Seismic source characteristics in Kachchh and Saurashtra regions of Western India: <Emphasis Type="Italic">b</Emphasis>-value and fractal dimension mapping of aftershock sequences

Seismic source characteristics in the Kachchh rift basin and Saurashtra horst tectonic blocks in the stable continental region (SCR) of western peninsular India are studied using the earthquake catalog data for the period 2006–2011 recorded by a 52-station broadband seismic network known as Gujarat State Network (GSNet) running by Institute of Seismological Research (ISR), Gujarat. These data are mainly the aftershock sequences of three mainshocks, the 2001 Bhuj earthquake (M _w 7.7) in the Kachchh rift basin, and the 2007 and 2011 Talala earthquakes (M _w ≥ 5.0) in the Saurashtra horst. Two important seismological parameters, the frequency–magnitude relation (b-value) and the fractal correlation dimension (D _c) of the hypocenters, are estimated. The b-value and the D _c maps indicate a difference in seismic characteristics of these two tectonic regions. The average b-value in Kachchh region is 1.2 ± 0.05 and that in the Saurashtra region 0.7 ± 0.04. The average D _c in Kachchh is 2.64 ± 0.01 and in Saurashtra 2.46 ± 0.01. The hypocenters in Kachchh rift basin cluster at a depth range 20–35 km and that in Saurashtra at 5–10 km. The b-value and D _c cross sections image the seismogenic structures that shed new light on seismotectonics of these two tectonic regions. The mainshock sources at depth are identified as lower b-value or stressed zones at the fault end. Crustal heterogeneities are well reflected in the maps as well as in the cross sections. We also find a positive correlation between b- and D _c-values in both the tectonic regions.     

Comparison of earthquake source characteristics in the Kachchh Rift Basin and Saurashtra horst,Deccan Volcanic Province,western India

Seismic source parameters of small to moderate sized intraplate earthquakes that occurred during 2002–2009 in the tectonic blocks of Kachchh Rift Basin (KRB) and the Saurashtra Horst (SH), in the stable continental region of western peninsular India, are studied through spectral analysis of shear waves. The data of aftershock sequence of the 2001 Bhuj earthquake (\(M_{w}\) 7.7) in the KRB and the 2007 Talala earthquake (\(M_{w}\) 5.0) in the SH are used for this study. In the SH, the seismic moment (\(M_{o})\), corner frequency \((f_{c})\), stress drop (\(\varDelta \sigma \)) and source radius (r) vary from \(7.8\times 10^{11}\) to \(4.0\times \)10\(^{16}\) N-m, 1.0–8.9 Hz, 4.8–10.2 MPa and 195–1480 m, respectively. While in the KRB, these parameters vary from \(M_{o} \sim 1.24 \,\times \, 10^{11}\) to \(4.1 \times 10^{16}\) N-m, \(f_{c }\sim \) 1.6 to 13.1 Hz, \(\varDelta \sigma \sim 0.06\) to 16.62 MPa and \(r \sim 100\) to 840 m. The kappa (K) value in the KRB (0.025–0.03) is slightly larger than that in the SH region (0.02), probably due to thick sedimentary layers. The estimated stress drops of earthquakes in the KRB are relatively higher than those in SH, due to large crustal stress concentration associated with mafic/ultramafic rocks at the hypocentral depths. The results also suggest that the stress drop value of intraplate earthquakes is larger than the interplate earthquakes. In addition, it is observed that the strike-slip events in the SH have lower stress drops, compared to the thrust and strike-slip events.     

岩石破裂过程中的声发射b值及分形特征研究

应用声发射及其定位技术,通过单轴受压岩石破坏声发射试验,对岩石破裂过程中的声发射b值和空间分布分形维值随不同应力水平的变化趋势进行了研究。研究结果表明：声发射分形维值D和b值反映了岩石破坏过程中微裂纹的初始和扩展;在小尺度微裂纹所占比例较高的加载初期,分形维值和b值在较高的水平波动变化,部分岩石试件分形维值和b值呈现升高现象;随着载荷的增加,岩石内部微裂纹的空间分布由无序向有序转变,大尺度裂纹所占比例增加,声发射定位事件出现群集现象,分形维值和b值开始较快速下降并在岩石失稳破坏时达到最低值。在岩石破坏过程中,声发射分形维值和b值的变化趋势相近。由于实际应用时,分形维值和b值的最小值（临界点）难以确定,故可将2个参数相结合,以分形维值D和b值较快速下降作为前兆特征,以提高现场岩体稳定性监测的准确性。     

A review of b-value imaging and fractal dimension studies in the Andaman Sumatra subduction

