Effect of permeability variations on solute transport in highly heterogeneous porous media

The effect of aquifer heterogeneity on flow and solute transport in two-dimensional isotropic porous media was analyzed using the Monte Carlo method. The two-dimensional logarithmic permeability (ln K) was assumed to be a non-stationary random field with its increments being a truncated fractional Lévy motion (fLm). The permeability fields were generated using the modified successive random additions (SRA) algorithm code SRA3DC [http://www.iamg.org/CGEditor/index.htm]. The velocity and concentration fields were computed respectively for two-dimensional flow and transport with a pulse input using the finite difference codes of MODFLOW 2000 and MT3DMS. Two fLm control parameters, namely the width parameter (C) and the Lévy index (α), were varied systematically to examine their effect on the resulting permeability, flow velocity and concentration fields. We also computed the first- and second-spatial moments, the dilution index, as well as the breakthrough curves at different control planes with the corresponding concentration fields. In addition, the derived breakthrough curves were fitted using the continuous time random walk (CTRW) and the traditional advection-dispersion equation (ADE). Results indicated that larger C and smaller α both led to more heterogeneous permeability and velocity fields. The Lévy-stable distribution of increments in ln K resulted in a Lévy-stable distribution of increments in logarithm of the velocity (ln v). Both larger C and smaller α created sharper leading edges and wider tailing edges of solute plumes. Furthermore, a relatively larger amount of solute still remained in the domain after a relatively longer time transport for smaller α values. The dilution indices were smaller than unity and increased as C increased and α decreased. The solute plume and its second-spatial moments increased as C increased and α decreased, while the first-spatial moments of the solute plume were independent of C and α values. The longitudinal macrodispersivity was scale-dependent and increased as a power law function of time. Increasing C and decreasing α both resulted in an increase in longitudinal macrodispersivity. The transport in such highly heterogeneous media was slightly non-Gaussian with its derived breakthrough curves being slightly better fitted by the CTRW than the ADE, especially in the early arrivals and late-time tails.     

On the control of an infinite capacity storage system

We consider an infinite-capacity storage system. The cumulative input to the system is assumed to be either (a) a non-decreasing Lévy process or (b) an integrated continuous-time Markov chain. Reward accumulates at a rate depending on the instantaneous release rate. The objective is to choose the release rule in such a way as to maximize the expected total discounted return. In this note we show how to determine the expected discounted return when the release rate is either constant or a linear function of the content.     

Seismic characterization and monitoring of Fucino Basin (Central Italy)

The Fucino basin (Central Italy) is one of the largest intramountain alluvial plain in the Apennines range. It has a tectonic origin related to the presence of important systems of faults located in its northern and eastern edges. Some of these faults are still active and capable of generating strong seismic events. Site effects related to the soft soils filling the basin can be very important. In this paper we show the preliminary results of a seismic network installed in the Fucino area in order to collect information about site amplification effects and geometry of the basin. We analyze ambient seismic vibrations and recordings of about 150 local earthquakes mainly related to the seismic sequence of the April 6th 2009 Mw 6.3 L’Aquila event. Moreover the strongest events of L’Aquila sequence were analyzed at the three permanent strong-motion stations operating in the area. Using standard spectral techniques we investigate the variation of resonance frequencies within the basin. The ground motion recorded in the Fucino plain is mainly characterized by strong energy at low-frequencies (f < 1 Hz) affecting both horizontal and vertical components. This is particularly evident for stations deployed in correspondence of very thick deposits of sedimentary filling, where a significant increase of ground-motion amplitude and duration is likely caused by locally generated surface waves. The amplification at low-frequencies (<1 Hz) on the horizontal components can reach up a factor of 10 in comparison to nearby stiff sites. However, we found evidences of seismic amplification phenomena also for stiff sites surrounding the basin, including stations of the Italian strong motion network. The independent geological information and the shallow shear-velocity profiles available for the basin can be combined with resonance frequencies for deriving representative geological sections to be used as base for future numerical 2D–3D modeling of the basin.     

