Investigation of array-derived rotation in TAIPEI 101

We investigate rotational motions derived from measurements by arrays of translational seismometers??hereafter called array-derived rotations (ADRs)??and compare these to measurements made by a commercially available point rotation sensor (eentec? R-1?). We focus on two aspects of the array problem: (1) the requisite conditions for calculating an ADR well and (2) the effect of array configuration on the result. Our data set consists of translational accelerations and rotation rates recorded by an array of Kinemetrics? EpiSensor? accelerometers and two R-1? rotational sensors in the TAIPEI 101 building in Taipei, Taiwan. Our results indicate that (1) array configuration affects the accuracy of ADRs about orthogonal components in horizontal plane, (2) coherence between two point rotation measurements (two R-1?) can determine the maximum frequency of translations viably used for the calculating ADRs, and (3) the performance of the R-1? is adequate, at least above a frequency of 0.12?Hz (periods shorter than 8?s). We also discuss deriving strain from the same array.     

Investigation of ground rotational motions caused by direct and scattered P-waves from the 4 March 2008 TAIGER explosion experiment

High-frequency rotational motions of P-waves and coda waves were analysed using rotation rate sensors and strong motion array data from the 4 March 2008 TAiwan Integrated GEodynamics Research (TAIGER) explosion experiment in northeastern Taiwan. Theoretical and observational investigations focussed on the effects of this experiment on the free surface. The main goal of this study was to explore possible applications of combined measurements of artificial explosion-derived translational and rotational motions. Also investigated was the consistent ground rotation observed directly by rotation rate sensors and derived using translational seismic arrays. Common near-source high-frequency rotational motion observations and array-recorded translational motions from one shallow borehole explosion are analysed in this study. Using a half-space assumption of plane P-wave propagation across the recording site, we conclude that: (1) rotational motions induced by direct P-waves interacting with a free surface in theory can be used to estimate wave radial direction, velocity and anisotropic properties; (2) rotational motions derived from scattering are predominant among the observed rotations during the TAIGER explosion experiments and allow us to image the heterogeneous structure of the medium at the investigated site; and (3) rotation sensor measurements undertaken during TAIGER explosion experiments may be affected by cross-axis sensitivities, which need to be considered when using the data obtained during these experiments.     

BBVS-60型和CMG-3ESPC型地震计性能及记录数据相干性分析

BBVS-60型和CMG-3ESPC型地震计目前在国内测震数字台网中广泛使用,但两种型号地震计在性能和各类指标上均存在差异。本研究分别在山洞和地表两类不同观测环境的台站上安装BBVS-60型和CMG-3ESPC型地震计,对同点记录的数据对比分析,计算相同分量间的相干函数值。结果显示,在比测台址观测环境下,两种地震计在0.02—40 Hz （垂直分量）和0.04—40 Hz （水平分量）频段内具有良好的相关性,其中,记录数据在高频（10—40 Hz）和长周期频段（10—50 s）的相关程度受环境因素影响较大。此外,在工作频段内,两种地震计所记录数据的相关程度与输入振动的强度有很大关系。本文分析结果可为设备选型、震相分析以及地震工程研究提供参考。      

Examining ambient noise using colocated measurements of rotational and translational motion

In the past decade, a number of studies have reported the observation of rotational motion associated with seismic events. We report a first observation of rotational motion in the microseismic ambient noise band. A striking feature of rotational motion measurements is that the information about the seismic phase velocity and source back azimuth is contained in the amplitude ratio of a point measurement of rotation rate and transverse acceleration. We investigate the possibility of applying this method to ambient noise measured with a ring laser and a broadband seismometer at the Wettzell Geodetic Observatory in Germany. Using data in the secondary microseismic band, we recover local phase velocities as well as the back azimuth of the strongest noise source for two different time periods. In order to confirm these findings, we additionally compare the results with classical array processing techniques of the Gr?fenberg array located nearby.     

Earthquake fragmentation and slip processes: Spin and shear-twist wave mosaic

We follow our former considerations on rotational processes and emission of rotation and shear-twist waves as occurring in earthquake source zones. A concise presentation of the motion and constitutive relations is given for each type of the four fundamental point deformations: displacements, rotations, point stretch/squeeze, and string-string point deformations (shear nuclei).     

