DETERMINATION OF LATERAL INHOMOGENEITIES IN REFLECTION SEISMICS BY INVERSION OF TRAVELTIME RESIDUALS*

Lateral inhomogeneities generate fluctuations in the traveltime of seismic waves. By evaluation of these traveltime fluctuations from different source and receiver positions, lateral inhomogeneities can be located using a pseudo inverse matrix method (Aki, Christoffersson and Husebye 1977). The formulation of the problem is possible for transmitted waves as well as for reflected and refracted waves. In reflection seismics this method is of importance, if no reflections from the inhomogeneities themselves, but only reflections from lower boundaries can be observed. The basic assumptions for the mathematical formulation are (1) the average velocities and depths of the reflecting horizons are known already from standard processing methods, and (2) the traveltime residuals are due to lateral velocity changes between different reflectors or between reflectors and the surface. The area of the earth to be considered is divided into layers and the layers into rectangular blocks. The parallel displacement of a ray after passing a disturbed block is neglected, only the traveltime residual is taken into account. In this paper the method and its application to data obtained with two-dimensional models are described.     

POSSIBILITIES OF USING VERTICAL GEOPHONE ARRAYS (CVA) IN REFLECTION SEISMOLOGY*

Vertical geophone arrays in boreholes have been used for many years to study seismic velocities by investigating the first arrivals of records. The development of the vertical seismic profiling (VSP) technique shows possibilities of using the reflected events to close the gap between interpretation of conventional seismic data and physical observations made in the well. Reflected events recorded by vertical arrays (as in VSP) generally have higher signal-to-noise ratio, larger bandwidth and can easily be separated from multiples. The new Continuous Vertical Array (CVA) technique combines vertical arrays in several boreholes with a line of source points near the surface. The result is a multi-covered seismic line similar to that of a conventional seismic survey, but it retains the benefits of observations with vertical arrays. The possibilities of the new technique are discussed with the aid of theoretical considerations, model studies, and a first field case using nine boreholes 500 m apart with depths of 400 m. New data acquisition and processing techniques (mainly migration before stack) have been developed. The CVA-seismic method is still in the development stage but promises new possibilities for detailed surveys in difficult areas.     

NVESTIGATION OF TECTONICS BY GRAVITY DETAILING*

Mapping of fault patterns is an important part of geophysical exploration. A computerized digital template analysis method is described which tests gravity maps for the effects of faults by comparing measured gravity data with calculated master curves. The interpreted gravity data are incorporated in a tectonic map using geological symbols and units, for ready use by the geologists. Tectonics can be investigated by gravity detailing if the smallest undulations on the Bouguer map are taken into consideration. Up to now, residual and derivative gravity maps have explained gravity effects by assuming spherical bodies which are almost unknown in geology. The method discussed here uses tectonic elements, such as fault-blocks and dikes as a basis of interpretation instead of the spherical bodies of the conventional interpretation methods. Gravity data can be easily and relatively cheaply obtained in the early phases of exploration by area wide spot coverage following lines of easy access such as roads, etc. Seismic studies, by contrast, have the disadvantage of being executed along predetermined profile lines. Only after sufficient detailing do seismic profiles permit-if at all -an areal mapping of faults. Thus a tectonic map is obtained only at the end of a geophysical survey instead of being available prior to the planning of costly seismic profiles. The use of gravimetric data and their interpretation by the suggested method provides tectonic detail maps in the early phases of geophysical studies. In addition, this article discusses a general geophysical interpretation method, using the investigation of faults by gravity as an example. Applications of this method for different gravity and magnetics problems as well as for combined interpretations are outlined. Detailed case histories will be published in later articles.     

THEORETICAL REFLECTION SEISMOGRAMS FOR ELASTIC MEDIA*

Theoretical seismograms for an explosive source in a multilayered elastic medium are constructed by Fourier synthesis and plane wave superposition. The calculation scheme which builds up a reflection matrix layer by layer in the frequency and wave number domain allows the inclusion of attenuation and a choice of the level of internal multiples in each layer. Comparative calculations of theoretical seismograms for an elastic model and in the acoustic approximation, neglecting shear, show that the main differences arise at large offsets. The inclusion of shear waves leads to lower reflected P wave amplitudes at the end of the spread but only small amounts of converted phases.     