地震活动的随机场特征

地震活动是一种随机自然现象,将其基本要素变量看作是空间和时间的函数,它们具有随机场的基本特征,由此得到地震活动的随机场描述。重点讨论在一定条件下地震活动能量场和频次场的统计特征及地震活动场的平稳性问题,说明应用随机场方法研究地震活动的合理性。     

The seismic strength of the earth

Summary The seismic strength (resistance to sudden failure) of the seismically active regions of the crust and upper mantle is estimated and is found to be maximum at depths of 50 to 125 km. The pattern of strength versus depth can be explained in terms of lithospheric plate sinking beneath an ocean trench. The lack of earthquakes at depths larger than 700 km is probably due to decreasing shear stress rather than vanishing seismic strength.

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Résumé Dans cette communication on évalue la résistance à la rupture séismique des matériaux constituant l'écorce et le manteau supérieur de la Terre. Les résultats indiquent la présence d'un maximum à la profondeur de 50–125 km. La distribution de la résistance avec la profondeur peut être expliquée par la résorption de la lithosphère au-dessous d'un fossé océanique. L'absence de séismes dans les zones plus profondes (z>700 km) n'est pas due à la réduction de la résistance séismique, mais très probablement à l'insuffisance des tensions internes dans les matériaux.

     

Vertically Inhomogeneous Models of the Upper Crustal Structure in the West-Bohemian Seismoactive Region Inferred from the Celebration 2000 Refraction Data

As part of the international refraction measurements in Central Europe in the year 2000, three profiles traversed the region of earthquake swarms in West-Bohemia/Vogtland. The shots were also recorded at the permanent stations of the local seismic networks. The travel times of P-waves, observed in the West-Bohemian region, are discussed and interpreted in the present paper. In general, significantly lower P-wave velocities were found in the Saxothuringian (northern) part of the studied area than in the adjacent southern parts. The observed travel times are interpreted separately for the individual geological units, in particular for the plutons, crystallinicum, and the Mariánské Lázn (Marienbad) Complex. After smoothing the selected data using rational approximations, the Wiechert-Herglotz method was used to compute vertically inhomogeneous velocity models. The characteristic features of the derived models are relatively low P-wave velocities at the surface and prominent velocity increases within the uppermost crust down to a depth of about one kilometre.     

Introspection on improper seismic retrofit of Basilica Santa Maria di Collemaggio after 2009 Italian earthquake

The 2009 L’Aquila, Italy earthquake highlighted the seismic vulnerability of historic masonry building structures due to improper "strengthening" retrofit work that has been done in the last 50 years. Italian seismic standards recommend the use of traditional reinforcement techniques such as replacing the original wooden roof structure with new reinforced concrete (RC) or steel elements, inserting RC tie-beams in the masonry and new RC floors, and using RC jacketing on the shear walls. The L’Aquila earthquake revealed the numerous limitations of these interventions, because they led to increased seismic forces (due to greater additional weight) and to deformation incompatibilities of the incorporated elements with the existing masonry walls. This paper provides a discussion of technical issues pertaining to the seismic retrofit of the Santa Maria di Collemaggio Basilica and in particular, the limitations of the last (2000) retrofit intervention. Considerable damage was caused to the church because of questionable actions and incorrect and improper technical choices.     

Detailed gravity survey to help seismic microzonation: Mapping the thickness of unconsolidated deposits in Ottawa, Canada

