Conventional and modern seismic investigations for rock quality determination at a dam site—a case history1

Refraction seismics and modern tomographic surveys were employed at the Platanovrissi dam site on the Nestos river in northern Greece in an effort to investigate the dynamic elastic properties and rockmass condition of gneiss-schist outcropping in the area under investigation. Six seismic refraction traverses were run on the ground surface, inside the exploratory tunnels and between tunnels and the ground surface. The results provided information about the low-velocity surface layer parameters and the stress relief zones on the walls of all the tunnels in which seismic tomography tests were performed. Ultrasonic tests, conducted both in situ and in the laboratory, enabled the determination of the ratio Vp/Vs and the Poisson's ratio calculation. From the tomography data analysis and the geological interpretation of the results, three main velocity zones, ranging between 3500 and 4000, 3000 and 3500 and less than 3000m/s, were detected in each tunnel. High-velocity zones were found to be compatible with the hard rockmass of gneiss-schist material, while moderate velocities are closely related to jointed and fractured zones. Finally, low-velocity zones were well correlated with weathered gneiss-schist material.     

Asymmetric fracture zones and sea-floor spreading

An asymmetric pattern is observed in the orientation of minor fracture zones about the axis of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge at five sites where relatively detailed studies have been made between latitudes 22°N and 51°N. The minor fracture zones intersect the axis of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge in an asymmetric V-shaped configuration. The V's point south north of the Azores triple junction (38°N latitude) and point north south of that junction.The rates and directions of sea-floor spreading are related to the asymmetric pattern of minor fracture zones at the sites studied. Half-rates of sea-floor spreading averaged between about 0 and 10 m.y. are unequal measured perpendicular to the ridge axis. The unequal half-rates of spreading are faster to the west north of the Azores triple junction and faster to the east south of that junction. The half-rates of sea-floor spreading calculated in the directions of the asymmetric minor fracture zones are equal about the ridge axis within the uncertainty of the direction determinations.A discrepancy exists between minor fracture zones that form an asymmetric V about the axis of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, and major fracture zones that follow small circles symmetric about the ridge axis. To reconcile this discrepancy it is proposed that minor fracture zones are preferentially reoriented under the influence of a stress field related to interplate and intraplate motions. Major fracture zones remain symmetric about the Mid-Atlantic Ridge under the same stress field due to differential stability between minor and major structures in oceanic lithosphere. This interpretation is supported by the systematic variation in the orientation of minor fracture zones and the equality of sea-floor spreading half-rates observed about lithospheric plate boundaries.     

西北太平洋俯冲地区410-km间断面上覆低速层探测

自20世纪90年代首次探测到410-km间断面上覆低速层以来,全球多个俯冲带和大陆克拉通地区都陆续发现了该低速层结构.对其特性及形成机理的探讨是深部地幔结构、物性和动力学研究的热点问题.本文聚焦于西北太平洋俯冲地区410-km间断面上覆低速层的探测及特性研究上.通过对发生于日本北海道地区两个中等深度地震区域波形资料的分析,利用三重震相波形拟合方法获得了我国东北及日本海西北部下方410-km间断面附近的P波速度结构.速度模型明确显示,410-km间断面上方存在厚~47±14 km,异常值~2%的低速层,横向展布近700 km.结合区域地震层析成像、矿物高温高压物理实验及动力学模拟结果,我们否定了"从下至上"的上涌热物质导致410-km间断面上覆低速层的模型;认为较老且快速俯冲的太平洋板块在地幔过渡带顶部脱水导致硅酸盐矿物的部分熔融,由于熔体密度较大能够稳定存在于410-km间断面之上,从而产生了观测到的横向展布较广的410-km间断面上覆低速层结构.     

