From Proterozoic strata to a synthesized seismic reflection trace: implications for regional seismic reflection patterns in northwestern Canada

2006 ◽  
Vol 43 (11) ◽  
pp. 1639-1651 ◽  
Author(s):  
Frederick A Cook ◽  
Samantha M Siegel
Keyword(s):  
British Columbia ◽  
Seismic Reflection ◽  
Sedimentary Rocks ◽  
P Wave ◽  
Low Density ◽  
Seismic Profiles ◽  
Deep Basin ◽  
Middle Crust ◽  
Wave Velocities ◽  
Regional Gravity

Calculation of a synthetic seismic reflection trace from detailed descriptions of exposed Proterozoic strata in northwestern Canada permits correlation of reflections on regional seismic profiles to surface outcrop. Approximately 5.4 km (composite thickness) of Paleo- and Mesoproterozoic strata are exposed in the Muskwa anticlinorium that is located within the foreland of the Cordillera in northeastern British Columbia. The Tuchodi anticline is the easternmost structure of the Muskwa anticlinorium and has the deepest levels of Proterozoic strata exposed. At this location, prominent seismic reflection layering rises toward the surface and is easily correlated to the deeper formations of the Muskwa assemblage stratigraphy. These layers are followed westward into the middle crust, where they are overlain by dramatically thickened (by about five times) strata, primarily of the Tuchodi Formation. Along the same line of section, the Muskwa assemblage reflections overlie additional subparallel layered reflections at depth whose lithology and origin are unknown. However, coupled with other observations, including regional refraction results that indicate the crustal layers have both low seismic p-wave velocities and low ratios of p- and s-velocities, regional gravity observations that indicate the layers are low density, and correlation to similar layers on other seismic profiles that exhibit characteristic seismic stratigraphic features, the subparallel layers that are present beneath the known Muskwa assemblage are most easily interpreted as layered Proterozoic (meta-) sedimentary rocks. These results provide the basis for interpreting the Muskwa anticlinorium as a crustal-scale structure that formed when a deep basin of Proterozoic strata was inverted and thrust over an ~20 km high footwall ramp during Cordilleran orogenesis.

Deep seismic reflection constraints on Paleogene crustal extension in the south-central Intermontane belt, British Columbia

2014 ◽  
Vol 51 (4) ◽  
pp. 393-406 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrew J. Calvert ◽  
Draga Talinga
Keyword(s):  
British Columbia ◽  
Lower Crust ◽  
Seismic Reflection ◽  
Basaltic Magma ◽  
Shear Zones ◽  
P Wave ◽  
Middle Crust ◽  
South Central ◽  
Ductile Shearing ◽  
Lower Crustal

Following growth of the Canadian Cordillera during the Mesozoic, the southern Cordillera was subject to extension during the Paleocene and Eocene that correlated with widespread volcanic activity in south-central British Columbia, including across much of the Nechako–Chilcotin plateau. In 2008, Geoscience BC acquired 330 km of deep vibroseis reflection profiles on the plateau, mostly over the Stikinia arc terrane, but also over its eastern contact with the oceanic Cache Creek terrane. All seven seismic reflection lines reveal a strongly reflective lower crust that extends from 7 to 9 s down to the Moho, which is defined by the downward termination of reflectivity at 11–12 s. In the uppermost crust, extension occurred by block faulting with faults soling into subhorizontal to shallowly dipping detachments above 10 km depth. Extension in the deeper upper and middle crust, which was partly controlled by antiforms likely related to earlier shortening, was accommodated on a network of anastomosing shear zones that sole out into the top of the reflective lower crust. The lower crustal reflections correlate with seismic P-wave velocities of 6.45–6.98 km/s, indicating that the reflective lower crust has a more mafic composition than the middle crust. As in other extensional settings, we suggest that this pervasive fabric of reflectors arises from the intrusion of mantle-derived basaltic magma into zones of ductile shearing, and that differentiation of these melts resulted in the widespread Paleocene to Eocene volcanism. Reflector dips indicate that extension was approximately east–west, consistent with north-northwest-trending horsts separated by basins filled with Paleocene to Eocene volcanic and volcaniclastic rocks.

