Subsurface characterization using seismic refraction and surface wave methods: a case of Lagos State University, Ojo, Lagos State

This study contains the finding of geophysical investigations conducted at the proposed science complex site at Lagos State University, Ojo, Lagos, Nigeria. Surface wave and seismic refraction tests are non-invasive seismic techniques and have been used to determine the shear wave velocity profile of soil deposits. The methods provide a simplified characterization of subsurface in two-dimensional (2D) (distance and depth) profiles. Seismic records obtained were processed/analyzed by Seis-Imager software to obtain one-dimensional shear wave velocity (Vs) distribution. Multiple Vs obtained were integrated and used to construct two-dimensional Vs map. The measured P- and S-wave velocities were also used to estimate Poisson’s ratio, rigidity modulus, and N-values. The study had shown that the area investigated composed mainly of loose sediments (clay formation) to the depth of 12 m with P-wave velocity ranging between 125 and 205 m/s and corresponding S-wave velocity between 60 and 100 m/s. The results presented in this study will be vital information for the engineers in construction of the proposed science complex.     

Crustal structure in Tengchong Volcano-Geothermal Area, western Yunnan, China

Based upon the deep seismic sounding profiles carried out in the Tengchong Volcano-Geothermal Area (TVGA), western Yunnan Province of China, a 2-D crustal P velocity structure is obtained by use of finite-difference inversion and forward travel-time fitting method. The crustal model shows that a low-velocity anomaly zone exists in the upper crust, which is related to geothermal activity. Two faults, the Longling–Ruili Fault and Tengchong Fault, on the profile extend from surface to the lower crust and the Tengchong Fault likely penetrates the Moho. Moreover, based on teleseismic receiver functions on a temporary seismic network, S-wave velocity structures beneath the geothermal field show low S-wave velocity in the upper crust. From results of geophysical survey, the crust of TVGA is characterized by low P-wave and S-wave velocities, low resistivity, high heat-flow value and low Q. The upper mantle P-wave velocity is also low. This suggests presence of magma in the crust derived from the upper mantle. The low-velocity anomaly in upper crust may be related to the magma differentiation. The Tengchong volcanic area is located on the northeast edge of the Indian–Eurasian plate collision zone, away from the eastern boundary of the Indian plate by about 450 km. Based on the results of this paper and related studies, the Tengchong volcanoes can be classified as plate boundary volcanoes.     

http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1674987113001369

The 3-D P- and S-wave velocity models of the upper crust beneath Southwest Iberia are determined by inverting arrival time data from local earthquakes using a seismic tomo~raphy method. We used a total of 3085 P- and 2780 S-wave high quality arrival times from 886 local earthquakes recorded by a per- manent seismic network, which is operated by the Institute of Meteorology （IM）, Lisbon, Portugal. The computed P- and S-wave velocities are used to determine the 3-D distributions of Vp/Vs ratio. The 3-D velocity and Vp/Vs ratio images display clear lateral heterogeneities in the study area. Significant veloc- ity variations up to ~6% are revealed in the upper crust beneath Southwest lberia, At 4 km depth, both P- and S-wave velocity take average to high values relative to the initial velocity model, while at 12 km, low P-wave velocities are clearly visible along the coast and in the southern parts. High S-wave velocities at 12 km depth are imaged in the central parts, and average values along the coast; although some scattered patches of low and high S-wave velocities are also revealed. The Vp/Vs rztio is generally high at depths of 4 and 12 km along the coastal parts with some regions of high Vp/Vs ratio in the north at 4 km depth, and low Vp/Vs ratio in the central southern parts at a depth of 12 km, The imaged low velocity and high Vp/Vs ratios are related to the thick saturated and unconsolidated sediments covering the region; whereas the high velocity regions are generally associated with the Mesozoic basement rocks.     

