Showing papers in "Pure and Applied Geophysics in 2006"

The Theory of Coda Wave Interferometry

Abstract: Coda waves are sensitive to changes in the subsurface because the strong scattering that generates these waves causes them to repeatedly sample a limited region of space. Coda wave interferometry is a technique that exploits this sensitivity to estimate slight changes in the medium from a comparison of the coda waves before and after the perturbation. For spatially localized changes in the velocity, or for changes in the source location, the travel-time perturbation may be different for different scattering paths. The coda waves that arrive within a certain time window are therefore subject to a distribution of travel-time perturbations. Here I present the general theory of coda wave interferometry, and show how the time-shifted correlation coefficient can be used to estimate the mean and variance of the distribution of travel-time perturbations. I show how this general theory can be used to estimate changes in the wave velocity, in the location of scatterer positions, and in the source location.

Ultrasonic Velocities, Acoustic Emission Characteristics and Crack Damage of Basalt and Granite

Abstract: Acoustic emissions (AE), compressional (P), shear (S) wave velocities, and volumetric strain of Etna basalt and Aue granite were measured simultaneously during triaxial compression tests. Deformation-induced AE activity and velocity changes were monitored using twelve P-wave sensors and eight orthogonally polarized S-wave piezoelectric sensors; volumetric strain was measured using two pairs of orthogonal strain gages glued directly to the rock surface. P-wave velocity in basalt is about 3 km/s at atmospheric pressure, but increases by > 50% when the hydrostatic pressure is increased to 120 MPa. In granite samples initial P-wave velocity is 5 km/s and increases with pressure by < 20%. The pressure-induced changes of elastic wave speed indicate dominantly compliant low-aspect ratio pores in both materials, in addition Etna basalt also contains high-aspect ratio voids. In triaxial loading, stress-induced anisotropy of P-wave velocities was significantly higher for basalt than for granite, with vertical velocity components being faster than horizontal velocities. However, with increasing axial load, horizontal velocities show a small increase for basalt but a significant decrease for granite. Using first motion polarity we determined AE source types generated during triaxial loading of the samples. With increasing differential stress AE activity in granite and basalt increased with a significant contribution of tensile events. Close to failure the relative contribution of tensile events and horizontal wave velocities decreased significantly. A concomitant increase of double-couple events indicating shear, suggests shear cracks linking previously formed tensile cracks.

Temporal Changes of Shallow Seismic Velocity Around the Karadere-Düzce Branch of the North Anatolian Fault and Strong Ground Motion

Abstract: We analyze temporal variations of seismic velocity along the Karadere-Duzce branch of the north Anatolian fault using seismograms generated by repeating earthquake clusters in the aftershock zones of the 1999 Mw7.4 Izmit and Mw7.1 Duzce earthquakes. The analysis employs 36 sets of highly repeating earthquakes, each containing 4–18 events. The events in each cluster are relocated by detailed multi-step analysis and are likely to rupture approximately the same fault patch at different times. The decay rates of the repeating events in individual clusters are compatible with the Omori's law for the decay rate of regional aftershocks. A sliding window waveform cross-correlation technique is used to measure travel time differences and evolving decorrelation in waveforms generated by each set of the repeating events. We find clear step-like delays in the direct S and early S-coda waves (sharp seismic velocity reduction) immediately after the Duzce main shock, followed by gradual logarithmic-type recoveries. A gradual increase of seismic velocities is also observed before the Duzce main shock, probably reflecting post-seismic recovery from the earlier Izmit main shock. The temporal behavior is similar at each station for clusters at various source locations, indicating that the temporal changes of material properties occur in the top most portion of the crust. The effects are most prominent at stations situated in the immediate vicinity of the recently ruptured fault zones, and generally decrease with normal distance from the fault. A strong correlation between the co-seismic delays and intensities of the strong ground motion generated by the Duzce main shock implies that the radiated seismic waves produced the velocity reductions in the shallow material.

Geological Observations of Damage Asymmetry in the Structure of the San Jacinto, San Andreas and Punchbowl Faults in Southern California: A Possible Indicator for Preferred Rupture Propagation Direction

Abstract: We present new in situ observations of systematic asymmetry in the pattern of damage expressed by fault zone rocks along sections of the San Andreas, San Jacinto, and Punchbowl faults in southern California. The observed structural asymmetry has consistent manifestations at a fault core scale of millimeters to meters, a fault zone scale of meters to tens of meters and related geomorphologic features. The observed asymmetric signals are in agreement with other geological and geophysical observations of structural asymmetry in a damage zone scale of tens to hundreds of meters. In all of those scales, more damage is found on the side of the fault with faster seismic velocities at seismogenic depths. The observed correlation between the damage asymmetry and local seismic velocity structure is compatible with theoretical predictions associated with preferred propagation direction of earthquake ruptures along faults that separate different crustal blocks. The data are consistent with a preferred northwestward propagation direction for ruptures on all three faults. If our results are supported by additional observations, asymmetry of structural properties determined in field studies can be utilized to infer preferred propagation direction of large earthquake ruptures along a given fault section. The property of a preferred rupture direction can explain anomalous behavior of historic rupture events, and may have profound implications for many aspects of earthquake physics on large faults.