利用双差层析成像方法反演青藏高原东南缘地壳速度结构

本文利用云南及周边区域地震台网2010—2016年记录到的近震资料,采用双差层析成像方法进行地震重定位并获得了青藏高原东南缘的三维地壳速度结构。结果显示:重定位后的震源位置精度得到明显提高,震源主要分布于20 km深度以上的中上地壳;地震分布与速度结构存在一定的相关性,大多数地震发生在中上地壳的低速异常区内以及高、低速异常区域之间;研究区上地壳速度结构存在明显的横向不均匀性,其速度异常与地表地形及地质特征密切相关;中下地壳分布着两条主要的低速带,一条沿着安宁河断裂、小江断裂分布在川滇菱形地块的东侧;另一条主要分布在川西北次级地块内,并穿过丽江断裂向南延伸,推测这两条低速带可能是青藏高原中下地壳物质向南逃逸的两条通道。      

Combination of common-midpoint-refraction seismics with the generalized reciprocal method

A useful method for increasing the signal/noise ratio of refracted waves is Common-Midpoint (CMP)-refraction seismics. With this technique the shallow underground can be described in detail using all information (amplitude, frequency, phase characteristics) of the wavetrain following the first break (first-break phase). Thus, the layering can be determined and faults, weak zones, and clefts can be identified. This paper deals with the optimization of CMP-refraction seismics used in combination with the Generalized Reciprocal Method (GRM). Theoretical studies show a close relationship of both methods to the kinematics of wave propagation. Velocities and optimum offsets determined by the GRM can be used directly in the partial Radon transformation in CMP-refraction seismics. The integration of refracted waves leads to an increase in the signal/noise ratio but simultaneously the integration boundaries must be restricted to deal only with selective parts of the investigated refractor. The result of this process is an intercept-time section which can be converted directly to a depth section using standard refraction seismic techniques. Another possibility of depth conversion is the transformation of this intercept-time section to a `pseudo-zero-offset section', known from reflection seismics. Thus, zero-offset sections can be migrated using wave-equation techniques such as Kirchhoff migration.     

台湾海峡架桥铺路的层析技术问题的初步分析

关于在台湾海峡架桥和修筑隧道的问题从1987年至2002年在福省召开过三次"台湾海峡两岸地质地震和架桥与修筑隧道的研讨会",以后陆续出版了相应的论文和论文集,提出了"台湾海峡架桥和修筑隧道的可行性研究",和"台湾海峡隧道工程设计总建议"等[1-4],论述了修建该工程的可行性等问题.提出平潭岛可作为海峡北线的端点,探讨了如何具体建桥和相关工程的问题.近年来地球层析技术的发展,可对台湾海峡隧道工程的工程地质问题,海港的开发和沿海陆地的充分利用等,做出探测台湾海峡地下地层三维成像细结构和地球物理场的空间分布,作为台湾海峡架桥铺路工程基本设计的必要依据.为了让大中小轮船在台湾海峡顺利通航,利用现代的科技研讨台湾海峡两岸连接的最佳方案.为了架成大型的高桥和修建堤坝式的地基,必须用地震层析和应力波等方法探测桥梁和堤坝地基的结构和地层的坚实程度,以便决定桥墩深入海底的深度,和设计坚固而又经济的桥墩与堤坝的基础.参考开采海底石油平台施工和荷兰填海造田的工程经验,以双边海堤与大型高桥及活动的船闸相结合,从平潭岛东至台湾新竹西海岸,在124千米距离上架设4-6段桥梁和5-7段堤坝型的路基,既让大中小船舶照常航行,海洋生物照常游动,又可在其上通车,以缩短两岸距离,适应中国大陆和台湾经济快速发展的需要,争取和平沟通的愿望.由于架桥铺路的工程费用较修筑隧道的投资低得多,在福建近海地带局部填海造地,充分利用海洋资源和建筑深水码头,可得到较大的经济补偿,在现阶段较易实施.本文初步分析了有关的地球层析和工业CT技术的作用问题.     

