A Coal Burst Risk Assessment Model of Seismic Events Based on Multiple Seismic Source Parameters: A Case Study of the Huating Coal Mine,Gansu Province,China

Mining-induced tremors are indispensable events that gestate and trigger coal bursts. The radiated energy is usually considered a key index to assess coal burst risk of seismic events. This paper presents a model to assess coal burst risk of seismic events based on multiple seismic source parameters. By considering the distribution and relation laws of the seismic source parameters of coal bursts, the model aims to identify dangerous seismic events that more closely match the characteristics of multiple seismic source parameters of coal bursts. The new coal burst risk index T is proposed. It consists of the similarity index SI (representing the similarity degree of relations between seismic events and coal burst events based on seismic source parameters) and the strength index ST (representing the burst strength of seismic events). We studied 79 coal burst events that occurred during extraction in LW250105 of the Huating coal mine in Gansu Province, China. We obtained the distribution and relation laws of multiple seismic source parameters of coal burst events to establish SI and ST. Two groups of seismic events with different energy distributions were examined to compare the assessment results based on the new model and energy criteria. The results show that 80% and 89% of seismic events with strong coal burst risk in Groups A and B, respectively, were coincident, and the seismic events with medium coal burst risk were slightly less compared to those based on radiated energy. The results indicate that the assessment based on the T value is a modification and optimization of that based on radiated energy. This model is conducive to improving the efficiency of monitoring and early warning of coal burst risk.

     

Wavepath traveltime tomography

The elastic-wave equation is used to construct sensitivity kernels relating perturbations in elastic parameters to traveltime deviations. Computation of the functions requires a correlation of the forward-propagating seismic wavefield with a backward propagation of the residual wavefield. The computation of the wavefields is accomplished using a finite difference algorithm and is efficiently executed on a CM-2 parallel processor. The source and receiver locations have maximum sensitivity to velocity structure. The sensitivity kernels or wavepaths are well suited for transmission traveltime inversion such as cross-borehole tomography and vertical seismic profiling. Conventional ray tomography and wavepath tomography are applied to a set of P -wave arrival times, from a cross-borehole experiment at Kesterson, California. Because the wavepaths have increased sensitivity near the source and receiver there are differences in resolution of the velocity structure. Both techniques recover the same relative variations in velocity where the coverage is adequate. The wavepath solution is more laterally continuous and the dominant variation is vertical, as is expected for the layered sediments in this region.     

Surface coseismic gravity changes caused by dislocations in a 3-D heterogeneous earth

This study describes an examination of surface gravity changes caused by dislocations within a 3-D heterogeneous earth. This new theory is described using six independent dislocations: a vertical strike-slip, two vertical dip-slips perpendicular to each other, and three tensile openings on three perpendicular planes. A combination of the six independent dislocations is useful to compute coseismic gravity changes resulting from an arbitrary seismic source at an arbitrary position. Based on the 3-D lateral inhomogeneous P -wave velocity model, we deduce the 3-D density and S -wave velocity models using the relation of Karato. Finally, numerical computations are performed for a location south of Japan (30°N, 135°E). We calculate the coseismic gravity changes resulting from the six independent dislocations for source depths of 100, 300 and 637 km, respectively. Numerical results show that the maximum 3-D effect varies concomitantly with the dislocation type and the source depth. For seismic problems, the effect of elastic parameter  μ  is dominant.     

Seismic moment tensors and kinematic source parameters

Summary. Parameters pertaining to the kinematics of a finite source are usually estimated by fitting specific fault models to the data. On the other hand, these parameters, including source location, are also contained in the moment tensors of higher degree. In this paper, the seismic response is represented in terms of 20 source parameters which are related to components of the moment tensors; they are also related to the parameters of fault models, as will be demonstrated for a number of 'classical' models. A linearized inversion for the moment tensor shows that with real data, or with realistic synthetic data, the results are not necessarily physically meaningful, unless constraints are imposed. The constraints are precisely those appearing as a priori assumptions in the conventional methods of source analysis; it is thus possible to investigate the impact of these assumptions. We will discuss in particular the assumption of a general deviatoric point source (not necessarily a double couple) versus that of a plane fault in finite sources. Although at this stage experience with practical performance of the new method is limited, it is suggested that in the appropriate circumstances constrained inversion for the seismic moment tensors offers a viable alternative to estimate kinematic source parameters.     