Development and Applications of Double-difference Seismic Tomography

Abstract: Double-difference (DD) tomography is a generalization of DD location; it simultaneously solves for the three-dimensional velocity structure and seismic event locations. DD tomography uses a combination of absolute and more accurate differential arrival times and hierarchically determines the velocity structure from larger scale to smaller scale. This method is able to produce more accurate event locations and velocity structure near the source region than standard tomography, which uses only absolute arrival times. We conduct a stability and uncertainty analysis of DD tomography based on a synthetic data set. Currently three versions of the DD tomography algorithms exist: tomoDD, tomoFDD and tomoADD. TomoDD assumes a flat earth model and uses a pseudo-bending ray-tracing algorithm to find rays between events and stations while tomoFDD uses a finite-difference travel-time algorithm and the curvature of the Earth is considered. Both codes are based on a regularly distributed inversion grid, with the former for a local scale and the latter for a regional scale. In contrast, tomoADD adapts the inversion mesh to match with the data distribution based on tetrahedral and Voronoi diagrams. We discuss examples of applying DD tomography to characterize fault zone structure, image high-resolution structure of subduction zones, and determine the velocity structure of volcanoes.

Physics and Seismic Modeling for Monitoring CO2 Storage

Abstract: We present a new petro-elastical and numerical-simulation methodology to compute synthetic seismograms for reservoirs subject to CO2 sequestration. The petro-elastical equations model the seismic properties of reservoir rocks saturated with CO2, methane, oil and brine. The gas properties are obtained from the van der Waals equation and we take into account the absorption of gas by oil and brine, as a function of the in situ pore pressure and temperature. The dry-rock bulk and shear moduli can be obtained either by calibration from real data or by using rock-physics models based on the Hertz-Mindlin and Hashin-Shtrikman theories. Mesoscopic attenuation due to fluids effects is quantified by using White's model of patchy saturation, and the wet-rock velocities are calculated with Gassmann equations by using an effective fluid modulus to describe the velocities predicted by White's model. The simulations are performed with a poro-viscoelastic modeling code based on Biot's theory, where viscoelasticity is described by generalizing the solid/fluid coupling modulus to a relaxation function. Using the pseudo-spectral method, which allows general material variability, a complete and accurate characterization of the reservoir can be obtained. A simulation, that considers the Utsira sand of the North Sea, illustrates the methodology.

Phase and Correlation in `Random' Seismic Fields and the Reconstruction of the Green Function

Abstract: We first present a summary of recent results on coda interpretation. We emphasize the observation of the stabilization of P to S energy ratio indicating the modal equipartition of the wavefield. This property clearly shows that the coda waves are in the regime of multiple scattering. Numerical solutions of the elastic radiative transfer equation are used to illustrate the evolution of the wave-field towards P-to-S energy stabilization, and asymptotically to complete isotropy. The energy properties of the coda have been widely studied but the phase properties have often been neglected. The recently observed coherent backscattering enhancement, an expression of the so-called `weak localization', demonstrates that interference effects still persist for multiple diffracted waves. Another manifestation of the persistence of the phase is the possibility to reconstruct the Green function between two stations by averaging the cross correlation of coda waves produced by distant earthquakes and recorded at those two stations. This reconstruction is directly related to the properties of reciprocity and time reversal of any wavefield. Using broadband seismic coda waves, we show that the dominant phases of the Green function in the band 2 s–10 s, namely fundamental mode Rayleigh and Love waves, are reconstructed. We analyze the time symmetry of the cross correlation and show how the level of symmetry evolves with the isotropization of the diffuse field with lapse time. Similarly we investigate the correlation in continuous ambient noise records. Whereas the randomness of the coda results from multiple scattering by randomly distributed scatterers, we assume that the seismic noise is random mostly because of the distribution of sources at the surface of the Earth. Surface waves can be extracted from long time series. The dispersion curves of Rayleigh waves are deduced from the correlations. On paths where measurements from earthquake data are also available, we show that they are in good agreement with those deduced from noise correlation. The measurement of velocities from correlation of noise along paths crossing different crustal structures opens the way for a `passive imaging' of the Earth's structure.

