APPLICATION OF GEOPHYSICAL METHODS FOR STUDYING THE TECHNICAL STATUS OF EARTH DAMS*

Earth dams are constructed on a wide scale for hydrotechnical and reclamative purposes. However, the great water permeability of soils and their bad gradation are frequently responsible for the development of mechanical suffusion and other phenomena resulting in dam destruction. Geophysical observations allow under certain conditions to forecast the development of adverse factors. They thus are, as practice shows, an important tool to observe the technical status of dams. The difference in propagation velocities of elastic waves in the zone of aeration and full saturation determines the applicability of the reflected wave method for determining the depth of seepage flow in the dam supporting mass. This can be also achieved by electrical sounding and induced polarization methods since the resistivity and polarizability of air-dry and water-saturated grounds differ considerably. Maps of equal potentials measured on the dam slope reflect the configuration of the contours of water table of the water flow passing through the dam. This makes it possible to obtain data on the direction and intensity of flow as well as on the presence of heterogeneous grounds filling the dam supporting mass. Besides, regime observations conducted according to the SP method allow to forecast the development of suffusion and observe the redeposition of grounds. If the SP anomalies do not increase with time, the suffusion processes can be regarded as fading out. Enhanced amplitude and increasing areas of anomalies show the intensification of these processes. Combined application of some of the above mentioned methods allowed to obtain many practical results on a number of dams in Transcaucasia and Central Asia. The true position of the depression surface determined in the dam of one of the high-mountain water reservoirs, for instance, considerably differed from the designed one. The configuration of the seepage flow surface and its fluctuation caused by the rise and drop of the water level in the reservoir have been studied in detail on another dam situated on a plain. The sites of the most intensive outwash of fine material have also been located and the processes of soil redeposition in the dam supporting mass characterized. The data of the geophysical investigations were used to plan hydroinsulation and repair work.     

探测大城市活断层的地球物理方法

简要地介绍了开展大城市地震活断层探测的意义及世界各国开展活断层探测的基本情况。城市及邻近地区地震活断层引起的直下型地震 ,将会给大城市造成巨大的地震灾害。准确地探测出大城市的活断层分布 ,采取有效措施 ,可大大降低地震时的损失。文中重点介绍了开展地震活断层探测的地球物理方法的类型和主要特点 ,在区域探查与初步鉴定阶段、详细探测与精确定位阶段、孕震构造探测阶段可能涉及到的各种地球物理探测方法、适用范围及所能解决的主要问题     

PROSPECTING FOR SUBSURFACE WATER IN THE CENTRAL VOLCANIC HIGHLAND OF ARMENIA BY GEOPHYSICAL METHODS*

Work carried out in several volcanic areas in Armenia has led to a combination of geophysical methods for hydrogeological problems. Prospecting of interlava and sublava water flows is done by electrical profiling and vertical electrical sounding. When mapping the relief of sublava water-resisting rocks, the electrical sounding (ES) method is widely used. This is based on the evaluation of lava resistivity. The method discussed allows to determine the most probable value of this parameter, by using statistical methods.     

A STUDY OF ABYSSAL FRACTURES IN THE UKRAINIAN SHIELD BY GEOPHYSICAL METHODS*

According to data presented by YU.A. Kosigin, 84% of all endogenous mineral deposits are in some direct or indirect relation with the fractures of the earth's crust. Therefore the discovery and the study of the spatial disposition of the fractures is the most important object for geophysicists. Abyssal fractures are of particular interest. By geophysical methods one can find the geometrical parameters of abyssal fractures such as their extent, the depth of formation, the breadth of the zones, and the amplitude of the relative displacement of separated blocks. The methods determining these parameters are widely known. A calculation of the difference in the levels of the erosion cuts of the blocks are of particular interest under shield conditions. A method to calculate this difference by gravity interpretation of “step” anomalies and by using the gradient model of the earth's crust is proposed. A comparision of the results of gravimetry and magnetometry with those of deep seismic soundings shows that the fractures of the first and the second order in the Ukrainian shield cut the earth's crust and part of the upper mantle so they can be qualified as abyssal fractures. In the Ukrainian shield the spatial regularities of the fractures determined by geophysical methods can be used for the prognosis of the ore deposits.     