Delineating the Tuwu porphyry copper deposit at Xinjiang, China, with seismic-reflection profiling

Geophysics ◽  
2005 ◽  
Vol 70 (6) ◽  
pp. B53-B60 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tonglin Li ◽  
David W. Eaton
Keyword(s):  
Seismic Reflection ◽  
Porphyry Copper ◽  
Copper Deposit ◽  
Three Dimensions ◽  
P Wave ◽  
Seismic Profiles ◽  
Line Drawings ◽  
Geophysical Surveys ◽  
Out Of Plane ◽  
Seismic Reflection Profiles

The Tuwu deposit is one of a series of recently discovered porphyry copper deposits in the eastern Tian Shan range of Xinjiang, China. Since its discovery in 1997, more than ten boreholes have been drilled and a suite of geophysical surveys has been acquired to delineate the deposit. As part of the geophysical program, a set of eight seismic reflection profiles was acquired in 2000, followed by a physical rock-property study in 2001. The ores are characterized by slightly higher density (Δρ ∼ 0.1 g/cm[Formula: see text]) and significantly higher P-wave velocity ([Formula: see text] ∼ 1.0–1.5 km/s) than the dioritic host rocks. The seismic surveys used 0.6- to 0.9-kg shallow dynamite sources, with a 24-channel end-on spread and offsets up to 350 m. The orebody and associated igneous layers dip steeply (>45°) toward the south, so careful processing of the seismic data was required. Weak reflections from stratigraphic contacts are visible on most of the profiles, including the top of the intrusion and the base of the orebody. Since the observed reflections include a significant out-of-plane component, we developed a simple 2.5D migration procedure. This method was applied to line drawings of the seismic profiles, providing the basis for delineation of the orebody in three dimensions. Synthetic seismic sections computed using the inferred bounding surfaces of the ore deposit are in reasonable agreement with observed reflections, even for along-strike lines not used to build the model. The ability to verify interpreted reflections using line intersections was critical to the development of our model. The results of this work indicate that seismic methods may be useful as an aid for mapping the flanks of shallow, moderately dipping porphyry copper orebodies and associated strata, particularly for defining the structure of deeper sections of the mineralized zones in advance of drilling.

Distribution of Paleogene and Cretaceous rocks around the Nazko River belt of central British Columbia from 3-D long-offset first-arrival seismic tomography

2014 ◽  
Vol 51 (4) ◽  
pp. 358-372 ◽  
Author(s):  
Draga Talinga ◽  
Andrew J. Calvert
Keyword(s):  
British Columbia ◽  
Seismic Velocity ◽  
Volcanic Rocks ◽  
Sedimentary Rocks ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Gravity Anomalies ◽  
Hydrocarbon Exploration ◽  
P Wave ◽  
Velocity Models ◽  
First Arrival

Across the Nechako–Chilcotin plateau of British Columbia, the distribution of Cretaceous sedimentary rocks, which are considered prospective for hydrocarbon exploration, is poorly known due to the surface cover of glacial deposits and Tertiary volcanic rocks. To constrain the subsurface distribution of these Cretaceous rocks, in 2008 Geoscience BC acquired seven long, up to 14.4 km, offset vibroseis seismic reflection lines across a north-northwest-trending belt of exhumed sedimentary rocks inferred to be part of the Taylor Creek Group. P-wave velocity models, which are consistent with sonic logs from nearby wells, have been estimated using three-dimensional first-arrival tomography to depths ranging from 1 to 4 km. Igneous basement can be identified on most lines using the 5.5 km/s isovelocity contour, which locates the top of the basement to an accuracy of ∼400 m where its depth is known in exploration wells. There is no general distinction on the basis of seismic velocity between Cretaceous sedimentary and Paleocene–Eocene volcanic–volcaniclastic rocks, both of which appear to be characterized in the tomographic models by velocities of 3.0–5.0 km/s. The geometry of the igneous basement inferred from the velocity models identifies north-trending basins and ridges, which correlate with exposed rocks of the Jurassic Hazelton Group. Identified Cretaceous sedimentary rocks occur beneath less negative Bouguer gravity anomalies, but the original distribution of these rocks has been disrupted by later Tertiary extension that created north-trending basins associated with the most negative gravity anomalies. We suggest that Cretaceous sedimentary rocks, if deposited, could be preserved within these basins if the rocks had not been eroded prior to Tertiary extension.