Fracture in Westerly Granite under AE Feedback and Constant Strain Rate Loading: Nucleation, Quasi-static Propagation, and the Transition to Unstable Fracture Propagation

Abstract: New observations of fracture nucleation are presented from three triaxial compression experiments on intact samples of Westerly granite, using Acoustic Emission (AE) monitoring. By conducting the tests under different loading conditions, the fracture process is demonstrated for quasi-static fracture (under AE Feedback load), a slowly developing unstable fracture (loaded at a `slow' constant strain rate of 2.5 × 10−6 /s) and an unstable fracture that develops near instantaneously (loaded at a `fast' constant strain rate of 5 × 10−5 /s). By recording a continuous ultrasonic waveform during the critical period of fracture, the entire AE catalogue can be captured and the exact time of fracture defined. Under constant strain loading, three stages are observed: (1) An initial nucleation or stable growth phase at a rate of ~ 1.3 mm/s, (2) a sudden increase to a constant or slowly accelerating propagation speed of ~ 18 mm/s, and (3) unstable, accelerating propagation. In the ~ 100 ms before rupture, the high level of AE activity (as seen on the continuous record) prevented the location of discrete AE events. A lower bound estimate of the average propagation velocity (using the time-to-rupture and the existing fracture length) suggests values of a few m/s. However from a low gain acoustic record, we infer that in the final few ms, the fracture propagation speed increased to 175 m/s. These results demonstrate similarities between fracture nucleation in intact rock and the nucleation of dynamic instabilities in stick slip experiments. It is suggested that the ability to constrain the size of an evolving fracture provides a crucial tool in further understanding the controls on fracture nucleation.

True Triaxial Stresses and the Brittle Fracture of Rock

Abstract: This paper reviews the efforts made in the last 100 years to characterize the effect of the intermediate principal stress σ2 on brittle fracture of rocks, and on their strength criteria. The most common theories of failure in geomechanics, such as those of Coulomb, and Mohr, disregard σ2 and are typically based on triaxial testing of cylindrical rock samples subjected to equal minimum and intermediate principal stresses (σ3=σ2). However, as early as 1915 Boker conducted conventional triaxial extension tests (σ1=σ2) on the same Carrara marble tested earlier in conventional triaxial compression by von Karman that showed a different strength behavior. Efforts to incorporate the effect of σ2 on rock strength continued in the second half of the last century through the work of Nadai, Drucker and Prager, Murrell, Handin, Wiebols and Cook, and others. In 1971 Mogi designed a high-capacity true triaxial testing machine, and was the first to obtain complete true triaxial strength criteria for several rocks based on experimental data. Following his pioneering work, several other laboratories developed equipment and conducted true triaxial tests revealing the extent of σ2 effect on rock strength (e.g., Takahashi and Koide, Michelis, Smart, Wawersik). Testing equipment emulating Mogi's but considerably more compact was developed at the University of Wisconsin and used for true triaxial testing of some very strong crystalline rocks. Test results revealed three distinct compressive failure mechanisms, depending on loading mode and rock type: shear faulting resulting from extensile microcrack localization, multiple splitting along the σ1 axis, and nondilatant shear failure. The true triaxial strength criterion for the KTB amphibolite derived from such tests was used in conjunction with logged breakout dimensions to estimate the maximum horizontal in situ stress in the KTB ultra deep scientific hole.

A Method for Testing Dynamic Tensile Strength and Elastic Modulus of Rock Materials Using SHPB

Abstract: An experimental procedure for testing dynamic tensile strength and elastic modulus of rock materials at high strain rate loading is presented in this paper. In our test the split Hopkinson pressure bar (SHPB) was used to diametrally impact the Brazilian disc (BD) and flattened Brazilian disc (FBD) specimens of marble. A tensile strain rate of about 45 1/s was achieved at the center of the specimen. In order to improve the accuracy of the analysis, the initiation time difference between the strain waves acting on the two flat ends of the FBD specimen was treated properly. Typical failure modes corresponding to different loading conditions were observed. It was verified with a finite-element simulation that the equilibrium condition was established in the specimen before its failure. This numerical simulation validates the experimental procedure and also proves the suitability of formulation for the basic equations.

Fracture Toughness Measurements and Acoustic Emission Activity in Brittle Rocks

Abstract: Fracture toughness measurements under static loading conditions have been carried out in Barre and Lac du Bonnet granites. An advanced AE technique has been adopted to monitor real-time crack initiation and propagation around the principal crack in these tests to understand the processes of brittle failure under tension and related characteristics of the resulting fracture process zone. The anisotropy of Mode I fracture toughness has been investigated along specific directions. Microcrack density and orientation analysis from thin section studies have shown these characteristics to be the primary cause of the observed variation in fracture toughness, which is seen to vary between 1.14 MPa.(m)1/2 and 1.89 MPa.(m)1/2 in Barre granite. The latter value represents the case in which the crack is propagated at right angles to the main set of microcracks. The creation of a significant fracture process zone surrounding the propagating main crack has been confirmed. Real-time imaging of the fracture process and formation of fracture process zone by AE techniques yielded results in very good agreement with those obtained by direct optical analysis.