The present study analyses the spatial pattern of quaternary gravitational slope deformations (GSD) and historical/present-day instabilities (HPI) inventoried in the Swiss Rhone Valley. The main objective is to test if these events are clustered (spatial attraction) or randomly distributed (spatial independency). Moreover, analogies with the cluster behaviour of earthquakes inventoried in the same area were examined. The Ripley’s K-function was applied to measure and test for randomness. This indicator allows describing the spatial pattern of a point process at increasing distance values. To account for the non-constant intensity of the geological phenomena, a modification of the K-function for inhomogeneous point processes was adopted. The specific goal is to explore the spatial attraction (i.e. cluster behaviour) among landslide events and between gravitational slope deformations and earthquakes. To discover if the two classes of instabilities (GSD and HPI) are spatially independently distributed, the cross K-function was computed. The results show that all the geological events under study are spatially clustered at a well-defined distance range. GSD and HPI show a similar pattern distribution with clusters in the range 0.75–9 km. The cross K-function reveals an attraction between the two classes of instabilities in the range 0–4 km confirming that HPI are more prone to occur within large-scale slope deformations. The K-function computed for GSD and earthquakes indicates that both present a cluster tendency in the range 0–10 km, suggesting that earthquakes could represent a potential predisposing factor which could influence the GSD distribution.     

Neogene-quaternary calcareous algae from Saurashtra basin,Western India: Implications on paleoenvironments and hydrocarbon exploration

The Cenozoic and Quaternary sediments of Saurashtra basin encompass signatures of sea level fluctuations, environments of deposition and presence of hydrocarbons. These sediments are divided into seven formations that in order of superposition are: Deccan Trap (late Cretaceous to Eocene), Gaj (early Miocene), Dwarka (middle Miocene to early Pliocene), Miliolite (middle Pleistocene), Chaya (late Pleistocene to late Holocene), Katpur (middle Holocene) and Mahuva Formation (late Holocene). The fossil calcareous algae are significant constituents of these sediments and in all 88 species so far have been recorded by different workers from three prominent areas: Dwarka-Okha area (38 coralline algal species:28 nongeniculate and 10 geniculate), Porbandar area (37 coralline algal species:25 nongeniculate and 12 geniculate species) and Diu area (13 calcareous algal species:6 nongeniculate coralline algal species, 5 geniculate coralline algal species; 1 dasycladalean algal species and 1 halimedacean algal species) of the Saurashtra basin. The present paper provides a checklist of these 88 calcareous algal species documented from the different formations of this basin and their implications for paleoenvironments and petroleum exploration.     

Joints as fingerprints of stress in the quaternary carbonate deposits along coastal Saurashtra,Western India

Coastal cliffs and shore platforms are important geomorphic features of coastal areas of Saurashtra. These features are composed of medium to coarse grained carbonate sand and are designated as “Miliolitic limestones” that range in age from Middle to Late Pleistocene. Significant jointing has been observed in the Middle Pleistocene Miliolite Formation as well as in the younger shell limestone that comprises Chaya Formation of Late Pleistocene. Along with NE-SW trend which is the direction of maximum horizontal compressive stress [S_Hmax] for Indian sub-continent, other trends recorded are NNE-SSW, N-S, NW-SE and E-W. When compared with other regional studies, neotectonic episode in Saurashtra peninsula appears to be younger than at least 125ky. The present study on joint sets also indicates that they are important to understand stresses associated with anticlockwise rotation of the Indian plate.     

The strength and fractal dimension characteristics of alum–kaolin flocs

Flocs generated by various shear forces exhibit different characteristics of size, strength and structure. These properties were investigated by employing a continuous optical monitoring and a microscope with CCD camera to directly monitor aggregation under six different shear intensities. The floc structure was characterized by the fractal dimension. The results showed that the flocculation index (FI) decreased from 1.16 at 20 rpm to 0.25 at 250 rpm and the floc size decreased from 550 μm to 150 μm, meantime, the FI value showed a good correlation with floc size. In order to determine the floc strength, two methods were used. One was the strength factor, ranging from 18.3% to 62.5%, calculated from FI curve, and the other was a theoretical value between 0.005 N/m² and 0.240 N/m², estimated by calculation. The floc strength increased with the G value in both cases. Furthermore, the fractal dimension increased with G and its value was between 1.30 and 1.63. The relation between fractal dimension and strength was also obtained.     

