of Pg velocity in the Moldanubian, Czech Republic: observations based on a multi-azimuthal common-shot experiment

We study the azimuthal velocity variation of Pg waves in the Moldanubian, which is a crystalline segment within the Bohemian Massif in the Czech Republic. We use the data from a multi-azimuthal common-shot experiment performed as part of the ALP 2002 refraction experiment, complemented by profile refraction data from the CELEBRATION 2000 experiment. We analyze the travel times of waves recorded by 72 portable seismic stations deployed along two circles with radii of 35 and 45 km around a shot. The observed travel times display an azimuthal variation indicating anisotropy of 2%. The minimum and maximum velocity values are 5.83 and 5.95 km/s, respectively. The direction of the maximum velocity is N50°E. These values characterize horizontal anisotropy of the uppermost crust down to 3 km. The strength and orientation of uppermost crustal anisotropy in the Moldanubian is consistent with the overall upper crustal anisotropy in the entire Bohemian Massif. The high-velocity direction is roughly perpendicular to the present-day maximum compressive stress in the Bohemian Massif and Central Europe and coincides with the orientation of structures formed by the main Variscan tectonic events in the area. This indicates that the anisotropy is caused predominantly by alignment of textural elements and minerals in the rocks, which developed in early geological stages rather than by a preferred orientation of cracks or microcracks due to present-day stress. If the crack-induced anisotropy is present in the medium, then its strength should not exceed 1% and the cracks should be water saturated.     

The effect of crustal anisotropy on reflector depth and velocity determination from wide-angle seismic data: a synthetic example based on South Island, New Zealand

When deriving velocity models by forward modelling or inverting travel time arrivals from seismic refraction data, a heterogeneous but isotropic earth is usually assumed. In regions where the earth is not isotropic at the scale at which it is being sampled, the assumption of isotropy can lead to significant errors in the velocities determined for the crust and the depths calculated to reflecting boundaries. Laboratory velocity measurements on rocks collected from the Haast Schist terrane of South Island, New Zealand, show significant (up to 20%) compressional (P) wave velocity anisotropy. Field data collected parallel and perpendicular to the foliation of the Haast Schist exhibit as much as 11% P-wave velocity anisotropy. We demonstrate, using finite-difference full-wavefield modelling, the types of errors and problems that might be encountered if isotropic methods are used to create velocity models from data collected in anisotropic regions. These reflector depth errors could be as much as 10–15% for a 10-km thick layer with significant (20%) P-wave velocity anisotropy. The implications for South Island, New Zealand, where the problem is compounded by extreme orientations of highly anisotropic rocks (foliation which varies from horizontal to near vertical), are considered. Finally, we discuss how the presence of a significant subsurface anisotropic body might manifest itself in wide-angle reflection/refraction and passive seismic datasets, and suggest ways in which such datasets may be used to determine the presence and extent of such anisotropic bodies.     

Effect of fabric anisotropy on compressional-wave propagation in various metamorphic rocks for the range 20–700°C at 2 kbars

In all rocks investigated (peridotite, amphibolite, serpentinite, marble) the observed seismic anisotropy is primarily a consequence of preferred orientation of minerals and of the elastic anisotropy of the constituent minerals of the rocks. Generally the compressional-wave velocity decreases with temperature. The amount of velocity decrease, however, is different in the various rock types and even for different directions in the same anisotropic media. Fabric-induced seismic anisotropy is not drastically reduced with temperature. In the amphibolite, and especially in the serpentinite seismic anisotropy even increases with temperature. It is expected that the preferred orientation of minerals may have an effect on wave propagation even at great depths in the earth's crust and in the upper mantle.     