In this study, measurements of gravity were made to map and model the thickness of Quaternary deposits (sand and clay) overlying Ordovician limestones in a suburb of Ottawa (Orléans, Ontario). Because ground motion amplification is partly related to the thickness of unconsolidated deposits, this work helps refine the assessment of the earthquake damage potential of the area. It also helps the mapping of clay basins, which can locally exceed 100 m in thickness, where ground motion amplification can occur. Previous work, including well log data and seismic methods, have yielded a wealth of information on near-surface geology in Orléans, thereby providing the necessary constraints to test the applicability of gravity modeling in other locations where other methods cannot always be used. Some 104 gravity stations were occupied in an 8 × 12 km test area in the Orléans. Stations were accurately located with differential GPS that provided centimetric accuracy in elevation. Densities of the unconsolidated Quaternary deposits (Champlain Sea clay) determined on core samples and densities determined on limestone samples from outcrops were used to constrain models of the clay layer overlying the higher density bedrock formations (limestone). The gravity anomaly map delineates areas where clay basins attain > 100 m depth. Assuming a realistic density for the Champlain Sea clays (1.9-2.1 g/cm³), the thickness over the higher density bedrock formations (Ordovician carbonate rocks) was modeled and compared with well logs and two seismic reflection profiles. The models match quite well with the information determined from well logs and seismic methods. It was found that gravity and the thickness of unconsolidated deposits are correlated but the uncertainties in both data sets preclude the definition of a direct correlation between the two. We propose that gravity measurements at a local scale be used as an inexpensive means of mapping the thickness of unconsolidated deposits in low-density urban areas. To obtain meaningful results, three conditions must exist. Firstly, elevations of gravity stations must be measured accurately using differential GPS; secondly, that the regional gravity field must be well defined, and thirdly, that the local geology be simple enough to be realistically represented with a two-layer model.     

Predicted ground motion after the L��Aquila 2009 earthquake (Italy, M w 6.3): input spectra for seismic microzoning

After the April 6th 2009 L’Aquila earthquake (M _w 6.3), where 306 people died and a further 60,000 were displaced, seismic microzoning investigations have been carried out for towns affected by a macroseismic intensity equal to or greater than 7 MCS. Based upon seismotectonic data, historical seismicity and strong motion records, we defined input spectra to be used in the numerical simulations of seismic microzoning in four key municipalities, including the town of L’Aquila. We adopted two main approaches: uniform hazard response spectra are obtained by a probabilistic seismic hazard assessment introducing some time-dependency for individual faults on the study area; a deterministic design spectrum is computed from magnitude/distance pairs extracted by a stationary probabilistic analysis of historical intensities. The uniform hazard spectrum of the present Italian building code represents the third, less restrictive, response spectrum to be used for the numerical simulations in seismic microzoning. Strong motions recordings of the main shock of the L’Aquila sequence enlighten the critical role played by both the local response and distances metric for sites located above a seismogenic fault; however, these time-histories are compatible with the uncertainties of a deterministic utilization of ground motion predictive equations. As recordings at very near field are rare, they cannot be neglected while defining the seismic input. Disaggregation on the non-Possonian seismotectonic analysis and on the stationary site-intensity estimates reach very similar results in magnitude-distance pairs identification; we interpret this convergence as a validation of the geology-based model by historical observations.     

Seismic regime of the west Bohemian earthquake swarm region: Preliminary results

Summary The western part of the Bohemian Massif located between two tectonic units, the Moldanubian and the Saxo-Thuringian, is characterized by the re-occurrence of earthquake swarms. The focal region for these swarms includes the territory of West Bohemia and the adjacent territory of SE Saxony and NE Bavaria. During the most recent swarm in December 1985 – January 1986, more than 8000 small earthquakes were recorded; the two largest earthquakes with local magnitudes (M_L) of 4·6 and 4·1. This paper presents a summary of the seismic energy release in space and time for the western part of the Bohemian Massif, based on seismic observations of permanent seismic stations established in West Bohemia since 1986. It was found out that microearthquake activity, mostly of a swarm-like character, persisted between two macroseismically observed swarms. The foci of the microearthquakes predominantly cluster in six main epicentral zones, four of which are located in West Bohemia or in its immediate vicinity in Saxony. The remaining two are in Saxony and in Bavaria. The four epicentral zones in West Bohemia were studied in detail. It was found that the individual zones differ in size, in depth of hypocentres, in geometry, as well as in temporal activity. Moreover, it was found that the seismicity in the most active epicentral zone is closely related to the system of principal tectonic faults referred to as the Kruné Hory fault and the Mariánské Lázn fault.     