SEISMIC SOURCES FOR SHALLOW REFLECTION SURVEYING*

A standard seismic reflection profile was shot along a disused railway track at Onley, near Rugby, U. K. Four different seismic sources including explosives, the propane/oxygen gas-gun, the Bolt airgun, and the borehole sparker were used and compared with each other in terms of output energy, penetration and resolution. The results indicated that the resolution of the borehole airgun and the gas-gun was slightly higher than that possible with gelignite. Both these sources had an output energy which was equivalent to 30 g of gelignite. The borehole sparker was only useful for obtaining seismic information on the nearsurface weathered layer, since its output power (1 kJ) was very limited. However, McCann and McCann (1982) used a high-power sparker source (14 kJ) on the nearby Grand Union Canal for a wide angle seismic reflection survey and achieved a maximum penetration of 250 m, which is comparable with the results obtained on land with the seismic sources mentioned above. The seismic reflection profile, which was interpreted in the light of borehole information in the area and the results of McCann and McCann (1982), successfully identified the surface of the Palaeozoic rocks. The problem of detecting the presence of thin, high-velocity layers in a seismic refraction survey without the availability of other information to calibrate the seismic section is also highlighted.     

MAPPING OF TECTONICS OF SEDIMENTS BY AIRBORNE MAGNETICS*

The considerable increase of sensitivity of new magnetometers allows the elaboration of magnetometric maps with contour intervals of fractions of one gamma. On these maps, small anomalies appear which had never been visible before. They are caused by susceptibility contrasts within the sediments. The areal distribution of these small undulations of the magnetic field depends on tectonics, therefore their analysis can give useful information about the tectonic pattern of the sediments. This paper discusses the automatic transformation of these small anomalies into tectonic units. The problem is solved by a method called Digital Template Analysis which has already yielded very useful results in gravity interpretation. The application of the method described is restricted to surveys executed by high sensitivity magnetometers. Therefore it is supposed that in most oil exploration problems these magnetometers will replace instruments with lower sensitivity. The improved magnetometer surveys in combination with the interpretation method described represent a most efficient, fast and unexpensive reconnaissance method.     

SHEAR-WAVE REFLECTION PROFILING FOR NEAR-SURFACE LIGNITE EXPLORATION*

We present the results of a shear-wave reflection experiment and in situ measurements in opencast lignite exploration. Near-surface coal seams have lower shear-wave velocities (～ 200 m/s) and lower densities than sand and clay layers. Due to strong reflection coefficients, a shear-wave reflection survey provides a powerful tool in lignite prospecting. Due to shorter seismic wavelengths shear waves will yield a higher resolution of shallow subsurface structure than compressional waves. Low shear-wave velocities and strong lateral velocity variations, however, require a dense data acquisition in the field. The variation of stacking velocities can exceed ± 15% within a profile length of 300 m. The different steps in processing and interpretation of results are described with actual records. The final CMP-stack shows steep-angle fault zones with maximum dislocations of 20 m within a coal seam.     

利用走时进行浅层反射成像及其应用

利用反射走时提出厂工程物探中浅层反射成像的新方法在局部范围内可将地层各界面视为平面,求取界面深度、速度诸参数,整个剖面的成像只需反复在局部范围内求解数值模拟表明方法具有精度高、收敛速度快等特点对清水江三板溪水电站坝址两个剖面的实际资料处理结果与现有资料吻合,表明该方法具有一定的应用前景     

DIRECT LOCATION OF OIL AND GAS BY THE SEISMIC REFLECTION METHOD*

The seismic velocity of sedimentary rocks is determined by the porosity, the velocity in the matrix and that in the fluid. The last two are known experimentally. The velocity can be measured from the surface. By applying the time average equation we can find the porosity. If the only difference at two points is the nature of the fluid in one layer, the ratio of the reflectivities of the layer at these points determines the nature of the fluid; this ratio is equal to the ratio of the amplitudes at these points. The size of the reservoir can then be found. The method can be applied to both oil exploration and production. It is more accurate in the latter case because more information is available than in the former case. The method is also more effective in developing discovered fields than the conventional method of relying only on the geological structural configurations.     

