Sonic to ultrasonic Q of sandstones and limestones: Laboratory measurements at in situ pressures

Geophysics ◽  
2009 ◽  
Vol 74 (2) ◽  
pp. WA93-WA101 ◽  
Author(s):  
Clive McCann ◽  
Jeremy Sothcott
Keyword(s):  
Wave Attenuation ◽  
Shear Waves ◽  
Compressional Wave ◽  
Ultrasonic Frequency ◽  
Laboratory Measurements ◽  
Compressional Waves ◽  
Wave Velocities ◽  
Poisson's Ratios ◽  
Poisson’S Ratios

Laboratory measurements of the attenuation and velocity dispersion of compressional and shear waves at appropriate frequencies, pressures, and temperatures can aid interpretation of seismic and well-log surveys as well as indicate absorption mechanisms in rocks. Construction and calibration of resonant-bar equipment was used to measure velocities and attenuations of standing shear and extensional waves in copper-jacketed right cylinders of rocks ([Formula: see text] in length, [Formula: see text] in diameter) in the sonic frequency range and at differential pressures up to [Formula: see text]. We also measured ultrasonic velocities and attenuations of compressional and shear waves in [Formula: see text]-diameter samples of the rocks at identical pressures. Extensional-mode velocities determined from the resonant bar are systematically too low, yielding unreliable Poisson’s ratios. Poisson’s ratios determined from the ultrasonic data are frequency corrected and used to calculate thesonic-frequency compressional-wave velocities and attenuations from the shear- and extensional-mode data. We calculate the bulk-modulus loss. The accuracies of attenuation data (expressed as [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text] is the quality factor) are [Formula: see text] for compressional and shear waves at ultrasonic frequency, [Formula: see text] for shear waves, and [Formula: see text] for compressional waves at sonic frequency. Example sonic-frequency data show that the energy absorption in a limestone is small ([Formula: see text] greater than 200 and stress independent) and is primarily due to poroelasticity, whereas that in the two sandstones is variable in magnitude ([Formula: see text] ranges from less than 50 to greater than 300, at reservoir pressures) and arises from a combination of poroelasticity and viscoelasticity. A graph of compressional-wave attenuation versus compressional-wave velocity at reservoir pressures differentiates high-permeability ([Formula: see text], [Formula: see text]) brine-saturated sandstones from low-permeability ([Formula: see text], [Formula: see text]) sandstones and shales.

P-wave attenuation measurements from laboratory resonance and sonic waveform data

Geophysics ◽  
1989 ◽  
Vol 54 (1) ◽  
pp. 76-81 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. Goldberg ◽  
B. Zinszner
Keyword(s):  
Wave Attenuation ◽  
Compressional Wave ◽  
P Wave ◽  
Laboratory Measurements ◽  
Frequency Range ◽  
Waveform Data ◽  
Sonic Log ◽  
In Situ Conditions ◽  
The Mean

We computed compressional‐wave velocity [Formula: see text] and attenuation [Formula: see text] from sonic log waveforms recorded in a cored, 30 m thick, dolostone reservoir; using cores from the same reservoir, laboratory measurements of [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] were also obtained. We used a resonant bar technique to measure extensional and shear‐wave velocities and attenuations in the laboratory, so that the same frequency range as used in sonic logging (5–25 kHz) was studied. Having the same frequency range avoids frequency‐dependent differences between the laboratory and in‐situ measurements. Compressional‐wave attenuations at 0 MPa confining pressure, calculated on 30 samples, gave average [Formula: see text] values of 17. Experimental and geometrical errors were estimated to be about 5 percent. Measurements at elevated effective pressures up to 30 MPa on selected dolostone samples in a homogeneous interval showed mean [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] to be approximately equal and consistently greater than 125. At effective stress of 20 MPa and at room temperature, the mean [Formula: see text] over the dolostone interval was 87, a minimum estimate for the approximate in‐situ conditions. We computed compressional‐wave attenuation from sonic log waveforms in the 12.5–25 kHz frequency band using the slope of the spectral ratio of waveforms recorded 0.914 m and 1.524 m from the source. Average [Formula: see text] over the interval was 13.5, and the mean error between this value and the 95 percent confidence interval of the slope was 15.9 percent. The laboratory measurements of [Formula: see text] under elevated pressure conditions were more than five times greater than the mean in‐situ values. This comparison shows that additional extrinsic losses in the log‐derived measurement of [Formula: see text], such as scattering from fine layers and vugs or mode conversion to shear energy dissipating radially from the borehole, dominate the apparent attenuation.