Inversion-based data-driven time-space domain random noise attenuation method

Conventional time-space domain and frequency-space domain prediction filtering methods assume that seismic data consists of two parts, signal and random noise. That is, the so-called additive noise model. However, when estimating random noise, it is assumed that random noise can be predicted from the seismic data by convolving with a prediction error filter. That is, the source-noise model. Model inconsistencies, before and after denoising, compromise the noise attenuation and signal-preservation performances of prediction filtering methods. Therefore, this study presents an inversion-based time-space domain random noise attenuation method to overcome the model inconsistencies. In this method, a prediction error filter (PEF), is first estimated from seismic data; the filter characterizes the predictability of the seismic data and adaptively describes the seismic data’s space structure. After calculating PEF, it can be applied as a regularized constraint in the inversion process for seismic signal from noisy data. Unlike conventional random noise attenuation methods, the proposed method solves a seismic data inversion problem using regularization constraint; this overcomes the model inconsistency of the prediction filtering method. The proposed method was tested on both synthetic and real seismic data, and results from the prediction filtering method and the proposed method are compared. The testing demonstrated that the proposed method suppresses noise effectively and provides better signal-preservation performance.     

压制空间非平稳地震勘探随机噪声的ROAD径向时频峰值滤波算法

径向时频峰值滤波算法是一种有效保持低信噪比地震勘探记录中反射同相轴的随机噪声压制方法,但该算法对空间非平稳地震勘探随机噪声压制效果不理想.本文研究空间非平稳地震勘探随机噪声,即各道噪声功率不同的地震勘探随机噪声,其在径向滤波轨线上表征近似脉冲噪声,在径向时频峰值滤波过程中干扰相邻道滤波结果.为了减小空间非平稳随机噪声的影响,本文提出一种基于绝对级差统计量(ROAD)的径向时频峰值滤波随机噪声压制方法.该方法首先根据径向轨线上信号的绝对级差统计量检测空间非平稳地震勘探随机噪声,然后结合局部时频峰值滤波和径向时频峰值滤波压制地震勘探记录中的随机噪声.将ROAD径向时频峰值滤波方法应用于合成记录和实际共炮点地震记录,结果表明ROAD径向时频峰值滤波方法可以压制空间非平稳地震勘探随机噪声且不损害有效信号,有效抑制随机噪声空间非平稳对滤波结果的影响.与径向时频峰值滤波相比,ROAD径向时频峰值滤波方法更适用于空间非平稳地震勘探随机噪声压制.     

基于SW统计量的自适应时频峰值滤波压制地震勘探随机噪声研究

由于金属矿区地震记录中随机噪声性质复杂且信噪比低,常规降噪方法难以达到预期的滤波效果.时频峰值滤波(TFPF)方法是实现低信噪比地震勘探记录中随机噪声压制的有效方法,但其在复杂地震勘探随机噪声下时窗参数优化问题仍难以解决.本文充分利用地震勘探噪声的统计特性,结合Shapiro-Wilk(SW)统计量辨识地震勘探记录中的微弱有效信号,提出基于SW统计量的自适应时频峰值滤波降噪方法(S-TFPF).在S-TFPF方案中,对于有效信号集中区,S-TFPF方法根据信号频率特征,选择有利于信号保持的较短时窗长度;对于噪声集中区,按噪声方差自适应增加时窗长度,增强随机噪声压制能力.S-TFPF应用于合成记录和共炮点记录的滤波结果表明,与传统时频峰值滤波方法相比,S-TFPF方法可以有效抑制低信噪比地震勘探记录中的随机噪声,更好地恢复出同相轴.     

Separation of source and site effects by generalized inversion technique using the aftershock recordings of the 2009 L��Aquila earthquake

We exploit S-wave spectral amplitudes from 112 aftershocks (3.0 ≤ M_L ≤ 5.3) of the L’Aquila 2009 seismic sequence recorded at 23 temporary stations in the epicentral area to estimate the source parameters of these events, the seismic attenuation characteristics and the site amplification effects at the recording sites. The spectral attenuation curves exhibit a very fast decay in the first few kilometers that could be attributed to the large attenuation of waves traveling trough the highly heterogeneous and fractured crust in the fault zone of the L’Aquila mainshock. The S-waves total attenuation in the first 30 km can be parameterized by a quality factor Q_S(f) = 23f ^0.58 obtained by fixing the geometrical spreading to 1/R. The source spectra can be satisfactorily modeled using the omega-square model that provides stress drops between 0.3 and 60 MPa with a mean value of 3.3±2.8 MPa. The site responses show a large variability over the study area and significant amplification peaks are visible in the frequency range from 1 to more than 10 Hz. Finally, the vertical component of the motion is amplified at a number of sites where, as a consequence, the horizontal-to-vertical spectral ratios (HVSR) method fails in detecting the amplitude levels and in few cases the resonance frequencies.     