2014年三峡秭归M4.5、M4.7震群序列定位及震源区三维P波速度结构研究

采用双差层析成像方法,对2014年3月27日M4.7和3月30日M4.5秭归震群重定位显示:0～5 km深度层P波高速区分布在仙女山断裂北中段和九畹溪断裂北段,天阳坪断裂一带为低速区;8 km深度层高速区分布在九畹溪断裂东侧,仙女山断裂较低;11 km层高速区仅分布在高桥断裂和周家山—牛口断裂之间地带。在地震集中区的下方(即8～12 km处)存在分布较为稳定的低速区,较大地震事件主要分布在高速区或高低速区交界地带,低速区内则很少有地震分布。局部高速体的存在为岩石发生瞬间破裂提供了物质基础,其与低速体间的梯度带是发震构造常发育的区域。研究区内的仙女山断裂北段、九畹溪断裂正是在该梯度带内发育的两条活动断裂。本地震序列的自地表至5 km和5～10 km深度范围内均有大量破裂存在表明,浅层地震仍在水库渗透范围内,而深部地震则与流体渗透无关。此次地震活动同时存在水库诱发地震和构造地震存在。     

青藏高原P波速度层析成像与岩石圈结构

利用中国西部地震台网的数据,通过体波层析成像反演了青藏高原及邻域的三维P波速度结构.根据地壳和上地幔的速度变化和构造特征,重点讨论了下地壳流动、地幔上涌、岩石圈减薄以及与藏北新生代火山岩和藏南裂谷系的关系等问题.分析表明,青藏高原中、下地壳平均速度偏低,低速区主要分布在拉萨和羌塘块体内部,随着深度的增加逐渐扩大到松潘—甘孜块体.上述低速区之间多被高速带分隔,暗示地壳中、下部的韧性变形被限制在特定的区域,不太适于产生贯穿整个青藏高原的大规模横向流动.此外,地幔上涌也并非普遍发生于整个青藏高原,而是集中在羌塘、松潘—甘孜以及喜马拉雅东构造结附近,导致上述区域的岩石圈地幔较薄,并且伴生火山活动和岩浆作用.此外,由于印度大陆岩石圈在向北俯冲,板片下沉过程中引起地幔上涌,热流物质有可能上升进入地壳,这一作用对藏北新生代火山岩和藏南裂谷系的形成以及中、下地壳的韧性变形产生了明显的影响.     

Internal structure of Piton de la Fournaise volcano from seismic wave propagation and earthquake distribution

Arrival times of seismic waves from local earthquakes are inverted for both locating the source and defining the 3-D velocity heterogeneity of Piton de la Fournaise.The lateral heterogeneity of the 2632 m high edifice is resolved as a high-velocity plug, 1.5 km in diameter, surrounded by a low-velocity ring, which may be interpreted as due to the construction of Fournaise on the flank of the older volcano Piton des Neiges. Wave mode conversion detected on three-component seismograms provides evidence for boundaries of contrasted velocities.Pre-eruptive swarm earthquakes cluster in the high-velocity zone, under the Dolomieu summit crater. Low strength and cohesion of the surrounding material account for the lack of seismicity for the final 1–3 km radial flow of magma to the vents in Enclos Fouqué.Beneath the high-velocity plug the existence of a body with low velocity for P, and even for S, waves is well constrained. However, the walls and base are poorly defined because of the lack of deep earthquakes for sampling. The few earthquakes that are located in this depth region usually occur at a depth of around 1.5 km below sea level in the region of the cone. This can be considered providing the upper constraint on the lower limit of the aseismic part of the low-velocity body. The coincidence in time of their occurrence with the swarms above sea level and the eruptions suggests magmatic activation of the low-velocity aseismic volume 1.5 km below sea level under the high-velocity plug of the cone. Further down, the concentration of seismicity in two swarms, between 2 and 4 km, under the eastern flank does not allow the structure to be sampled effectively.     

Great-circle Rayleigh wave attenuation and group velocity,Part III: Inversion of global average group velocities and attenuation coefficients