韧性剪切带中片麻岩和超高压榴辉岩变形特征及其与地震波速各向异性的关系：来自中国大陆科学钻探（CCSD）680～1200米岩心的证据

中国大陆科学钻探(CCSD)680-1200米区段发育了多个韧性剪切带,带中主要岩石类型包括片麻岩和超高压榴辉岩。片麻岩中的变形石英、面理化榴辉岩中的拉长石榴石和绿辉石的应变轴比都表现为X>Y>Z,Flinn系数分别为0.11-0.27、0.22-0.23和0.23-0.24。随着糜棱岩化作用的增强,变形石英的C轴组构由Z轴极密逐渐向Y轴极密和叶理面上的大圆环带转变。在常温常压下测试了样品的波速,计算出片麻岩Vp和Vs的各向异性分别为30.17％-60.97％和11.52％-35.79％,榴辉岩Vp和Vs的各向异性分别为0.17％-11.19％和2.41％-6.70％。影响各向异性的主要因素有岩石的结构构造、矿物的晶格优选方位(LPO)、形态优选方位(SPO)和定向微裂隙。随着糜棱岩化作用的增强,岩石的P波各向异性逐 渐升高。变形岩石中的黑云母、石英、绿辉石的LPO和SPO是地震波各向异性的主要控制因素。饱水后的片麻岩样品的P波各向异性明显低于干燥片麻岩样品。在东海钻井中的强反射带主要是由于不同岩层之间的波阻抗差异而造成的,榴辉岩/强退变榴辉岩和黑云斜长片麻岩之间的接触界面会产生较强的地震深反射。此外,与LPO相关的地震波各向异性会增强地震波的反射,所以韧性剪切带中的糜棱岩化片麻岩可能是地震反射的良好载体。韧性剪切带中岩石弹性波速度的强各向     

Application of high-resolution seismic techniques in the evaluation of earthquake site response, Ottawa Valley, Canada

High-resolution seismic surveys, including P- and S-wave studies, have been conducted in an area of the Ottawa River valley located 80 km east of Ottawa (Canada). Based on dating of paleolandslides, the existence of paleoearthquake activity has been postulated in this area. The target zone for the seismic survey is characterized by surface disturbance and sediment deformation. P-wave seismic imaging was used to map the overburden–bedrock interface as well as to indicate reflecting boundaries within the overburden. The area of surface disturbance was found to overlie a buried bedrock basin, 8 km in diameter, infilled with a maximum thickness of 180 m of unconsolidated Quaternary sediments. Preliminary results of core logging show the presence of sand overlain by deformed fine sediments within the disturbed area. Shear-refraction studies reveal differences in the velocity–depth profiles between the disturbed area and the surrounding undisturbed areas. The shear-wave reflection method was used to produce a fundamental resonant period map for the area. Surface sediment disturbance was probably due to a combination of ground-motion amplification due to the basin (thick soft sediments) and the presence of water-saturated sand at depth.     

Optimization of the Rock Physical Model in Tight Sandstone Reservoir

Krief model, Nur model and Pride-Lee model are usually used to calculate dry rock modulus of sandstone reservoirs, but they are not effective for tight sandstone reservoirs. Based on Krief model and Nur model, and minimizing the difference between predicted P-wave or S-wave velocities and measured velocities, we acquireed lithologic index m in Krief model and critical porosity ?_c in Nur model by Gassmann relationship. The empirical parameters used in the models are expressed as the values changing with depth, so the accuracy of Krief and Nur models to estimate the P-wave and S-wave velocities was improved, and these two models are called as the variable parameter Krief model and the variable parameter Nur model. In addition, comparing with prediction accuracy of P-wave and S-wave velocities under different constraints, we can see that the shear modulus formulas in the three models are more accurate and more suitable in the tight sandstone reservoir. Han’s relationship about K_dry and u_dry is not affected by porosity, lithology and other factors, and the paper established dry rock model by Han’s relationship and any one of the above three models. The new dry rock model was applied in the Gassmann relationship to predict S-wave velocity of H8 tight sandstone reservoir in Sulige Gas Filed, Ordos Basin, which improved the accuracy of predicting S-wave velocity. At the same time, lithology index m in Krief model, critical porosity ?_c in Nur model and consolidation parameters c in Pride-Lee model which are corresponding to each sample can be obtained. The values of these parameters can reflect lithology difference, pore structure, compaction degree and other characteristics, which indicate the geological characteristics of the reservoir.     