Quantifying damage, saturation and anisotropy in cracked rocks by inverting elastic wave velocities

Abstract: Crack damage results in a decrease of elastic wave velocities and in the development of anisotropy. Using non-interactive crack effective medium theory as a fundamental tool, we calculate dry and wet elastic properties of cracked rocks in terms of a crack density tensor, average crack aspect ratio and mean crack fabric orientation from the solid grains and fluid elastic properties. Using this same tool, we show that both the anisotropy and shear-wave splitting of elastic waves can be derived. Two simple crack distributions are considered for which the predicted anisotropy depends strongly on the saturation, reaching up to 60% in the dry case. Comparison with experimental data on two granites, a basalt and a marble, shows that the range of validity of the non-interactive effective medium theory model extends to a total crack density of approximately 0.5, considering symmetries up to orthorhombic. In the isotropic case, Kachanov’s (1994) non-interactive effective medium model was used in order to invert elastic wave velocities and infer both crack density and aspect ratio evolutions. Inversions are stable and give coherent results in terms of crack density and aperture evolution. Crack density variations can be interpreted in terms of crack growth and/or changes of the crack surface contact areas as cracks are being closed or opened respectively. More importantly, the recovered evolution of aspect ratio shows an exponentially decreasing aspect ratio (and therefore aperture) with pressure, which has broader geophysical implications, in particular on fluid flow. The recovered evolution of aspect ratio is also consistent with current mechanical theories of crack closure. In the anisotropic cases—both transverse isotropic and orthorhombic symmetries were considered—anisotropy and saturation patterns were well reproduced by the modelling, and mean crack fabric orientations we recovered are consistent with in situ geophysical imaging.

Implementation of Particle-scale Rotation in the 3-D Lattice Solid Model

Abstract: In this study, 3-D Lattice Solid Model (LSMearth or LSM) was extended by introducing particle-scale rotation. In the new model, for each 3-D particle, we introduce six degrees of freedom: Three for translational motion, and three for orientation. Six kinds of relative motions are permitted between two neighboring particles, and six interactions are transferred, i.e., radial, two shearing forces, twisting and two bending torques. By using quaternion algebra, relative rotation between two particles is decomposed into two sequence-independent rotations such that all interactions due to the relative motions between interactive rigid bodies can be uniquely decided. After incorporating this mechanism and introducing bond breaking under torsion and bending into the LSM, several tests on 2-D and 3-D rock failure under uni-axial compression are carried out. Compared with the simulations without the single particle rotational mechanism, the new simulation results match more closely experimental results of rock fracture and hence, are encouraging. Since more parameters are introduced, an approach for choosing the new parameters is presented.

The Applicability of Modern Methods of Earthquake Location

Abstract: We compare traditional methods of seismic event location, based on phase pick data and analysis of events one-at-a-time, with a modern method based on cross-correlation measurements and joint analysis of numerous events. In application to four different regions representing different types of seismicity and monitored with networks of different station density, we present preliminary results indicating what fraction of seismic events may be amenable to analysis with modern methods. The latter can supply locations ten to a hundred times more precise than traditional methods. Since good locations of seismic sources are needed as the starting point for so many user communities, and potentially can be provided due to current improvements in easily-accessible computational capability, we advocate wide-scale application of modern methods in the routine production of bulletins of seismicity. This effort requires access to waveform archives from well-calibrated stations that have long operated at the same location.

Seismo-Geochemical Variations in SW Taiwan: Multi-Parameter Automatic Gas Monitoring Results

Abstract: Gas variations of many mud volcanoes and hot springs distributed along the tectonic sutures in southwestern Taiwan are considered to be sensitive to the earthquake activity. Therefore, a multi-parameter automatic gas station was built on the bank of one of the largest mud-pools at an active fault zone of southwestern Taiwan, for continuous monitoring of CO2, CH4, N2 and H2O, the major constituents of its bubbling gases. During the year round monitoring from October 2001 to October 2002, the gas composition, especially, CH4 and CO2, of the mud pool showed significant variations. Taking the CO2/CH4 ratio as the main indicator, anomalous variations can be recognized from a few days to a few weeks before earthquakes and correlated well with those with a local magnitude >4.0 and local intensities >2. It is concluded that the gas composition in the area is sensitive to the local crustal stress/strain and is worthy to conduct real-time monitoring for the seismo-geochemical precursors.