Anomalous seismic crustal structure of oceanic fracture zones

Summary. The seismic structure of crust found within fracture zones falls outside the range of velocity structures observed for normal oceanic crust in the North Atlantic. The crust in fracture zones is frequently very thin and is characterized by low crustal velocities and by the conspicuous absence of a refractor with a velocity typical of oceanic layer 3. Anomalous crust is present in both large- and small-offset fracture zones. Since they are among the most common tectonic features in the ocean basins, and are particularly closely spaced on slow-spreading ridges, fracture zones represent a major source of seismic crustal heterogeneity. We interpret the anomalous crust as a thin, intensely fractured, faulted and hydrothermally altered basaltic and gabbroic section overlying ultramafics that, in places, are extensively serpentinized. The unusually thin crust found within fracture zones and the gradual crustal thinning over a distance of several tens of kilometres on either side of the fracture zones can be explained by two main processes; firstly the cold lithosphere edge opposite the spreading centre at the ridgetransform intersection modifies the normal intrusive and extrusive processes of the spreading centre leading to the accretion of an anomalous and thin igneous section; and secondly each spreading ridge segment is fed from a separate subcrustal magma supply point, so as the magma flows laterally down the spreading centre it generates a crustal section of decreasing thickness, culminating in the very thin crust of the fracture zones at either end of the ridge segment.     

Seismotectonics and analysis of earthquakes from the Hindukush region

Summary. Over 80 earthquakes, exclusively from the Hindukush focal region, which were recorded at the Gauribidanur seismic array (GBA) have been used in this study. These events have similar epicentral distances and a narrow azimuthal range from GBA but varying focal depths from 10 to 240 km. A fault plane dipping steeply (75°) in the north-west direction and striking N 66° E has been investigated on the basis of the spatial distribution of earthquakes in two vertical planes through 68° E and 32° N. Short period P -wave recordings up to 30 s were processed using the adaptive cross-correlation filtering technique. Slowness and azimuthal anomalies were obtained for first arrivals. These anomalies show positive as well as negative bias and are attributed to a steep velocity gradient in the upper mantle between the 400–700 km depth range where the seismic rays have their maximum penetration. Relative time residuals between the stations of GBA owe their origin very near to the surface beneath the array. A search of the signals across the array revealed that most of the events occurring at shallower depths had complex signatures as compared to the deeper events. The structure near the source region, complicated source functions and the scattering confined to the crust—upper mantle near source are mainly responsible for the complexity of the Hindukush earthquakes as the transmission zone of the ray tubes from turning point to the recording station is practically the same.     

Synthetic SH seismograms in a laterally varying medium by the discrete wavenumber method

Summary. We present a new method to calculate the SH wavefield produced by a seismic source in a half-space with an irregular buried interface. The diffracting interface is represented by a distribution of body forces. The Green's functions needed to solve the boundary conditions are evaluated using the discrete wavenumber method. Our approach relies on the introduction of a periodicity in the source-medium configuration and on the discretization of the interface at regular spacing. The technique developed is applicable to boundaries of arbitrary shapes and is valid at all frequencies. Some examples of calculation in simple configurations are presented showing the capabilities of the method.     

Interpretation of a gas chimney in the Polish Carpathian Foredeep based on integrated seismic and geochemical data

Gas chimneys are common in offshore petroliferous basins, but little known on land where seismic columnar anomalies are often attributed as poor data quality or processing artefacts. This study utilizes high‐quality 3D seismic data to document a seismic columnar anomaly penetrating through the Miocene heterolithic submarine fan‐deltaic infill of the Carpathian Foredeep. The interpreted gas chimney exhibits vertically clustered velocity push‐down features throughout the attenuated amplitude column accompanied by gas shows in well tests, has its root in gas‐bearing Palaeozoic interval and culminates in an anomalous geochemical gas record at soil level. The chimney system, ca 2 km in height and 500‐m wide, begins above the flank of a rotational bedrock fault‐block and extends vertically along a fault‐controlled conduit. At shallower levels, it passes upwards into amplitude wipeout zones that spread laterally around and partly across thin, gas‐charged reservoirs showing bright spots associated with an AVO response. At shallow levels, gas pathways through muddy slope and deltaic clinoforms are not imaged in low‐fold regions of the seismic volume. The surface geochemical anomalies, in contrast to the microbial methane signature of the Miocene succession, show significant enrichment in higher alkanes and alkenes with C₂H₆/C₃H₈ ratios indicative of a deep‐sourced, thermogenic gas or gas condensate. These anomalies form a semi‐enclosed halo around the chimney. Despite the juxtaposition of biogenic and thermogenic methane, the chimney structure imaged on seismic data supports a causal link of gases derived from Palaeozoic source rocks ascending to the surface.     

