The Effect of Rock Rheology on Rock Magnetism: A Possible Mechanism of Seismomagnetism

An experiment of uniaxial compression was carried out on samples of 8 representative rock types.The temporal variations of the remanent magnetization,strain and acoustic emission of samples were recorded and investigated,especially when the samples were under constant load and when they had just been unloaded.It was found that most samples still showed changes of their remanent magnetization under constant load and the tendency of these changes remained the same as that before the load had been kept constant.In the meantime,similar changes of strains were observed as well.However,in a short time period immediately after the sample had been completely unloaded,the variations of remanent magnetization and strains were still observed.The above phenomena seem to be the reflection of rheological properties of rocks.It is interesting to note that some similar phenomena were also found in field observations,such as aseismic geomagnetic changes and secular variation in local geomagnetic field before and after e     

Seismic Signatures of Rock Pore Structure

Rock pore structure is one of the important parameters in controlling both seismic wave velocity and permeability in sandstones and carbonate rocks. For a given porosity of two similar rocks with different pore structures, their acoustic wave speeds can differ 2 km/s, and permeability can span nearly six orders of magnitude from 0.01 mD to 20 D in both sandstone and limestone. In this paper, we summarize a two-parameter elastic velocity model reduced from a general poroelastic theory, to characterize the effect of pore structures on seismic wave propagation. For a given mineralogy and fluid type of a reservoir, this velocity model is defined by porosity and a frame flexibility factor, which can be used in seismic inversion and reservoir characterization to improve estimation of porosity and reserves. The frame flexibility factor can be used for quantitative classification of rock pore structure types (PST) and may be related to pore connectivity and permeability, using both poststack and prestack seismic data. This study also helps explain why amplitude versus offset analysis (AVO) in some cases fails for the purpose of fluid detection: pore structure effect on seismic waves can mask all the fluid effects, especially in carbonate rocks.     

The Rock–Water–Ice Topographic Gravity Field Model RWI_TOPO_2015 and Its Comparison to a Conventional Rock-Equivalent Version

RWI_TOPO_2015 is a new high-resolution spherical harmonic representation of the Earth’s topographic gravitational potential that is based on a refined Rock–Water–Ice (RWI) approach. This method is characterized by a three-layer decomposition of the Earth’s topography with respect to its rock, water, and ice masses. To allow a rigorous separate modeling of these masses with variable density values, gravity forward modeling is performed in the space domain using tesseroid mass bodies arranged on an ellipsoidal reference surface. While the predecessor model RWI_TOPO_2012 was based on the \(5'\times 5'\) global topographic database DTM2006.0 (Digital Topographic Model 2006.0), the new RWI model uses updated height information of the \(1'\times 1'\) Earth2014 topography suite. Moreover, in the case of RWI_TOPO_2015, the representation in spherical harmonics is extended to degree and order 2190 (formerly 1800). Beside a presentation of the used formalism, the processing for RWI_TOPO_2015 is described in detail, and the characteristics of the resulting spherical harmonic coefficients are analyzed in the space and frequency domain. Furthermore, this paper focuses on a comparison of the RWI approach to the conventionally used rock-equivalent method. For this purpose, a consistent rock-equivalent version REQ_TOPO_2015 is generated, in which the heights of water and ice masses are condensed to the constant rock density. When evaluated on the surface of the GRS80 ellipsoid (Geodetic Reference System 1980), the differences of RWI_TOPO_2015 and REQ_TOPO_2015 reach maximum amplitudes of about 1 m, 50 mGal, and 20 mE in terms of height anomaly, gravity disturbance, and the radial–radial gravity gradient, respectively. Although these differences are attenuated with increasing height above the ellipsoid, significant magnitudes can even be detected in the case of the satellite altitudes of current gravity field missions. In order to assess their performance, RWI_TOPO_2015, REQ_TOPO_2015, and RWI_TOPO_2012 are validated against independent gravity information of current global geopotential models, clearly demonstrating the attained improvements in the case of the new RWI model.     