La sismicité en corse: Revue historique et etude macrosismique de quelques evénéments récents

Résumé L'étude des documents (archives, presse et catalogues sismiques) que nous avons consultés, nous a permis de remonter jusqu'à la fin du XVIIIe siècle dans l'histoire sismologique corse. Le nombre des séismes ressentis (épicentres en mer ou sur l'île) recensés pendant ces deux siècles et demi est relativement faible. Les intensités maximales ont parfois atteint le degré VI, plus rarement VII. L'activité sismique touche principalement une région située au Nord-Est de la Corse, au voisinage de failles au rejeu récènt et séparent le domaine de la Corse schisteuse (alpin) du domaine de la Plaine Orientale (Quaternaire, Néogène). Une crise sismique récente (1978–1979) a de nouveau secoué cette même région où on a suggéré l'activité actuelle de certaines de ces failles. Les plus importants de ces séismes (I _max=VI et V) ontifait l'objet d'enquêtes macrosismiques qui permettent d'en préciser les épicentres. Deux d'entre-eux ont été étudiés en détail (3 avril 1978 et 27 mars 1979); en utilisant la relation de Kövesligethy, les hypocentres se situent respectivement à 4,5±0.5 km et vers 5 km, pour des coefficients d'absorption de 0,020 et 0,031. Ces profondeurs indiquent que ces deux séismes ont mis en jeu des éléments superficiels de la croûte corse (30 km).

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The documents that we have compiled (archives, newspaper reports and seismic catalogues) enabled us to go back to the end of the 18th century in the seismic history of Corsica. The number of felt earthquakes (epicentres off shore or on the island) which were documented during the two and a half centuries is relatively low. Maximum intensities have reached VI or rarely VII. The seismic activity is mainly located in the North-East of Corsica, near faults which have recently been active between the Corse schisteuse (Alpine domain) and the Plaine Orientale (Quaternary, Neogene). A seismic crisis happened recently (1978–1979) in this area where present activity of some of these faults has been suggested. Macroseismic studies have been conducted for the main shocks (I _max=VI and V) in order to locate them accurately. Two among them (April 3, 1978 and March 27, 1979) are studied here in detail. Using the Kövesligethy formula hypocenters are respectively found at 4.5±0.5 km and around 5 km, whereas the corresponding absorption factors are 0.020 and 0.031. Such depths show that the two events affected the upper crust of Corsica (30 km).

Contribution n^o 321 de l'Institut de Géophysique, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Zürich.     

基于经验模态分解的分数维地震随机噪声衰减方法

经验模态分解算法(EMD)是一种基于有效波和噪声尺度差异进行波场分离的随机噪声压制方法,但由于实际地震数据波场复杂,导致模态混叠较严重,仅凭该方法进行去噪很难达到理想效果.本文基于EMD算法对信号多尺度的分解特性,结合Hausdorff维数约束条件,提出一种用于地震随机噪声衰减的新方法.首先对地震数据进行EMD自适应分解,得到一系列具有不同尺度的、分形自相似性的固有模态分量(IMF);在此基础上,基于有效信号和随机噪声的Hausdorff维数差异,识别混有随机噪声的IMF分量,对该分量进行相关的阈值滤波处理,从而实现有效信号和随机噪声的有效分离.文中从仿真信号试验出发,到模型地震数据和实际地震数据的测试处理,同时与传统的EMD处理结果相对比.结果表明,本文方法对地震随机噪声的衰减有更佳的压制效果.     