Average shear-velocity models for the upper mantle have been derived by controlled Monte Carlo inversion of global average Rayleigh wave group velocity (GAGV) data for periods between 50 and 300 seconds. GAGV data have been corrected for attenuative dispersion using a method based on the theory of Liu, Anderson and Kanamori. Two types of model bounds have been used with one- or two-layer low-velocity zones beginning at depths of 70 and 100 km. All models fitting GAGV data within one standard deviation have low-velocity zones in the 100–200 km depth range. Models with low-velocity zones beginning at 70 km, as well as 100 km, fit GAGV data within one standard deviation, so the average thickness of the lithosphere (taken as the depth to the top of the low-velocity zone) cannot be determined with precision.Global average models for shear-wave attenuation (Q^?1_β) have been derived from global average Rayleigh wave attenuation coefficients for periods between 50 and 300 s and average shear-velocity models. Zones of high Q^?1_β coincide with the low-velocity zones of all shear-velocity models, however, models with low-velocity zones beginning at a depth of 70 km have the highest-attenuation layer in the lower half of the low-velocity zone. Resolution kernels for these attenuation models show that parameters for layers shallower than the lower part of the low-velocity-high-attenuation zone are strongly coupled but are distinct from the lower part of this zone. This suggests that the deeper part of the low-velocity-high-attenuation zone is the most mobile part of the zone or that on the average, the top of the zone is deeper than 70 km.The average Q_β of the lithosphere, low-velocity zone, and sub-low-velocity layer (asthenosphere) are approximately 200, 85–110 and 170–200, respectively.     

3D <Emphasis Type="Italic">v</Emphasis><Subscript>P</Subscript> and <Emphasis Type="Italic">v</Emphasis><Subscript>S</Subscript> models of southeastern margin of the Tibetan plateau from joint inversion of body-wave arrival times and surface-wave dispersion data

A new 3D velocity model of the crust and upper mantle in the southeastern (SE) margin of the Tibetan plateau was obtained by joint inversion of body- and surface-wave data. For the body-wave data, we used 7190 events recorded by 102 stations in the SE margin of the Tibetan plateau. The surface-wave data consist of Rayleigh wave phase velocity dispersion curves obtained from ambient noise cross-correlation analysis recorded by a dense array in the SE margin of the Tibetan plateau. The joint inversion clearly improves the v _S model because it is constrained by both data types. The results show that at around 10 km depth there are two low-velocity anomalies embedded within three high-velocity bodies along the Longmenshan fault system. These high-velocity bodies correspond well with the Precambrian massifs, and the two located to the northeast of 2013 M _S 7.0 Lushan earthquake are associated with high fault slip areas during the 2008 Wenchuan earthquake. The aftershock gap between 2013 Lushan earthquake and 2008 Wenchuan earthquake is associated with low-velocity anomalies, which also acts as a barrier zone for ruptures of two earthquakes. Generally large earthquakes (M ≥ 5) in the region occurring from 2008 to 2015 are located around the high-velocity zones, indicating that they may act as asperities for these large earthquakes. Joint inversion results also clearly show that there exist low-velocity or weak zones in the mid-lower crust, which are not evenly distributed beneath the SE margin of Tibetan plateau.     

Site characterization using Gauss–Newton inversion of 2-D full seismic waveform in the time domain

Site characterization for design of deep foundations is very crucial, as unanticipated site conditions still represent significant problems and disputes occur during construction. Traditional surface-based geophysical methods, which use wave velocity dispersion or first-arrival times, have been widely used recently to assess spatial variation; however they cannot well characterize reverse profiles or buried low-velocity zones. For better characterization of these challenging site conditions, a full waveform inversion based on Gauss–Newton method is presented. The inversion scheme is based on a finite-difference solution of the 2-D elastic wave equation in the time domain. The strength of this approach is the ability to generate all possible wave types of seismic wavefields that are then compared with observed data to infer complex subsurface properties. Virtual sources and reciprocity of wavefields are used for calculation of partial derivative wavefields to reduce computer time. Cross convolution between observed and estimated wavefields are also employed to allow the technique to be independent of the source signatures. The capability of the presented technique is tested with both synthetic and real experimental data sets. The inversion results from synthetic data show the ability of characterizing anomalies of low- and high-velocity zones, and the inversion results from real data are generally consistent with SPT N-value, including the identification of a buried low-velocity layer.     

