scholarly journals Nonlinear refraction traveltime tomography

Geophysics ◽  
1998 ◽  
Vol 63 (5) ◽  
pp. 1726-1737 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jie Zhang ◽  
M. Nafi Toksöz
Keyword(s):  
Inverse Problem ◽  
Velocity Structure ◽  
Nonlinear Refraction ◽  
Seismic Refraction ◽  
Velocity Model ◽  
Traveltime Tomography ◽  
Node Distribution ◽  
Physical Information ◽  
Ill Posed ◽  
Shallow Velocity Structure

A few important issues for performing nonlinear refraction traveltime tomography have been identified. They include the accuracy of the traveltime and raypath calculations for refraction, the physical information in the refraction traveltime curves, and the characteristics of the refraction traveltime errors. Consequently, we develop a shortest path ray‐tracing method with an optimized node distribution that can calculate refraction traveltimes and raypaths accurately in any velocity model. We find that structure ambiguity caused by short and long rays in the seismic refraction method may influence the inversion solution significantly. Therefore, we pose a nonlinear inverse problem that explicitly minimizes the misfits of the average slownesses (ratios of traveltimes to the corresponding ray lengths) and the apparent slownesses (derivatives of traveltimes with respect to distance). As a result, we enhance the resolution as well as the convergence speed. To regularize our inverse problem, we use the Tikhonov method to avoid solving an ill‐posed inverse problem. Errors in refraction traveltimes are characterized in terms of a common‐shot error, a constant deviation for recordings from the same shot, and a relative traveltime‐gradient error with zero mean with respect to the true gradient of the traveltime curve. Therefore, we measure the uncertainty of our tomography solution using a nonlinear Monte Carlo approach and compute the posterior model covariance associated with two different types of random data vectors and one random model vector. The nonlinear uncertainty analysis indicates that the resolution of a tomography solution may not correspond to the ray coverage. We apply this tomography technique to image the shallow velocity structure at a coastal site near Boston, Massachusetts. The results are consistent with a subsequent drilling survey.

3D seismic refraction traveltime tomography at a groundwater contamination site

Geophysics ◽  
2006 ◽  
Vol 71 (5) ◽  
pp. H67-H78 ◽  
Author(s):  
Colin A. Zelt ◽  
Aron Azaria ◽  
Alan Levander
Keyword(s):  
Groundwater Contamination ◽  
Velocity Structure ◽  
Seismic Refraction ◽  
Vertical Direction ◽  
Velocity Model ◽  
3D Seismic ◽  
Traveltime Tomography ◽  
3D Velocity Model ◽  
First Arrival ◽  
Tomographic Approach

We have applied traveltime tomography to 3D seismic refraction data collected at Hill Air Force Base, Utah, in an approximately [Formula: see text] area over a shallow [Formula: see text] groundwater contamination site. The purpose of this study is to test the ability of 3D first-arrival-time data to characterize the shallow environment and aid remediation efforts. The aquifer is bounded below by a clay aquiclude, into which a paleochannel has been incised and acts as a trap for dense nonaqueous phase liquid (DNAPL) contaminants. A regularized nonlinear tomographic approach was applied to [Formula: see text] first-arrival traveltimes to obtain the smoothest minimum-structure 3D velocity model. The resulting velocity model contains a velocity increase from less than [Formula: see text] in the upper [Formula: see text]. The model also contains a north-south-trending low-velocity feature interpreted to be the paleochannel, based on more than 100 wells in the area. Checkerboard tests show [Formula: see text] lateral resolution throughout most of the model. The preferred final model was chosen after a systematic test of the free parameters involved in the tomographic approach, including the starting model. The final velocity model compares favorably with a 3D poststack depth migration and 2D waveform inversion of coincident reflection data. While the long-wavelength features of the model reveal the primary target of the survey, the paleochannel, the velocity model is likely a very smooth characterization of the true velocity structure, particularly in the vertical direction, given the size of the first Fresnel zone for these data.