REFLECTION OF ELASTIC WAVES FROM PERIODICALLY STRATIFIED MEDIA WITH INTERFACIAL SLIP*

A periodically stratified elastic medium can be replaced by an equivalent homogeneous transverse isotropic medium in the long wavelength limit. The case of a homogeneous medium with equally spaced parallel interfaces along which there is imperfect bonding is a special instance of such a medium. Slowness surfaces are derived for all plane wave modes through the equivalent medium and reflection coefficients for a half-space of such a medium are found. The slowness surface for the SH mode is an ellipsoid. The exact solution for the reflection of SH-waves from a half-space with parallel slip interfaces is found following the matrix method of K. Gilbert applied to elastic waves. Explicit results are derived and in the long wavelength limit, shown to approach the results for waves in the equivalent homogeneous medium. Under certain conditions, a half-space of a medium with parallel slip interfaces has a reflection coefficient independent of the angle of incidence and thus acts like an acoustic reducing mirror. The method for the reflection of P- and SV-waves is fully outlined, and reflection coefficients are shown for a particular example. The solution requires finding the eigenvalues of a 4 × 4 transfer matrix, each eigenvalue being associated with a particular wave. At higher frequencies, unexpected eigenvalues are found corresponding to refracted waves for which shear and compressional parameters are completely coupled. The two eigenvalues corresponding to the transmitted wavefield give amplitude decay perpendicular to the stratification along with up- and downgoing phase propagation in some other direction. Much of this work was performed while the author was at the Department of Geophysics and Planetary Sciences, Tel-Aviv University, Ramat-Aviv, Israel. The author is grateful for illuminating discussions with K. Helbig and K. Gilbert.     

由宽角反射地震资料重建壳幔反射结构的相似性剖面

针对人工源宽角地震测深中炮点与接收点稀疏的特点,利用几何散射理论进行壳幔散射体的相似性剖面成像,利用互易性原理计算散射体相似性成像的时间条件,研究基于宽角反射地震资料重建壳幔反射结构的相似性成图方法. 其中,成像点的时间采用快速、高精度的程函方程求解技术. 利用该方法处理东南陆缘区宽角反射剖面实际资料,结果表明,较之壳幔反射结构的CDP成图技术,相似性成图方法具有提高反射同相轴横向连续性的能力.     

A NEW PARAMETER FOR AEROMAGNETIC SURVEYING*

The author proposes the parameter Δ²/ΔT¹ for possible application in aeromagnetic surveying making use of already available gradiometer systems equipped with sensors separated vertically.     

AN OPTIMIZED TECHNIQUE FOR DETERMINING STACKING VELOCITY FROM SEISMIC REFLECTION DATA*

A new method of estimating seismic stacking velocity from reflection seismograms is based on Fibonacci search technique and provides the highest rate of reduction of the interval of uncertainty of the stacking velocity. A review of the Fibonacci search strategy is presented, the application of the method is illustrated with synthetic and field examples.     

MATHEMATICAL MODELS OF CONDUCTING ORE BODIES FOR DIRECT CURRENT ELECTRICAL PROSPECTING *

The authors generalize a method expounded in a previous paper (1971, Geoph. Prosp. 18, 786-799) to the case of a local conductivity σ(M) of the infinite medium satisfying the relation where the R_i's are the distances from the point M to n fixed points S_i (i= 1,. n), k is a positive real constant and C_i, C_ii are constants ensuring the condition α > O. The sub-surface conductivity distributions (half-spaces) complying with (1) provide a wide variety of conducting structures, which can fit quite successfully the rather complicated distributions of conductivity occurring in natural ore bodies. An exact algebraic calculation of the apparent resistivity for these grounds, valid for any dc electrical prospecting devices (Wenner, Schlumberger, dipole, etc.) leads to a set of simultaneous linear equations, with a matrix which is invariant with respect to the position of the quadrupole being used. This greatly simplifies the numerical computation. We also present some examples of cross sections for the real and apparent resistivity obtained by this method.     

ON OBTAINING A FAMILY OF BODIES WITH IDENTICAL EXTERIOR FIELDS-METHOD OF BUBBLING *

Some of the theoretical bases of the bubbling method (different terms of an equipotential family can be approximately obtained using this method) are considered. A few examples for application of this method are given (a programme for a digital computer is used), showing its efficacy at solving problems from the exploration geophysics.     

A NEW APPROXIMATE METHOD FOR DIRECTLY INTERPRETING GRAVITY ANOMALY PROFILES CAUSED BY SURFACE GEOLOGIC STRUCTURES*

For outcropping bodies an approximate direct interpretation of the associated gravity anomaly is generally obtained with the flat plate formula. Results can be significantly improved if the causative body is approximated by a bell shape instead of a flat plate. A set of parameter curves allows the conversion to depth data. The validity of the method is borne out by synthetic models and by field examples in a Nevada valley with Tertiary and in the Los Angeles Basin. The method provides structural definition more accurate than can be obtained with the flat plate formula, particularly in the case of narrow anomalies.     