High-frequency noise caused by wind in large ring laser gyroscope data

The large ring laser gyroscope at the Geodetic Observatory Wettzell provides unique data of the rotational component of seismic waves. Wind has been identified as a major source of noise at short periods below 5?min. Strong winds increase the level of detected background noise either through surface friction or through wind load on hill slopes. Since our G ring laser demonstrated a routinely achieved sensitivity for rotations of 10?picorad/s when averaged over 30?s, very small effects become detectable. Using a local finite element model and applying a digital terrain model with 25?m spatial resolution, the effect of local wind forces on tilt and horizontal rotations at the ring laser site was calculated. The transfer of forces by wind ram pressure or surface friction is strongly controlled by the resolution of the terrain model or the land use, respectively. The maximum deformation caused by real wind fields reaches a few tenths of nanorads for both tilt and horizontal rotation. While the tilts are too small to affect the ring laser measurements by a change in its inclination, the horizontal rotations can be detected by the ring laser if the signal builds up within a few seconds or tens of seconds. The comparison of the modelled rotation rate time series with measured ring laser data shows a reasonable agreement in amplitude and waveform, however the correction of the ring laser time series is limited by the crude sampling of the wind measurements.     

Strain rotation coupling and its implications on the measurement of rotational ground motions

Spatial derivatives of the seismic wave field are known to be sensitive to various site effects (e.g., cavity effects, topography, and geological inhomogeneities). In this study, the focus is on strain rotation coupling that can cause significant differences between point measurements compared to array-derived rotational motions. The strain rotation coupling constants are estimated based on finite element simulations for inhomogeneous media as well as for the 3D topography around Wettzell, Germany (the location of the G ring laser). Using collocated array and ring laser data, the coupling constants of the ring laser itself are shown to be small. Several examples are shown to illustrate the order of magnitude that strain-induced rotation might have on the seismograms in the near field of volcanoes as well as in the far field and in the low-frequency spectrum (free oscillations).     

Differential calibration of seismometers for measurement of rotation and strain

A method of correcting the seismometers’ responses discrepancy for differential measurements of strains and rotations in the seismic far field is proposed. The method concerns differential calibration of the whole seismometers’ array by electric current. A model of corrective filtering of the obtained differential signals in the Z domain is given. Two methods of the filter parameters’ estimation are introduced; they are based on the seismometers response to the calibration. A practical test of the methods — an analysis of a recorded seismic event — is added. Significant reduction of differences between simultaneous seismic recordings was obtained, which is interpreted as cleaning of differential signal from spurious elements.     

多通道相关分析用于宽频带地震仪自噪声检测

将多通道相关分析方法用于宽频带地震仪的自噪声检测,测量分析了Reftek 130、130 B和130 S三种地震数据采集器的自噪声检测结果以及14套Reftek 130 S连接Guralp CMG-3T地震计的自噪声一致性检测结果,同时给出了地震计的三轴正交性估计.结果表明:Reftek数据采集器设置为普通增益时在0.3 Hz以上频段自噪声高于Guralp CMG-3T地震计自噪声,设置为32倍高增益时在测量频段远低于地震计自噪声;测量的多台Guralp CMG-3T地震计自噪声结果在不同频段一致性差异较大,垂直向分量0.3 Hz以下频段可作为一致性比对参考频段,采集配置选择普通增益时0.3~2 Hz频段可作为数据采集器一致性比对参考频段;Guralp CMG-3T地震计三轴正交性误差估计平均在0.5°以内.     

台阵地震计程控化正弦标定系统设计

为满足台阵地震计标定要求,通过对程控化标定测控仪和标定测控软件的研究,采用一种适用于台阵地震计的程控化正弦标定方法,对中国地震局地球物理勘探中心负责管理的台阵地震计进行标定。台阵地震计标定实验结果显示,采用程控化正弦标定方法,在缩短标定时长、提高标定效率方面具有显著效果。     

2016年台风“尼伯特”激发微地动的频率特征分析

台风可以改变海面波浪状态并激发出微地动信号，该信号可以传播至陆地并被宽频带地震仪记录到。本研究以201601号台风"尼伯特"为例，利用短时傅里叶变换，分析了7月3日12时至7月9日0时台风期间中国台湾和日本114个宽频带地震仪垂向分量信号功率谱特征。分析结果发现，在7月5日至7月7日之间，当台风距离台站1500~2000km时，中国台湾、琉球群岛及屋久岛的33个地震台站的地振动信号功率谱密度值显著增强，7月5日前后，在0.4Hz频率左右出现功率谱密度值增强的现象，之后由高频转至低频，7月7日左右功率谱密度值增强频率变化至约0.2Hz。利用全球地震背景噪声能量辐射模型模拟KGM台站所在位置（128.22°E，26.76°N）的双频微地动功率谱，结果表明7月5日至7日0.2~0.4Hz功率谱密度值增强，频率由约0.4Hz变化至0.2Hz的现象为海岸线反射效应所致。     

Application of the optical angular rate sensors for rotational measurements in seismology

