A Framework of Massively Parallel Analysis of Regional Earthquake Activities

Recent rapid progress in cyberinfrastructure in geosciences is providing seismologists an enormous boost for addressing multi-physical phenomena of regional seismic activities.The inherent nature of their multi-scale properties,from temporal to spatial spaces,makes it inevitably to be solved using large-scale computations and distributed parallel data processing schemes.Under such circumstance,using the advanced numerical algorithms and unstructured mesh generation technologies become the obstacles for m...     

Toward petascale earthquake simulations

Earthquakes are among the most complex terrestrial phenomena, and modeling of earthquake dynamics is one of the most challenging computational problems in science. Computational capabilities have advanced to a state where we can perform wavefield simulations for realistic three-dimensional earth models, and gain more insights into the earthquakes that threaten California and many areas of the world. The Southern California Earthquake Center initiated a major earthquake research program called TeraShake to perform physics-based numerical simulations of earthquake processes for large geographical regions, at high resolution, and for high frequencies. For a large scale simulation such as TeraShake, optimization problems tend to emerge that are not significant in smaller scale simulations. This involves both large parallel computation and also massive data management and visualization coordination. In this paper, we describe how we performed single-processor optimization of the TeraShake AWM application, optimization of the I/O handling, and optimization of initialization. We also look at the challenges presented by run-time data archive management and visualization. The improvements made to the TeraShake AWM code enabled execution on the 40k IBM Blue Gene processors and have created a community code that can be used by seismologists to perform petascale earthquake simulations.     

Parallel visualization of seismic wave propagation

Today parallel visualization of massive datasets from observation and numerical simulation of seismic waves is one of the major goals of geoscience community. A majority of these datasets are time-varying volume data (TVVD), also known as 4D field data. The difficulty of visualizing them on distributed parallel system mainly lies in the algorithm designing for distributed preprocessing of raw datasets, hierarchical point-to-point or collective communication implementation based on distributed data allocation, synchronous volume rendering techniques. In this work we present viable solutions for preprocessing of raw data sets, novel algorithms of parallel rendering and display matrix. Our main objective is focused on the parallel visualization of results coming from full 4D seismic wave propagation simulations.     

台湾大地构造环境与地震

台湾、吕宋和琉球等岛弧区是中新世以来地震多发区.1999年9月21日台湾南投大地震以其震级大、震期长和损失惨重引起国内外关注.本文以台湾所处大地构造环境特征探讨发震机制和9.21大地震对地学界的警示.     

陆域冻土区天然气水合物多波地震数值模拟研究

多波地震勘探技术能够同时获得纵波和转换波资料,与常规的纵波勘探相比,能够提供更多的地下介质信息。且转换波对于埋深较浅的小断层、小幅度构造有更高的分辨率,充分利用多分量地震资料可以有效的提高地震勘探的精度。本文将多波地震技术引入到陆域冻土区天然气水合物勘探中,对陆域冻土区水合物进行多波地震数值模拟研究。采用弹性波有限差分方法进行多分量正演模拟,利用仿射坐标转换法将原始的多分量地震数据进行纵横波叠前分离,并通过多波高斯束偏移方法分别对波场分离后的PP波和转换PS波进行叠前深度偏移成像。根据我国祁连山冻土区水合物实际地震地质资料,建立逼近真实地质情况的天然气水合物数值模型。对上述水合物模型进行多波地震数值试算表明,多波地震勘探技术是一种有效的陆域冻土区水合物探测方法,充分利用多波地震资料有利于查明陆域冻土区水合物精细的地质构造,取得更好的勘探效果。     

Investigation of highly efficient algorithms for solving linear equations in the discontinuous deformation analysis method