CORRELATION METHODS OF TRANSFORMATION AND INTERPRETATION OF GEOPHYSICAL ANOMALIES*

The methods of anomaly transformations considered are based on a system of combined analysis of the geophysical field and a priori) information on the structure of a geological object. The methods involve calculation of a transformative polynomial (describing geophysical noise) which makes it possible to separate the residual field component related to the geological characteristic under study in a correlatively optimal way. The structure of the transformative polynomial is determined by the nature of the geophysical noise that is eliminated by the field transformation. Various correlation methods of anomaly transformations arise, depending on the structure of the transformative polynomial chosen. By way of example, the correlation method employed for separating the geophysical anomalies is shown to be highly effective in investigating the local geological structure.     

DISCOVERY OF DIRECT-SHIPPING IRON ORE BY GEOPHYSICAL METHODS IN THE CENTRAL PART OF THE LABRADOR TROUGH*

The deposits of the central sector of the Labrador Trough are magnetite-rich iron ores subjected to enrichment by the process of leaching. In spite of the fact that some ore types are porous and low in density, most of the ore zones have undergone a net increase in density brought about by enrichment. In the course of their formation, the magnetic characteristics of the rocks have changed and a great deal of the magnetite was altered to relatively non-magnetic iron oxides and hydrous iron oxides. Consequently, induced as well as remanent magnetization decreased, but the ratio of the latter with respect to the former increased substantially. All drift-covered areas underlain with iron-formation are potential ore producing areas. From measurements of the first two physical properties and determination of the thickness of overburden by means of a combined gravity-magnetic-seismic or resistivity survey, it is possible to detect and distinguish the iron formations and potential ore zones from the country rocks. In spite of the fact that the iron formations are a complex assemblage of rock types, each having different physical and chemical properties, a qualitative and semi-quantitative correlation between the results of the surveys and the geology as well as the structure of the area could be established. Consequently, in order to increase the chances of success, first a mathematical correlation of the amplitude of the gravity anomalies with the specific gravity, the iron content, the silica content, the porosity factors and the dimensions of the underlying orebodies, and secondly, a quantitative correlation of the ground magnetic intensity relative to the reference lithologie unit with the percentage of Fe₃ O₄ recovery and the volume magnetic susceptibility were done for many deposits. A few discoveries were made with this method. Finally, a fully quantitative interpretation of the geophysical data using a multimodeling analysis led to the discovery of additional direct-shipping iron ore deposits in the Schefferville mining district of Canada.     

THE INFLUENCE OF LATERAL INHOMOGENEITIES ON THE DIPOLE METHODS*

The theory of electrical dipole soundings proved that this method can produce resistivity measurements, which are comparable with those obtained by electrical soundings of the Wenner or Schlumberger type. Their main advantage is the use of short cable lengths, which is important if the depth of penetration should be large. A considerable disadvantage of the dipole method is the great sensitivity to lateral discontinuities. Though these have an influence on the Schlumberger arrangement as well, they can disturb a dipole sounding to such an extent than an interpretation based on a horizontal layer case is no more possible. There are six different dipole arrays, which differ from each other with respect to the angle enclosed by the two dipole orientations-the current dipole AB and the measuring dipole MN. The theoretical comparison of the dipole arrays with the Schlumberger array concerning their sensitivity to lateral discontinuities is a useful basis for the choice of the most suitable configuration. Considering geological subsurface conditions the right choice of a dipole array can give an optimal result, i.e. a dipole sounding for which the sensitivity to lateral discontinuities is as small as possible under the given circumstances.     

