Core waves recorded in central Europe

Summary The core waves recorded at four seismograph stations in Central Europe were investigated with the aim to find the most suitable set of travel-time curves and a fitting model of the core structure. Another travel-time curve was constructed by means of time differences between the core phases. The differences in the features of the travel-time curves were studied using records of shallow, intermediate and deep shocks from the same focal region (Tonga).     

Fully probabilistic seismic risk assessment considering local site effects for the portfolio of buildings in Medellín,Colombia

A fully probabilistic seismic risk analysis using a comprehensive approach is conducted for Medellin, the second largest city of Colombia, using a building by building database constructed and complemented from aerial images, considering characteristics such as building use categories, socio-economic levels and replacement values. The seismic hazard used for the analysis corresponds to the most updated study available in the country with the same model that was included in the national building code maps definition. Spectral transfer functions are determined for each of the seismic microzonation zones in order to take into account the dynamic soil response and amplification effects in the risk analysis. Several building types are defined for the city and individual vulnerability functions are assigned to each of them. Risk results are presented in the state of the art metrics such as the loss exceedance curve, probable maximum losses for different return periods, average annual losses and risk maps. The obtained results can be classified by use and socio-economic sectors as well as by structural systems that may help the stakeholders to identify where the risk concentrates.     

Magmatic gases in well fluids aid the mapping of the flow pattern in a geothermal system

Gas composition and silica concentrations of well fluids are used in conjunction with pressure, temperature and enthalpy data to obtain a model of the drilled part of the Krafla geothermal field (Northeast Iceland).A magma chamber is located at 3–8 km depth under the field. Magmatic gases emanate from the chamber and travel via a channel reaching the surface at the Hveragil eruptive fissure. The composition of the gases is apparently modified on the way, in that sulphur, which presumably is in the form of sulphur dioxide to begin with, is removed on the way, and what remains is in the form of hydrogen sulphide at the end. It is suggested that the major removal mechanism is the deposition of pyrite and pyrrhotite during the passage of the gases through the hydrothermal system.The hydrothermal system is divided into a lower part whose temperature exceeds 300°C and whose fluids are to a varying extent affected by the magmatic gases, and an upper part whose temperature is ca 200°C. This upper part is a run-off from the lower part but the magmatic effects have mostly disappeared there.     

3D alluvial aquifer reconstruction in polluted areas by means of GPR (Sabiñánigo,N Spain)

Assumptions of simple geometries for alluvial deposits (related to main rivers) can preclude determination of complexities that are revealed as fundamental controls in underground flow. Although subhorizontal contacts between alluvial and substratum materials are expected, previous sedimentary or erosional processes can result in irregular geometries, only accessible through detailed analysis. The studied case presents the 3D reconstruction of a Quaternary terrace in the proximities of Sabiñánigo (Southern Pyrenees, Northeastern Spain), lying on homogeneous Eocene marls. The studied area is located in an industrialized area supporting strongly pollutant chemical industry (chlorinated pesticides) for the past 50 years. The objective of the study was to constrain the groundwater pathway along the area to subsequently analyze leakage of chemicals to the water table. In order to reveal preferred flow paths, a detailed characterization of the internal structure of the alluvial deposits (0.5–13 m thick) and their relations with the Tertiary substratum was carried out by means of ground penetrating radar (GPR, 50 and 100 MHz antennas). The obtained models permit identifying several topographic highs in the alluvial/substratum contact, determining preferred pathways in water flow, favoring particular conditions associated with low levels of the water table. The presented results support the interest of application of GPR surveys in order to characterize the groundwater pathways in expected homogeneous areas and their importance in order to establish the contaminant surveillance network.     

Tensor structure and the least squares

It is shown that for linear parametric adjustment models all the least-squares equations can be obtained from a commutative diagram, where the observation and parameter spaces are regarded as covariant. Their contravariant counterparts are defined through the metric property of the covariance matrix of the observations.