The development of large ring lasers made it possible for accurate detection of rotational seismic waves over a wide range of amplitudes and frequencies. Due to their insensitivity to translational motion the optical angular rate sensors are very attractive for application in seismology, geodesy, and even fundamental physics. However, the operation of the large ring lasers in the near-field is difficult due to their mass, size and, environmental requirements. Hence, the fiber-optic gyros may be used for seismic applications, where the mobility is more important and where the high rotation rates are expected. This kind of sensors also can be used for correction of standard seismometers subjected to tilt. In this paper we present the current state of experimental research dedicated to application of fiber-optic gyros for seismology. The test results demonstrate that the tactical grade optical sensors are capable of successfully measuring small rotation fluctuations down to 10^?5 rad/s. However, the seismometer correction seems only feasible in the range of rotation rates about 10^?3 rad/s and higher. This limitation is caused by the excessive noise in the output of the fiber-optic gyro. The possible measures to overcome this problem are discussed as well as advantages of optical gyros for strong motion seismology.     

Experimental study of the ground motion on a large scale topographic hill at Kitherion (Greece)

We present the results of an experiment about the effects on the seismic ground motion of a hill of large dimensions (6km long, 3km large and 700m high) near Corinth (Greece). We installed 7 seismometers across the hill, and analyzed the ground motion with different methods: the classical spectral ratios (CSR) and the horizontal to vertical spectral ratios calculated both on noise (HVNR) and earthquake data (RF). The amplification at the resonant frequency (around 0.7Hz) is low, as expected, but one of the two stations installed at the top exhibits large amplification (up to a factor of 10) at 3Hz. The comparison between the H/V results and the CSR ones suggests that the former method is able to point out the fundamental frequencies of a hill. Amplifications and spatial localization predicted by numerical 3D modeling are consistent with the experimental data only at frequencies lower than 1Hz.     

Nonlinear isotropic elastic reduced Cosserat continuum as a possible model for geomedium and geomaterials. Spherical prestressed state in the semilinear material

We suggest a nonlinear elastic reduced Cosserat continuum as a possible model for geomedium and geomaterials and also for a soil or rock with heterogeneities. If a medium has a block structure, or if it contains heterogeneities that may have their proper rotational dynamics, the presence of rotational degrees of freedom may influence wave propagation and stability of the medium. In the reduced Cosserat model, translations and rotations are independent, the medium resists to the rotation of each ??particle?? relatively to the background continuum, but it does not resist to the gradient of rotation. We consider a nonlinear spherical stress state in an isotropic elastic reduced Cosserat material. We write down small deviations from this nonlinear equilibrium. They coincide in form with the equations of the linear elastic isotropic reduced Cosserat continuum. Depending on the level of the stress and on the type of elastic energy, the equilibrium can be stable or unstable. In the domain of stability, shear?Crotational wave demonstrates dispersion. There is a resonant frequency corresponding to the independent rotational oscillations. The bulk plane shear?Crotational wave has a forbidden band of frequencies. In this zone, the shear?Crotational wave localises near heterogeneities or external sources. We show that for a semilinear medium (medium with large deformations but linear dependence of stress on the strain tensor), strong compression leads to the material instability caused by shear perturbations, and strong tension for some class of parameters yields in instability caused by rotational perturbations.     

Horizontal rotation signals detected by “G-Pisa” ring laser for the M w = 9.0, March 2011, Japan earthquake

We report the observation of the ground rotation induced by the M _w = 9.0, 11th of March 2011, Japan earthquake. The rotation measurements have been conducted with a ring laser gyroscope operating in a vertical plane, thus detecting rotations around the horizontal axis. Comparison of ground rotations with vertical accelerations from a co-located force balance accelerometer shows excellent ring laser coupling at periods longer than 100?s. Under the plane wave assumption, we derive a theoretical relationship between horizontal rotation and vertical acceleration for Rayleigh waves. Due to the oblique mounting of the gyroscope with respect to the wave direction of arrival, apparent velocities derived from the acceleration/rotation rate ratio are expected to be always larger than or equal to the true wave propagation velocity. This hypothesis is confirmed through comparison with fundamental mode, Rayleigh-wave phase velocities predicted for a standard Earth model.     