3D seismic traveltime tomography imaging of the shallow subsurface at the C O2 SINK project site, Ketzin, Germany

Geophysics ◽  
2009 ◽  
Vol 74 (1) ◽  
pp. G1-G15 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sawasdee Yordkayhun ◽  
Ari Tryggvason ◽  
Ben Norden ◽  
Christopher Juhlin ◽  
Björn Bergman
Keyword(s):  
Velocity Structure ◽  
Velocity Model ◽  
Geological Structure ◽  
Seismic Survey ◽  
Storage Site ◽  
Near Surface ◽  
Shallow Subsurface ◽  
Traveltime Tomography ◽  
Reflection Seismic ◽  
Reflection Data

A 3D reflection seismic survey was performed in 2005 at the Ketzin carbon dioxide [Formula: see text] pilot geological-storage site (the [Formula: see text] project) near Berlin, Germany, to image the geological structure of the site to depths of about [Formula: see text]. Because of the acquisition geometry, frequency limitations of the source, and artefacts of the data processing, detailed structures shallower than about [Formula: see text] were unclear. To obtain structural images of the shallow subsurface, we applied 3D traveltime tomography to data near the top of the Ketzin anticline, where faulting is present. Understanding the shallow subsurface structure is important for long-term monitoring aspects of the project after [Formula: see text] has been injected into a saline aquifer at about [Formula: see text] depth. We used a 3D traveltime tomography algorithm based on a combination ofsolving for 3D velocity structure and static corrections in the inversion process to account for artefacts in the velocity structure because of smearing effects from the unconsolidated cover. The resulting velocity model shows low velocities of [Formula: see text] in the uppermost shallow subsurface of the study area. The velocity reaches about [Formula: see text] at a depth of [Formula: see text]. This coincides approximately with the boundary between Quaternary units, which contain the near-surface freshwater reservoir and the Tertiary clay aquitard. Correlation of tomographic images with a similarity attribute slice at [Formula: see text] (about [Formula: see text] depth) indicates that at least one east-west striking fault zone observed in the reflection data might extend into the Tertiary unit. The more detailed images of the shallow subsurface from this study provided valuable information on this potentially risky area.

Crustal velocity structure in the southern Coast Belt, British Columbia

1993 ◽  
Vol 30 (12) ◽  
pp. 2389-2403 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. M. O'Leary ◽  
R. M. Clowes ◽  
R. M. Ellis
Keyword(s):  
Upper Mantle ◽  
Velocity Structure ◽  
Seismic Refraction ◽  
Velocity Model ◽  
Structural Features ◽  
P Wave ◽  
Crust And Upper Mantle ◽  
Near Surface ◽  
Collision Zone ◽  
Refraction Data

We applied an iterative combination of two-dimensional traveltime inversion and amplitude forward modelling to seismic refraction data along a 350 km along-strike profile in the Coast Belt of the southern Canadian Cordillera to determine crust and upper mantle P-wave velocity structure. The crustal model features a thin (0.5–3.0 km) near-surface layer with an average velocity of 4.4 km/s, and upper-, middle-, and lower-crustal strata which are each approximately 10 km thick and have velocities ranging from 6.2 to 6.7 km/s. The Moho appears as a 2 km thick transitional layer with an average depth of 35 km and overlies an upper mantle with a poorly constrained velocity of over 8 km/s. Other interpretations indicate that this profile lies within a collision zone between the Insular superterrane and the ancient North American margin and propose two collision-zone models: (i) crustal delamination, whereby the Insular superterrane was displaced along east-vergent faults over the terranes below; and (ii) crustal wedging, in which interfingering of Insular rocks occurs throughout the crust. The latter model involves thick layers of Insular material beneath the Coast Belt profile, but crustal velocities indicate predominantly non-Insular material, thereby favoring the crustal delamination model. Comparisons of the velocity model with data from the proximate reflection lines show that the top of the Moho transition zone corresponds with the reflection Moho. Comparisons with other studies suggest that likely sources for intracrustal wide-angle reflections observed in the refraction data are structural features, lithological contrasts, and transition zones surrounding a region of layered porosity in the crust.