混采数据分离中插值与去噪的同步处理

近年来,由于新兴的混合采集观测系统在很大程度上提高了采集效率,因此得到了很多学者和石油公司的青睐.但在实际应用中,这种特殊观测系统的采集质量却受到很多因素的影响.一方面,该观测系统采集到的炮记录会受到相邻炮记录的干扰;另一方面,复杂的采集环境使得地震记录中包含部分空道;另外,采集过程中的场地环境干扰会不可避免地带入随机噪音,它们都会影响采集质量.虽然已有一些学者对这些因素做了相关研究,但都是单独分析,未能综合考虑各种干扰因素.本文基于稀疏约束反演的基本原理,将混合炮数据的分离、缺失道集的插值以及对随机噪音的压制问题整合在一起,通过一步处理同时减小如上三方面因素的不利影响,在改善信噪比的同时极大地提高了地震资料的处理效率.文章利用模拟数据和实际数据对这种新方法进行了验证,均得到了比较满意的效果.     

基于稀疏约束和多源激发的地震数据高效采集方法

地震勘探目标日趋复杂化和精细化,"两宽一高"等采集技术获得了广泛应用,从而导致当前地震数据采集周期越来越长、成本越来越高,如何解决日益增长的勘探成本问题成为当前地震采集领域的研究热点之一.针对上述问题,本文首先开展了基于稀疏性的地震数据高效采集方法理论研究,对地震数据稀疏性基本理论、稀疏约束下随机采样及其数据重建方法进行了深入探讨,提出使用改进的分段随机采样方法灵活地进行实际地震采集测网设计;详细阐述了多源地震激发方法,对多源地震数据分离方法开展了深入研究,提出了基于小窗口中值滤波与稀疏约束联合随机去噪的多源数据分离方法,并在数据分离处理中取得了较好的效果;将上述两种地震数据采集方案有机结合,提出了1)规则多源、随机检波点(DmsRg)、2)随机多源、规则检波点(RmsDg)和3)随机多源、随机检波点(RmsRg)等三种高效采集方案及相应的数据重建方案,满足了后续常规化数据处理的要求,并讨论了多源激发对数据成像的影响.基于Marmousi模型数据的数值试验表明,本文构建的基于稀疏约束和多源激发的高效采集方法理论对于提高地震数据采集效率、降低勘探成本具有重要的应用价值,建立的数据重建方法流程可以取得和常规数据接近的成像结果.本文方法虽然在数值试验中取得了较为理想的效果,但还需要得到野外实际数据采集的进一步检验.     

随机振动下大跨度钢管混凝土柱结构抗震性能测试方法

由地震等自然灾害引发的等级多变强随机振动会对大跨度钢管混凝土柱结构产生较大的破坏,造成相关建筑全结构寿命周期性衰减。提出一种随机振动下大跨度钢管混凝土柱结构的抗震性测试方法,在等级多变强随机振动的情况下,设计测试模型,利用信号的协方差矩阵将振动信号与噪声进行分离,通过计算振动信号的强度、后验密度及权值系数等对振动信号进行预处理,获取单一寿命衰减参数;在此基础上引入粒子群算法,求解大跨度钢管混凝土柱结构寿命衰减抑制周期,判断其抗震性。实验结果表明,按照大跨度钢管混凝土柱结构寿命衰减抑制周期的判断方法,可实现对相关建筑结构在等级多变强随机振动下的抗震性测试。     

沙漠地区地震勘探随机噪声建模及其在噪声压制中的应用

随机噪声是影响地震勘探有效信号的主要因素,其存在大大降低了地震记录的信噪比.在噪声压制方法不断被改进的同时,对随机噪声特性进行研究,了解噪声的产生机制是对其进行压制的先决条件,目前对噪声的研究主要是特性研究以寻找规律性,对其进行定性定量的分析还比较少.本文根据塔里木沙漠地区实际采集环境,考虑到噪声的连续性给计算带来的不便,假设各类噪声源以点源的形式分布在检波器周围,依据相应理论确定各类噪声源的源函数,其激发的噪声经由波动方程传播,将随机噪声作为各类噪声源共同作用的综合波场,建立随机噪声的理论模型.通过分析不同种噪声对地震记录的影响,选取合适的滤波方法对其进行压制,实验结果表明,通过建立沙漠地区随机噪声的理论模型,为选择有效的滤波方法,提高地震记录信噪比起到理论指导作用.