Sea-floor spreading and the early opening of the North Atlantic

We have examined available magnetic and gravity data bearing on the initiation of sea-floor spreading in the North Atlantic between Ireland and Newfoundland. The change in character of the magnetic field on the continental margin on either side of the Atlantic from a landward magnetic quiet zone to a seaward “noisy”, magnetic signature is postulated to be related to a change from continental to oceanic crust. Sea-floor spreading between Ireland and Newfoundland was initiated during the long normal geomagnetic polarity interval in the Late Cretaceous. Rockall Trough may have opened at this time. At the end of the normal polarity interval (Late Santonian) the ridge axis jumped westward to bypass Rockall Trough and the related offset initiated the Charlie Gibbs fracture zone.A reconstruction is presented for the relative position between North America and Europe prior to the initiation of sea-floor spreading in the Late Cretaceous.     

Induced Temperature Gradients to Examine Groundwater Flowpaths in Open Boreholes

Techniques for characterizing the hydraulic properties and groundwater flow processes of aquifers are essential to design hydrogeologic conceptual models. In this study, rapid time series temperature profiles within open‐groundwater wells in fractured rock were measured using fiber optic distributed temperature sensing (FO‐DTS). To identify zones of active groundwater flow, two continuous electrical heating cables were installed alongside a FO‐DTS cable to heat the column of water within the well and to create a temperature difference between the ambient temperature of the groundwater in the aquifer and that within the well. Additional tests were performed to examine the effects of pumping on hydraulic fracture interconnectivity around the well and to identify zones of increased groundwater flow. High‐ and low‐resolution FO‐DTS cable configurations were examined to test the sensitivities of the technique and compared with downhole video footage and geophysical logging to confirm the zones of active groundwater flow. Two examples are presented to demonstrate the usefulness of this new technique for rapid characterization of fracture zones in open boreholes. The combination of the FO‐DTS and heating cable has excellent scope as a rapid appraisal tool for borehole construction design and improving hydrogeologic conceptual models.     

Inversion of magnetic anomalies and sea-floor spreading in the Cayman Trough

For some time, sea-floor spreading has been hypothesized for the Mid-Cayman Rise based on inferences from seismicity, heat flow, topography and plate geometry. Here we present magnetic anomaly inversions from which a reasonable record of sea-floor spreading emerges. We obtain total opening rates of 20 ± 2 mm/yr for 0–2.4 m.y. B.P. and 40 ± 2 mm/yr for 2.4–6.0 m.y. B.P. Data on the west flank extend the half-opening rate of 20 mm/yr back to 8.3 m.y. B.P. Spreading has been very nearly symmetric. These new observations place important constraints on plate tectonic reconstructions by defining the relative motion between the North American and Caribbean plates. They also shed some light on sea-floor spreading processes in which the spreading center is a secondary feature in the sense that it is over an order of magnitude shorter than the adjoining transform faults.     

Active tendon control of cable‐stayed bridges: a large‐scale demonstration

This paper presents a strategy for active damping of cable structures, using active tendons. The first part of the paper summarizes the theoretical background: the control law is briefly presented together with the main results of an approximate linear theory which allows the prediction of closed‐loop poles with a root locus technique. The second part of the paper reports on experimental results obtained with two test structures: the first one is a small size mock‐up representative of a cable‐stayed bridge during the construction phase. The control of the parametric vibration of passive cables due to deck vibration is demonstrated. The second one is a 30 m long mock‐up built on the reaction wall of the ELSA test facility at the JRC Ispra (Italy); this test structure is used to demonstrate the practical implementation of the control strategy with hydraulic actuators. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Crustal velocity,density structure,and seismogenic environment in the southern segment of the North-South Seismic Belt,China