Joint refraction traveltime tomography and migration for multilayer near-surface imaging

Geophysics ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 84 (6) ◽  
pp. U31-U43
Author(s):  
Yihao Wang ◽  
Jie Zhang
Keyword(s):  
High Velocity ◽  
Velocity Structure ◽  
Joint Inversion ◽  
Velocity Model ◽  
Surface Velocity ◽  
Inversion Method ◽  
Near Surface ◽  
Traveltime Tomography ◽  
First Arrival ◽  
Migration Method

In near-surface velocity structure estimation, first-arrival traveltime tomography tends to produce a smooth velocity model. If the shallow structures include a weathering layer over high-velocity bedrock, first-arrival traveltime tomography may fail to recover the sharp interface. However, with the same traveltime data, refraction traveltime migration proves to be an effective tool for accurately mapping the refractor. The approach downward continues the refraction traveltime curves and produces an image (position) of the refractor for a given overburden velocity model. We first assess the validity of the refraction traveltime migration method and analyze its uncertainties with a simple model. We then develop a multilayer refraction traveltime migration method and apply the migration image to constrain traveltime tomographic inversion by imposing discontinuities at the refraction interfaces in model regularization. In each subsequent iteration, the shape of the migrated refractors and the velocity model are simultaneously updated. The synthetic tests indicate that the joint inversion method performs better than the conventional first-arrival traveltime tomography method with Tikhonov regularization and the delay-time method in reconstructing near-surface models with high-velocity contrasts. In application to field data, this method produces a more accurately resolved velocity model, which improves the quality of common midpoint stacking by making long-wavelength static corrections.

scholarly journals Bayesian Reconstruction through Adaptive Image Notion

Proceedings ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 33 (1) ◽  
pp. 21
Author(s):  
Fabrizia Guglielmetti ◽  
Eric Villard ◽  
Ed Fomalont
Keyword(s):  
Inverse Problem ◽  
Image Plane ◽  
Source Distribution ◽  
Bayesian Probability ◽  
Model Parameters ◽  
Uncertain Information ◽  
Source Detection ◽  
Component Mixture ◽  
Ill Posed ◽  
Image Planes

A stable and unique solution to the ill-posed inverse problem in radio synthesis image analysis is sought employing Bayesian probability theory combined with a probabilistic two-component mixture model. The solution of the ill-posed inverse problem is given by inferring the values of model parameters defined to describe completely the physical system arised by the data. The analysed data are calibrated visibilities, Fourier transformed from the ( u , v ) to image planes. Adaptive splines are explored to model the cumbersome background model corrupted by the largely varying dirty beam in the image plane. The de-convolution process of the dirty image from the dirty beam is tackled in probability space. Probability maps in source detection at several resolution values quantify the acquired knowledge on the celestial source distribution from a given state of information. The information available are data constrains, prior knowledge and uncertain information. The novel algorithm has the aim to provide an alternative imaging task for the use of the Atacama Large Millimeter/Submillimeter Array (ALMA) in support of the widely used Common Astronomy Software Applications (CASA) enhancing the capabilities in source detection.