Earthquake-induced Groundwater and Gas Changes

Abstract: Active faults are commonly associated with spatially anomalously high concentrations of soil gases such as carbon dioxide and Rn, suggesting that they are crustal discontinuities with a relatively high vertical permeability through which crustal and subcrustal gases may preferably escape towards the earth's surface. Many earthquake-related hydrologic and geochemical temporal changes have been recorded, mostly along active faults especially at fault intersections, since the 1960s. The reality of such changes is gradually ascertained and their features well delineated and fairly understood. Some coseismic changes recorded in ``near field'' are rather consistent with poroelastic dislocation models of earthquake sources, whereas others are attributable to near-surface permeability enhancement. In addition, coseismic (and postseismic) changes were recorded for many moderate to large earthquakes at certain relatively few ``sensitive sites'' at epicentral distances too large (larger for larger earthquakes, up to 1000 km or more for magnitude 8) to be explained by the poroelastic models. They are probably triggered by seismic shaking. The sensitivity of different sites can be greatly different, even when separated only by meters. The sensitive sites are usually located on or near active faults, especially their intersections and bends, and characterized by some near-critical hydrologic or geochemical condition (e.g., permeability that can be greatly increased by a relatively small seismic shaking or stress increase). Coseismic changes recorded for different earthquakes at a sensitive site are usually similar, regardless of the earthquakes' location and focal mechanism. The sensitivity of a sensitive site may change with time. Also pre-earthquake changes were observed hours to years before some destructive earthquakes at certain sensitive sites, some at large epicentral distances, although these changes are relatively few and less certain. Both long-distance coseismic and preseismic changes call for more realistic models than simple elastic dislocation for explanation. Such models should take into consideration the heterogeneity of the crust where stress is concentrated at certain weak points (sensitive sites) along active faults such that the stress condition is near a critical level prior to the occurrence of the corresponding earthquakes. To explain the preseismic changes, the models should also assume a broad-scaled episodically increasing strain field.

Surface and upper air fields during extreme winter precipitation over the Western Himalayas

Abstract: Surface and upper air circulation features associated with extreme precipitation years are demonstrated during winter season viz., December, January, February and March (DJFM) to examine winter weather affecting the western Himalayas. These circulations are studied over the domain 15°S–45°N and 30°E–120°E. This domain is considered particularly to illustrate the distribution of precipitation due to a wintertime eastward moving synoptic weather system called western disturbances. Surplus and deficient years of seasonal (DJFM) precipitation are identified using ± 20% departure from mean from uninitialized daily reanalysis data of forty (1958–1997) years of the National Center For Environmental Prediction (NCEP), US. The years 1965–1969, 1973 and 1991 are found to be surplus years and the years 1962, 1963, 1971, 1977, and 1985 are found to be deficient years. Comparative study between composites of these two categories is made using students t-test of significance. Significant differences in sea-level pressure, zonal and meridional component of wind at surface and upper levels, total precipitable water content, geopotential height and temperature are observed in the two contrasting seasons.

Virtual California: Fault Model, Frictional Parameters, Applications

Abstract: Virtual California is a topologically realistic simulation of the interacting earthquake faults in California. Inputs to the model arise from field data, and typically include realistic fault system topologies, realistic long-term slip rates, and realistic frictional parameters. Outputs from the simulations include synthetic earthquake sequences and space-time patterns together with associated surface deformation and strain patterns that are similar to those seen in nature. Here we describe details of the data assimilation procedure we use to construct the fault model and to assign frictional properties. In addition, by analyzing the statistical physics of the simulations, we can show that that the frictional failure physics, which includes a simple representation of a dynamic stress intensity factor, leads to self-organization of the statistical dynamics, and produces empirical statistical distributions (probability density functions: PDFs) that characterize the activity. One type of distribution that can be constructed from empirical measurements of simulation data are PDFs for recurrence intervals on selected faults. Inputs to simulation dynamics are based on the use of time-averaged event-frequency data, and outputs include PDFs representing measurements of dynamical variability arising from fault interactions and space-time correlations. As a first step for productively using model-based methods for earthquake forecasting, we propose that simulations be used to generate the PDFs for recurrence intervals instead of the usual practice of basing the PDFs on standard forms (Gaussian, Log-Normal, Pareto, Brownian Passage Time, and so forth). Subsequent development of simulation-based methods should include model enhancement, data assimilation and data mining methods, and analysis techniques based on statistical physics.

Underground Measurements of Electromagnetic Radiation Related to Stress-induced Fractures in the Odenwald Mountains (Germany)

Abstract: The regional stress field at Wald-Michelbach (Odenwald Mountains, Germany) induces a secondary stress field around the space of the local railway tunnel. Resulting maximum shear stresses produce microfractures, which emit electromagnetic radiation (EMR). From EMR measured along the cross section and the long axis of the tunnel, the regional stress field is determined by a correlation of detected impulses per time with stresses calculated from the orientation of the tunnel, its diameter, and topographic load. The major horizontal principal stress has an azimuth of 103°. At times, strongly alternating EMR values are observed, which indicate electromagnetic disturbances of unknown origin. Such disturbances are identified by repeated measurements and are not evaluated. The repeated measurements, which are not disturbed, differ with median 112 impulses per 100 ms. This difference corresponds to 0.037 MPa and indicates a good reproducibility of the results. Regional stress magnitudes and the WNW-ESE orientation of the major horizontal principal stress indicate a minor N – S directed tensional force at the western shoulder of the Upper Rhine Graben.

