Applications of geophysical techniques in permafrost regions

1977 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 117-127 ◽  
Author(s):  
W. J. Scott ◽  
J. A. Hunter
Keyword(s):  
Seismic Velocity ◽  
Seismic Refraction ◽  
Beaufort Sea ◽  
Test Site ◽  
The Arctic ◽  
Seismic Profiles ◽  
Refraction Seismic ◽  
Lake Bottom ◽  
Ice Content ◽  
The Hill

This paper reports the results of some recent geophysical experiments carried out in the Arctic with a variety of methods. In the Beaufort Sea, seismic refraction profiles obtained with both source and receivers on the seabottom indicate the presence of discontinuous near-bottom high-velocity (4200 m/s) material interpreted to be presently aggrading permafrost. Spring-time resistivity soundings taken through the ice in Kugmallit Bay, Beaufort Sea, show the top of permafrost at about 50 m below the bottom. Even for 5-km spreads, the base of permafrost was not observed.Off the southeast coast of Melville Island, refraction seismic profiles shot on the seabottom and resistivity soundings made through summer ice yielded data which correlate with known sub-bottom geology, but which gave no clear indication of either presence or absence of permafrost.Seismic and resistivity measurements made at a number of control sites in the Arctic Islands yielded typical velocities of 3500 m/s and resistivities of 1 × 106 ohm-m for ice-saturated sands. Some correlation was observed between seismic velocity and moisture contents in the range from 10% to 40%.Seismic and resistivity results in IOL Lake at the Involuted Hill test site, Tuktoyaktuk Peninsula, suggest the absence of permafrost under some parts of the lake bottom. On the hill itself, seismic up-hole shooting and VLF resistivity profiling give interpretations of ice distribution which correlate well with drill control. Gamma-gamma logs taken in some of the drill holes correlate well with ice content logged during drilling.

DEEP SEISMIC REFRACTION INVESTIGATION IN THE CANADIAN ARCTIC ARCHIPELAGO

Geophysics ◽  
1965 ◽  
Vol 30 (1) ◽  
pp. 87-96 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. W. Sander ◽  
A. Overton
Keyword(s):  
Seismic Refraction ◽  
Canadian Arctic ◽  
The Arctic ◽  
Seismic Profiles ◽  
Seismic Surveys ◽  
Refraction Seismic ◽  
Sverdrup Basin ◽  
Basic Portion ◽  
The Government ◽  
Government Of Canada

During 1962 and 1963, the Dominion Observatory conducted refraction seismic surveys in the islands north of the Canadian mainland. These surveys are part of a project of the Government of Canada to explore the Polar Continental Shelf. The operation consisted of three stationary recording units and a shooting party which traversed the frozen sea in a tractor train. Three refraction‐seismic profiles form a continous section from the Canadian Shield through the Franklinian Geosyncline and the Sverdrup Basin to the Arctic Ocean. Post Devonian sediments in the Sverdrup Basin were found to be 10 km thick. The lower, basic portion of the crust is indicated by a velocity of 7.3 km/sec at a depth of 24 km and the base of the crust at 38 km.

scholarly journals Analysis of Near Surface Seismic Refraction for Geotechnical Parameters in Opolo, Yenagoa of Bayelsa State

2019 ◽  
pp. 1-12
Author(s):  
Francis Omonefe ◽  
Eteh Desmond ◽  
Oborie Ebiegberi ◽  
Oboshenure Kingsley Karo
Keyword(s):  
Seismic Velocity ◽  
Seismic Refraction ◽  
Constant Density ◽  
S Wave ◽  
Seismic Profiles ◽  
Near Surface ◽  
Underdeveloped Area ◽  
Refraction Seismic ◽  
Subsurface Soil ◽  
A Site