Large‐scale engineering computing using the discontinuous deformation analysis (DDA) method is time‐consuming, which hinders the application of the DDA method. The simulation result of a typical numerical example indicates that the linear equation solver is a key factor that affects the efficiency of the DDA method. In this paper, highly efficient algorithms for solving linear equations are investigated, and two modifications of the DDA programme are presented. The first modification is a linear equation solver with high efficiency. The block Jacobi (BJ) iterative method and the block conjugate gradient with Jacobi pre‐processing (Jacobi‐PCG) iterative method are introduced, and the key operations are detailed, including the matrix‐vector product and the diagonal matrix inversion. Another modification consists of a parallel linear equation solver, which is separately constructed based on the multi‐thread and CPU‐GPU heterogeneous platforms with OpenMP and CUDA, respectively. The simulation results from several numerical examples using the modified DDA programme demonstrate that the Jacobi‐PCG is a better iterative method for large‐scale engineering computing and that adoptive parallel strategies can greatly enhance computational efficiency. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

6600 years of earthquake record in the Julian Alps (Lake Bohinj,Slovenia)

Sequences of lake sediments often form long and continuous records that may be sensitive recorders of seismic shaking. A multi‐proxy analysis of Lake Bohinj sediments associated with a well‐constrained chronology was conducted to reconstruct Holocene seismic activity in the Julian Alps (Slovenia). A seismic reflection survey and sedimentological analyses identified 29 homogenite‐type deposits related to mass‐wasting deposits. The most recent homogenites can be linked to historical regional earthquakes (i.e. 1348 ad , 1511 ad and 1690 ad ) with strong epicentral intensity [greater than ‘damaging’ (VIII ) on the Medvedev–Sponheuer–Karnik scale]. The correlation between the historical earthquake data set and the homogenites identified in a core isolated from local stream inputs, allows interpretation of all similar deposits as earthquake related. This work extends the earthquake chronicle of the last 6600 years in this area with a total of 29 events recorded. The early Holocene sedimentary record is disturbed by a seismic event (6617 ± 94 cal yr bp ) that reworked previously deposited sediment and led to a thick sediment deposit identified in the seismic survey. The period between 3500 cal yr bp and 2000 cal yr bp is characterized by a major destabilization in the watershed by human activities that led to increases in erosion and sedimentation rates. This change increased the lake's sensitivity to recording an earthquake (earthquake‐sensitivity threshold index) with the occurrence of 72 turbidite‐type deposits over this period. The high turbidite frequency identified could be the consequence of this change in lake earthquake sensitivity and thus these turbidites could be triggered by earthquake shaking, as other origins are discarded. This study illustrates why it is not acceptable to propose a return period for seismic activity recorded in lake sediment if the sedimentation rate varies significantly.     

Clustering and visualization of earthquake data in a grid environment

We present a web client-server service WEB-IS, which we have developed for remote analysis and visualization of seismic data consisting of both small magnitude events and large earthquakes. We show that the problem-solving environment (PSE) intended for prediction of large magnitude earthquakes can be based on this WEB-IS idea. The clustering schemes, feature generation, feature extraction techniques and rendering algorithms form a computational framework of this environment. On the other hand, easy and fast access both to the seismic data distributed among distant computing resources and to computational and visualization resources can be realized in a GRID framework. We discuss the usefulness of NaradaBrokering (iNtegrated Asynchronous Real-time Adaptive Distributed Architecture) as a middleware, allowing for flexibility and high throughput for remote visualization of geophysical data. The WEB-IS functionality was tested both on synthetic and the actual earthquake catalogs. We consider the application of similar methodology for tsunami alerts.     

Assessing the saltwater remediation potential of a three-dimensional,heterogeneous, coastal aquifer system

This paper evaluates the remediation potential of a salinized coastal aquifer by utilizing a scenario simulation. Therefore, the numerical model OpenGeoSys is first validated against analytical and experimental data to represent transient groundwater level development and variable density saline intrusion. Afterwards, a regional scale model with a three-dimensional, heterogeneous hydrogeology is calibrated for a transient state and used to simulate a best-case scenario. Water balances are evaluated in both the transient calibration and scenario run. Visualization techniques help to assess the complex model output providing valuable insight in the occurring density-driven flow processes. Furthermore, modeling and visualization results give information on the time scale for remediation activities and, due to limitations in data quality and quantity reveal potential for model improvement.     