Reflection and refraction seismics in areas of complex geology. An example in the Northern Apennines

An experimental survey, employing refraction wide-angle reflection seismic techniques (DSS: deep seismic soundings) was carried out in the Northern Apennines (North Italy). The main objective of the experiment was the application of DSS to better-define the structure of the upper crust, down to about 15 km depth, in the crucial Alps–Apennines boundary zone. A second objective was to understand the potential of DSS as a complementary tool in areas of complex geology, where the results of near vertical reflection (NVR) are generally poor. The results of the experiment show that DSS, if properly planned, can continuously follow deep markers, and therefore impart a greater significance to faint and discontinuous NVR, as well as data on the P– wave velocity of the seismic units.     

岩溶地区复杂条件下的浅层地震方法应用研究

地震记录质量的好坏极大地影响地震方法解释的可靠程度.在岩溶地区复杂地质条件下,为了获取高质量的记录,合理地选择地震方法,合适地布置测线,尽一切努力来压制干扰,是取得探测成功的关键.探测实例表明,在覆盖层厚度不超过20m的条件下,浅层地震反射法、折射法联合探测可获得良好的地质效果.作为一种有效的探查技术,等偏移横波(SH)反射法具有探测迅速,易于探测土洞、地下岩溶裂隙带的特点.     

Natural rock joint roughness quantification through fractal techniques

Accurate quantification of roughness is important in modeling hydro-mechanical behavior of rock joints. A highly refined variogram technique was used to investigate possible existence of anisotropy in natural rock joint roughness. Investigated natural rock joints showed randomly varying roughness anisotropy with the direction. A scale dependant fractal parameter, K _v, seems to play a prominent role than the fractal dimension, D _r1d, with respect to quantification of roughness of natural rock joints. Because the roughness varies randomly, it is impossible to predict the roughness variation of rock joint surfaces from measurements made in only two perpendicular directions on a particular sample. The parameter D _r1d × K _v seems to capture the overall roughness characteristics of natural rock joints well. The one-dimensional modified divider technique was extended to two dimensions to quantify the two-dimensional roughness of rock joints. The developed technique was validated by applying to a generated fractional Brownian surface with fractal dimension equal to 2.5. It was found that the calculated fractal parameters quantify the rock joint roughness well. A new technique is introduced to study the effect of scale on two-dimensional roughness variability and anisotropy. The roughness anisotropy and variability reduced with increasing scale.     

湖南道县辉长岩包体的组构与波速各向异性研究及其意义

辉长岩包体的主要造岩矿物斜长石、单斜辉石的组构测定结果表明 :条带状辉长岩的斜长石组构为结晶b轴的优选定向 ,推测其成因是在重力作用占主导并伴有低应力的情况下形成的。宏观呈块状的辉长岩 ,在微观组构上仍有定向线理存在。经由组构、岩石密度、矿物组成计算得到的理论波速各向异性与实测波速得到的一致 ,从而表明地震波的各向异性对矿物组构的强烈依赖性。推测道县辉长岩包体的波速各向异性反映了下地壳地震波的一般特征。其组构特征反映了该区中、新生代下地壳的变形特征。     

Fifty years of seismic anisotropy studies in Russia

This is a historic overview of seismic anisotropy studies in Russia run as part of seismic exploration work in the 1940s through the 1980s, with a focus on main research lines. At the early stage in the 1940s through 1950s, most important contributions belonged to A.G. Tarkhov, Yu.V. Risnichenko, and S.M. Rytov (averaging the parameters of stratified media), I.I. Gurvich (processing reflection and refraction traveltime curves in media with elliptical anisotropy), and N.I. Berdennikova (shear-wave velocity anisotropy). In the 1960s–1980s, there were two basic schools of thought: one of G.I. Petrashen’, with a more theoretical approach, and the other of N.N. Puzyrev dealing more with experimental work. Most of experiments addressed a newly discovered phenomenon of azimuthal anisotropy. This anisotropy appearing as “anomalous” polarization of shear and converted waves was found out to result from vertical fractures in rocks. The unusual polarization became understood owing to Klem-Musatov’s model of a subsurface with a system of aligned cracks. The problem was fully resolved after field data had been processed with an algorithm by I.R. Obolentseva and S.B. Gorshkalev, for separating the total field of interfering shear waves of two types into fast and slow phases polarized in crack-parallel and crack-orthogonal directions, respectively.     