Effects of fractures on seismic-wave velocity and attenuation

The effects of fractures on the seismic velocity and attenuation of a rock are investigated using theoretical results and experimental data. Fractures in a rock mass influence the traveltimes and amplitudes of seismic waves that have propagated through them. The displacement discontinuity model, recently employed in fracture investigations, is modified to describe the effect of fractures on seismic-wave velocity and attenuation. This new model, the modified displacement discontinuity model (MDD), is formulated in a way analogous to transmission-line analysis. The fractures are treated as transmission lines for the passage of seismic waves. The MDD takes into consideration realistic fracture parameters which include the fracture length, the fractional area of a fracture surface in contact, and the nature of the infilling material. A single fracture of varying geometric and material properties is shown to affect dramatically the transmission properties of a propagating waveform, and hence the seismic velocity and attenuation. These effects have been shown to result in a frequency-dependent velocity and attenuation. The sensitivity of the fracture parameters to seismic-wave velocity and attenuation was investigated and interesting results were obtained. Fracture parameters used in designing experimental models consisting of synthetically manufactured cracks were fed into the MDD and a well-known crack model, Hudson's model, for comparison. Velocities as a function of the incident-wave angle were obtained from both numerical models and were compared with the results from the experimental modelling. For P waves, the MDD model results show better agreement with those of the experimental model for all crack densities investigated than those from Hudson's model.     

What can be learned from rotational motions excited by earthquakes?

One answer to the question posed in the title is that we will have more accurate data for arrival times of SH waves, because the rotational component around the vertical axis is sensitive to SH waves although not to P-SV waves. Importantly, there is another answer related to seismic sources, which will be discussed in this paper.
Generally, not only dislocations commonly used in earthquake models but also other kind of defects could contribute to producing seismic waves. In particular, rotational strains at earthquake sources directly generate rotational components in seismic waves. Employing the geometrical theory of defects, we obtain a general expression for the rotational motion of seismic waves as a function of the parameters of source defects.
Using this expression, together with one for translational motion, we can estimate the rotational strain tensor and the spatial variation of slip velocity in the source area of earthquakes. These quantities will be large at the edges of a fault plane due to spatially rapid changes of slip on the fault and/or a formation of tensile fractures.     

Effects of volcano topography on seismic broad‐band waveforms

Volcano seismology often deals with rather shallow seismic sources and seismic stations deployed in their near field. The complex stratigraphy on volcanoes and near‐field source effects have a strong impact on the seismic wavefield, complicating the interpretation techniques that are usually employed in earthquake seismology. In addition, as most volcanoes have a pronounced topography, the interference of the seismic wavefield with the stress‐free surface results in severe waveform perturbations that affect seismic interpretation methods. In this study we deal predominantly with the surface effects, but take into account the impact of a typical volcano stratigraphy as well as near‐field source effects. We derive a correction term for plane seismic waves and a plane‐free surface such that for smooth topographies the effect of the free surface can be totally removed. Seismo‐volcanic sources radiate energy in a broad frequency range with a correspondingly wide range of different Fresnel zones. A 2‐D boundary element method is employed to study how the size of the Fresnel zone is dependent on source depth, dominant wavelength and topography in order to estimate the limits of the plane wave approximation. This approximation remains valid if the dominant wavelength does not exceed twice the source depth. Further aspects of this study concern particle motion analysis to locate point sources and the influence of the stratigraphy on particle motions. Furthermore, the deployment strategy of seismic instruments on volcanoes, as well as the direct interpretation of the broad‐band waveforms in terms of pressure fluctuations in the volcanic plumbing system, are discussed.     

Surface-wave polarization data and global anisotropic structure

In the past few years, seismic tomography has begun to provide detailed images of seismic velocity in the Earth's interior which, for the first time, give direct observational constraints on the mechanisms of heat and mass transfer. The study of surface waves has led to quite detailed maps of upper-mantle structure, and the current global models agree reasonably well down to wavelengths of approximately 2000 km. Usually, the models contain only elastic isotropic structure, which provides an excellent fit to the data in most cases. For example, the variance reduction for minor and major arc phase data in the frequency range 7–15 mHz is typically 65–92 per cent and the data are fit to within 1–2 standard deviations. The fit to great-circle phase data, which are not subject to bias from unknown source or instrument effects, is even better. However, there is clear evidence for seismic anisotropy in various places on the globe. This study demonstrates how much (or little) the fit to the data is improved by including anisotropy in the modelling process. It also illuminates some of the trade-offs between isotropic and anisotropic structure and gives an estimate of how much bias is introduced by neglecting anisotropy. Finally, we show that the addition of polarization data has the potential for improving recovery of anisotropic structure by diminishing the trade-offs between isotropic and anisotropic effects.     