A strategy for nonlinear elastic inversion of seismic reflection data

Geophysics ◽  
1986 ◽  
Vol 51 (10) ◽  
pp. 1893-1903 ◽  
Author(s):  
Albert Tarantola
Keyword(s):  
Wave Velocity ◽  
Seismic Reflection ◽  
Wave Impedance ◽  
P Wave ◽  
S Wave ◽  
Seismic Reflection Data ◽  
S Waves ◽  
Wave Velocities ◽  
Reflection Data ◽  
P Wave Velocity

The problem of interpretation of seismic reflection data can be posed with sufficient generality using the concepts of inverse theory. In its roughest formulation, the inverse problem consists of obtaining the Earth model for which the predicted data best fit the observed data. If an adequate forward model is used, this best model will give the best images of the Earth’s interior. Three parameters are needed for describing a perfectly elastic, isotropic, Earth: the density ρ(x) and the Lamé parameters λ(x) and μ(x), or the density ρ(x) and the P-wave and S-wave velocities α(x) and β(x). The choice of parameters is not neutral, in the sense that although theoretically equivalent, if they are not adequately chosen the numerical algorithms in the inversion can be inefficient. In the long (spatial) wavelengths of the model, adequate parameters are the P-wave and S-wave velocities, while in the short (spatial) wavelengths, P-wave impedance, S-wave impedance, and density are adequate. The problem of inversion of waveforms is highly nonlinear for the long wavelengths of the velocities, while it is reasonably linear for the short wavelengths of the impedances and density. Furthermore, this parameterization defines a highly hierarchical problem: the long wavelengths of the P-wave velocity and short wavelengths of the P-wave impedance are much more important parameters than their counterparts for S-waves (in terms of interpreting observed amplitudes), and the latter are much more important than the density. This suggests solving the general inverse problem (which must involve all the parameters) by first optimizing for the P-wave velocity and impedance, then optimizing for the S-wave velocity and impedance, and finally optimizing for density. The first part of the problem of obtaining the long wavelengths of the P-wave velocity and the short wavelengths of the P-wave impedance is similar to the problem solved by present industrial practice (for accurate data interpretation through velocity analysis and “prestack migration”). In fact, the method proposed here produces (as a byproduct) a generalization to the elastic case of the equations of “prestack acoustic migration.” Once an adequate model of the long wavelengths of the P-wave velocity and of the short wavelengths of the P-wave impedance has been obtained, the data residuals should essentially contain information on S-waves (essentially P-S and S-P converted waves). Once the corresponding model of S-wave velocity (long wavelengths) and S-wave impedance (short wavelengths) has been obtained, and if the remaining residuals still contain information, an optimization for density should be performed (the short wavelengths of impedances do not give independent information on density and velocity independently). Because the problem is nonlinear, the whole process should be iterated to convergence; however, the information from each parameter should be independent enough for an interesting first solution.