泥石流源区砾石土分形特征及其与渗透系数关系试验研究

以取自泥石流易发区的182个砾石土土样为基础,进行室内颗分试验,通过分形理论计算各土样的分维值,经计算发现,泥石流源区砾石土以一重分形为主,一重分形的土样占样本总数的88.46%,一重分形土样的分维值介于2.250～2.798之间;以此数据为基础配置土样,通过自制、可控的常水头试验装置进行渗透试验。试验结果表明,渗透系数k与分维值D之间有极显著的相关性,且在干密度为1.8 g/cm3时相关性最好。通过多元回归分析发现,不同密度条件下,k与D之间均有较好的幂函数关系;相同的分维值条件下土样的渗透系数随密度的增大呈减小的趋势,分维值在2.450～2.600之间时,样本的干密度 与渗透系数k之间的幂函数关系较为明显。试验结果可以为泥石流启动的临界雨量研究提供理论基础,提高已有预报模型的普适性及精度。     

中国花岗岩类化学元素组成的分维数特征

将各种化学元素的丰度集合视为一组丰度序列,首次将分维数(盒维数)应用于研究中国花岗岩类的化学元素组成及演化特征。原理上,分形的遍在性源于随机性的遍在性,分维数的取值可表征丰度序列的内部结构性及演化的方向性,为矿产资源勘查提供重要信息;实践上,以观测元素相容性序列为基础分析其地球化学行为,采用盒维数以不失观测变量的整体性。详细探讨了分维数与成岩序列上的演化趋势或分异程度与研究对象地球化学特征间的相互关系及作用机制,据以解释为何在组分、时间与空间上同属花岗岩类却呈现出截然相异的成矿专属性与含矿性;确立了从频数特征角度探讨化学元素组成研究的新思路。研究结果表明：中国花岗岩类化学元素在丰度序列演化中均存有某种形式的结构性演化,即在组成、时间及空间上的有序结构,传统的(对数)正态分布模型难以描述其频数规律。然而,累加(差)的频数却是服从分形分布的,分维数与聚类分析的结果十分接近,且其递减序列可作为研究体系演化程度的判据,具有相当重要的地球化学意义。     

Nongeniculate coralline algae from early middle Miocene offshore sequence of Kachchh basin,Western India: Paleoenvironmental significance

The present paper reports five nongeniculate coralline algal species, viz., Lithothamnion valens Foslie, Mesophyllum roveretoi Conti, Phymatolithon calcareum (Pallas) Adey and Mckibbin, Melobesioideae gen. et spec. indet. and Lithoporella melobesioides Foslie form the early middle Miocene Chhasra Formation of Offshore Sequence of Kachchh basin, western India. The present day depth distribution of Lithothamnion and Mesophyllum and growth forms of five nongeniculate coralline algal species points that the two cores belonging to the Chhasra Formation of offshore sequence of Kachchh basin were deposited in inner shelf environment at 60-100m depth in moderate-energy conditions.     

Ichnological analysis of transgressive marine tongue in prograding deltaic system: Evidences from Ukra Hill Member, Western Kachchh, India

The Ukra Hill Member exposed only in Western part of Kachchh basin comprises of fossiliferous shales, limestones and glauconitic sandstones in between thick unfossiliferous sandstone. The present study documents abundance of trace fossil Teredolite, occurring as driftwood and bedload log ground as well as re-worked log ground from the basal part of the Ukra Hill Member. These Teredolite bearing horizons are underlain by coarse grained cross bedded sediment with monodominant Psilonichnus tubiformis, while abundant Gyrolithes cycloides along with Rhizocorallium irregulare, R. Jenense occurs in overlying horizons. Three ichnofabrics recognized within the Ukra Hill Member are inferred to represent near shore high energy conditions (Psilonichnus ichnofabric), transgressive condition with subsequent erosion (Teredolites Ichnofabric) and shelf environment (Gyrolithes-Rhizocorallium Ichnofabric). TheTeredolite bearing horizons also occurs with abundant belemnites Neohibolithes ewaldi, which is considered to be index fossil for the Early Aptian sediments. Thus, based on the ichnofabric analysis, the basal part of the Ukra Hill Member represents an Early Aptian transgressive event in Kachchh basin.     