Three surface refraction seismic profiles were conducted in a site targeted for huge construction in an underdeveloped area in Opolo, Yenagoa city to portray some of the subsurface soil engineering characteristics for the purposes of construction. The Generalized Reciprocal Method (GRM) was used to interpret the acquired P and S-wave. Various shallow rock engineering parameters such as Oedometric modulus, Concentration Index, Material Index, Lame’s constant, Density Gradient, Stress Ratio, Shear modulus, Bearing capacity, and N-value were calculated in other to assess the strength of the subsurface  from a geophysical and engineering perspective. The values from the seismic velocity and strength parameters indicates that the bedrock layer (layer 3) of the area studied is characterized by more competent rock quality than layer 1 and 2. Hence, the Opolo site is suggested for construction activities with percussive measures.

Geophysical characterization of inactive/active rock glaciers in the semi-arid Andes using seismic, geoelectrics and GPR

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
remi valois ◽  
Nicole Schafer ◽  
Giulia De Pasquale ◽  
Gonzalo Navarro ◽  
Shelley MacDonell
Keyword(s):  
Electrical Resistivity ◽  
Seismic Velocity ◽  
Seismic Refraction ◽  
Geophysical Methods ◽  
Late Summer ◽  
Relevant Information ◽  
Refraction Tomography ◽  
Rock Glaciers ◽  
Ice Content ◽  
Ground Penetrating

<p>Rock glaciers play an important hydrological role in the semiarid Andes (SA; 27º-35ºS). They cover about three times the area of uncovered glaciers and they are an important contribution to streamflow when water is needed most, especially during dry years and in the late summer months. Their characteristics such as their extension in depth and their ice content is poorly known. Here, we present a case study of one active rock glacier and periglacial inactive geoform in Estero Derecho (~30˚S), in the upper Elqui River catchment, Chile. Three geophysical methods (ground-penetrating radar and electrical resistivity and seismic refraction tomography) were combined to detect the presence of ice and understand the internal structure of the landform. The results suggest that the combination of electrical resistivity and seismic velocity provide relevant information on ice presence and their geometry. Radargrams shows diffraction linked to boulders presence but some information regarding electromagnetic velocity could be extracted. These results strongly suggest that such landforms contain ice, are therefore important to include in future inventories and should be considered when evaluating the hydrological importance of a particular region.</p><p> </p>

scholarly journals Marine geophysical investigations offshore East Greenland

1983 ◽  
Vol 115 ◽  
pp. 93-100
Author(s):  
H.C Larsen
Keyword(s):  
Seismic Data ◽  
Seismic Refraction ◽  
Magnetic Data ◽  
Seismic Profiles ◽  
East Greenland ◽  
Gravity And Magnetic ◽  
Marine Gravity ◽  
Refraction Seismic ◽  
Regional Project ◽  
Gravity And Magnetic Data

During August and September 1982 a marine geophysical survey was conducted on the East Greenland Shelf. The survey was part of the ongoing regional project NAD (Larsen & Andersen, 1982; Andersen et al., 1981; Risum, 1980; Larsen & Thorning, 1980). In all 2794 km of 30-fold multi-channel seismic data and marine gravity and magnetic data were acquired (fig. 33). The object of the NAD programme is to acquire regional coverage of aeromagnetic, multichannel seismic refiection, seismic refraction (sonobuoy), marine gravity and magnetic data of the East Greenland Shelf between latitudes 60° N and 78°N. Aeromagnetic data comprising 63000 line kilometres were acquired in 1979 (Larsen & Thorning, 1980) and 5000 km of marine geophysical data were acquired in 1980 and 1981 (Larsen & Andersen, 1982; Andersen et al., 1981). This year the final data for the project were collected. Thus, a total of 7800 km of multi-channel refiection seismic data and 50 sonobuoy refraction seismic profiles of 20 to 70 km length have been acquired (fig. 33). In addition, marine gravity and magnetics were run at most lines.

scholarly journals Superficial structures cartography of the Essaouira basin under ground (Morocco), by small refraction seismic: contribution of the static corrections in the reinterpretation of the speeds variations.