Constraining helicopter electromagnetic models of the Okavango Delta with seismic-refraction and seismic-reflection data

Geophysics ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 79 (3) ◽  
pp. B123-B134 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fabienne Reiser ◽  
Joel E. Podgorski ◽  
Cedric Schmelzbach ◽  
Heinrich Horstmeyer ◽  
Alan G. Green ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Seismic Reflection ◽  
Lower Layer ◽  
Seismic Refraction ◽  
P Wave ◽  
Unconsolidated Sediments ◽  
Saturated Sand ◽  
Resistive Layer ◽  
Wave Velocities ◽  
Reflection Data ◽  
Water Saturated

Electrical resistivity models derived from exceptionally high-quality helicopter transient electromagnetic data recorded across the Okavango Delta in Botswana, one of the world’s great inland deltas or megafans, include three principal layers: (1) an upper heterogeneous layer of dry and water-saturated sand, (2) an intermediate electrically conductive layer that likely comprises saline-water-saturated sand and clay, and (3) a lower fan-shaped electrically resistive layer of freshwater-saturated sand/gravel and/or crystalline basement. If part of the lower layer comprises a freshwater aquifer, it would be evidence for a recently proposed Paleo Okavango Megafan and a major new source of freshwater. In an attempt to constrain the interpretation of the lower layer, we acquired two high-resolution seismic refraction and reflection data sets at each of two investigation sites: one near the center of the delta and one along its western edge. The interface between unconsolidated sediments and basement near the center of the delta is well defined by an [Formula: see text] to [Formula: see text] increase in P-wave velocities, a change in seismic reflection facies, and a strong continuous reflection. This interface is about 45 m deeper than the top of the lower resistive layer, thus providing support for the Paleo Okavango Megafan hypothesis. Subhorizontal seismic reflectors are additional evidence for a sedimentary origin of the upper part of the lower resistive layer. In contrast to the observations at the delta’s center, the interface between unconsolidated sediments and basement along its western edge, which is also defined by a [Formula: see text] to [Formula: see text] increase in P-wave velocities and a continuous reflection, coincides with the top of the resistive layer.

Bridge River tephra: revised distribution and significance for detecting old carbon errors in radiocarbon dates of limnic sediments in southern British Columbia

1980 ◽  
Vol 17 (11) ◽  
pp. 1454-1461 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rolf W. Mathewes ◽  
John A. Westgate
Keyword(s):  
British Columbia ◽  
Sedimentary Rocks ◽  
Lacustrine Sediments ◽  
Igneous Rocks ◽  
The South ◽  
Radiocarbon Dates ◽  
Carbon Contamination ◽  
Horseshoe Lake ◽  
Tephra Beds

Ash-grade Bridge River tephra, identified as such on the basis of shard habit, modal mineralogy, and composition of ilmenite, occurs in sedimentary cores from three lakes located to the south of the previously documented plume and necessitates a significant enlargement of the fallout area of that tephra in southwestern British Columbia.These new, more southerly occurrences are probably equivalent to the ~2350 year old Bridge River tephra, although it can be argued from the evidence at hand that the 14C dates and biotite-rich nature support relationship to a slightly earlier Bridge River event.Large differences exist in the 14C age of sediments immediately adjacent to the Bridge River tephra at these three lake sites; maximum ages of 3950 ± 170 years BP (GX-5549) and 3750 ± 210 years BP (I-10041) were obtained at Phair and Fishblue lakes, respectively, whereas the corresponding age at Horseshoe Lake is only 2685 ± 180 years BP (GX-5757). The two older dates are considered to be significantly affected by old carbon contamination for the bedrock locally consists of calcareous sedimentary rocks and the lacustrine sediments are very calcareous. The 14C date from Horseshoe Lake, which occurs in an area of igneous rocks, appears to be only slightly too old relative to the ~2350 year old Bridge River tephra.Well-dated tephra beds, therefore, can be very useful in assessing the magnitude of old carbon errors associated with radiocarbon dates based on limnic sediments. Calcareous gyttja deposits beneath Bridge River tephra within the study area exhibit old carbon errors of the order of 1350–1550 years.

scholarly journals Recording seismic reflections using rigidly interconnected geophones

