Earthquake locations by 3-D finite-difference travel times

1990 ◽  
Vol 80 (2) ◽  
pp. 395-410 ◽  
Author(s):  
Glenn D. Nelson ◽  
John E. Vidale
Keyword(s):  
Travel Time ◽  
Velocity Structure ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Computation Time ◽  
Velocity Model ◽  
Model Complexity ◽  
Grid Spacing ◽  
Origin Time ◽  
Velocity Models ◽  
Fault Trace

Abstract We present a new method for locating earthquakes in a region with arbitrarily complex three-dimensional velocity structure, called QUAKE3D. Our method searches a gridded volume and finds the global minimum travel-time residual location within the volume. Any minimization criterion may be employed. The L1 criterion, which minimizes the sum of the absolute values of travel-time residuals, is especially useful when the station coverage is sparse and is more robust than the L2 criterion (which minimizes the RMS sum) employed by most earthquake location programs. On a UNIX workstation with 8 Mbytes memory, travel-time grids of size 150 by 150 by 50 are reasonably employed, with the actual geographic coverage dependent on the grid spacing. Location precision is finer than the grid spacing. Earthquake recordings at six stations in Bear Valley are located as an example, using various layered and laterally varying velocity models. Locations with QUAKE3D are nearly identical to HYPOINVERSE locations when the same flat-layered velocity model is used. For the examples presented, the computation time per event is approximately 4 times slower than HYPOINVERSE, but the computation time for QUAKE3D is dependent only on the grid size and number of stations, and independent of the velocity model complexity. Using QUAKE3D with a laterally varying velocity model results in locations that are physically more plausible and statistically more precise. Compared to flat-layered solutions, the earthquakes are more closely aligned with the surface fault trace, are more uniform in depth distribution, and the event and station travel-time residuals are much smaller. Hypocentral error bars computed by QUAKE3D are more realistic in that the trade-off of depth versus origin time is implicit in our error estimation, but ignored by HYPOINVERSE.

scholarly journals VELOCITY MODEL OF CRUST OF AZERBAIDJAN ON DATA OF DIGITAL SEISMIC STATIONS

2012 ◽  
Author(s):  
Г.Д. Етирмишли ◽  
С.Э. Казымова
Keyword(s):  
Velocity Structure ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Velocity Model ◽  
Design Calculation ◽  
Travel Times ◽  
Seismic Stations ◽  
One Dimensional ◽  
S Waves ◽  
Velocity Models ◽  
Seismological Data

При изучении скоростной структуры земной коры Азербайджана по сейсмологическим данным ис- пользовались в основном два подхода. Первый состоит в уточнении модели среды на основании наблюда- емых отклонений времен пробега волн от землетрясений относительно стандартного годографа. Второй основан на использовании разности времен пробега от источников до станции для групп близко располо- женных событий. Одномерные скоростные модели Р и S-волн были построены на основе одномерных моделей, пред- ложенных в работе Гасанова А.Г. Построение модели, расчет станционных поправок и перелокация со- бытий производились в программе Velest. Исследуемый объем до глубины 60 км был разбит на мелкие слои толщиной 2 км в интервале глубин 010 км и толщиной 510 км в интервале глубин 1060 км. В ходе исследования рассматривались сейсмологические данные о параметрах локальных землетрясений и вре- менах прихода P и S-волн зарегистрированных сетью телеметрических станций за период 20042011 гг. Анализировались данные 28-ми сейсмических станций Азербайджана, охватывающие всю исследуемую территорию. Для расчета трехмерного скоростного поля использовалась программа TomotetraFD. В этой програм- ме реализован классический сейсмотомографический метод для случая, когда источники и приемники находятся внутри исследуемого региона. Two approaches were used for investigation of crust velocity structure of Azerbaijan on the basis of seismological data. The first one consists in medium model adjustment on the basis of observed deviation of travel times of waves from earthquakes relative to standard hodograph. The second is based on difference in travel times from source to station for a group of close located stations. One dimensional velocity models of P- and S-waves were constructed on the basis of one dimensional models proposed by A.G.Gasanov. Model design, calculation of stations corrections and relocationing of events 74 Геология и геофизика Юга России, 1, 2012 were performed in Velest program. Investigating volume to depth of 60 km was divided in small layers of 2 km thickness in 0-10 km interval and 5-10 km in 10-60 km interval. Seismological data about parameters of local earthquakes registered by network of telemetric stations in 2004-2011 and arrival times of P- and S-waves were used. Data of 28 seismic stations of Azerbaijan covering all the investigating territory were analyzed. Three dimensional velocity field was calculated by means of TomotetraFD program. Classical seismotomographical method for the case when sources and receivers are located within investigating region is realized in the program.