Delineating a cased borehole in unconsolidated formations using dipole acoustic data from a nearby well

Geophysics ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 1-39
Author(s):  
Gu Xihao ◽  
Xiao-Ming Tang ◽  
Yuan-Da Su
Keyword(s):  
Shear Waves ◽  
Low Frequency ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Compressional Wave ◽  
Acoustic Imaging ◽  
Wave Radiation ◽  
Dipole Source ◽  
Compressional Waves ◽  
Single Well ◽  
Cased Borehole

A potential application for single-well acoustic imaging is the detection of an existing cased borehole in the vicinity of the well being drilled, which is important for drilling toward (when drilling a relief well), or away from (collision prevention), the existing borehole. To fulfill this application in the unconsolidated formation of shallow sediments, we propose a detection method using the low-frequency compressional waves from dipole acoustic logging. For this application, we perform theoretical analyses on elastic wave scattering from the cased borehole and derive the analytical expressions for the scattered wavefield for the incidence of compressional and shear waves from a borehole dipole source. The analytical solution, in conjunction with the elastic reciprocity theorem, provides a fast algorithm for modeling the whole process of wave radiation, scattering, and reception for the borehole acoustic detection problem. The analytical results agree well with those from 3D finite-difference simulations. The results show that compressional waves, instead of shear waves as commonly used for dipole acoustic imaging, are particularly advantageous for the borehole detection in the unconsolidated formation. Field data examples are used to demonstrate the application in a shallow marine environment, where dipole-compressional wave data in the measurement well successfully delineate a nearby cased borehole, validating our analysis results and application.

Shallow velocity structure and poisson's ratio at the Tarzana, California, strong-motion accelerometer site

1996 ◽  
Vol 86 (6) ◽  
pp. 1704-1713 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. D. Catchings ◽  
W. H. K. Lee
Keyword(s):  
Urban Areas ◽  
Velocity Structure ◽  
Strong Motion ◽  
P Wave ◽  
S Wave ◽  
Near Surface ◽  
Velocity Models ◽  
Wave Velocities ◽  
Poisson's Ratios ◽  
Poisson’S Ratios

Abstract The 17 January 1994, Northridge, California, earthquake produced strong ground shaking at the Cedar Hills Nursery (referred to here as the Tarzana site) within the city of Tarzana, California, approximately 6 km from the epicenter of the mainshock. Although the Tarzana site is on a hill and is a rock site, accelerations of approximately 1.78 g horizontally and 1.2 g vertically at the Tarzana site are among the highest ever instrumentally recorded for an earthquake. To investigate possible site effects at the Tarzana site, we used explosive-source seismic refraction data to determine the shallow (<70 m) P-and S-wave velocity structure. Our seismic velocity models for the Tarzana site indicate that the local velocity structure may have contributed significantly to the observed shaking. P-wave velocities range from 0.9 to 1.65 km/sec, and S-wave velocities range from 0.20 and 0.6 km/sec for the upper 70 m. We also found evidence for a local S-wave low-velocity zone (LVZ) beneath the top of the hill. The LVZ underlies a CDMG strong-motion recording site at depths between 25 and 60 m below ground surface (BGS). Our velocity model is consistent with the near-surface (<30 m) P- and S-wave velocities and Poisson's ratios measured in a nearby (<30 m) borehole. High Poisson's ratios (0.477 to 0.494) and S-wave attenuation within the LVZ suggest that the LVZ may be composed of highly saturated shales of the Modelo Formation. Because the lateral dimensions of the LVZ approximately correspond to the areas of strongest shaking, we suggest that the highly saturated zone may have contributed to localized strong shaking. Rock sites are generally considered to be ideal locations for site response in urban areas; however, localized, highly saturated rock sites may be a hazard in urban areas that requires further investigation.