2018 ◽  
Vol 149 ◽  
pp. 02080
Author(s):  
M. Dahaoui ◽  
L. AIT Brahim ◽  
A. El Adraoui ◽  
A. Abdelouafi ◽  
M. Dakki ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Seismic Refraction ◽  
Seismic Profiles ◽  
Geological Interpretation ◽  
Weathered Zone ◽  
North East ◽  
Essaouira Basin ◽  
Refraction Seismic ◽  
North Eastern ◽  
Static Corrections ◽  
Altered Zone

The static corrections are a necessary step in the sequence of the seismic processing. This paper presents a study of these corrections in the Essaouira basin. The main objective of this study is to calculate the static corrections by exploiting the seismic data acquired in the field to improve the deep structures imaging. It is to determine the roof and the basis of the superficial layers which constitute the weathered zone while calculating the delays of seismic wave’s arrivals in these layers. The purpose is to cancel the effect of the topography and the weathered zone, in order to avoid any confusion when the seismic and geological interpretation. The results obtained show the average values of the static corrections varying between - 127 and 282 ms (double time), with existence of high values by location, particularly in the Eastern and North-Eastern of the basin, which meant the presence of altered zone with irregular topography and whose thickness and speeds vary laterally. In effect the variations of velocities in the fifty meters from the surface may introduce significant anomalies in seismic refraction, with heavy consequences when the interpretation or the drilling establishment. These variations are mainly due to lateral changes in facies and variations in the formations thickness. The calculation of the static corrections, revealed high values at certain areas (East and North-East), which will enable us to better orient the future campaigns in these zones. It is therefore necessary to concentrate the seismic cores drillings and the small refraction seismic profiles by tightening the seismic lines meshes in order to have the maximum values of static corrections and thereafter a better imaging of the reflectors.

Crustal seismic velocity structure of southern Poland: preserved memory of a pre-Devonian terrane accretion at the East European Platform margin

2010 ◽  
Vol 148 (2) ◽  
pp. 191-210 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. NARKIEWICZ ◽  
M. GRAD ◽  
A. GUTERCH ◽  
T. JANIK
Keyword(s):  
East European Platform ◽  
Velocity Structure ◽  
Seismic Velocity ◽  
Seismic Refraction ◽  
East European ◽  
Velocity Models ◽  
Se Poland ◽  
Refraction Seismic ◽  
Platform Margin ◽  
The Difference

AbstractThe updated geological and potential fields data on the East European Platform margin in SE Poland confirm the existence of several regional units differing in Ediacaran to Silurian development: the Upper Silesian Block, Małopolska Block and Łysogóry Block. All the blocks are characterized by a distinct crustal structure seen in Vp velocity models obtained from the seismic refraction data of the CELEBRATION 2000 Programme. The first two units are interpreted as exotic terranes initially derived from Avalonia-type crust and ultimately accreted before the late Early Devonian. The Łysogóry Block is probably a proximal terrane displaced dextrally along the Baltica margin. The sutures between the terranes do not precisely match lateral gradients in Vp models. This is partly explained by a limited resolution of refraction seismic data (20 km wide interpretative window). Most of the difference is related, however, to a post-accretionary tectonism, mainly Variscan transtension–transpression. The latter processes took advantage of lithospheric memory recorded earlier as zones of rheological weakness along the former suture zones. The course of the East European Platform margin (= Teisseyre–Tornquist Zone) corresponds most likely to the Nowe Miasto–Zawichost Fault marking the NE boundary of the proximal Łysogóry Terrane.