Experiment on Hydraulic Fracturing in Rock and Induced Earthquake

Experiment on rock hydraulic fracturing strength under different confining pressures was conducted on a series of test specimens with various pre-cracks prepared from 7 types of rock, Combining the data of an actual reservoir-induced earthquake with the experimental results of the contemporary tectonic stress field according to the theory of rock strength and the principle and method of rock fracture mechanics, the authors tentatively investigated the earthquakes induced by pore-water pressure in rock and obtained the initial results as follows： （1） One type of induced earthquake may occur in the case of larger tectonic stress on such weak planes that strike in similar orientation of principle tectonic compressional stress in the shallows of the rock mass; the pore-water pressure σp may generate tensile fracture on them and induce small earthquakes; （2） Two types of induced earthquake may occur in the case of larger tectonic stress, i, e,, ①on such weakness planes that strike in similar orientation of principle tectonic compressional stress, σ1, in the shallows of the rockmass, the pore-water pressure, σp, may generate tensile fracture on them and induce small earthquakes; ②When the tectonic stress approximates the shear strength of the fracture, the pore-water pressure σp may reduce the normal stress, σn, on the fracture face causing failure of the originally stable fracture, producing gliding fracture and thus inducing an earthquake. σp may also increase the fracture depth, leading to an induced earthquake with the magnitude larger than the previous potential magnitude; （3） There is a depth limit for each type of rock mass, and no induced earthquake will occur beyond this limit.     

Integrated Geophysical Techniques for Exploring Deep Volcanic Rock Reservoir

The Carboniferous and Pre-Carboniferous formations in Ludong, Zhungar basin, contain favorable oil/gas reservoirs. The Carboniferous formations, however, are complex in structure and exhibit lateral variations in lithology. Seismic reflections from Pre-Triassic formations are poor and the volcanic reservoirs are very difficult to identify. The analysis of physical properties concluded that the major targets in this region, i.e., the top of the Jurassic and Carboniferous formations, provide distinct density interfaces. The basic, intermediate and acid volcanic rocks were also different in density,resulting in distinguishable gravity anomalies. The differences in magnetism in this region existed not only between the volcanic rocks and clastic sedimentary rocks but also among volcanic rocks with different compositions. All formations and volcanic rocks of different lithologies presented high and low resistance interbeds, which are characterized by regional trends.The modeling study demonstrated that non-seismic integrated geophysical techniques should be feasible in this region, especiaUy the high-precision gravity/magnetic methods combined with long offset transient electromagnetic sounding.     

Self-Affine Fractals and the Fractal Dimension of Fractured Rock Profiles

The measured profiles of laboratory fractured rocks should be self-affine fractal.The scaling properties of these profiles are described by two parameters-the fractal dimension D and the crossover length tc The D values of eight profiles are calculated by the ruler method and by the standard deviation method respectively.It is shown that if tc is far greater than the sampling step tc two methods yield the same results,although if it is far smaller than r,the D by the standard method will be about 1.20,while D by the ruler method will very close to 1.0,because two fractal dimensions,local and global,exist on two sides of tc In order to obtain the local fractal dimension which may be close to that of the standard deviation method,the ruler method must be modified.We propose a way to estimate the tc and to modify the ruler method.Finally,a profile having given D is generated in terms of the principle of non-integer order differential,through which the above two methods are verified and lead to the same res     

Rock physics modeling of heterogeneous carbonatereservoirs： porosity estimation and hydrocarbon detection

In heterogeneous natural gas reservoirs, gas is generally present as small patch-like pockets embedded in the water-saturated host matrix. This type of heterogeneity, alsocalled ＂patchy saturation＂, causes significant seismic velocity dispersion and attenuation. Toestablish the relation between seismic response and type of fluids, we designed a rock physicsmodel for carbonates. First, we performed CT scanning and analysis of the fluid distributionin the partially saturated rocks. Then, we predicted the quantitative relation between the waveresponse at different frequency ranges and the basic lithological properties and pore fluids.A rock physics template was constructed based on thin section analysis of pore structuresand seismic inversion. This approach was applied to the limestone gas reservoirs of the rightbank block of the Amu Darya River. Based on poststack wave impedance and prestack elasticparameter inversions, the seismic data were used to estimate rock porosity and gas saturation.The model results were in ~ood a~reement with the production regime of the wells.     