The Lithosphere-Asthenosphere System in the Calabrian Arc and Surrounding Seas – Southern Italy

Abstract: A fairly detailed structural model of the lithosphere-asthenosphere system (thickness, S- and P-wave velocities of the crust and of the uppermost mantle layers) has been defined in the Calabrian Arc region (Southern Tyrrhenian Sea, Calabria and the northwestern part of the Ionian Sea) in Southern Italy using seismic data from literature as a priori constraints of the nonlinear inversion of surface-wave data. The main features identified by this study are: (1) A very shallow (less then 10 km deep) crust-mantle transition in the Southern Tyrrhenian Sea and a very low vs just below a very thin lid, in correspondence of the submarine volcanic bodies Magnaghi, Marsili and Vavilov, while the vs in the lid is quite high in the area that separates Marsili from Magnaghi-Vavilov; (2) a shallow and very low vs layer in the uppermost mantle in the areas of the Aeolian Islands, Vesuvius, Phlegraean Fields and Ischia, which represents their shallow-mantle magma source; (3) a thickened continental crust and lithospheric doubling in Calabria; (4) a crust about 25-km thick and a mantle velocity profile versus depth consistent with the presence of a continental rifted lithosphere, now thermally relaxed, in the investigated part of the Ionian Sea; (5) the subduction towards northwest of the Ionian lithosphere below the Southern Tyrrhenian Sea; (6) the subduction of the Adriatic/Ionian lithosphere underneath the Vesuvius and Phlegraean Fields.

Combination of precise leveling and InSAR data to constrain source parameters of the Mw = 6.5, 26 December 2003 Bam earthquake

Abstract: We used new precise leveling data acquired 40 days after the Bam earthquake in combination with radar interferometry observations from both ascending and descending orbits to investigate static deformation associated with the 2003 Bam earthquake. We invert this geodetic data set to gain insight into the fault geometry and slip distribution of the rupture. The best-fitting dislocation model is a steeply east-dipping right-lateral strike-slip fault that has a size of 11 by 8 km and strikes N2°W. We find that such smooth geometry fits available geodetic data better than previously proposed models for this earthquake. Our distributed slip model indicates a maximum strike slip of 3 m occurring about 3 to 5 km deep. The slip magnitude and depth of faulting taper to the north, where the fault approaches the Bam city. Inclusion of crustal layering increases the amount of maximum slip inferred at depth by about 4%.

Modeling Full Seismogram Envelopes Using Radiative Transfer Theory with Born Scattering Coefficients

Abstract: The equation of radiative transfer is used to model the transport of seismic energy in 2-D and 3-D acoustic random media. Monte-Carlo solutions of this equation using non-isotropic Born scattering coefficients are compared to three analytical solutions: Markov approximation, radiative transfer theory with isotropic scattering coefficients, and diffusion approximation. Additionally, we compare to finite differences solutions of the full wave equation in 2-D. We find a good correspondence of radiative transfer theory to Markov approximation for the case of multiple forward scattering. The comparison to radiative transfer theory with isotropic scattering coefficients, a model frequently used in data analysis, demonstrates that in the case of forward scattering the isotropic scattering model is not better than a diffusion approach. To compare radiative transfer theory with non-isotropic scattering coefficients to finite differences solutions of the full wave equation, the finite source duration and the bandpass filter process as well as the normalization of absolute amplitudes are explicitely taken into account. We find a good coincidence of both theories for scattering parameters, which are realistic for usual Earth crust. The theory correctly describes the unscattered direct wavefront, the envelope broadening caused by multiple forward scattering, as well as the late coda caused by multiple wide angle scattering. For strong scattering, which can be expected for very heterogeneous media such as strato volcanoes, the solutions of radiative transfer differ from the more complete solutions of the full wave equation.