Animal-sediment relationship of the crustaceans and polychaetes in the intertidal zone around Mandvi,Gulf of Kachchh,Western India

Animal-sediment relationships of two benthic communities (Crustaceans and Polychaetes) were studied around Mandvi coast in the Gulf of Kachchh, Western India. This coast consists of many micro-geomorphic landforms in which benthic communities are inhabited and select their niches and produce endemic biogenic structures. Five intertidal subfacies have been described and four types of grounds are identified, based on substrate consistency. 18 species of crustaceans, 15 species of polychaetes and unsegmented worm nemertea have been identified. Crustacean behavioural activities were observed in dunes, beaches and ridge-runnel in the form of burrowing, pellet making, feeding and crawling traces. Pelleted wall lining burrows of the suspension feeder stomatopodean species of Oratosquilla striata are also abundant in runnels. Motile, deposit feeder polychaetes are abundant on the ridges and are occasionally found on the lower reaches of the beaches, while suspension and filter feeders are found in the runnels. Lagoons consist of mainly grouped funnel branched burrows of Oniphus eremita which is identical to ichnogenus Balanoglossites. Nemertea, which are opportunistic algal grazers, have exploited restricted niches for dwelling-feeding purposes and constructed vertical burrow with pentamerous conical mound. The shore platform consists of cemented, calcareous tubes of filter feeder Serpula along with symbiotic encrusters like Ostrea and barnacles. Ichnocoenoses are discussed and three-dimensional ichno-sedimentologic models are reconstructed for Beach, Ridge, Runnel and Lagoon of the Mandvi intertidal zone.     

Facies controlled synaeresis cracks in mixed siliciclastic-carbonate sediments of Middle Jurassic of Patcham Island, Kachchh, Western India

Synaeresis cracks are observed at different stratigraphic levels in shallow marine mixed siliciclastic-carbonate sediments of the Middle Jurassic rocks of the Patcham Island, Kachchh, Western India. Cracks are preserved as cast or grooves in micritic sandstone of the Kuar bet member of Kaladongar Formation and sandy allochem limestone of the Raimalro Limestone member of Goradongar Formation. It bear distinct morphology of simple, straight to gently curved, spindle-shaped, irregular, unbranched to branched at acute angle; interconnected curlicue forms of non-orthogonal pattern. The X-radiography shows sharp margin and tapering twigs which support to nullify the possible biogenic origin. These cracks are developed at sediment-water interface and sediment-sediment interface in aqueous conditions, where partial dewatering of sediments causes reduction of sediment volume and loss of plasticity. Formation of cracks are also post-depositional phenomenon operated during initial phase of diagenesis where induced stress is generated due to compaction of sediments and neomorphism/recrystallisation of the susceptible carbonate grains.     

Nutrient chemistry and salinity mapping of the Delhi aquifer,India: source identification perspective

Present study is an effort to distinguish between the contributions of natural weathering and anthropogenic inputs towards high salinity and nutrient concentrations in the groundwater of National Capital Territory (NCT) Delhi, India. Apart from the source identification, the aquifer of entire territory has been characterized and mapped on the basis of salinity in space and water suitability with its depth. Major element chemistry, conventional graphical plots and specific ionic ratio of Na⁺/Cl⁻, SO₄ ²⁻/Cl⁻, Mg²⁺/Ca²⁺ and Ca²⁺/(HCO₃ ⁻ + SO₄ ²⁻) are conjointly used to distinguish different salinization sources. Results suggest that leaching from the various unlined landfill sites and drains is the prime cause of NO₃ ⁻ contamination while study area is highly affected with inland salinity which is geogenic in origin. The seasonal water level fluctuation and rising water level increases nutrients concentration in groundwater. Mixing with old saline sub-surface groundwater and dissolution of surface salts in the salt affected soil areas were identified as the principle processes controlling groundwater salinity through comparison of ionic ratio. Only minor increase of salinity is the result of evaporation effect and pollution inflows. The entire territory has characterized into four groups as fresh, freshening, near freshening and saline with respect to salinity in groundwater. The salinity mapping suggests that in general, for drinking needs, groundwater in the fresh, freshening and near freshening zone is suitable up to a depth of 45, 20 and 12 m, respectively, while the saline zones are unsuitable for any domestic use. In the consideration of increasing demand of drinking water in the area; present study is vital and recommends further isotopic investigations and highlights the need of immediate management action for landfill sites and unlined drains.     

Estimation of earthquake source parameters in the Kachchh seismic zone,Gujarat, India,using three component S-wave spectra

