PHASE DISTORTION DUE TO ABSORPTION IN SEISMOGRAMS AND VSP*

Absorption of seismic energy in the earth reduces amplitudes and changes phases of the propagating seismic waves. Amplitudes are usually recovered according to an estimated exponential decay curve, while phase distortions are generally disregarded. Therefore, accurate processing of seismic data requires a careful investigation of the relationship between absorption and phases. In this paper a procedure is suggested to achieve this goal, and some related topics are worked out. A method is outlined for computing synthetic seismograms and vertical seismic profiles with phase distortion due to absorption. The algorithm works in the frequency domain, and it provides for absorption according to the usual model of exponential decay of amplitude with distance. The absorption coefficient is a linear function of frequency and is related to the quality factor Q of the rocks. Complex seismic velocities are introduced and minimum-phase delay due to absorption is assumed for all cases considered. Methods for estimating Q profiles from seismic well surveys and seismic data are described. Comparison between field and synthetic data shows the effectiveness and benefits of the procedure. Some applications of the method to phase distortion recovery and wavelet processing are presented.     

New average global P and PcP travel times

This paper deals with the construction procedure for regional travel-time curves and the new average global curve for P times. This paper also presents new average global values for PcP times constructed from observed travel times.     

Simulation of pebble abrasion on coastal benches by transgressive waves

Tumbler simulations of abrasion processes affecting rocks on basaltic marine benches have clarified the effects of mass and volume of rock fragments on their rate of wear. Several experiments indicate that rate of basalt wear increases with mass in the interval 1 g to 8 g, but is not related to volume of fragments abraded in seawater. Relatively small quantities of rock flour suspended in the immersant seawater substantially reduced the rate of basalt wear. Basalt and calcareous beachrock responded differently in systems with both rock types tumbling together. Examination of the cuttings from these low-energy encounters suggests that abrasion on elevated benches along exposed seacoasts reduces virtually all clastic material to particles of silt size or smaller, producing essentially no sand.     

A statistical study of pressure changes in the troposphere and lower stratosphere after strong solar flares

Summary The average change in height of several constant pressure levels in the troposphere and lower stratosphere after a strong solar flare is described. The analysis covers the northern hemisphere north of 10°N and is based on a sample of 81 carefully selected flares from the period July 1957 through December 1959.The statistical significance of the results is tested by drawing a comparison with the results obtained when one applies exactly the same analysis to three samples of 81 random key-dates selected from the same period.Properties of the reaction pattern are (1) it is pronounced at high as well as low latitudes, (2) it consists of alternating cells of positive and negative height change, (3) it is established within six hours after the flare, and (4) the maximum response occurs near the tropopause.It appears more likely that the atmospheric reaction pattern can be attributed to very energetic solar particles rather than to enhanced ultraviolet radiation.     

Some elements of mathematical information theory and total inversion algorithm applied to travel time inversion

The total inversion algorithm and some elements of Mathematical Information Theory are used in the treatment of travel-time data belonging to a seismic refraction experiment from the southern segment (Sardinia Channel) of the European Geotraverse Project. The inversion algorithm allows us to improve a preliminary propagating model obtained by means of usual trial and error procedure and to quantify the resolution degree of parameters defining the crust and upper mantle of such a model. Concepts related to Mathematical Information Theory detect some seismic profiles of the refraction experiment which give the most homogeneous coverage of the model in terms of number of trajectories crossing it. Finally, the efficiency of the inversion procedure is quantified and the uncertainties regarding knowledge of different parts of the model are also evaluated.     

The Application of Petroleum Hydrocarbon Fingerprint Characterization in Site Investigation and Remediation

Tremendous resources have been and continue to be spent investigating and remediating petroleum hydrocarbon compounds (PHCs) in soil and ground water. Investigating and planning a remedial strategy for sites affected by PHCs is often a challenging task because of the complex chemical nature of the PHCs. the complex regulatory environment related to PHC cleanup, and the use of analytical methods that provide quantitation but not identification of PHCs. From a technical standpoint, the PHC impacting soil and/or ground water is frequently inadequately characterised, both in identification as well as in is general properties (solubility, toxicity). From a regulatory standpoint, promulgated or recommended total petroleum hydrocarbon (TPH) cleanup levels generally relate to assumed properties of specific unweathered products and are inconsistent among different agencies and regions. This produces a prime situation for unwillingly spending more resources on investigation or remediation than may be necessary, especially when the PHC in the subsurface has different properties from unweathered products such as gasoline or diesel.
Accurately identifying the PHC and its nature, a process known as fingerprint characterization, is critical to the determination of appropriate regulatory goals and design of cost-effective remedial approaches. This paper presents several case studies in which fingerprint characterization made a significant difference in the project outcome. In each instance the nature of the organic material was better understood, the regulatory cleanup levels were negotiated based on the nature of the material, and a remedial approach was implemented that differed significantly from and was generally less costly than what would have been required without fingerprint characterization data.