Wide-angle observations of ALP 2002 shots on the TRANSALP profile: Linking the two DSS projects

Dynamite shots of the crustal-scale refraction seismic project ALP 2002 were recorded by an array of 40 seismological three-component stations on the TRANSALP profile. These observations provide a direct link between the two deep seismic projects. We report preliminary results obtained from these data. In a first approach, we verified the TRANSALP refraction seismic velocity model computing travel times for several shots and comparing them to the new observations. The results generally confirm this model. Significant first-break travel time differences in and near the Tauern Window are explained by anisotropy. Large-scale features of the model, particularly the Moho structure, seem to be continuous towards the east. Travel time residuals of wide-angle reflections indicate a slight eastward dip component of the Adriatic Moho.     

VRANCEA99—the crustal structure beneath the southeastern Carpathians and the Moesian Platform from a seismic refraction profile in Romania

The VRANCEA99 seismic refraction experiment is part of an international and multidisciplinary project to study the intermediate depth earthquakes of the Eastern Carpathians in Romania. As part of the seismic experiment, a 300-km-long refraction profile was recorded between the cities of Bacau and Bucharest, traversing the Vrancea epicentral region in NNE–SSW direction.

The results deduced using forward and inverse ray trace modelling indicate a multi-layered crust. The sedimentary succession comprises two to four seismic layers of variable thickness and with velocities ranging from 2.0 to 5.8 km/s. The seismic basement coincides with a velocity step up to 5.9 km/s. Velocities in the upper crystalline crust are 5.9–6.2 km/s. An intra-crustal discontinuity at 18–31 km divides the crust into an upper and a lower layer. Velocities within the lower crust are 6.7–7.0 km/s. Strong wide-angle PmP reflections indicate the existence of a first-order Moho at a depth of 30 km near the southern end of the line and 41 km near the centre. Constraints on upper mantle seismic velocities (7.9 km/s) are provided by Pn arrival times from two shot points only. Within the upper mantle a low velocity zone is interpreted. Travel times of a PLP reflection define the bottom of this low velocity layer at a depth of 55 km. The velocity beneath this interface must be at least 8.5 km/s.

Geologic interpretation of the seismic data suggests that the Neogene tectonic convergence of the Eastern Carpathians resulted in thin-skinned shortening of the sedimentary cover and in thick-skinned shortening in the crystalline crust. On the autochthonous cover of the Moesian platform several blocks can be recognised which are characterised by different lithological compositions. This could indicate a pre-structuring of the platform at Mesozoic and/or Palaeozoic times with a probable active involvement of the Intramoesian and the Capidava–Ovidiu faults. Especially the Intramoesian fault is clearly recognisable on the refraction line. No clear indications of the important Trotus fault in the north of the profile could be found. In the central part of the seismic line a thinned lower crust and the low velocity zone in the uppermost mantle point to the possibility of crustal delamination and partial melting in the upper mantle.     

Seismic investigation of crust-mantle transition in continental rift systems - Jordan-Dead Sea rift and Rhinegraben

The recent acquisition of high-quality seismic refraction data in the Jordan—Dead Sea rift and adjacent areas has made possible the investigation of the dynamic properties of seismic P-waves refracted and reflected at the crust—upper mantle boundary.

These waves cause high-amplitude arrivals near the outer cusp of the travel-time curve which are followed by an abrupt decrease in amplitudes at increasing distances beyond the cusp.

It has been shown that such amplitude distributions can only be the result of a smooth rapid increase of velocity with depth. In the case of the Jordan—Dead Sea rift the amplitude distribution indicates the presence of a transition zone between the lower crust and upper mantle in which the velocity increases smoothly. The interpretation of seismic refraction data in the Rhinegraben indicates the existence of a similar transition zone. In both rifts the crust—mantle boundary outside the rift is represented by sharp velocity discontinuity.