Geographical Distribution of 3 He/ 4 He Ratios in the Chugoku District, Southwestern Japan

Abstract: We have collected 34 hot spring and mineral spring gases and waters in the Chugoku and Kansai districts, Southwestern Japan and measured the 3He/4He and 4He/20Ne ratios by using a noble gas mass spectrometer. Observed 3He/4He and 4He/20Ne ratios range from 0.054 Ratm to 5.04 Ratm (where Ratm is the atmospheric 3He/4He ratio of 1.39 × 10−6) and from 0.25 to 36.8, respectively. They are well explained by a mixing of three components, mantle-derived, radiogenic, and atmospheric helium dissolved in water. The 3He/4He ratios corrected for air contamination are low in the frontal arc and high in the volcanic arc regions, which are consistent with data of subduction zones in the literature. The geographical contrast may provide a constraint on the position of the volcanic front in the Chugoku district where it was not well defined by previous works. Taking into account the magma aging effect, we cannot explain the high 3He/4He ratios of the volcanic arc region by the slab melting of the subducting Philippine Sea plate. The other source with pristine mantle material may be required. More precisely, the highest and average 3He/4He ratios of 5.88 Ratm and 3.8±1.6 Ratm, respectively, in the narrow regions near the volcanic front of the Chugoku district are lower than those in Kyushu and Kinki Spot in Southwestern Japan, but close to those in NE Japan. This suggests that the magma source of the former may be related to the subduction of the Pacific plate, in addition to a slight component of melting of the Philippine Sea slab.

Geochemistry of the Submarine Gaseous Emissions of Panarea (Aeolian Islands, Southern Italy): Magmatic vs. Hydrothermal Origin and Implications for Volcanic Surveillance

Abstract: The marine sector surrounding Panarea Island (Aeolian Islands, South Italy) is affected by widespread submarine emissions of CO2 -rich gases and thermal water discharges which have been known since the Roman Age. On November 3rd, 2002 an anomalous degassing event affected the area, probably in response to a submarine explosion. The concentrations of minor reactive gases (CO, CH4 and H2) of samples collected in November and December, 2002 show drastic compositional changes when compared to previous samples collected from the same area in the 1980s. In particular the samples collected after the November 3rd phenomenon display relative increases in H2 and CO and a strong decrease in the CH4 contents, while other gas species show no significant change. The interaction of the original gas with seawater explains the variable contents of CO2, H2S, N2, Ar and He which characterize the different samples, but cannot explain the large variations of CO, CH4 and H2 which are instead compatible with changes in the redox, temperature and pressure conditions of the system. Two models, both implying an increasing input of magmatic fluids are compatible with the observed variations of minor reactive species. In the first one, the input of magmatic fluids drives the hydrothermal system towards atypical (more oxidizing) redox conditions, slowly pressurizing the system up to a critical state. In the second one, the hydrothermal system is flashed by the rising high-T volcanic fluid, suddenly released by a magmatic body at depth. The two models have different implications for volcanic surveillance and risk assessment: In the first case, the November 3rd event may represent both the culmination of a relatively slow process which caused the overpressurization of the hydrothermal system and the beginning of a new phase of quiescence. The possible evolution of the second model is unforeseeable because it is mainly related to the thermal, baric and compositional state of the deep magmatic system that is poorly known.

Radon Precursory Signals for Some Earthquakes of Magnitude > 5 Occurred in N-W Himalaya: An Overview

Abstract: The N-W Himalaya was rocked by a few major and many minor earthquakes. Two major earthquakes in Garhwal Himalaya: Uttarkashi earthquake of magnitude Ms= 7.0 (mb = 6.6) on October 20, 1991 in Bhagirthi valley and Chamoli earthquake of Ms= 6.5 (mb = 6.8) on March 29, 1999 in the Alaknanda valley and one in Himachal Himalaya: Chamba earthquake of magnitude 5.1 on March 24, 1995 in Chamba region, were recorded during the last decade and correlated with radon anomalies. The helium anomaly for Chamoli earthquake was also recorded and the Helium/Radon ratio model was tested on it. The precursory nature of radon and helium anomalies is a strong indicator in favor of geochemical precursors for earthquake prediction and a preliminary test for the Helium/Radon ratio model.

Attenuation and Velocity Structure for Site Response Analyses via Downhole Seismogram Inversion

Abstract: A seismic waveform inversion algorithm is proposed for the estimation of elastic soil properties using low amplitude, downhole array recordings. Based on a global optimization scheme in the wavelet domain, complemented by a local least-square's fit operator in the frequency domain, the hybrid scheme can efficiently identify the optimal solution vicinity in the stochastic search space, whereas the best-fit model detection is substantially accelerated through the local deterministic inversion. Results presented for selected aftershocks of the Mw 7.0 Sanriku-Minami earthquake in Japan, recorded by the Kik-Net Strong Motion Network, illustrate robustness of the impedance structure estimation. By contrast, the attenuation structure is shown to be sensitive to the frequency content of seismic input data, attributed to the deterministic description of the continuum in the forward model that cannot simulate late arrivals of multiple-scattered energy. Sensitivity analyses illustrate that for the same forward model, results can be substantially different based on the definition of the objective function. It is concluded that even for engineering purposes, inversion should aim to decouple intrinsic and scattering attenuation mechanisms.