The Role of Microorganisms in Uranium Behavior in the Water–Rock System

Geochemical processes involving redox reactions and leading to either formation or transformation of geochemical barriers may be largely induced or enhanced by microbial activity. The microbial reduction of uranium is studied as a strategy for rehabilitation of uranium-containing groundwater. The bioremediation mechanism converts dissolved uranium(VI) into low-solubility U(IV). The processes involving dissimilatory reducing bacteria, which facilitate the reduction and retention of U(VI) in soils and rocks, are considered. The diversity of microorganisms involved in anaerobic reduction of uranium is shown. The geochemical conditions that may affect the rate of microbial reduction of U(VI) are specified, i.e., the presence of nitrate ions, phosphate ions, calcium ions, and iron oxides. The mechanisms of their action are examined. Geochemical barriers with the participation of microorganisms are proposed for the rehabilitation of groundwater with uranium removed from groundwater and deposited locally as a result of microbial reduction of U(VI).     

Experiment Study and Interpretation on Relation between Modulus of Rock and Strain Amplitude

INTRODUCTIONThe modulus of rock is one of the basic elastic parameters of the earth’s medium. Under theassumption of linear elastic theory and Poisson medium,other parameters can be calculated fromit .But the real earth mediumis nonlinear elastic and has not a simple linear relationship between stressand strain.This causes relatively big differences betweenthe dynamic andthe static modulus of rock.In nonlinear elastic theory,the Young’s modulusEis replaced bythe nonlinear elastic modul…     

The Effect of Heterogeneity on Rock‘s Ultrasonic Attenuation and Its Correction

INTRODUCTIONAs Intnns。c properlyd]ohs,Q value Is closely related to the physical cond。tlons(such aspressure,fluid saturalon,and v。scoslty,etc．)．And generally speaking,the。e attenuation Is。resensitive to the vanatlon of physical conditions than the velocity does(Best et al,1994),therefor。asure。nt Of Q value Is very m叩oltantlnl4。m扣y expenments．There re删Ww幼sic*t。"theQ value,such as spectral rat。。(Toks6z et al,1979),resonance bar(Wyllie et al,1962),andst。ss－st。。n on…     

The Attenuation Law of Horizontal Peak Acceleration on the Rock Site in Yunnan Area

In this paper,we select 131 accelerograms observed in the Yunnan area and cite 114 accelerograms from western America.By statistical regression analysis,we get two separate acceleration attenuation formulations based on the data of Yunnan and those of both Yunnan and western America.By analyzing and comparing the above results with the result deprived from intensity-earthquake ground motion,this paper proposes the formula below,which may show the acceleration attenuation feature of the Yunnan area:Ap=1291.07e0.5275Ms(R 15)-t.5785     

A Damage Model of Acoustic Emission in Rock and Its Initial Application in Seismological Research

The model of the relationship of AE parameter,damage variable and strain is derived by applying the damage theory and micro-element statistical strength theory.The relation between AE characteristics during rock failure and machine stiffness is analyzed under uniaxial compression with the above model.Based on the above analysis,the internal connection among AE activity law and seisraogenic process and earthquake activity is discussed.     

Rock physics model for seismic velocity & fluid substitution in sub-resolution interbedded sand–shale sequences

The measured geophysical response of sand – shale sequences is an average over multiple layers when the tool resolution (seismic or well log) is coarser than the scale of sand – shale mixing. Shale can be found within sand – shale sequences as laminations, dispersed in sand pores, as well as load bearing clasts. We present a rock physics framework to model seismic/sonic properties of sub-resolution interbedded shaly sands using the so-called solid and mineral substitution models. This modelling approach stays consistent with the conceptual model of the Thomas–Stieber approach for estimating volumetric properties of shaly sands; thus, this work connects established well log data-based petrophysical workflows with quantitative interpretation of seismic data for modelling hydrocarbon signature in sand – shale sequences. We present applications of the new model to infer thickness of sand – shale lamination (i.e., net to gross) and other volumetric properties using seismic data. Another application of the new approach is fluid substitution in sub-resolution interbedded sand–shale sequences that operate directly at the measurement scale without the need to downscale; such a procedure has many practical advantages over the approach of “first-downscale-and-then-upscale” as it is not very sensitive to errors in estimated sand fraction and end member sand/shale properties and remains stable at small sand/shale fractions.     

What distinguishes a planet from a star?

Anthony Whitworth argues for a clear practical distinction between planets and stars – and an end to substellar objects.     