The comparison of the velocity structure of the crust—upper mantle boundary suggests that a smooth transition zone at the base of the lower crust is a characteristic property of continental rifts which could be interpreted in terms of crust—mantle interaction.     

从地震层析速度确定原位岩土力学参数

地震纵横波层析成像速度与岩土弹性力学参数有关,多道面波分析（MASW）采用类似二维反射地震处理,得到共中点互相关道集（CMPCC）提取面波频散曲线,由面波频散曲线反演二维速度结构,在岩土结构分层等方面有良好的效果。通过同一剖面的折射地震波层析成像得到纵波速度结构,对岩土层的动弹模量和泊松比等力学参数进行分析,为下一步地质工程设计及岩土力学试验提供参考。     

Teleseismic p-wave traveltime residuals and deep structure of the Aegean region

Teleseismic P-wave traveltime residuals have been measured at the Greek seismic stations with respect to the Herrin 68 tables. In spite of the large scatter, some insight into crustal and upper-mantle structure of the Aegean region can be gained. The average absolute residuals (observed minus Herrin traveltimes) are of the order of + 2 s. The most plausible interpretation is an efficient low-velocity zone in the upper mantle. Simple estimates of densities and subsequently gravity with the aid of Birch's law suggest that the Aegean region is underlain by hot expanded upper mantle, perhaps involving partial melting. The relative P residuals (observed minus Herrin traveltime differences between a station and Athens) are generally positive and can be interpreted with lateral variations of the LVZ or of the crust. The latter interpretation is supported in some cases by seismic refraction data. The azimuthal variation of the relative residuals at stations on the non-volcanic arc bears a distinct relation with the arc orientation. At Archangelos (Rhodes) where we “see” through the Benioff zone, the residuals from N to W are between -1 and -2 s and indicate a high-velocity slab sinking below the Aegean sea. At Vamos (Crete), Valsamata (Kephallenia), and Joanina (Pindus Range) the largest (smallest) residuals are along directions parallel (perpendicular) to the arc. This can be interpreted by crustal thickening under the sedimentary arc and/or by velocity anisotropy with the maximum perpendicular to the arc. On the whole, our study supports the hypothesis that the Aegean region is a trench—island-arc—marginal-sea system.     

岩体结构面各向异性变异系数的尺寸效应研究

岩体结构面的各向异性与尺寸效应特征对其力学性质影响较大,综合考虑两者之间的相互关系对工程岩体稳定性评价具有重要意义。全面分析不同尺度结构面的各向异性分布,提出考虑正交方向三维形貌参数的各向异性变异系数AVC3D。通过渐进覆盖法统计4组天然岩体结构面10种不同采样尺寸的各向异性变异系数及其尺寸效应规律。结果表明：各向异性变异系数均随结构面尺寸增大而减小至定值,其与结构面尺寸具有较好的负对数函数关系;通过归一化处理,各向异性变异系数与结构面尺寸呈现较好的线性函数关系,表明各向异性变异系数具有分形结构,分维数D可以实现其尺寸效应的规律统计。该方法揭示了影响结构面形貌特征方向性变化的最大有效倾角 和粗糙系数C的增长幅度会随采样尺寸增大趋于稳定的变化机制,体现了当结构面达到各向异性尺寸效应的阈值后,会呈现出稳定的各向异性规律。     