Wave conversions from earthquakes and a new velocity model for the South Carolina coastal plain

1987 ◽  
Vol 77 (6) ◽  
pp. 2143-2151
Author(s):  
Susan Rhea
Keyword(s):  
Surface Layer ◽  
South Carolina ◽  
Coastal Plain ◽  
Velocity Structure ◽  
Velocity Model ◽  
Seismogenic Fault ◽  
Impedance Boundary ◽  
High Impedance ◽  
Hypocentral Parameters ◽  
Converted Phases

Abstract Phase conversions from P to SV and from SV to P occur at a high impedance boundary near the surface in Charleston, South Carolina. Four arrivals (P, converted P, converted S, and S) are observed on three-component records of earthquakes in this area. Using arrival-time differences between paired arrivals of direct and converted phases, a shallow surface layer Vp/Vs ratio of 2.9 was determined. Applying the Wadati method to travel times derived at the base of the surface layer yields a Vp/Vs ratio in deeper layers of 1.73. Relocating earthquakes using this more appropriate velocity structure for direct and converted shear waves alters hypocentral parameters such that epicenters diverge and depths converge. It is inferred that these relocated earthquakes are not exclusively associated with a single seismogenic fault.

Reconnaissance seismic refraction-reflection surveys in northwestern New Mexico

1984 ◽  
Vol 74 (4) ◽  
pp. 1263-1274
Author(s):  
Lawrence H. Jaksha ◽  
David H. Evans
Keyword(s):  
New Mexico ◽  
Wave Velocity ◽  
Lower Crust ◽  
Seismic Waves ◽  
Seismic Refraction ◽  
Velocity Model ◽  
P Wave ◽  
Uppermost Mantle ◽  
P Wave Velocity ◽  
Crustal Thinning

Abstract A velocity model of the crust in northwestern New Mexico has been constructed from an interpretation of direct, refracted, and reflected seismic waves. The model suggests a sedimentary section about 3 km thick with an average P-wave velocity of 3.6 km/sec. The crystalline upper crust is 28 km thick and has a P-wave velocity of 6.1 km/sec. The lower crust below the Conrad discontinuity has an average P-wave velocity of about 7.0 km/sec and a thickness near 17 km. Some evidence suggests that velocity in both the upper and lower crust increases with depth. The P-wave velocity in the uppermost mantle is 7.95 ± 0.15 km/sec. The total crustal thickness near Farmington, New Mexico, is about 48 km (datum = 1.6 km above sea level), and there is evidence for crustal thinning to the southeast.

Estimates of velocity structure and source depth using multiple P waves from aftershocks of the 1987 Elmore Ranch and Superstition Hills, California, earthquakes

1991 ◽  
Vol 81 (2) ◽  
pp. 508-523
Author(s):  
Jim Mori
Keyword(s):  
Velocity Structure ◽  
Velocity Model ◽  
P Wave ◽  
Sediment Layer ◽  
Source Depth ◽  
Imperial Valley ◽  
P Waves ◽  
Main Shocks ◽  
Aftershock Sequences ◽  
Event Record

Abstract Event record sections, which are constructed by plotting seismograms from many closely spaced earthquakes recorded on a few stations, show multiple free-surface reflections (PP, PPP, PPPP) of the P wave in the Imperial Valley, California. The relative timing of these arrivals is used to estimate the strength of the P-wave velocity gradient within the upper 5 km of the sediment layer. Consistent with previous studies, a velocity model with a value of 1.8 km/sec at the surface increasing linearly to 5.8 km/sec at a depth of 5.5 km fits the data well. The relative amplitudes of the P and PP arrivals are used to estimate the source depth for the aftershock distributions of the Elmore Ranch and Superstition Hills main shocks. Although the depth determination has large uncertainties, both the Elmore Ranch and Superstition Hills aftershock sequences appear to have similar depth distribution in the range of 4 to 10 km.

scholarly journals Characteristics of local earthquake seismograms of varying dislocation sources in a stratified upper crust and modeling for P and S velocity structure: comparison with observations in the Koyna-Warna region, India

2016 ◽  
Vol 58 (6) ◽  
Author(s):  
V. G. Krishna
Keyword(s):  
Velocity Structure ◽  
Source Parameters ◽  
Velocity Model ◽  
Strike Slip ◽  
Synthetic Seismograms ◽  
Structure Comparison ◽  
Earthquake Sources ◽  
Crustal Velocity ◽  
Source Mechanisms ◽  
Local Earthquake