INTERPROFILE CORRELATION AND SELF-SETTING FILTRATION METHODS OF ANALYSIS OF GEOPHYSICAL DATA *

Application of statistical methods of analysis of geophysical data is often helpful for the detection of weak anomalies against a noisy background. The processing and analysis of areal geophysical data by two such methods are presented. The advantage of these methods are illustrated with the help of two field examples.     

GEOPHYSICAL METHODS USED IN SOLVING SOME GEOLOGICAL PROBLEMS ENCOUNTERED IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE TREBIšNJIGA WATER POWER PLANT (in YUGOSLAVIA) *

The design and construction of hydroelectric works, and more particularly of storage reservoirs and dams, in karst areas pose extremely varied and complex engineering, geological and hydrogeological problems, for the solution of which no widely applied techniques have yet been developed. In addition to conventional geological and hydrogeological methods for the study of karst phenomena, the application of more efficient methods of a primarily geophysical nature is called for. These methods, which provide the best means for solving the complex problems encountered in karst, are steadily gaining acceptance. The Miru?e storage reservoir and the Gran?arevo dam are the key structures in the Trebi?njica hydroelectric complex and are located in an area of typical Dinaric karst. Many of the engineering, geological and hydrogeological problems connected with their design and construction were solved with the aid of electrical geophysical prospecting methods (especially the resistivity method). The investigations provided data on the depth of karstification (the relief of the base level of karst erosion), the position of intensively karstified and tectonically broken zones, as well as on the general orientation of the process of karstification. All these data were helpful in providing a more accurate insight into the impermeability of the rocks that formed the storage reservoir (in relation to the proposed impounding level); they also enabled the consolidation structures (impervious curtains), aimed at preventing excessive losses due to seepage, to be designed more economically.     

ON THE POSSIBILITIES OF DETERMINING DIP IN MAGNETIC INTERPRETATION WITH THE INFINITELY DEEP PLATE MODEL*

Dip and magnetic susceptibility of very deep magnetic plates can be estimated approximately from either vertical, horizontal or total field measurements. A general accuracy of 2–5 degrees is easily obtained, if the other plate parameters, most notably horizontal position of the plate, are precisely determined. For reliable interpretation, measurements around the anomaly maximum or on the dip-side flank of the anomaly should be preferred. The depth extent of the plates must be great, some ten times the plate width at least. The method is best suited to form a part of a plate interpretation scheme, where the other plate parameters are found by some other suitable means. The method can be applied to a simultaneous determination of dips of several plates, but because of its error sensitivity an iterative formulation should then be preferred.     

MAGNETOMETRIC AND ELECTROMETRIC METHODS FOR THE INVESTIGATION OF THE DYNAMICS OF LANDSLIDE PROCESSES*

Geophysical methods for the investigation of the dynamics of landslide processes are most effective in long-term observations. Magnetometric and electrometric methods for observing the displacement of man-made and natural markers are most sensitive and most highly developed at the present time. A detailed magnetic survey carried out near boreholes where magnets have been emplaced makes it possible to establish the direction and velocities of the displacement of landslide masses at different depths. Observations of the dislocation of the stable anomalies of the natural electric field allow us to elucidate the character of landslide deformations in the zone of capillary uplift of ground waters.     

INTEGRATED INTERPRETATION OF MARINE ENGINEERING GEOLOGICAL AND GEOPHYSICAL DATA ON THE PRINCIPLES OF EXPERT SYSTEM TECHNOLOGY1

We describe an approach to the construction of an engineering geological expert system for identification of sub-bottom soils in accordance with some predefined nomenclature. The following principles of integrated interpretation of engineering geophysical and geotechnical data are presented: Firstly, the transformation of physical data (compressional- and shear-wave velocities, compressional-wave attenuation coefficients, electrical conductivity, etc.) for each of the medium points into subjective probabilities for the soil belonging to each type listed in the nomenclature, and secondly, the extrapolation of local geotechnical data (primarily drilling data) to the surrounding space by means of diffusion of the initial membership function distribution, resulting in the same set of probabilities for soil types at each point in the medium under consideration. Aggregation of the fuzzy information obtained, sufficient for reaching a conclusion for most points in the medium, is carried out by means of Bayesian summation. An example is given of integrated interpretation of real data obtained from four different sources (compressional- and shear-wave velocity sections V_p(x, z) and V_s(x, z), and two boreholes) related to the same profile.     