Earthquake source parameters and crustal \(Q_{0}\) values for the 138 selected local events of (\(\hbox {M}_{\mathrm{w}}{:}2.5{-}4.4\)) the 2001 Bhuj earthquake sequence have been computed through inversion modelling of S-waves from three-component broadband seismometer data. SEISAN software has been used to locate the identified local earthquakes, which were recorded at least three or more stations of the Kachchh seismological network. Three component spectra of S-wave are being inverted by using the Levenberg–Marquardt non-linear inversion technique, wherein the inversion scheme is formulated based on \(\omega ^{2}\) source model. SAC Software (seismic analysis code) is being utilized for calculating three-component displacement and velocity spectra of S-wave. The displacement spectra are used for estimating corner frequency (in Hz) and long period spectral level (in nm-s). These two parameters play a key role in estimating earthquake source parameters. The crustal \({Q}_{0}\) values have been computed simultaneously for each component of three-component broadband seismograph. The estimated seismic moment (\(M_{0}\)) and source radius (r) using S-wave spectra range from 7.03E+12 to 5.36E+15 N-m and 178.56 to 565.21 m, respectively. The corner frequencies for S-wave vary from 3.025 to 7.425 Hz. We also estimated the radiated energy (\(E_{S}\)) using velocity spectra, which is varying from 2.76E+06 to 4.07E+11 Joules. The estimated apparent stress drop and static stress drop values range from 0.01 to 2.56 and 0.53 to 36.79 MPa, respectively. Our study also reveals that estimated \(Q_{0}\) values vary from 119.0 to 7229.5, with an average \(Q_{0}\) value of 701. Another important parameter, by which the earthquake rupture process can be recognized, is Zuniga parameter. It suggests that most of the Kachchh events follow the frictional overshoot model. Our estimated static stress drop values are higher than the apparent stress drop values. And the stress drop values are quite larger for intraplate earthquakes than the interplate earthquakes.     

The Effects of Diagenesis on the Reservoir Characters in Ridge sandstone of Jurassic Jumara dome,Kachchh, Western India

Ridge sandstone of Jurassic Jumara dome of Kachchh was studied in an attempt to quantify the effects of diagenetic process such as compaction, cementation and dissolution on reservoir properties. The average framework composition of Ridge sandstone is Q₈₀F₁₇L₃, medium-to coarse grained and subarkose to arkose. Syndepositional silty to clayey matrix (3% average) is also observed that occurs as pore filling. The diagenetic processes include compaction, cementation and precipitation of authigenic cements, dissolution of unstable grains and grain replacement and development of secondary porosity. The major cause of intense reduction in primary porosity of Ridge sandstone is early cementation which include silica, carbonate, iron, kaolinite, illite, smectite, mixed layer illite-smectite and chlorite, which prevents mechanical compaction. The plots of COPL versus CEPL and IGV versus total cement suggest the loss of primary porosity in Ridge sandstone is due to cementation. Cements mainly iron and carbonate occurs in intergranular pores of detrital grains and destroys porosity. The clay mineral occurs as pore filling and pore lining and deteriorates the porosity and permeability of the Ridge sandstone. The reservoir quality of the studied sandstone is reduced by clay minerals (kaolinite, illite, smectite, mixed layer illitesmectite, chlorite), carbonate, iron and silica cementation but on the other hand, it is increased by alteration and dissolution of the unstable grain, in addition to partial dissolution of carbonate cements. The potential of the studied sandstone to serve as a reservoir is strongly related to sandstone diagenesis.     

河流形态的分维及与洪水关系的探讨--以长江中下游为例

河流水系形态特征可以通过河流的分形特征来反映,分形维数则是河流分形特征的量化表示,其与河流洪水之间存在着一定的关系。以长江中下游为例,利用网格覆盖法计算出长江中下游河流分维,分析了长江中下游河流的分形特性,并在此基础上结合长江中下游洪水分析不同水系特征下洪水的特点。研究结果表明,一般来说河道分维越大、河网分维越小,洪水发生可能性则越高。     

Assessment of fractal dimension and geometrical characteristics of the landslides identified in North of Tehran,Iran

The aim of the presented study is to assess the fractal dimension (D) and the geometrical characteristics (length and width) of the landslides identified in North of Tehran, Iran. At first, the landslide locations (528 landslides) were identified by interpretation of aerial photographs, satellite images and field surveys, and then to calculate the fractal dimension (D), we used the computer programming named as FRACEK. In the next step, geometrical characteristics of each landslide such as length (L) and width (W) were calculated by ArcGIS software. The landslide polygons were digitized from the mentioned landslide inventory map and rotated based on movement direction. The fractal dimension for all landslides varied between 1.665 and 1.968. Subsequently, the relationship between the length/width ratios and theirs fractal D values for 528 landslides was calculated. The results showed that correlation coefficients (R), which are different regression models such as exponential, linear, logarithmic, polynomial, and power, between D and L/W ratio are relatively high, respectively (0.75, 0.75, 0.76, 0.78, and 0.75). It can be concluded that the fractal dimension values and geometry characteristics of landslides would be useful indices for the management of hazardous areas, susceptible slopes, land use planning, and landslide hazard mitigation.