The southern segment of the North-South Seismic Belt in China is a critical region for earthquake preparedness and risk reduction efforts. However, limited by the low density of seismic stations and the use of single-parameter physical structural models, the deep tectonic features and seismogenic environment in this area remain controversial. Thus, a comprehensive analysis based on high-resolution crustal structures and multiple physical parameters is required. In this study, we applied the ambient noise tomography method to obtain the three-dimensional (3D) crustal S-wave velocity structure using continuous waveform data from 112 permanent stations and 350 densely distributed temporary stations in the southern segment of the North-South Seismic Belt. Then, we obtained the high-resolution 3D density structure through wavenumber-domain 3D gravity imaging constrained by the velocity structure. The low-velocity and low-density anomalies in the upper crust of the study area were mainly distributed in the Sichuan Basin and around Dali and Simao, while the high-velocity and high-density anomalies were primarily distributed in the Panxi region, corresponding to the surface geological features. Two prominent low-velocity and low-density anomalies were observed in the middle and lower crust: one to the west of the Songpan-Garzê block and Sichuan-Yunnan diamond-shaped block, and the other near the Anninghe-Xiaojiang fault. Combined with the spatial distribution of seismic events in the study area, we found that previous earthquakes predominantly occurred in the transition zones between high and low anomaly regions and in the low-velocity and low-density zones in the upper crust. In contrast, moderate-to-strong earthquakes mainly occurred within the transition zones between high and low anomaly regions and close to the high-velocity and high-density regions, often with low-velocity and low-density layers below their hypocenters. Fluids play a critical role in the seismogenic process by reducing fault strength and destabilizing the stress state, which may be a triggering factor for earthquakes in the study area. Additionally, the upwelling of molten materials from the mantle may lead to energy accumulation and stress concentration, providing an important seismogenic background for moderate-to-strong earthquakes in this area.     

Evolution of the Tasman Sea reappraised

We reexamined available marine magnetics data from the Tasman Sea and reidentified sea-floor spreading anomalies in the southern portion of the basin. From the revised magnetic lineations and fracture zones we calculated new finite rotations which descrobe the evolution of the basin in terms of a simple two-plate spreading system active between about 82 and 60 m.y. ago. Allowing for the probable continental origin of the Dampier ridge, the predicted displacement of the western margin of the Lord Howe rise relative to the eastern Australian margin in the northern Tasman basin is consistent with their observed separation. Thus, the controversial episode of subduction of Tasman basin crust at the east Australian margin proposed in earlier studies is no longer necessary.     

Estimating the permeability of the Nojima Fault Zone by a hydrophone vertical seismic profiling experiment

Abstract A multi-offset hydrophone vertical seismic profiling (VSP) experiment was done in a 747 m deep borehole at Nojima Hirabayashi, Hyogo prefecture, Japan. The borehole was drilled to penetrate the Nojima Fault, which was active in the 1995 Hyogo-ken Nanbu earthquake. The purpose of the hydrophone VSP is to detect subsurface permeable fractures and permeable zones and, in the present case, to estimate the permeability of the Nojima Fault. The analysis was based on a model by which tube waves are generated when incident P-waves compress the permeable fractures (or permeable zones) intersecting the borehole and a fluid in the fracture is injected into the borehole. Permeable fractures (or permeable zones) are detected at the depths of tube wave generation, and fracture permeability is calculated from the amplitude ratio of tube wave to incident P-wave. Several generations of tube waves were detected from the VSP sections. Distinct tube waves were generated at depths of the fault zone that are characterized by altered and deformed granodiorite with a fault gouge, suggesting that permeable fractures and permeable zones exist in the fault zone. Tube wave analysis shows that the permeability of the fault gouge from 624 m to 625 m is estimated to be approximately 2 × 10⁻¹² m².     

Lithospheric structure of Southeast Anatolia from joint inversion of local and teleseismic data

A joint tomographic inversion of local and teleseismic arrival times recorded at 41 seismic stations in southeast Anatolia is conducted to study the 3-D lithospheric velocity structure and its relation to the prevailing tectonic processes. A total of 21300 arrivals from local and teleseismic events are used in the final inversion. The tomographic model reveals prominent lower crustal/uppermost mantle low-velocity anomalies. High-velocity zones are imaged in the western part of the study area. The background seismic activity occurs mainly at the low-velocity areas and to a lesser extent in some high-velocity zones. Large crustal earthquakes occur in average velocity zones, but not in high-velocity areas that can resist stress. Results of the checkerboard resolution test indicate the reliability of the obtained images; while the large hit counts at most depth slices denote reasonable ray-path coverage for most parts of the study area. The obtained velocity anomalies are generally consistent with many previous geophysical measurements and give much deeper understanding of the current seismotectonic processes occurring in the region.