TOWARDS UNIFICATION OF GEOPHYSICAL PROBLEMS FOR HORIZONTALLY STRATIFIED MEDIA*

Theorems and relations describing a system of horizontal layers are considered as the elements of a meta-system having a layered structure. This implies a layered structure of a solution of geophysical problems for horizontally stratified medium. Wave equation, Laplace's equation, and Maxwell's equations are the special cases of a more general differential equation. By separation of variables the basic equation for layered structures is obtained. A multi-layer medium may result from accumulation of successive layers. The descending or ascending accumulation is possible, depending whether the successive layers are inserted at the top or at the bottom of the medium. The discretization of a basic equation provides two sets of formulas for descending or ascending accumulation, respectively. The relationship between the mathematical expressions of the seismic transfer function and the magnetotelluric input impedance is derived. The deduction leads to the possibility of converting the magnetotelluric observations into an equivalent synthetic seismogram.     

SOME APPLICATIONS OF IP-TECHNIQUE FOR DIFFERENT GEOPHYSICAL PROSPECTING PURPOSES *

The usefulness of IP-technique for different geophysical purposes is discussed on the basis of field examples. IP and resistivity results are not always correlated, and the IP-information may be unique in prospecting for very low grade sulphide mineralizations. The IP-technique seems to be useful sometimes in prospecting for disseminated Ni-Cu- mineralizations. A massive sulphide mineralization could be localized using IP. The disturbances from different kinds of geological objects other than prospecting targets generally are smaller in IP-work than in resistivity work. It was possible to discriminate between apparent resistivity anomalies caused by shear zones and by sulphide mineralizations by means of IP-measurements. The influence of magnetite on IP- measurements is briefly discussed. The relation between ground magnetic measurements ΔZ and the IP-parameter is in many areas weak and does not seriously influence the interpretation of the IP-measurements. A high correlation between ΔZ and IP-measurements has been found on a titaniferous iron ore. This ore body gives strong IP-anomalies indicating that it is a good IP-target. Finally, the application of small moving arrays in very detailed IP-measurements is found useful for detailed mapping of a mineralized zone under a thin overburden and for determination of the dip of mineralized zones.     

GEOPHYSICAL CATEGORIZATION OF THE PRECAMBRIAN IN SOUTH INDIA*

The ground follow-up of a magnetic and radiometric air survey had to cope with the usual dilemma to check a great number of anomalies within a short time. A limited aggregate of magnetic anomalies, expected to correspond to magnetite quartzites was statistically selected for ground identification by this method: the ratios length/width times amplitude were listed for all coherent contours and the calculation of the standard deviation per unit area resulted in different key-numbers for a new lithological “Salem Unit” and for the charnockitic or gneissic environment. The ground work thus directed and reduced by 85% yielded a substantial potential of iron ore. This was supported by by abundant determinations of the magnetic susceptibilities, confirming the sources of anomalies and revealing the amenabilities of iron ores for the magnetic separation process. The lines of truncation of anomalies were found to represent a system of local and regional faults and shear zones, which segregated the area into different tectonic blocks. These sutures have also provided the ways of intrusion for alkaline and basic magmae in the style of a “Rift” structure, housing several carbonatites and impregnations of metal sulphides. The airborne radiometrics obtained many uranium indications by gamma ray spectrometry. However, they led only to disseminated uranium-silicates, associated with syenites, granites and pegmatites, each emanating a characteristic photon energy spectrum. But in general the radiation of thorium prevails, marking northern Madras as a “Thorium Province”.     