Imaging the heterogeneous source area of the 2003 M6.4 northern Miyagi earthquake, NE Japan, by double-difference tomography

A shallow M6.4 inland earthquake occurred on 26 July 2003 in the northern part of Miyagi Prefecture, northeastern Japan. This earthquake was a typical inland thrust earthquake, a type that is common in NE Japan. We obtained a detailed seismic velocity structure in the focal area of this earthquake by the double-difference tomography method. Arrival-time data came from temporary seismic stations deployed above the mainshock fault plane. Both the P-wave and S-wave velocities in the hanging wall were lower than those in the footwall. Aftershocks were aligned along a zone where the seismic velocity changes rapidly. This is consistent with the interpretation that the 2003 northern Miyagi earthquake occurred along a fault that acted as a normal fault in the Miocene and has been reactivated as a reverse fault under the present compressional stress regime. The large slip area by the main shock rupture (asperity) corresponds to an area with relatively high P- and S-wave velocities. A zone with low V_p/V_s was detected along the aftershock area. One of the possible causes of this low-V_p/V_s zone is the existence of high-aspect-ratio pores that contain water. Hypocenters of the main shock, largest foreshock, and largest aftershock are also located within the low-V_p/V_s zone.     

Tomographic models and seismotectonics of the Reggio Emilia region, Italy

The aim of this study is to define the Vp and Vp/Vs structure of the fault zone ruptured by the M_L 5.1 earthquake of October 15, 1996 which occurred near Reggio Emilia (central-northern Italy). A 1-month-long seismic sequence followed the mainshock and occurred in a small region along the outer border of the northern Apenninic belt, at depth ranging between 10 and 17 km. P- and S-wave arrival times from 304 aftershocks recorded by two local dense seismic arrays installed in the epicentral region have been inverted to obtain one- and three-dimensional velocity models by using state of the art local earthquake tomographic techniques. Velocity models and aftershock relocation help us to infer the seismotectonic of the region. Earthquakes originated along a NW-dipping backthrust of a NE-trending main thrust, composing the western part of the broad Ferrara Arc. A main high Vp and high Vp/Vs region delineates a pop-up structure in the center of the area. The high Vp/Vs within the pop-up structure supports the presence of a zone with increased pore pressure. The hypocentral depth of both mainshock and aftershocks is greater than those usually found for the main seismogenic regions of the Apenninic belt. P-wave velocity values in the seismogenic area, obtained by tomography, are compatible with rocks of the Mesozoic cover and suggest that seismicity occurred within the Mesozoic units stack at present by compressional tectonics.     

干砂弹性参数测定的弯曲-伸展元试验

利用安装在共振柱测试系统中的弯曲-伸展元,开展了干砂中P波（压缩波）和S波（剪切波）的室内试验,详细地分析了干砂中P波和S波的信号特征,研究了输入频率、土体密实度和有效围压对输出信号的影响。对比各种信号分析方法,并参考共振柱试验结果确定了S波的传播时间。根据实测波速和波动理论,确定了土体的弹性参数,包括剪切模量,侧限模量和泊松比。研究结果表明,P波和S波的输出信号频率在一定程度上随输入信号频率、土体密实度和有效围压的增加而增加,且P波信号比S波信号更容易确定波的传播时间;土体的弹性模量随土体密实度和有效围压的增加而增加,但剪切模量增长比侧限模量快;土体的泊松比并非一个常数,随着土体密实度和有效围压的增加而下降。初步探讨了利用剪切模量估算泊松比,以方便实际工程应用。     

Experimental studies on the effects of fracture on the P and S wave velocity propagation in sedimentary rock (“Calcarenite del Salento”)

Experimental studies were carried out in laboratory in order to investigate the effects of fracture on compressional (P) wave and shear (S) wave velocity propagation and therefore the relations between seismic properties and rock mass parameters. The discontinuity index, I_d, fracture density parameter C, linear fracture parameter Γ and the rock quality designation (RQD) were used to describe the rock mass parameters. These parameters are analyzed and then related to the seismic properties. Four vertical aligned fractures were created on an intact calcarenite block, 0.6 m long, 0.4 m thick and 0.4 m width, by sawing. The measures were carried out in four different blocks of cacarenite, having the same physical properties, and in four different phases: in first block the fractures were filled with air; in the second block the fractures were filled with “terra rossa”; in third block the fractures were filled with wet “terra rossa” and in the fourth block the fractures were filled with clay. The test results were statistically analysed using the method of least squares regression and polynomial relationships with high correlation coefficient were found between the fractured rock parameters and P-wave, S-wave velocities and V_p/V_s ratio. The investigations suggest that the P-wave and S-wave velocities decrease with increasing the fracture parameters, while the V_p/V_s ratio increases with decreasing the fracture parameters.