Experimental Research on the Low Frequency Wave That Radiates into the Air before the Failure of Rock

INTRODUCTIONThephenomenonof“quiescence”beforestrongearthquakeshaswidelybeenaccepted .However,isitreallyquietbeforeanearthquake ?Accordingtorecordsfromshortperiodseismographs,itis“quiet”beforeearthquake ,butaccordingtotherecordsofbroadbandseismograph ,thismaynotbetrue .Thekeytothismatterishowtogetreliableinformation .Earlyinthe 1 970’s,manyseismologiststhoughtthattheultra lowfrequencywaveformrecordedbybroadbandseismometersbeforeearthquakescamefromfore sliporslow extending (Rikitake ,…     

Solution of a Green’s function for a saturated porous medium in a half-space subjected to a torsional force

Based on the solutions of the Green’s function for a saturated porous medium obtained by the authors,and using transformation of axisymmetric coordinates,Sommerfeld integrals and superposition of the influence field on a free surface,the authors have obtained displacement solutions of a saturated porous medium subjected to a torsional force in a half-space.The relationship curves of the displacement solutions and various parameters(permeability,frequency,etc.)under action of a unit of torque are also given in this paper.The results are consistent with previous Reissner’s solutions,where a two-phase medium decays to a single-phase medium.The solution is useful in solving relevant dynamic problems of a twophase saturated medium in engineering.     

Acoustic and petrophysical properties of mechanically compacted overconsolidated sands: Part 2 – Rock physics modelling and applications

Part one of this paper reported results from experimental compaction measurements of unconsolidated natural sand samples with different mineralogical compositions and textures. The experimental setup was designed with several cycles of stress loading and unloading applied to the samples. The setup was aimed to simulate a stress condition where sediments underwent episodes of compaction, uplift and erosion. P-wave and S-wave velocities and corresponding petrophysical (porosity and density) properties were reported. In this second part of the paper, rock physics modelling utilizing existing rock physics models to evaluate the model validity for measured data from part one were presented. The results show that a friable sand model, which was established for normally compacted sediments is also capable of describing overconsolidated sediments. The velocity–porosity data plotted along the friable sand lines not only describe sorting deterioration, as has been traditionally explained by other studies, but also variations in pre-consolidation stress or degree of stress release. The deviation of the overconsolidated sands away from the normal compaction trend on the V_P/V_S and acoustic impedance space shows that various stress paths can be predicted on this domain when utilizing rock physics templates. Fluid saturation sensitivity is found to be lower in overconsolidated sands compared to normally consolidated sands. The sensitivity decreases with increasing pre-consolidation stress. This means detectability for four-dimensional fluid saturation changes can be affected if sediments were pre-stressed and unloaded. Well log data from the Barents Sea show similar patterns to the experimental sand data. The findings allow the development of better rock physics diagnostics of unloaded sediments, and the understanding of expected 4D seismic response during time-lapse seismic monitoring of uplifted basins. The studied outcomes also reveal an insight into the friable sand model that its diagnostic value is not only for describing sorting microtextures, but also pre-consolidation stress history. The outcome extends the model application for pre-consolidation stress estimation, for any unconsolidated sands experiencing similar unloading stress conditions to this study.     

Modelling the impact of a La Niña event on a South West Pacific Lagoon

In view of increasing environmental awareness and biodiversity conservation, understanding the main forcing mechanism driving biogeochemical cycles in coral reefs and lagoon coastal areas is a priority. La Ni?a events cause unbalanced situations in the Equatorial Pacific and result in enhanced precipitation in South West Pacific coastal areas. We investigated the impact of heavy rainfalls during the 2008 La Ni?a event on the New Caledonia lagoon using a 3D coupled on-line hydrodynamic-biogeochemical model. Simulations and data showed that the whole lagoon was impacted by river inputs and stronger hydrodynamics, enhancing chlorophyll-a concentration by a factor between 1.7 and 1.9. The coupled model provided new insights into plume transport, highlighting that eastern plumes can be advected northwards or can reach the South West Lagoon, depending on the balance between regional, tide-induced, and wind-induced surface currents. It also provided a synoptic view of lagoon biogeochemical-hydrodynamic response, when remote sensing data are not available due to cloud coverage.