Geophysics ◽  
2001 ◽  
Vol 66 (6) ◽  
pp. 1838-1842 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. M. Schmeissner ◽  
K. T. Spikes ◽  
D. W. Steeples
Keyword(s):  
Wave Propagation ◽  
Data Acquisition ◽  
Seismic Reflection ◽  
Spatial Sampling ◽  
P Wave ◽  
Signal Distortion ◽  
Reflection And Refraction ◽  
First Arrival ◽  
The Cost ◽  
Seismic Reflections

Ultrashallow seismic reflection surveys require dense spatial sampling during data acquisition, which increases their cost. In previous efforts to find ways to reduce these costs, we connected geophones rigidly to pieces of channel iron attached to a farm implement. This method allowed us to plant the geophones in the ground quickly and automatically. The rigidly interconnected geophones used in these earlier studies detected first‐arrival energy along with minor interfering seismic modes, but they did not detect seismic reflections. To examine further the feasibility of developing rigid geophone emplacement systems to detect seismic reflections, we experimented with four pieces of channel iron, each 2.7 m long and 10 cm wide. Each segment was equipped with 18 geophones rigidly attached to the channel iron at 15‐cm intervals, and the spikes attached to all 18 geophones were pushed into the ground simultaneously. The geophones detected both refracted and reflected energy; however, no significant signal distortion or interference attributable to the rigid coupling of the geophones to the channel iron was observed in the data. The interfering seismic modes mentioned from the previous experiments were not detected, nor was any P‐wave propagation noted within the channel iron. These results show promise for automating and reducing the cost of ultrashallow seismic reflection and refraction surveys.

Effect of Fluids on the Elastic Properties of 3D-Printed Anisotropic Rock Models

2021 ◽  
Vol 62 (5) ◽  
pp. 537-552
Author(s):  
Suresh Dande ◽  
◽  
Robert R. Stewart ◽  
Nikolay Dyaur ◽  
◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Wave Propagation ◽  
Elastic Properties ◽  
P Wave ◽  
Engine Oil ◽  
Rock Properties ◽  
Anisotropic Rock ◽  
Wave Velocities ◽  
Inclusion Model ◽  
3D Printed ◽  
Primary Porosity

Laboratory physical models play an important role in understanding rock properties and wave propagation, both theoretically and at the field scale. In some cases, 3D-printing technology can be adopted to construct complex rock models faster, more inexpensively, and with more specific features than previous model-building techniques. In this study, we use 3D-printed rock models to assist in understanding the effects of various fluids (air, water, engine oil, crude oil, and glycerol) on the models’ elastic properties. We first used a 3D-printed, 1-in. cube-shaped layered model. This model was created with a 6% primary porosity and a bulk density of 0.98 g/cc with VTI anisotropy. We next employed a similar cube but with horizontal inclusions embedded in the layered background, which contributed to its total 24% porosity (including primary porosity). For air to liquid saturation, P-velocities increased for all liquids in both models, with the highest increase being with glycerol (57%) and an approximately 45% increase for other fluids in the inclusion model. For the inclusion model (dry and saturated), we observed a greater difference between two orthogonally polarized S-wave velocities (Vs1 and Vs2) than between two P-wave velocities (VP0 and VP90). We attribute this to the S2-wave (polarized normal to both the layering and the plane of horizontal inclusions), which appears more sensitive to horizontal inclusions than the P-wave. For the inclusion model, Thomsen’s P-wave anisotropic parameter (ɛ) decreased from 26% for the air case to 4% for the water-saturated cube and to 1% for glycerol saturation. The small difference between the bulk modulus of the frame and the pore fluid significantly reduces the velocity anisotropy of the medium, making it almost isotropic. We compared our experimental results with theory and found that predictions using Schoenberg’s linear slip theory combined with Gassmann’s anisotropic equation were closer to actual measurements than Hudson’s isotropic calculations. This work provides insights into the usefulness of 3D-printed models to understand elastic rock properties and wave propagation under various fluid saturations.

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