scholarly journals Passive seismic event estimation using multiscattering waveform inversion

Geophysics ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 84 (3) ◽  
pp. KS59-KS69 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chao Song ◽  
Zedong Wu ◽  
Tariq Alkhalifah
Keyword(s):  
Seismic Data ◽  
Waveform Inversion ◽  
Velocity Model ◽  
Source Image ◽  
Time Inversion ◽  
Multiple Sources ◽  
Origin Time ◽  
Secondary Sources ◽  
Velocity Models ◽  
Passive Seismic

Passive seismic monitoring has become an effective method to understand underground processes. Time-reversal-based methods are often used to locate passive seismic events directly. However, these kinds of methods are strongly dependent on the accuracy of the velocity model. Full-waveform inversion (FWI) has been used on passive seismic data to invert the velocity model and source image, simultaneously. However, waveform inversion of passive seismic data uses mainly the transmission energy, which results in poor illumination and low resolution. We developed a waveform inversion using multiscattered energy for passive seismic to extract more information from the data than conventional FWI. Using transmission wavepath information from single- and double-scattering, computed from a predicted scatterer field acting as secondary sources, our method provides better illumination of the velocity model than conventional FWI. Using a new objective function, we optimized the source image and velocity model, including multiscattered energy, simultaneously. Because we conducted our method in the frequency domain with a complex source function including spatial and wavelet information, we mitigate the uncertainties of the source wavelet and source origin time. Inversion results from the Marmousi model indicate that by taking advantage of multiscattered energy and starting from a reasonably acceptable frequency (a single source at 3 Hz and multiple sources at 5 Hz), our method yields better inverted velocity models and source images compared with conventional FWI.

scholarly journals Constraining fault interpretation through tomographic velocity gradients: application to northern Cascadia

Solid Earth ◽  
2012 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 53-61 ◽  
Author(s):  
K. Ramachandran
Keyword(s):  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Velocity Model ◽  
Absolute Velocity ◽  
Tomographic Inversion ◽  
Spatial Gradients ◽  
Velocity Models ◽  
Final Velocity ◽  
Velocity Gradients ◽  
Spatial Velocity ◽  
Perturbation Velocity

Abstract. Spatial gradients of tomographic velocities are seldom used in interpretation of subsurface fault structures. This study shows that spatial velocity gradients can be used effectively in identifying subsurface discontinuities in the horizontal and vertical directions. Three-dimensional velocity models constructed through tomographic inversion of active source and/or earthquake traveltime data are generally built from an initial 1-D velocity model that varies only with depth. Regularized tomographic inversion algorithms impose constraints on the roughness of the model that help to stabilize the inversion process. Final velocity models obtained from regularized tomographic inversions have smooth three-dimensional structures that are required by the data. Final velocity models are usually analyzed and interpreted either as a perturbation velocity model or as an absolute velocity model. Compared to perturbation velocity model, absolute velocity models have an advantage of providing constraints on lithology. Both velocity models lack the ability to provide sharp constraints on subsurface faults. An interpretational approach utilizing spatial velocity gradients applied to northern Cascadia shows that subsurface faults that are not clearly interpretable from velocity model plots can be identified by sharp contrasts in velocity gradient plots. This interpretation resulted in inferring the locations of the Tacoma, Seattle, Southern Whidbey Island, and Darrington Devil's Mountain faults much more clearly. The Coast Range Boundary fault, previously hypothesized on the basis of sedimentological and tectonic observations, is inferred clearly from the gradient plots. Many of the fault locations imaged from gradient data correlate with earthquake hypocenters, indicating their seismogenic nature.