<p>Vertical component record sections of local earthquake seismograms from a state-of-the-art Koyna-Warna digital seismograph network are assembled in the reduced time versus epicentral distance frame, similar to those obtained in seismic refraction profiling. The record sections obtained for an average source depth display the processed seismograms from nearly equal source depths with similar source mechanisms and recorded in a narrow azimuth range, illuminating the upper crustal P and S velocity structure in the region. Further, the seismogram characteristics of the local earthquake sources are found to vary significantly for different source mechanisms and the amplitude variations exceed those due to velocity model stratification. In the present study a large number of reflectivity synthetic seismograms are obtained in near offset ranges for a stratified upper crustal model having sharp discontinuities with 7%-10% velocity contrasts. The synthetics are obtained for different source regimes (e.g., strike-slip, normal, reverse) and different sets of source parameters (strike, dip, and rake) within each regime. Seismogram sections with dominantly strike-slip mechanism are found to be clearly favorable in revealing the velocity stratification for both P and S waves. In contrast the seismogram sections for earthquakes of other source mechanisms seem to display the upper crustal P phases poorly with low amplitudes even in presence of sharp discontinuities of high velocity contrasts. The observed seismogram sections illustrated here for the earthquake sources with strike-slip and normal mechanisms from the Koyna-Warna seismic region substantiate these findings. Travel times and reflectivity synthetic seismograms are used for 1-D modeling of the observed virtual source local earthquake seismogram sections and inferring the upper crustal velocity structure in the Koyna-Warna region. Significantly, the inferred upper crustal velocity model in the region reproduces the synthetic seismograms comparable to the observed sections for earthquake sources with differing mechanisms in the Koyna and Warna regions.</p>

scholarly journals Travel Time Tomography to Delineate 3-D Regional Seismic Velocity Structure in the Banyumas Basin, Central Java, Indonesia, Using Dense Borehole Seismographic Stations

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hidayat Hidayat ◽  
Andri Dian Nugraha ◽  
Awali Priyono ◽  
Marjiyono Marjiyono ◽  
Januar H. Setiawan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Velocity Structure ◽  
Seismic Velocity ◽  
Velocity Model ◽  
Crustal Layer ◽  
Central Java ◽  
Resolution Element ◽  
Passive Seismic ◽  
Dextral Strike Slip Fault ◽  
Southern Central ◽  
Well Data

The Banyumas Basin is a tertiary sedimentary basin located in southern Central Java, Indonesia. Due to the presence of volcanic deposits, 2-D seismic reflection methods cannot provide a good estimation of the sediment thickness and the subsurface geology structure in this area. In this study, the passive seismic tomography (PST) method was applied to image the 3-D subsurface Vp, Vs, and Vp/Vs ratio. We used 70 seismograph borehole stations with a recording duration of 177 days. A total of 354 events with 9, 370 P and 9, 368 S phases were used as input for tomographic inversion. The checkshot data of a 4, 400-meter deep exploration well (Jati-1) located within the seismic network were used to constrain the shallow crustal layer of the initial 1-D velocity model. The model resolution of the tomographic inversions was assessed using the checkerboard resolution test (CRT), the diagonal resolution element (DRE), and the derivative weight sum (DWS). Using the obtained Vp, Vs, and Vp/Vs ratio, we were able to sharpen details of the geological structures within the basin from previous geological studies, and a fault could be well-imaged at a depth of 4 km. We interpreted this as the main dextral strike-slip fault that controls the pull apart process of the Banyumas Basin. The thickness of the sediment layers, as well as its layering, were also could be well determined. We found prominent features of the velocity contrast that aligned very well with the boundary between the Halang and Rambatan formations as observed in the Jati-1 well data. Furthermore, an anticline structure, which is a potential structural trap for the petroleum system in the Banyumas Basin, was also well imaged. This was made possible due to the dense borehole seismographic stations which were deployed in the study area.

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