Characteristics of Meso-Cenozoic Igneous Complexes in the South Yellow Sea Basin, Lower Yangtze Craton of Eastern China and the Tectonic Setting

The South Yellow Sea Basin is partially surrounded by the East Asian continental Meso-Cenozoic widespread igneous rocks belt. Magnetic anomaly and multi-channel seismic data both reveal the prevalent occurrence of igneous rocks. We preliminarily defined the coupling relation between magnetic anomalies and igneous rock bodies. Some igneous complexes were also recognized by using multi-channel seismic and drilling data. We identified various intrusive and extrusive igneous rock bodies, such as stocks, sills, dikes, laccoliths and volcanic edifice relics through seismic facies analysis. We also forecasted the distribution characteristics of igneous complexes. More than fifty hypabyssal intrusions and volcanic relics were delineated based on the interpretation of magnetic anomaly and dense intersecting multi-channel seismic data. It is an important supplement to regional geology and basin evolution research. Spatial matching relations between igneous rock belts and fractures document that extensional N–E and N–NE-trending deep fractures may be effective pathways for magma intrusion. These fractures formed under the influence of regional extension during the Meso-Cenozoic after the Indosinian movement. Isotopic ages and crosscutting relations between igneous rock bodies and the surrounding bedded sedimentary strata both indicate that igneous activities might have initiated during the Late Jurassic, peaked in the Early Cretaceous, gradually weakened in the Late Cretaceous, and continued until the Miocene. Combined with previous studies, it is considered that the Meso-Cenozoic igneous activities, especially the intensive igneous activity of the Early Cretaceous, are closely associated with the subduction of the Paleo-Pacific Plate.     

陕西龙门山地震带地质灾害的地质构造约束

汶川8级特大地震发生于龙门山地震带,地震灾害损失惨重,震后诱发大量次生山地地质灾害。通过笔者参加的我省宁强、略阳等县汶川震后次生地质灾害应急排查,结合区域地质、控震构造和地震活动性分析,以期对陕西龙门山地震带次生山地地质灾害特点和地震活动规律的探讨,对我省防灾减灾提供有益的帮助。     

Do static stress changes of a moderate‐magnitude earthquake significantly modify the regional seismic hazard? Hints from the L'Aquila 2009 normal‐faulting earthquake (Mw 6.3, central Italy)

We investigated the Coulomb stress changes in the active faults surrounding a moderate‐magnitude normal‐faulting earthquake (2009 L'Aquila, Mw 6.3) and the associated variations in the expected ground motion on regional probabilistic seismic hazard maps. We show that the static stress variations can locally increase the seismic hazard by modifying the expected mean recurrence time on neighbouring faults by up to ~290 years, with associated variations in the probability of occurrence of the maximum expected earthquake of up to ~2%. Our findings suggest that the increase in seismic hazard on neighbouring faults following moderate‐magnitude earthquakes is probably not sufficient to necessitate systematic upgrades of regional probabilistic seismic hazard maps, but must be considered to better address and schedule strategies for local‐scale mitigation of seismic risk.     

Finite element models to represent seismic activity of the Indian plate

Quantification of seismic activity is one of the most challenging problems faced by earthquake engineers in probabilistic seismic hazard analysis. Currently, this problem has been attempted using empirical approaches which are based on the regional earthquake recurrence relations from the available earthquake catalogue. However, at a specified site of engineering interest, these empirical models are associated with large number of uncertainties due to lack of sufficient data. Due to these uncertainties, engineers need to develop mechanistic models to quantify seismic activity. A wide range of techniques for modeling continental plates provides useful insights on the mechanics of plates and their seismic activity. Among the different continental plates, the Indian plate experiences diffused seismicity. In India, although Himalaya is regarded as a plate boundary and active region, the seismicity database indicates that there are other regions in the Indian shield reporting sporadic seismic activity. It is expected that mechanistic models of Indian plate, based on finite element method, simulate stress fields that quantify the seismic potential of active regions in India. This article explores the development of a finite element model for Indian plate by observing the simulated stress field for various boundary conditions, geological and rheological conditions. The study observes that the magnitude and direction of stresses in the plate is sensitive to these conditions. The numerical analysis of the models shows that the simulated stress field represents the active seismic zones in India.     