Furthermore the results of the experimental studies were applied on the seismic refraction tomography data acquired in a great measurements campaign undertaken in the Adriatic salentina coast (south Italy) in order to monitor the coastal erosion.

The geophysical results, using the polynomial relationships between the fractured rock parameters and P-wave velocity, are in good agreement with the geomorphological and geological results.     

Applications of Engineering Seismology for Site Characterization

We determined the seismic model of the soil column within a residential project site in Istanbul, Turkey. Specifically, we conducted a refraction seismic survey at 20 locations using a receiver spread with 484.5-Hz vertical geophones at 2-m intervals. We applied nonlinear tomography to first-arrival times to estimate the P-wave velocity-depth profiles and performed Rayleigh-wave inversion to estimate the S-wave velocity-depth profiles down to a depth of 30 m at each of the locations. We then combined the seismic velocities with the geotechnical borehole information regarding the lithology of the soil column and determined the site-specific geotechnical earthquake engineering parameters for the site. Specifically, we computed the maximum soil amplification ratio, maximum surface-bedrock acceleration ratio, depth interval of significant acceleration, maximum soil-rock response ratio, and design spectrum periods TA-TB. We conducted reflection seismic surveys along five line traverses with lengths between 150 and 300 m and delineated landslide failure surfaces within the site. We recorded shot gathers at 2-m intervals along each of the seismic line traverses using a receiver spread with 4 840-Hz vertical geophones at 2-m intervals. We applied nonlinear tomograpby to first-arrival times to estimate a P-wave velocity-depth model and analyzed the reflected waves to obtain a seismic image of the deep near-surface along each of the line traverses.     

Lower lithospheric structure beneath the Trans-European Suture Zone from POLONAISE''97 seismic profiles

The large-scale POLONAISE'97 seismic experiment investigated the velocity structure of the lithosphere in the Trans-European Suture Zone (TESZ) region between the Precambrian East European Craton (EEC) and Palaeozoic Platform (PP). In the area of the Polish Basin, the P-wave velocity is very low (Vp <6.1 km/s) down to depths of 15–20 km, and the consolidated basement (Vp5.7–5.8 km/s) is 5–12 km deep. The thickness of the crust is 30 km beneath the Palaeozoic Platform, 40–45 km beneath the TESZ, and 40–50 km beneath the EEC. The compressional wave velocity of the sub-Moho mantle is >8.25 km/s in the Palaeozoic Platform and 8.1 km/s in the Precambrian Platform. Good quality record sections were obtained to the longest offsets of about 600 km from the shot points, with clear first arrivals and later phases of waves reflected/refracted in the lower lithosphere. Two-dimensional interpretation of the reversed system of travel times constrains a series of reflectors in the depth range of 50–90 km. A seismic reflector appears as a general feature at around 10 km depth below Moho in the area, independent of the actual depth to the Moho and sub-Moho seismic velocity. “Ringing reflections” are explained by relatively small-scale heterogeneities beneath the depth interval from 90 to 110 km. Qualitative interpretation of the observed wave field shows a differentiation of the reflectivity in the lower lithosphere. The seismic reflectivity of the uppermost mantle is stronger beneath the Palaeozoic Platform and TESZ than the East European Platform. The deepest interpreted seismic reflector with zone of high reflectivity may mark a change in upper mantle structure from an upper zone characterised by seismic scatterers of small vertical dimension to a lower zone with vertically larger seismic scatterers, possible caused by inclusions of partial melt.     

