Observation and analysis of frequency-dependent anisotropy from a multicomponent VSP at Bluebell-Altamont field, Utah

In this paper, we present results from the analysis of a multicomponent VSP from a fractured gas reservoir in the Bluebell-Altamont Field, Utah. Our analysis is focused on frequency-dependent anisotropy. The four-component shear-wave data are first band-pass filtered into different frequency bands and then rotated to the natural coordinates so that the fast and slow shear-waves are effectively separated. We find that the polarisations of the fast shear-waves are almost constant over the whole depth interval, and show no apparent variation with frequency. In contrast, the time delays between the split shear-waves decrease as the frequency increases. A linear regression is then applied to fit the time-delay variations in the target and we find that the gradients of linear fits to time delays show a decrease as frequency increases. Finally, we apply a time-frequency analysis method based on the wavelet transform with a Morlet wavelet to the data. The variation of shear-wave time delays with frequency is highlighted in the time-delay and frequency spectra. We also discuss two mechanisms giving rise to dispersion and frequency-dependent anisotropy, which are likely to explain the observation. These are scattering of seismic waves by preferentially aligned inhomogeneneities, such as fractures or fine layers, and fluid flow in porous rocks with micro-cracks and macro-fractures.     

Morphology and internal structure of sand shoals and sandbanks off the Dorset coast, English Channel

The morphology and internal structure of sand shoals and sandbanks around a coastal headland (Portland Bill, southern UK) are described on the basis of sidescan sonar and high-resolution seismic data sets. Morphological and architectural evidence, combined with the spatial distribution and nature of the bedrock surface, indicates that the evolution of these deposits, especially the sandbanks, may not only be hydrodynamically controlled but also morphologically controlled. The internal structure of the sand shoals reveals a simple pattern of clinoforms dipping in the same direction as their steeper profile. In contrast, the internal structure of the sandbanks reveals that their lower seismic units consist of a sedimentary core interpreted as the remains of a lowstand deposit or an early stage of the bank development under different prevailing hydrodynamic conditions. The present morphology of the sandbanks is represented by upper seismic units characterized by large-scale sandwave foresets dipping at 6–8°. The nature and morphology of the bedrock surface may also influence the development of sandbanks in some cases. For example, to the west of Portland Bill, the morphology of the bedrock surface (basal reflector) restricts the development of the Portland Bank. This information may explain the asymmetric evolution of sandbanks around Portland Bill.     

Tectonic wedging along the rear of the offshore Taiwan accretionary prism

The structural geometry, kinematics and density structure along the rear of the offshore Taiwan accretionary prism were studied using seismic reflection profiling and gravity modeling. Deformation between the offshore prism and forearc basin at the point of incipient collision, and southward into the region of subduction, has been interpreted as a tectonic wedge, similar to those observed along the front of mountain ranges. This tectonic wedge is bounded by an east-dipping roof thrust and a blind, west-dipping floor thrust. An east-dipping sequence of forearc-basin strata in the hanging wall of the roof thrust reaches a thickness in excess of 4 km near the tip of the interpreted tectonic wedge. Section restoration of the roof sequence yields an estimate of 4 km of shortening, which is small compared with that inferred in the collision area to the north, based on the variation in distance between the apex of the prism and the island arc.Previous studies propose that either high-angle normal faulting or backfolding has exhumed the metamorphic rocks along the eastern flank of the Central Range in the collision zone on land. To better constrain the initial crustal configuration, we tested 350 crustal models to fit the free-air gravity anomaly data in the offshore region to study the density structure along the rear of the accretionary prism in the subduction and initial collision zones before the structures become more complex in the collision zone on land. The gravity anomaly, observed in the region of subduction (20.2°N), can be modeled with the arc basement forming a trenchward-dipping backstop that is overlain by materials with densities in the range of sedimentary rocks. Near the point of incipient collision (20.9°N), however, the free-air gravity anomaly over the rear of the prism is approximately 40 mgal higher, compared with the region of subduction, and requires a significant component of high density crustal rocks within the tectonic wedge. These results suggest that the forearc basement may be deformed along the rear of the prism, associated with the onset of collision, but not in the subduction region further to the south.     

Analogue modelling of the influence of shape and particle/matrix interface lubrication on the rotational behaviour of rigid particles in simple shear

The rotational behaviour of a rigid particle embedded in a linear viscous matrix undergoing cylindrical simple shear (Couette) flow was studied in 2D rock-analogue experiments. The influence of particle shape (elliptical vs. monoclinic), aspect ratio and the nature of the matrix/particle interface (lubricated vs. unlubricated) was investigated. Both matrix (PDMS) and lubricant (liquid soap) were linear viscous, with a viscosity ratio of ca. 10⁴. Without lubricant, the rotational behaviour of all particles closely approximates the Jeffery theory. Lubricated monoclinic particles with the long diagonal initially parallel to the shear direction show back rotation and approach a stable position. Lubricated elliptical particles initially parallel to the shear direction also show back rotation but only transiently stabilize. Weak planar zones in the matrix adjacent to unlubricated elliptical particles do not induce backward rotation. In general for elliptical particles, rotation rate as a function of orientation depends on axial ratio and thickness of the lubricant mantle. For thick mantles (initially >10% of the volume of the particle), rotation rates are faster than Jeffery theory. For very thin mantles they are markedly slower compared with thick mantles, particularly when the long axis is nearly parallel to the shear direction. Rotation rates are never strictly zero, so true stabilization does not occur. However, for more elongate particles (axial RATIO=6) rotation rates are so slow that a very strong shape preferred orientation would develop in a lubricated elliptical particle population. In experiments, the volume of lubricant is constant and the thickness adjacent to the long side of the particle progressively decreases with increasing strain. In natural examples of porphyroclast systems, the weak mantle continually develops by recrystallization and/or cataclasis of the rigid clast core and a steady state between production and thinning could be attained, potentially leading to true stabilization for particles with a high axial ratio.     