Observations on seismic wave equation and reflection coefficient symmetries in stratified media

Summary. The equations describing seismic waves in a stratified earth have a number of symmetry properties, one of which has recently been used by Garmany to derive a simple expression for the inverse of the matrix of eigenvectors appearing in the solution of the equations. We review these symmetries of the wave equation in several notations to demonstrate that the property used by Garmany is distinct from the usual symmetries found in the seismological literature. Like the others, the new symmetry has implications for the reflection and transmission properties of a medium. These implications are briefly reviewed in order to show how the new symmetry is placed relative to the others. A limited discussion of the physical origins of the symmetries is given and, though the overall picture is incomplete, it is noted that the new symmetry yields conservation of energy for reflection/transmission at a single interface in all types of media (anisotropic, lossy, etc.).     

A synthesis of Cenozoic sedimentation in the North Sea

The North Sea Basin contains an almost complete record of Cenozoic sedimentation, separated by clear regional unconformities. The changes in sediment characteristics, rate and source, and expression of the unconformities reflect the tectonic, eustatic and climatic changes that the North Sea and its margins have undergone. While the North Sea has been mapped locally, we present the first regional mapping of the Cenozoic sedimentary strata. Our study provides a new regional sub‐division of the main seismic units in the North Sea together with maps of depocentres, influx direction and source areas. Our study provides a regional synthesis of sedimentation based on a comprehensive interpretation of a regionally covering reflection seismic data set. We relate observations of sediment characteristics and unconformities to the geological evolution. The timing, regional expression and stratigraphic characteristics of many unconformities indicate that they were generated by eustatic sea‐level fall, often in conjunction with other processes. Early Cenozoic unconformities, however, relate to tectonism associated with the opening of the North Atlantic. From observation on a regional scale, we infer that the sediment influx into the North Sea during the Cenozoic is more complex than previously suggested clockwise rotation from early northwestern to late southern sources. The Shetland Platform supplied sediment continuously, although at varying rates, until the latest Cenozoic. Sedimentation around Norway changed from early Cenozoic influx from the southwestern margin, to almost exclusively from the southern margin in the Oligocene and from all of southern Norway in the latest Cenozoic. Thick Eocene deposits in the Central Graben are sourced mainly from a western and a likely southern source, indicating that prominent influx from the south did not only occur from the mid‐Miocene onwards. We infer a new age for the increased progradational sediment influx in the Pleistocene of 2.5 Ma, coeval with Fennoscandian glaciation.     

Sequential integrated inversion of refraction and wide-angle reflection traveltimes and gravity data for two-dimensional velocity structures

A new algorithm is presented for the integrated 2-D inversion of seismic traveltime and gravity data. The algorithm adopts the 'maximum likelihood' regularization scheme. We construct a 'probability density function' which includes three kinds of information: information derived from gravity measurements; information derived from the seismic traveltime inversion procedure applied to the model; and information on the physical correlation among the density and the velocity parameters. We assume a linear relation between density and velocity, which can be node-dependent; that is, we can choose different relationships for different parts of the velocity–density grid. In addition, our procedure allows us to consider a covariance matrix related to the error propagation in linking density to velocity. We use seismic data to estimate starting velocity values and the position of boundary nodes. Subsequently, the sequential integrated inversion (SII) optimizes the layer velocities and densities for our models. The procedure is applicable, as an additional step, to any type of seismic tomographic inversion.
We illustrate the method by comparing the velocity models recovered from a standard seismic traveltime inversion with those retrieved using our algorithm. The inversion of synthetic data calculated for a 2-D isotropic, laterally inhomogeneous model shows the stability and accuracy of this procedure, demonstrates the improvements to the recovery of true velocity anomalies, and proves that this technique can efficiently overcome some of the limitations of both gravity and seismic traveltime inversions, when they are used independently.
An interpretation of field data from the 1994 Vesuvius test experiment is also presented. At depths down to 4.5 km, the model retrieved after a SII shows a more detailed structure than the model obtained from an interpretation of seismic traveltime only, and yields additional information for a further study of the area.     

Moment tensors of microearthquakes from the Eyjafjallajökull volcano in South Iceland

Analyses of relative P - and S -wave amplitudes of 15 selected earthquakes ( M _L <2.3) from a seismic swarm, which occurred in May and June 1994 at the Eyjafjallajökull volcano in South Iceland, reveal similar radiation patterns, a thrust-type double-couple with an additional source component. All focal solutions have nearly vertical T -axes and horizontally oriented P -axes, with E-W-oriented nodal planes. The volume increase corresponding to an isotropic source component is estimated to be in the range of 24 m³. The temporal and spatial seismic pattern, small magnitude range, focal mechanisms and depth range of the Eyjafjallaökull earthquakes indicate vertical intrusion of magma into a confined region at the northern flank of the volcano.     