新疆哈密地区砂岩地震波速的实验研究及其对特殊地质填图物性工作的启示

本文在特殊地质填图的过程中研究了哈密地区砂岩的地震波速,利用ZBL-U520非金属超声检测仪和Autolab2000多功能岩石物性设备,在0~200 MPa(约0~7000 m地下深度)下研究了密度、孔隙度和压力三个因素对砂岩地震波速的影响。研究发现:砂岩的波速与密度呈正相关关系,但与孔隙度呈负相关关系;纵波与密度和孔隙度的线性关系好于横波;波速与压力呈对数关系。此外,本文还分析了ZBL-U520与Autolab2000两种仪器测试方法的适用性。最后针对地质填图的特点给出建议:在特殊地质填图中,不仅要按照规范采集标本,测试其在常温常压下的岩石波速,还应该适当考察不同地层压力状态下的速度特征,才能更全面地认识填图区地震波的性质。     

基于人工鱼群算法和SCA等效理论的井中横波速度预测方法

在建立页岩岩石物理模型的基础上,根据等效自相容近似(SCA)岩石物理模型,构建出岩石的纵波速度、横波速度与岩石密度、组分和孔隙度等的定量关系,得出使理论纵波速度和实际纵波速度最接近的孔隙纵横比,进而将该孔隙纵横比作为约束条件来实现横波速度预测。反演算法利用人工鱼群算法来计算最佳孔隙纵横比,并将预测的横波速度与实际测得的横波速度对比,证明了人工鱼群算法的有效性。     

Crustal Poisson’s ratio anomalies in the eastern part of North China and their origins

Seismic tomography can provide both fine P-wave and S-wave velocity structures of the crust and upper mantle.In addition,with proper computation,Poisson’s ratio images from the seismic velocities can be determined.However,it is unknown whether Poisson’s ratio images have any advantages when compared with the P-wave and S-wave velocity images.For the purposes of this study,high-resolution seismic tomography under the eastern part of North China region was used to determine detailed 3-D crustal P- and S-wave seismic velocities structure,as well as Poisson’s ratio images.Results of Poisson’s ratio imaging show high Poisson’s ratio(high-PR) anomalies located in the Hengshan-North Taihang-Zhangjiakou(H-NT-Z) region,demonstrating that Poisson’s ratio imaging can provide new geophysical constraints for regional tectonic evolution.The H-NT-Z region shows a prominent and continuous high-PR anomaly in the upper crust.Based on Poisson’s ratio images at different depths, we find that this high-PR anomaly is extending down to the middle crust with thickness up to about 26 km.According to rock physical property measurements and other geological data,this crustal Poisson’s ratio anomaly can be explained by Mesozoic partial melting of the upper mantle and basaltic magma underplating related to the lithospheric thinning of the North China craton.     

Modelling of porosity evolution and mechanical compaction of calcareous sediments

A continuum mechanics model for the gravitational compaction of sediments is derived by assuming that the sediments are normally pressured and in a one-dimensional state of stress. Sediment strength is characterized in terms of effective stress laws adopted from soil mechanics. The model is a relatively simple mathematical formula that gives the porosity as a function of burial depth. The shape of the porosity profile is controlled by two mechanical parameters, the compression index and the void ratio at an effective stress of 100 kPa. The model was verified by analysing the porosity—depth data of oozes and chalk from the Ontong Java Plateau, gathered during Leg 130 of the Ocean Drilling Program. The mechanical parameters of the sediments were estimated using a least-squares method to fit the theoretical profile to the porosity data. The theoretical profile described accurately the ooze porosity data over depth ranges of 100 m or more. However, over smaller length-scales of 10–50 m there were systematic deviations between the theoretical porosity values and the ooze porosity data. The porosity deviations correlated with variations in the mean grain size of the sediments, due in part to changes in the foraminifera abundance. In the case of the oozes, the estimated mechanical parameters were consistent with published values obtained from one-dimensional compression tests. In contrast, the estimated mechanical properties for the chalks differed from published values. The chalk porosities were lower than could be explained by mechanical compaction. This explanation is supported by the compressional (P-wave) velocity data. In the chalk sections, the P-wave velocity increases more rapidly with burial depth than it does in the ooze sections, suggesting that sediment elastic properties are increasing due to interparticle binding.     