Effects of speciation on equilibrium fractionations and rates of oxygen isotope exchange between (PO4)aq and H2O

The effects of phosphate speciation on both rates of isotopic exchange and oxygen isotope equilibrium fractionation factors between aqueous phosphate and water were examined over the temperature range 70 to 180°C. Exchange between phosphate and water is much faster at low pH than at high pH, an observation that is similar to what has been observed in the analogous sulfate-water system. Oxygen isotope fractionations between protonated species like H₃PO₄ and H₂PO₄⁻ that are dominant at relatively low pH and species like PO₄³⁻ and ion pairs like KHPO₄⁻ that are dominant at relatively high pH, range between 5 and 8‰ at the temperatures of the experiments. In aqueous phosphate systems at equilibrium, ¹⁸O/¹⁶O ratios increase with increasing degree of protonation of phosphate. This effect can be explained in part by the relative magnitudes of the dissociation constants of the protonated species. Under equilibrium conditions, carbonate in solution or in solid phases concentrates ¹⁸O relative to orthophosphate in solution or in solid phases at all temperatures, supporting the traditional view that biogenic phosphate is precipitated in near oxygen isotope equilibrium with body/ambient aqueous fluids with no attendant vital effects.     

Schumann Resonances,a plausible biophysical mechanism for the human health effects of Solar

Natural Hazards - A large number of studies have identified significant physical, biological and health effects associated with changes in Solar and Geomagnetic Activity (S-GMA). Variations in...     

Sedimentary facies and landform genesis at a temperate outlet glacier: Soler Glacier, North Patagonian Icefield

This paper focuses on the structural glaciology, dynamics, debris transport paths and sedimentology of the forefield of Soler Glacier, a temperate outlet glacier of the North Patagonian Icefield in southern Chile. The glacier is fed by an icefall from the icefield and by snow and ice avalanches from surrounding mountain slopes. The dominant structures in the glacier are ogives, crevasses and crevasse traces. Thrusts and recumbent folds are developed where the glacier encounters a reverse slope, elevating basal and englacial material to the ice surface. Other debris sources for the glacier include avalanche and rockfall material, some of which is ingested in marginal crevasses. Debris incorporated in the ice and on its surface controls both the distribution of sedimentary facies on the forefield and moraine ridge morphology. Lithofacies in moraine ridges on the glacier forefield include large isolated boulders, diamictons, gravel, sand and fine-grained facies. In relative abundance terms, the dominant lithofacies and their interpretation are sandy boulder gravel (ice-marginal), sandy gravel (glaciofluvial), angular gravel (supraglacial) and diamicton (basal glacial). Proglacial water bodies are currently developing between the receding glacier and its frontal and lateral moraines. The presence of folded sand and laminites in moraine ridges in front of the glacier suggests that, during a previous advance, Soler Glacier over-rode a former proglacial lake, reworking lacustrine deposits. Post-depositional modification of the landform/sediment assemblage includes melting of the ice-core beneath the sediment cover, redistribution of finer material across the proglacial area by aeolian processes and fluvial reworking. Overall, the preservation potential of this landform/sediment assemblage is high on the centennial to millennial timescale.     

δD-δ18O relationships on a polythermal valley glacier: Midtre Lovénbreen, Svalbard

This paper outlines the results of stable isotope (δD-δ¹⁸O) analysis of snow and glacier ice undertaken as part of a larger study concerning structural glaciology, debris entrainment and debris transport patterns at Midtre Lovénbreen, Svalbard. Samples of fresh snow were collected from the glacier surface in spring 1999 and samples of surface glacier ice and basal ice samples were collected in summer 1999. When plotted on bivariate co-isotopic diagrams (δD-δ¹⁸O), the slopes obtained for snow and unmodified glacier ice (6.4 and 6.9, respectively) are less steep than those for the basal ice layer and transverse ice layers on the ice surface (7.6 and 7.7, respectively). The difference in the slope of these lines is not statistically significant at the sample size (50) used in this study. The results indicate that although stable isotope analysis clearly has potential for studies of debris entrainment, transport and structural glaciology, difficulties remain with applying this technique. It is therefore not possible to apply these isotopic techniques to ice facies of unknown origins. In particular, large sample numbers are required to establish statistical differences and high-resolution sampling of specific ice facies may be necessary to establish isotopic differences.