Crustal underplating and its implications for subsidence and state of isostasy along the Ninetyeast Ridge hotspot trail

Recent seismic field work has revealed high lower-crustal velocities under Ninetyeast Ridge, Indian Ocean, indicating the presence of crustal underplating ( Grevemeyer et al . 2000 ). We used results from Ocean Drilling Program (ODP) drill cores and cross-spectral analysis of gravity and bathymetric data to study the impact of the underplating body on the subsidence history and the mode of isostatic compensation along Ninetyeast Ridge. Compared with the adjacent Indian basin, the subsidence of Ninetyeast Ridge is profoundly anomalous. Within the first few millions of years after crustal emplacement the ridge subsided rapidly. Thereafter, however, subsidence slowed down significantly. The most reliable model of isostasy suggests loading of a thin elastic plate on and beneath the seafloor. Isostatic compensation of subsurface loading occurs at a depth of about 25 km, which is in reasonably good agreement with seismic constraints. Subsurface loading is inherently associated with buoyant forces acting on the lithosphere. The low subsidence may therefore be the superposition of cooling of the lithosphere and uplift due to buoyant material added at the base of the crust. A model including prolonged crustal growth in the form of subcrustal plutonism may account for all observations.     

The growing spherical seismic source

Summary. A solution is found for the seismic radiation from an arbitrarily growing spherical source in an inhomogeneously prestressed elastic medium. The general problem of the growing seismic source in a prestressed medium is formulated as a boundary value problem. For the special case of the growing spherical source, an expansion in vector spherical harmonics reduces the problem to a set of one-dimensional Volterra integral equations. The equations can be easily formed through the use of Bessel function recursion relations. The integral equations for a growing spherical cavity are solved numerically. Waveforms are then computed for homogeneous and inhomogeneous stress fields for several growth histories. The resulting waveforms are similar to the waveforms of the corresponding instantaneous problem, but stretched out in time and reduced in amplitude. The effects of diffraction and the overshoot of equilibrium are reduced with a reduction in growth rate. The effects caused by inhomogeneity of the stress field are quite strong for the growing as well as for the instantaneous seismic source.     

Seismic evidence for a sharp lithospheric base persisting to the lowermost mantle beneath the Caribbean

Broad-band data from South American earthquakes recorded by Californian seismic networks are analysed using a newly developed seismic wave migration method—the slowness backazimuth weighted migration (SBWM). Using the SBWM, out-of-plane seismic P -wave reflections have been observed. The reflection locations extend throughout the Earth's lower mantle, down to the core–mantle boundary (CMB) and coincide with the edges of tomographically mapped high seismic velocities. Modelling using synthetic seismograms suggests that a narrow (10–15 km) low- or high-velocity lamella with about 2 per cent velocity contrast can reproduce the observed reflected waveforms, but other explanations may exist. Considering the reflection locations and synthetic modelling, the observed out-of-plane energy is well explained by underside reflections off a sharp reflector at the base of the subducted lithosphere. We also detect weaker reflections corresponding to the tomographically mapped top of the slab, which may arise from the boundary between the Nazca plate and the overlying former basaltic oceanic crust. The joint interpretation of the waveform modelling and geodynamic considerations indicate mass flux of the former oceanic lithosphere and basaltic crust across the 660 km discontinuity, linking processes and structure at the top and bottom of the Earth's mantle, supporting the idea of whole mantle convection.     

用拱棚法对极干旱区沙地水分来源的定性分析

在潜水埋深超过200 m的敦煌莫高窟极干旱沙漠区,用拱棚法和微型空气湿度监测仪对流沙水分的时空分布格局进行监测,并对水分的来源进行分析。拱棚膜面凝结水分的持续抽取表明,在典型干旱气候条件下,有源源不断的沙地水分蒸发,其中1.25 g·m-2·d-1的水分在膜面凝结。沙地水分的时空动态分布格局表明,存在水分向上运移的温湿度条件。由此判定,除降水之外地下潜水蒸发是沙地水分最基础的来源。实验表明,干沙层虽然对沙地水分蒸发具有极强的抑制作用,但在升温过程中仍存在水分蒸发;在降温过程不但可从下层流沙吸收大量的水分,而且可吸收大气水分。沙地的蒸发量大于来自大气的吸湿量,总有少量的水分流失。沙地水分潜水来源的确定,不但对沙漠化的治理提供了新思路,而且对莫高窟文物的保护具有十分重要的意义。