STATISTICAL MULTIVARIATE ANALYSIS OF AIRBORNE GEOPHYSICAL DATA ON THE SE BORDER OF THE CENTRAL LAPLAND GREENSTONE COMPLEX*

Statistical multivariate methods for the integrated processing of airborne geophysical data were tested. The data consisted of magnetic, electromagnetic and gamma radiation measurements, to which cluster analysis, principal components analysis and discriminant analysis were applied. Also, auxiliary variables were derived from the original ones and their value was tested. Although the frequency distributions of the data do not favour statistical analysis, the practical results are acceptable. Principal component analyses show geological and technical aspects that are difficult to obtain from the original observations. In cluster analyses, the sources of measured fields control the grouping of variables. Discriminant analysis was applied to the automatic identification of rocks by geophysical data. The rocks investigated are metasediments and metavolcanics, some magnetic and others conductive. When all available geophysical data were included, correct identifications were made in more than 60% of cases. In particular, gamma ray observations were found to improve the discrimination of non-magnetic and non-conductive rocks. The geophysical similarity of rocks studied by cluster analysis depends on electrical and magnetic properties as well as on their origin; the content of radioactive elements in turn is related to the origin.     

城市活断层地震勘探的最佳组合方法与应用研究

根据近年来在全国开展的大城市活断层地震探测实践,在简要介绍各种地震勘探方法的基本原理和工作方法的基础上,着重分析了不同地震勘探方法的适用范围、获得的主要成果和所解决的主要问题。讨论了现阶段用地震勘探获取地壳结构和对不同深度断层定位的最佳组合方法,即对于有沉积覆盖的隐伏数百米深度至地表的断层,可用浅层地震勘探对其进行追踪,基底(埋深数公里)以上断层可采用高分辨地震折射探测;对于地壳中、深断裂应用反射地震勘探和深地震宽角反射/折射联合探测方法;还可以进一步采用三维深地震测深方法获得城市下方的三维结构和构造信息。采用这样的组合探测方法能够较好地获得断层在不同深度的产状与展布以及由深至浅完整的分布图像,并给出了应用实例     

近震震级测定方法研究

本文根据北京电信传输地震台网在1978-1984年期间的395次地震[1.0ML6.2;10△600km]资料,讨论了近震震级 ML 的量规函数、台基校正、仪器分量校正和震源区校正等,并着重研究了信号持续时间震级 MD 的不同测定方法和误差.结果表明,如果采用本文中所述的方法,不需添加任何校正值,只用少数几个台甚至仅用一个台的资料就可逼近无偏震级.必须指出,持续时间震级 MD 在震级大于4.8时可产生震级饱和现象,对此,用另一条具有较大斜率的方程拟合便可得到满意的结果.     

APPROXIMATION OF THE GRAVITATIONAL ATTRACTION OF GEOLOGICAL BODIES*

The gravitational attraction produced by a geological body of irregular shape can be easily determined by dividing it into cubes of small size. The exact expression of the effect of a cube is very complicated, but it can be calculated by using an electronic computer. 4851 values of the gravitational attraction were determined for different positions of a cube with the side of 2l and the center in M(x₀, y₀, z₀), for x₀∈[0;20], y₀∈[0;20] and z₀∈[0;10]. Using these values, templates in double logarithmic representation were drawn, with x₀ and z₀ as parameters and y₀ as abscissa, and with x₀ and y₀ as parameters and z₀ in abscissa; this double set of templates permits a good interpolation for all cubes in the considered domain of M. The use of templates was tested to approximate the effect produced by a theoretical model of spherical shape and in a real case of a three-dimensional salt body of known shape based on a large number of boreholes. In both cases very good results were obtained.