SEISMIC STUDIES ON THE EASTERN SEABOARD OF CANADA: THE ATLANTIC COAST OF NOVA SCOTIA

1964 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 10-22 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. L. Barrett ◽  
M. Berry ◽  
J. E. Blanchard ◽  
M. J. Keen ◽  
R. E. McAllister
Keyword(s):  
Nova Scotia ◽  
Upper Mantle ◽  
Atlantic Coast ◽  
Seismic Refraction ◽  
Compressional Wave ◽  
Crust And Upper Mantle ◽  
Compressional Waves ◽  
Wave Velocities ◽  
Shear Wave Velocities ◽  
Eastern Seaboard

The results of seismic refraction profiles on the Atlantic coast of Nova Scotia and on the continental shelf off Nova Scotia are presented. Compressional and shear waves have been observed in the crust and mantle and suggest that the thickness of the crust is about 34 km. The compressional wave velocities recorded in the main crust and upper mantle are 6.10 and 8.11 km s−1 respectively. No compressional waves with values of velocity between these values can be identified, and this suggests that any "intermediate" layer is thin or absent. The corresponding shear wave velocities are 3.68 and 4.53 km s−1. Values of Poisson's ratio in the crust and mantle are 0.22 and 0.28. Alternative models of the crust which, on the evidence of travel times, might fit the observed results are discussed.

A theory of compressional wave attenuation in noncohesive sediments

Geophysics ◽  
1985 ◽  
Vol 50 (8) ◽  
pp. 1311-1317 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. McCann ◽  
D. M. McCann
Keyword(s):  
Wave Attenuation ◽  
Compressional Wave ◽  
Solid Particles ◽  
Biot’S Theory ◽  
Attenuation Coefficients ◽  
Low Frequencies ◽  
Biot's Theory ◽  
Compressional Waves ◽  
High Frequencies ◽  
Water Saturated

Published reviews indicate that attenuation coefficients of compressional waves in noncohesive, water‐saturated sediments vary linearly with frequency. Biot’s theory, which accounts for attenuation in terms of the viscous interaction between the solid particles and pore fluid, predicts in its presently published form variation proportional to [Formula: see text] at low frequencies and [Formula: see text] at high frequencies. A modification of Biot’s theory which incorporates a distribution of pore sizes is presented and shown to give excellent agreement with new and published attenuation data in the frequency range 10 kHz to 2.25 MHz. In particular, a linear variation of attenuation with frequency is predicted in that range.

VELOCITY OF COMPRESSIONAL WAVES IN POROUS MEDIA AT PERMAFROST TEMPERATURES

Geophysics ◽  
1968 ◽  
Vol 33 (4) ◽  
pp. 584-595 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Timur
Keyword(s):  
Porous Media ◽  
Wave Velocity ◽  
Compressional Wave ◽  
Freezing Process ◽  
Rock Matrix ◽  
Compressional Wave Velocity ◽  
Compressional Waves ◽  
Average Equation ◽  
Wave Velocities ◽  
Time Average