Lower-crust S-wave velocity beneath western Yunnan Province from waveform inversion of dense seismic observations

We use teleseismic body waveforms to explore S-wave layered velocity structures beneath 30 portable digital seismic stations deployed around western Yunnan Province. Results show that the Moho depth in this region is ∼40 km and decreases in general from north to south, consistent with previous geophysical studies. Associated with this lateral variation of the Moho depth, the lower crust above the Moho discontinuity has a 15–25 km thick zone with an S-wave velocity lower than that of the upper crust. This lower velocity zone might be interpreted as a lower crust weak channel, which may mechanically partially decouple the upper-crust deformation from the underlying mantle. Thus, the inverted S-wave velocity structure could provide new evidence for the lateral flow of lower crust in the build-up of the south-eastern Tibetan plateau.     

Occurrence of Free-Gas Associated with Methane-Hydrate-Bearing Formations in the MITI Nankai Trough Wells, Offshore Tokai, Japan

Abstract. The MITI Nankai Trough wells were drilled for exploration of methane-hydrate-bearing sediments in association with seismic inferred bottom simulating reflectors (BSRs). In this project, log data showed low velocity compressional-wave (P-wave) layers below methane-hydrate-bearing formations. Dipole shear sonic acoustic tools (DSI) could not acquire accurate compres-sional velocity in this zone, thus it was not possible to accurately correlate between logging, VSP and surface seismic profiles.
Small amount of gas was presumed to cause the problem in obtaining the low velocity P-wave data. VSP interval velocity data was used to assess the DSI inferred low-velocity layer, which showed lower values than the velocity of the drilling muds. Synthetic seismogram was created by VSP-compensated velocity to compare against corridor stack of VSP. As a result, the depths above and below the methane-hydrate-bearing interval were correlated with synthetic seismograms and reflectivity events on the VSP profiles. By using this correlation technique, distribution of methane-hydrate-bearing formations and free-gas-bearing formations can be determined.     

华北东部地区地壳泊松比异常及其成因

利用地震层析成像方法可以提供地壳上地幔P波和S波速度扰动精细图像,进一步换算还可以得到泊松比的图像.但是,与P波和S波速度扰动图像相比,泊松比成像是否具有独特优点还有待研究.通过对华北东部进行了高分辨率地震层析成像研究,作出了该地区地壳速度结构和泊松比的图像,揭示了该区域存在一个高泊松比异常区,位于恒山-北太行-张家口...     

Seismic structure in the northeastern South China Sea: S-wave velocity and Vp/Vs ratios derived from three-component OBS data

A nearly 500-km-long seismic profile with reflective and refractive wide-angle Ocean Bottom Seismometer (OBS) data and Multi-Channel Seismic (MCS) data was acquired across the northeastern continental margin of the South China Sea (SCS). The S-wave crustal structure and Vp/Vs ratios have been obtained based on a previously published P-wave model using the software RayInvr. Modeling of vertical- and horizontal-component OBS data yields information on the seismic crustal velocities, lithology, and geophysical properties along the OBS-2001 seismic profile. S-wave velocities in the model increase generally with depth but exhibit high spatial variability, particularly from the shelf to the upper slope of the northeastern SCS margin. Vp/Vs ratios also reveal significant lithological heterogeneity. Dongsha–Penghu Uplift (DPU) is a tectonic zone with a thicker crust than adjacent areas and a high magnetic anomaly. With a Vp/Vs of 1.74 and a P-wave velocity of 5.0–5.5 km/s, the DPU primarily consists of felsic volcanic rocks in the upper crust and is similar to the petrology of Zhejiang–Fujian volcanic provinces, which perhaps is associated with a Mesozoic volcanic arc. The ocean–continent transition (OCT) in the northeastern SCS is characterized by a thinning continental crust, volcanoes in the upper crust, and a high velocity layer (HVL) in the lower crust. The S-wave velocity and Vp/Vs ratio suggest that the HVL has a mafic composition that may originate from underplating of the igneous rocks beneath the passive rifted crust after the cessation of seafloor spreading.