Application of polarization analysis in correcting the orientation error of a downhole seismometer

This paper shows that the polarization analysis of later arrivals could be used to estimate the orientation error and the tilt of the downhole accelerometers in the Dahan downhole strong-motion array. This four-level array is located to the north of Hualien city in eastern Taiwan. Polarization analysis of a windowed signal which includes significant phases (e.g. primary S wave) can give a stable major polarization axis. This axis can then be used as the reference direction for correcting the orientation error and the tilt of the downhole seismometers. If the surface instrument is chosen as the reference, the angle between the major polarization axes of the surface and any downhole recordings will be the orientation error needed to be corrected for the downhole accelerograph. This angle is a combination of the tilt and the orientation errors which correspond to the dip and strike of maximum polarization, respectively. At the Dahan downhole strong-motion array, the orientation errors of the seismometers at the depth of 50, 100 and 200 m were 1°, 90° and 84°. These orientation errors were consistent with the horizontal particle-motion analysis. The errors of horizontal plane (tilt) were almost zero. After correction, the coherency of the waveforms between the surface and the downhole recordings was significantly improved.     

Analysis of a group of seismic events using rotational components

Analysis of a group of seismic events which took place in central Italy and have been recorded at the l’Aquila Observatory reveals proportionality between the maximum seismic signal (the displacement velocity) and the maximum amplitudes of rotational components. To compare the seismic events in the aspect of energy emitted as rotational motions, the rotation indices are used; these indices help us also to differentiate between the results obtained for different frequency spectra. In the adopted higher frequency range, 2.6–43 Hz, the relation between maximum displacement velocities and the rotation indices is roughly reciprocal, while for the lower frequencies, 0.3–3 Hz, there is no clear relationship. The share of rotation motions in the whole seismic energy emitted from the source varies during the seismic event. Research on the rotational components hidden in the seismic field gives a new insight into the processes in the source.     

Seismic waves generated by oscillating buildings: analysis of a release test

A three-stories, base-isolated building located in Rapolla (Potenza, Italy) was tested with a snap-back experiment. Free-field measures were performed using 3D seismometers, located at 10 and 50 m from the buildings in direction of motion and at 10 m from the building in direction transverse to the motion. At each measurement point it was possible to separate the soil amplification effects from two source terms, due to the base-isolated building and to the reaction block. The ground motion was noticeable: at 10 m in the longitudinal direction it was comparable with a small size, near-field earthquake.     

3D S-wave velocity structure of the Ningdu basin in Jiangxi province inferred from ambient noise tomography with dense array

The Ningdu basin, located in southern Jiangxi province of southwest China, is one of the Mesozoic basin groups which has exploration prospects for geothermal energy. A study on the detailed velocity structure of the Ningdu basin can provide important information for geothermal resource exploration. In this study, we deployed a dense seismic array in the Ningdu basin to investigate the 3D velocity structure and discuss implications for geothermal exploration and geological evolution. Based on the dense seismic array including 35 short-period (5 s-100 ?Hz) seismometers with an average interstation distance of ～5 ?km, Rayleigh surface wave dispersion curves were extracted from the continuous ambient noise data for surface wave tomographic inversion. Group velocity tomography was conducted and the 3D S-wave velocity structure was inverted by the neighborhood algorithm. The results revealed obvious low-velocity anomalies in the center of the basin, consistent with the low-velocity Cretaceous sedimentary rocks. The basement and basin-controlling fault can also be depicted by the S-wave velocity anomalies. The obvious seismic interface is about 2 ?km depth in the basin center and decreases to 700 ?m depth near the basin boundary, suggesting spatial thickness variations of the Cretaceous sediment. The fault features of the S-wave velocity profile coincide with the geological cognition of the western boundary basin-controlling fault, which may provide possible upwelling channels for geothermal fluid. This study suggests that seismic tomography with a dense array is an effective method and can play an important role in the detailed investigations of sedimentary basins.     

Rotation of vertically oriented objects during earthquakes

Vertically oriented objects, such as tombstones, monuments, columns, and stone lanterns, are often observed to shift and rotate during earthquake ground motion. Such observations are usually limited to the mesoseismal zone. Whether near-field rotational ground motion components are necessary in addition to pure translational movements to explain the observed rotations is an open question. We summarize rotation data from seven earthquakes between 1925 and 2009 and perform analog and numeric rotation testing with vertically oriented objects. The free-rocking motion of a marble block on a sliding table is disturbed by a pulse in the direction orthogonal to the rocking motion. When the impulse is sufficiently strong and occurs at the ‘right’ moment, it induces significant rotation of the block. Numeric experiments of a free-rocking block show that the initiation of vertical block rotation by a cycloidal acceleration pulse applied orthogonal to the rocking axis depends on the amplitude of the pulse and its phase relation to the rocking cycle. Rotation occurs when the pulse acceleration exceeds the threshold necessary to provoke rocking of a resting block, and the rocking block approaches its equilibrium position. Experiments with blocks subjected to full 3D strong motion signals measured during the 2009 L’Aquila earthquake confirm the observations from the tests with analytic ground motions. Significant differences in the rotational behavior of a monolithic block and two stacked blocks exist.