Current Land and Waterborne Geophysical Methods for Guiding Horizontal Directional Drilling and Trenching Along Pipeline Right-of-Ways

2016 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paul Bauman ◽  
Alastair McClymont ◽  
Landon Woods ◽  
Erin Ernst
Keyword(s):  
Seismic Refraction ◽  
Geophysical Methods ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
The Arctic ◽  
Directional Drilling ◽  
Borehole Geophysics ◽  
Discontinuous Permafrost ◽  
Refraction Seismic ◽  
Geotechnical Investigations ◽  
Geophysical Surveys

In Western Canada, oil and natural gas pipeline projects are being considered that will move hydrocarbons from the Prairie Provinces and British Columbia, to the Pacific Ocean, the Atlantic, and even potentially the Arctic. Along the proposed right-of-ways, the pipeline engineers will encounter challenging and varied terrain, including discontinuous permafrost, creek and river crossings, glaciomarine clays, thick muskeg, and other subsurface conditions that require specialized engineering planning in advance of construction. Geophysical surveys, in support of geotechnical investigations, provide continuous subsurface information to help inform design challenges associated with the many terrain challenges. Some geophysical surveys to be considered include electrical resistivity tomography (ERT), induced polarization (IP), seismic refraction, seismic reflection, multi-channel analysis of surface waves (MASW), ground penetrating radar (GPR), and borehole geophysics. Typically, a combination of several geophysical surveys along with drilling information, are optimal for the cost-effective site characterization of problematic segments of proposed pipeline right-of-ways.

Integration of Multi-geophysical Approaches to Identify Potential Pathways of Heavy Metals Contamination - A Case Study in Zeida, Morocco

2020 ◽  
Vol 25 (3) ◽  
pp. 415-423
Author(s):  
Ahmed Lachhab ◽  
El Mehdi Benyassine ◽  
Mohamed Rouai ◽  
Abdelilah Dekayir ◽  
Jean C. Parisot ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Heavy Metals ◽  
Seismic Velocity ◽  
Seismic Refraction ◽  
Geophysical Methods ◽  
Low Frequency ◽  
Electrical Current ◽  
P Wave ◽  
Low Resistivity ◽  
Refraction Tomography ◽  
Geophysical Surveys

The tailings of Zeida's abandoned mine are found near the city of Midelt, in the middle of the high Moulouya watershed between the Middle and the High Atlas of Morocco. The tailings occupy an area of about 100 ha and are stored either in large mining pit lakes with clay-marl substratum or directly on a heavily fractured granite bedrock. The high contents of lead and arsenic in these tailings have transformed them into sources of pollution that disperse by wind, runoff, and seepage to the aquifer through faults and fractures. In this work, the main goal is to identify the pathways of contaminated water with heavy metals and arsenic to the local aquifers, water ponds, and Moulouya River. For this reason, geophysical surveys including electrical resistivity tomography (ERT), seismic refraction tomography (SRT) and very low-frequency electromagnetic (VLF-EM) methods were carried out over the tailings, and directly on the substratum outside the tailings. The result obtained from combining these methods has shown that pollutants were funneled through fractures, faults, and subsurface paleochannels and contaminated the hydrological system connecting groundwater, ponds, and the river. The ERT profiles have successfully shown the location of fractures, some of which extend throughout the upper formation to depths reaching the granite. The ERT was not successful in identifying fractures directly beneath the tailings due to their low resistivity which inhibits electrical current from propagating deeper. The seismic refraction surveys have provided valuable details on the local geology, and clearly identified the thickness of the tailings and explicitly marked the boundary between the Triassic formation and the granite. It also aided in the identification of paleochannels. The tailings materials were easily identified by both their low resistivity and low P-wave velocity values. Also, both resistivity and seismic velocity values rapidly increased beneath the tailings due to the compaction of the material and lack of moisture and have proven to be effective in identifying the upper limit of the granite. Faults were found to lie along the bottom of paleochannels, which suggest that the locations of these channels were caused by these same faults. The VLF-EM surveys have shown tilt angle anomalies over fractured areas which were also evinced by low resistivity area in ERT profiles. Finally, this study showed that the three geophysical methods were complementary and in good agreement in revealing the pathways of contamination from the tailings to the local aquifer, nearby ponds and Moulouya River.

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