Multi‐scale Decomposition of Co‐seismic Deformation from High Resolution DEMs: a Case Study of the 2004 Mid‐Niigata Earthquake

Decomposing co-seismic deformation is an immediate need for researchers who are interested in earthquake inversion analysis and geo-hazard mapping. However, conventional InSAR or digital elevation models (DEMs) imagery analyses only provide the displacement in the Line-of-Sight (LOS) direction or elevation changes. The 2004 Mid-Niigata earthquake in Japan provides lessons on how to decompose co-seismic deformation from two sets of DEMs. If three adjacent points undergo a rigid-body-translation movement, their co-seismic deformation can be decomposed by solving simultaneous equations. Although this method has been successfully used to discuss tectonic deformations, the algorithm needed improvement and a more rigorous algorithm, including a new definition of nominal plane, DEMs comparability improvement and matrix condition check is provided. Even with these procedures, the obtained decomposed displacement often showed remarkable scatter prompting the use of the moving average method, which was used to determine both tectonic and localized displacement characteristics. A cut-off window and a pair of band-pass windows were selected according to the regional geology and construction activities to ease the tectonic and localized displacement calculations, respectively. The displacement field of the tectonic scale shows two major clusters of large lateral components, and coincidently major visible landslides were found mostly within them. The localized displacement helps to reveal hidden landslides in the target area. As far as the Kizawa hamlet is concerned, the obtained vectors show down-slope movements, which are consistent with the observed traces of dislocations that were found in the Kizawa tunnel and irrigation wells. The method proposed has great potential to be applied to understanding post-earthquake rehabilitation in other areas.     

天然地震数值模拟与实例对比

为了解决长时间正演模拟的不稳定性问题, 实现天然地震波场长时间数值模拟.在高阶有限差分数值模拟的基础上, 给出了多轴向完全匹配吸收边界(M-PML)二维划分方式, 讨论了M-PML吸收边界转换系数P的取值对其吸收能力与截断误差对数值模拟有效信号的影响.实现了二维弹性波高阶有限差分的长时间数值模拟.采用2013年12月16日湖北省巴东县地震及余震信息, 对该地震数据进行了数值模拟, 并与武汉、秭归两台站数据进行了分析和讨论, 验证该正演模拟方法的正确性和有效性.为天然地震波场传播规律、成像和震相识别及震源定位等研究提供了基础.      

Seismological study of the central Ecuadorian margin: Evidence of upper plate deformation

A seismic study of a segment of the convergent margin of Ecuador is presented. During the SISTEUR campaign a network of 24 Ocean Bottom Seismometers (OBS) was deployed on the Carnegie Ridge, one line along the main axes of the ridge and two lines across the strike of the edge of the ridge, during one month. This marine network was complemented with a land network of 20 stations distributed in two lines: one parallel to the margin and the other perpendicular to it.The seismic event recorded by these networks, were located using different crustal models defined from the wide-angle seismic data modeling. Relative location techniques were used to improve earthquake locations. Seismogram waveform modeling allowed us to constrain hypocentral location for events farther than ～50 km from the network. This modeling also provided additional information to constrain the focal mechanisms of these events. The upper limit of the Interplate Seismogenic Zone (ISZ) is estimated to be at a 10 km depth in the region. The background seismic activity of the upper plate provided new insights:1) A seismic cluster that reaches the base of the overriding plate is linked to the Jipijapa-Portoviejo fault. The reactivation of this Quaternary fault is confirmed by focal mechanisms that provide rupture planes parallel to its superficial projection (N10°–N25°).2) The focal mechanisms presented in this study are compatible with a homogeneous regional stress field corresponding to an E–W to ESE–WNW compression and an NNE–SSW extension. The presence of strike-slip deformation, with a reverse component, corresponds to the NNE escape of the North Andean Block. Normal faulting accommodating this movement suggests that this part of the North Andean Block cannot be considered as a rigid block.     