Systematic Procedural and Sensitivity Analysis of the Pattern Informatics Method for Forecasting Large (M > 5) Earthquake Events in Southern California

Abstract: Recent studies in the literature have introduced a new approach to earthquake forecasting based on representing the space-time patterns of localized seismicity by a time-dependent system state vector in a real-valued Hilbert space and deducing information about future space-time fluctuations from the phase angle of the state vector. While the success rate of this Pattern Informatics (PI) method has been encouraging, the method is still in its infancy. Procedural analysis, statistical testing, parameter sensitivity investigation and optimization all still need to be performed. In this paper, we attempt to optimize the PI approach by developing quantitative values for ``predictive goodness'' and analyzing possible variations in the proposed procedure. In addition, we attempt to quantify the systematic dependence on the quality of the input catalog of historic data and develop methods for combining catalogs from regions of different seismic rates.

An Update on the Fracture Toughness Testing Methods Related to the Cracked Chevron-notched Brazilian Disk (CCNBD) Specimen

Abstract: This paper reviews the use of the cracked Chevron-notched Brazilian disc (CCNBD) for fracture toughness testing. Theoretical and experimental backgrounds of the method are described. Some issues regarding the current development (i.e., recalibration) of the specimen geometry are presented and discussed. A number of geometries related to the CCNBD proposed recently for fracture toughness testing of rock are then introduced and commented on.

A New Passive Tomography of the Aigion Area (Gulf of Corinth, Greece) from the 2002 Data Set

Abstract: We present the results of a tomographic study performed in the framework of the 3F-Corinth project. The aim of this work is to better understand the rifting process by imaging the crustal structure of the western Gulf of Corinth. Forty-nine stations were deployed for a period of six months, allowing us to monitor the microseismicity. Delayed P and S first-arrival times have been simultaneously inverted for both hypocenter locations and 3-D velocity distributions. We use an improved linearized tomography method based on an accurate finite-difference travel-time computation to invert the data set. The obtained Vp and Vs models confirm the presence of a two-layer vertical structure characterized by a sharp velocity gradient lying at 5–7 km depth, which may be interpreted as a lithological contrast. The shallower part of the crust (down to 5 km depth) is controlled by the N-S extension and lacks seismicity. The deeper part (7–13 km depth) matches the seismogenic zone and is characterized by faster and more heterogeneous anomalies. In this zone, the background seismicity reveals a low-angle active surface dipping about 20° toward the north and striking WNW-ESE. The position of this active structure is consistent with both high Vp/Vs and low Vp.Vs anomalies identified at 8–12 km depth and suggesting a highly fracturated and fluid-saturated zone. Both the geometry of the active structure beneath the gulf and the presence of fluids at 8–12 km depth are in accordance with a low-angle detachment model for the western part of the Gulf of Corinth.

Monitoring Fracture Propagation in a Soft Rock (Neapolitan Tuff) Using Acoustic Emissions and Digital Images

Abstract: Sudden and unexpected collapses of underground cavities below the city of Naples (Italy) represent a serious safety hazard. The collapses occur due to the detachment of large blocks from the cavity roofs, walls and pillars, often a long time after the original quarry excavation has been completed. It is recognised that existing discontinuities, e.g., fractures, play an important role in the failure process by inducing local stress-concentrations and reducing the overall material strength. The larger fractures, which ultimately lead to collapse occur through interaction, propagation and coalescence of these discontinuities. This paper presents recent results of experiments carried out on natural, dry specimens of Neapolitan finegrained tuff tuff to investigate the mechanisms involved in sample failure. A better understanding of fracture development and rock bridge behaviour is gained through a combination of AE and photographic monitoring in an experimental program considering samples with artificial pre-existing heterogeneities, which simulate the in situ discontinuities. For a range of rock bridge geometries the mechanisms and timing of different stages of the failure process are identified and characterised. The results show that, in general, a classical description of failure, for samples without artificial flaws or with only a single flaw, is followed: (1) crack closure; (2) linear stress-strain response and crack initiation with stable crack growth; (3) crack damage and unstable crack growth leading to failure. For samples with two artificial pre-existing flaws the third phase is split into two parts and failure of the sample occurs only after both the unstable propagation of external wing cracks and coalescence of the internal cracks in the bridge. In terms of the timing and duration of each phase, it is seen that phases 1 and 2 have little dependence on the flaw configuration but phase 3 seems to depend directly on this. In particular the angle in rock bridge between the inner tips of the pre-existing flaws, β, plays a key role: phase 3 is shorter for β=120° than for β=105°. These differences by bridge rotation, which appears to take longer than the simpler mode of failure for β=120°. It has only been possible to determine the time ranges of interest using the AE signatures, whilst the photographs allow the fracture geometry evolution to be described. Additionally the frequency character of AE events is investigated and shown to have significant potential for characterisation of AE source types and thus failure processes.