基于3D雕刻技术的岩体结构面剪切各向异性研究

相同形貌结构面重复性剪切试验和各向异性剪切试验一直是岩体结构面剪切力学特性试验研究中的难点,而该问题对于工程岩体的开挖力学响应和稳定性分析、评价与控制至关重要,问题的关键在于同一种岩石的结构面形貌的再现。为此,基于3D扫描和3D雕刻技术,重复制备了3种不同粗糙度的大理岩结构面试样,开展了不同法向应力下相同形貌结构面的各向异性剪切试验。试验结果发现：（1）同一法向应力、不同剪切方向下,相同形貌结构面的剪切强度、剪胀和剪切破坏特征均呈现明显各向异性;（2）结构面粗糙度各向异性很大程度上决定了剪切强度的各向异性,两者具有较好的正相关性;（3）随着法向应力的升高,结构面剪切特征的各向异性有逐渐弱化的趋势。同时,研究还充分表明,3D雕刻技术是系统开展结构面剪切力学特征各向异性研究的可靠手段,可在将来研究中发挥更为重要的作用。     

The crustal structure beneath the Central Andean forearc and magmatic arc as derived from seismic studies — the PISCO 94 experiment in northern Chile (21°–23°S)

In this study, we present an interpretation of seismic refraction profiles from the PISCO 94 experiment in northern Chile. As the PISCO experiment was a combined active and passive seismological study, we also discuss results of the passive part in the context of the seismic refraction model. Previous seismic refraction and gravimetric studies indicate a maximum crustal thickness of about 70 km beneath the Pre- and Western Cordillera. The new seismic refraction data lead to a differentiated image of the Andean crust which shows strong varying characteristics. The crustal discontinuities (up to five are detected) dip from W to E. The upper crust has a thickness of 18 km (Precordillera) to 23 km (magmatic arc) underlain by the recent middle crust down to 35–45 km where the velocity increases to about 7 km/s at its base. This crustal level is interpreted as old continental lower crust and its base as blurred continental (paleo) Moho. Beneath the Precordillera, a strong discontinuity at 70 km depth with a velocity increase to about 8 km/s was detected, interpreted as the recent geophysical Moho. For the magmatic arc, this deep discontinuity could not be found by active seismic measurements. The tomographic models of the seismological studies, in general, confirm the seismic refraction results. Anomalously high v_p/v_s ratios in the deeper part of the forearc indicate a hydrated mantle wedge consisting of serpentine and amphibole-bearing peridotite and the 70 km discontinuity is interpreted as the boundary between these two different stages of the hydrated mantle wedge. A zone of high attenuation (Qp) and high v_p/v_s ratios beneath the magmatic arc coincides with the low velocity zones and indicates partially molten rocks from a depth of 20 km down to the asthenospheric wedge.     

Exploring the relative contribution of mineralogy and CPO to the seismic velocity anisotropy of evaporites

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.     

基于震源垂向组合的浅层低速带多次反射折射波压制方法

低速带发育地区地震记录中的多次反射折射波严重影响波场中相近的反射波，导致反射波形态畸变，影响了对地震资料的正确解释。在阐明浅层低速带多次反射折射波产生机理和传播规律的基础上，提出垂向组合双震源的压制方法。根据勘探前期小折射、微测井等方法获取浅层参数信息，结合多次反射折射波与有效波之间相对位置关系，给出需要对多次反射折射波进行压制的前提条件，然后根据震源组合公式计算得到垂向组合参数可选范围，用于调整低速带中垂向设置的两个震源的相对位置，在不影响目的层反射波的基础上压制多次反射折射波。在正演模拟和黄土塬勘探区试验中，对比了常规单炮记录与震源垂向组合记录。结果表明:震源垂向组合方法在一定程度上能较好地压制浅层低速带多次反射折射波，有效提高地震数据信噪比和解释精度。      

二维介质中的空间变量分离速度成像技术

二维介质速度成像的新方法是基于地震波的旅行时间，由射线路径沿线的速度分布特征所决定的，将二维介质中的速度分布用两个分别以二维空间坐标为自变量的勒让德多项式的线性组合来描述。根据走时积分方程，即可建立地震波走时与其射线路径沿线的速度分布之间的对应关系，进而重建出地震波射线覆盖区域的速度结构。该成像技术是一个迭代过程，且适用于折射波及反射波。