四川九寨沟Ms7.0级地震滑坡应急快速评估

基于地震滑坡危险性评估的Newmark累积位移模型,利用震前获取的震区地形数据、区域地质资料,结合地震动近实时获取技术,开展了四川九寨沟M_s7.0级地震诱发滑坡的应急快速评估。地震滑坡位移分析结果表明,同震滑坡活动的中—高强度区分布在断层两侧宽约4 km的带状区域内,整体沿北西方向延伸。其中,极震区的丰雪塘、日则和干海子等城镇驻地及附近道路的滑坡强度相对较高;震前、震后影像对比表明九寨沟地震诱发的滑坡类型以浅表型碎屑流及小规模崩塌为主,且同震碎屑流多是在震前已有碎屑流的基础上进一步活动扩展而来,震后汛期泥石流隐患也不容忽视;通过典型地区滑坡位移分析结果与震前、震后影像对比,表明滑坡位移分析结果能够较好的反映同震滑坡的宏观分布特征,但在场地尺度上吻合程度欠佳,后续将通过提升岩性和地形等数据质量进行改进。研究结果可为灾情研判提供宝贵信息,对提高灾害应急救援效率具有重要意义。     

Analysis of nonstationary properties of ground motion recorded during the Montenegro earthquake of 15 April 1979

The accelerogram of a strong ground motion represents the detailed characteristics of an earthquake and contains a large number of data both for earthquake engineers and seismologists. It shows not only the intensity, the frequency content and the duration of the strong ground motion, but also data referring to source origin, wave propagation mechanism, geological and site conditions at the recording site and its closer surrounding. Therefore, recently, accelerograms analysis has become a widely accepted method for fundamental investigations referring to understanding the background of the seismic waves generation and propagation mechanism and investigation of the strong ground motion nature and the parameters defining the ground motion for the needs of seismic resistant design.Presented in this paper are the results from the nonstationary analysis of the horizontal components of ground motion records obtained during the Montenegro earthquake of 15 April 1979. For the purpose of the analysis, the physical spectra concept was applied, since it enables simultaneous investigation of the time varying nature of the amplitude and the frequency content of the recorded ground motion. The application of the physical spectra for the design of a realistic synthesized accelerogram is also presented.     

秦岭北麓古滑坡分布特征与地震活动关系研究

地震滑坡是严重的次生地质灾害,也是改变地球表层地貌形态的重要力量,对地震诱发滑坡的规模、数量、类型等研究是地震危险性评价的重要手段,也是认识地震地质灾害的主要方法和途径。位于西安市以南的秦岭山脉北麓中段发育有一条长约50 km的古滑坡群,且基本与山前秦岭北缘断裂带平行展布,普遍认为该古滑坡群可能是由于秦岭北缘断裂的强震活动所诱发,但对于诱发地震的震级大小和影响范围尚没有细致研究。本文通过利用资源3号卫星立体影像制作的高分辨率数值高程模型(DEM)和高分辨率多光谱遥感影像对秦岭北麓古滑坡区域进行了详细的解译工作,并结合对部分古滑坡体进行了野外调查,制作了详细秦岭北麓古滑坡分布图。结果表明:解译出了43处古滑坡,主要集中分布在70 km×10 km的范围内,总滑坡面积是16.57 km2。通过利用地震震级与滑坡面积频度分布的关系分析了诱发秦岭北麓古滑坡群的地震规模,得到了诱发秦岭北麓古滑坡群的地震震级应在7.6~8.1之间。并结合区域地震构造环境以及与现代地震诱发滑坡事件的对比,认为秦岭北麓具有发生7.5级以上地震的潜在能力。该研究对认识现今秦岭北麓古滑坡的成因提供了定量化的数据支持,也对理解秦岭北缘断裂的地震危险性具有重要的现实意义。     

地质灾害井间地震层析成像研究

地质灾害体如岩溶、陷落柱、软弱层等的井间地震层析成像属于复杂模型或大扰动异常体的非线性成像，该文首次将小波多尺度思想纺入到蟛间层析成像，建立了小波多尺度井间地震层析成像方法，很好地解决了非线性成像的难题，大大地提高了图像的质量和分辨率，数值模型试验和实际工程应用证实了该方法的实用性和良好效果。