Measurements of velocity of compressional waves in consolidated porous media, conducted within a temperature range of 26 °C to −36 °C, indicate that: (1) compressional wave velocity in water‐saturated rocks increases with decreasing temperature whereas it is nearly independent of temperature in dry rocks; (2) the shapes of the velocity versus temperature curves are functions of lithology, pore structure, and the nature of the interstitial fluids. As a saturated rock sample is cooled below 0 °C, the liquid in pore spaces with smaller surface‐to‐volume ratios (larger pores) begins to freeze and the liquid salinity controls the freezing process. As the temperature is decreased further, a point is reached where the surface‐to‐volume ratio in the remaining pore spaces is large enough to affect the freezing process, which is completed at the cryohydric temperature of the salts‐water system. In the ice‐liquid‐rock matrix system, present during freezing, a three‐phase, time‐average equation may be used to estimate the compressional wave velocities. Below the cryohydric temperature, elastic wave propagation takes place in a solid‐solid system consisting of ice and rock matrix. In this frozen state, the compressional wave velocity remains constant, has its maximum value, and may be estimated through use of the two‐phase time average equation. Limited field data for compressional wave velocities in permafrost indicate that pore spaces in permafrost contain not only liquid and ice, but also gas. Therefore, before attempting to make velocity estimates through the time‐average equations, the natures and percentages of pore saturants should be investigated.

Laboratory‐determined transport properties of Berea sandstone

Geophysics ◽  
1985 ◽  
Vol 50 (5) ◽  
pp. 775-784 ◽  
Author(s):  
William D. Daily ◽  
Wunan Lin
Keyword(s):  
Laboratory Data ◽  
Compressional Wave ◽  
Effective Pressure ◽  
Laboratory Measurements ◽  
Berea Sandstone ◽  
Velocity Measurements ◽  
Compressional Wave Velocity ◽  
Intact Sample ◽  
Increasing Temperature

We report laboratory measurements of electrical resistivity ρ, water permeability k, and compressional wave velocity [Formula: see text] for both intact and fractured Berea sandstone samples as functions of temperature from 20°C to 200°C and effective pressure [Formula: see text] from 2.5 MPa to 50 MPa. For the intact sample, [Formula: see text] increases from 3.52 km/s to 4.16 km/s as [Formula: see text] goes from 3 to 50 MPa. With increasing temperature, [Formula: see text] decreases at rates of about 3 percent per 100°C at [Formula: see text] of 5 MPa and about 1.5 percent per 100°C at [Formula: see text] of 38 MPa. Data from the fractured sample are qualitatively similar, but velocities are about 10 percent lower. For both intact and fractured samples, ρ increases less than 15 percent as [Formula: see text] increases from 2.5 MPa to 50 MPa. Although both samples show a larger decrease in resistivity with increasing temperature, most of this change is attributed to the decrease in resistivity of the pore fluid over that temperature range. For both samples, k decreases with increasing pressure and temperature. The intact sample permeability varies from 23 mD at 3 MPa and 20°C to less than 1 mD at 50 MPa and 150°C. The permeability of the fractured sample varies from 676 mD at 3 MPa and 20°C to less than 1 mD at 40 MPa and 190°C. The effect of the fracture on k vanishes after several pressure cycles and above about 100°C. These laboratory data are used to demonstrate the possibility of using resistivity and velocity measurements to estimate in‐situ permeability of a reservoir.

scholarly journals Effectiveness of in situ P-wave measurements in monuments: examples from Greece

2000 ◽  
Vol 22 ◽  
Author(s):  
B. Christaras
Keyword(s):  
Modulus Of Elasticity ◽  
Building Stone ◽  
P Wave ◽  
Mechanical Anisotropy ◽  
Laboratory Measurements ◽  
S Wave ◽  
Wave Velocities ◽  
Wave Measurements ◽  
Made In

P and S wave velocities can be used for both in situ and laboratory measurements of stones. These methods are used for studying such properties as mechanical anisotropy and modulus of elasticity. In this paper, the P-wave velocities were used for the estimation of the depth of weathered or artificially consolidated layers as well as the depth of cracks developed at the surface of the building stone. This estimation was made in relation to the lithology and texture of the materials, given that in many cases different lithological data create similar diagrams. All tests were carried out on representative monuments in Greece.