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.     

A NEW ENERGY SOURCE FOR MARSH AREAS *

Many practical energy sources are available for land use and likewise a goodly number for marine operations. However, the transitional region between navigable water and negotiable land is poorly served. The vehicles that are capable of operating amphibiously are limited in the pay-load they can transport, and in the bulk of apparatus that can be operated from the space available. The Flex-O-Gun (Trademark of Geo Space Corporation) is a new, lightweight gas exploder designed to meet the requirements for operation in rivers, bays, and marsh areas not generally accessible to the larger, heavier systems such as the Dinoseis (Trademark of Atlantic Richfield Company), Vibrator and Air Guns. Weighing less than 70 kilograms, the Flex-O-Gun requires only modest sources of oxygen and propane and the associated firing equipment for operation. The gun delivers energy by the sudden introduction into the water of high pressure gases resulting from detonation. The device is unique in that the underwater gun assembly contains no gas mixing or firing elements. A flexible, metallic hose conveys the charge of mixed gases and subsequent detonating flame to the gun from control and firing mechanisms located above the surface. With its small weight and total space requirements, the Flex-O-Gun can be operated from small boats, buggies, or trucks, and is easily transported. In this paper the features of the gun are described and the results given of tests of its operations. An implanting device is also discussed which extends its application to viscous formations. The device employs water jets mounted below the gun to wash down a hole and insure placement of the gun at depths to obtain maximum energy output.     

PHASE AND GROUP TIME SECTIONS AND POSSIBILITIES FOR THEIR USE IN SEISMIC INTERPRETATION OF COMPLEX MEDIA*

Interpretation problems are discussed for a new class of models for complex seismic media, called heterogeneous models formed by inclusions (HMI). Examples of such models in geology are destructive deformation zones, tectonic raptures, complex folds, magmatogene formations, fronts of metamorphism and of phase transition, etc., which are of importance in interpretation of seismic data. The wavefields in such media have a complicated interferential character and should be considered as complex wave groups characterized by their phase and group properties. To study the phase and group characteristics of such wavefields, a method of construction and comparative analysis of so-called phase and group sections is introduced. This method is based on a transformation of the wavefield (seismogram) into a normalized seismogram (cos of the phase) and a perigram (a low cut version of the trace envelope). The group sections obtained on the perigrams represent zones of energy concentration and give stable estimates of the average characteristics of model structure. The phase sections are obtained on the normalized seismograms and represent primarily, the inner structure of the model. The method was applied to both synthetic and field data. The results of the combined analysis of the phase and group sections show that in many cases there are significant differences between them. On the basis of this analysis, several types of seismic objects may be distinguished which can serve as a basis for seismic interpretation.     

THE POSSIBILITIES OF GEOPHYSICAL METHODS APPLIED FOR INVESTIGATING THE IMPACT OF MAN ON THE GEOLOGICAL MEDIUM*

Geophysical methods can be applied to investigate the harmful effect of man's activities on the environment: the study of specific electrical resistivities and natural electric fields of filtrational origin makes it possible to control the penetration of exogenic pollutants into soil as well as desalinization and secondary salinization of soils; electrometric and seismometric methods allow to observe the groundwater level near water reservoirs thus evaluating the harmful effect of backing up natural groundwater flow; contrasting properties of bedrocks and rocks in a landslide body permit application of seismic and electrical prospecting methods. Observation of the changes in specific electrical resistivities with time on the slopes of quarries is an effective method of assessing slope stability and predicting landslide hazard. Mining activities, groundwater pumping, and oil extraction are the main causes of endogenic pollution of geological medium; surface and borehole geophysical methods make it possible to assess vertical and horizontal displacements of the interfaces between salty and fresh subterranean waters resulting from an extensive exploitation of water supply sources; activation of geodynamic processes associated with mining activities is determined from the data of ‘regime’ electrometric, seismometric, gravimetric, and inclinometric observations. Geophysical methods are applied widely for studying the intensification of physico-geological processes under the impact of man. A specific object of electrometric investigations is degradation of permafrost and intensification of karst processes in soluble rocks. The principal advantage of geophysical investigations lies in the possibility of creating high spatial and temporal density of observations permitting an extensive employment of statistical methods in the assessment of the impact of man on the geological medium.