Relationships among compressional wave attenuation, porosity, clay content, and permeability in sandstones

Geophysics ◽  
1990 ◽  
Vol 55 (8) ◽  
pp. 998-1014 ◽  
Author(s):  
T. Klimentos ◽  
C. McCann
Keyword(s):  
Seismic Data ◽  
Wave Attenuation ◽  
Clay Content ◽  
Spectral Ratio ◽  
Confining Pressure ◽  
Compressional Wave ◽  
Biot Theory ◽  
Attenuation Coefficients ◽  
Compressional Waves ◽  
High Attenuation

Anelastic attenuation is the process by which rocks convert compressional waves into heat and thereby modify the amplitude and phase of the waves. Understanding the causes of compressional wave attenuation is important in the acquisition, processing, and interpretation of high‐resolution seismic data, and in deducing the physical properties of rocks from seismic data. We have measured the attenuation coefficients of compressional waves in 42 sandstones at a confining pressure of 40 MPa (equivalent to a depth of burial of about 1.5 km) in a frequency range from 0.5 to 1.5 MHz. The compressional wave measurements were made using a pulse‐echo method in which the sample (5 cm diameter, 1.8 cm to 3.5 cm long) was sandwiched between perspex (lucite) buffer rods inside the high‐pressure rig. The attenuation of the sample was estimated from the logarithmic spectral ratio of the signals (corrected for beam spreading) reflected from the top and base of the sample. The results show that for these samples, compressional wave attenuation (α, dB/cm) at 1 MHz and 40 MPa is related to clay content (C, percent) and porosity (ϕ, percent) by α=0.0315ϕ+0.241C−0.132 with a correlation coefficient of 0.88. The relationship between attenuation and permeability is less well defined: Those samples with permeabilities less than 50 md have high attenuation coefficients (generally greater than 1 dB/cm) while those with permeabilities greater than 50 md have low attenuation coefficients (generally less than 1 dB/cm) at 1 MHz at 40 MPa. These experimental data can be accounted for by modifications of the Biot theory and by consideration of the Sewell/Urick theory of compressional wave attenuation in porous, fluid‐saturated media.

scholarly journals Seismic Short-Refraction Studies on the Ross Ice Shelf, Antarctica

1979 ◽  
Vol 24 (90) ◽  
pp. 313-319
Author(s):  
Joseph F. Kirchner ◽  
Charles R. Bentley
Keyword(s):  
Shear Wave ◽  
Transverse Isotropy ◽  
Compressional Wave ◽  
Least Squares Regression ◽  
Horizontal Shear ◽  
Ice Shelf ◽  
Compressional Waves ◽  
Ross Ice Shelf ◽  
Wave Velocities ◽  
Shear Wave Velocities

AbstractSeismic short-refraction studies were carried out at five stations on the Ross Ice Shelf during the 1976–77 summer season as part of the comprehensive Ross Ice Shelf Geophysical and Glaciological Survey. Measurements of the velocities of compressional waves were made at each location. Compressional wave velocities were measured along more than one azimuth at three sites, and shear wave velocities (both components) at two. Travel-time curves were fitted to an exponential expression by means of a non-linear least-squares regression technique. The errors in the apparent velocities are estimated to be about ±50 m s–1 at short distances, diminishing to about ±10 m s–1 near the ends of the profiles. Compressional-wave velocities show only slight variations with azimuth and only over certain depth intervals, showing that constant-velocity surfaces are essentially horizontal. Shear-wave velocities, however, exhibit large variations according to azimuth and polarization, indicating that transverse isotropy is violated at least in the upper 30–40 m of the ice shelf. It is believed that the anisotropy is caused by structural details in the firn perhaps modified by preferred crystal orientation and that it may arise at least partly from anisotropic stresses in the ice shelf.

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