scholarly journals Three-dimensional shear velocity structure of the Mauleon and Arzacq basins (Western Pyrenees)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maximilien Lehujeur ◽  
Sébastien Chevrot ◽  
Antonio Villaseñor ◽  
Emmanuel Masini ◽  
Nicolas Saspiturry ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Velocity Structure ◽  
Hanging Wall ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Sedimentary Basins ◽  
Shear Velocity ◽  
Velocity Model ◽  
Tomographic Images ◽  
Reflection Seismic ◽  
Local Earthquake Tomography ◽  
Local Earthquake

We present a 3-D shear wave velocity model of the Mauleon and Arzacq basins from the surface down to 10~km depth. This model is obtained by inverting phase velocity maps for periods from 2 to 9~s measured on coherent surface wavefronts extracted from ambient seismic noise by matched filtering. This new model, which is found in good agreement with local earthquake tomography, reveals the architecture of the Mauleon and Arzacq basins which were poorly imaged by conventional reflection seismic data. Combining these new tomographic images with surface and subsurface geological information allows us to trace major orogenic structures from the basement to the surface. In the basin, the models are successfully imaging first-order folds and thrusts at kilometric scale. The velocity structure within the basement and its geometrical relationship with the base of inverted rift basins supports a progressive northward exhumation of deep crustal and mantle rocks in the hanging wall of north-vergent Pyrenean thrusts. Our tomographic models image in 3-D orogen-perpendicular structures responsible for crustal segmentation as the Saison and Barlanes transfer zones. We propose that these steep structures consist in tear faults that accommodate the deepening of the Mauleon basin basement from west to east. To the west, this basement made of former hyper-extended rift domains (including mantle rocks) is anomalously sampled within the hanging-wall of north-directed orogenic thrusts, explaining its shallow attitude and its best preservation in comparison to the eastern segment of the study area. Eastward, the vertical shift of the basement makes that the former Mauleon basin hyper-extended rift basement remained in a footwall situation in respect of orogenic thrust and was underthrust. The comparison of the tomographic models obtained with surface wave tomography and local earthquake tomography shows that each approach has its own advantages and shortcomings but also that they are very complementary in nature, which would suggest to combine them in joint inversions to further improve passive imaging of the shallow crust and sedimentary basins.

Incorporating geologic information into reflection tomography

Geophysics ◽  
2004 ◽  
Vol 69 (2) ◽  
pp. 533-546 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert G. Clapp ◽  
Biondo L. Biondi ◽  
Jon F. Claerbout
Keyword(s):  
Velocity Structure ◽  
Null Space ◽  
Velocity Model ◽  
Prestack Depth Migration ◽  
Depth Migration ◽  
Interval Velocity ◽  
Velocity Models ◽  
Regularized Inversion ◽  
Symmetric Operators ◽  
Reflection Tomography

In areas of complex geology, prestack depth migration is often necessary if we are to produce an accurate image of the subsurface. Prestack depth migration requires an accurate interval velocity model. With few exceptions, the subsurface velocities are not known beforehand and should be estimated. When the velocity structure is complex, with significant lateral variations, reflection‐tomography methods are often an effective tool for improving the velocity estimate. Unfortunately, reflection tomography often converges slowly, to a model that is geologically unreasonable, or it does not converge at all. The large null space of reflection‐tomography problems often forces us to add a sparse parameterization of the model and/or regularization criteria to the estimation. Standard tomography schemes tend to create isotropic features in velocity models that are inconsistent with geology. These isotropic features result, in large part, from using symmetric regularization operators or from choosing a poor model parameterization. If we replace the symmetric operators with nonstationary operators that tend to spread information along structural dips, the tomography will produce velocity models that are geologically more reasonable. In addition, by forming the operators in helical 1D space and performing polynomial division, we apply the inverse of these space‐varying anisotropic operators. The inverse operators can be used as a preconditioner to a standard tomography problem, thereby significantly improving the speed of convergence compared with the typical regularized inversion problem. Results from 2D synthetic and 2D field data are shown. In each case, the velocity obtained improves the focusing of the migrated image.

scholarly journals Updates to the Regional Seismic Travel Time (RSTT) Model: 1. Tomography

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael L. Begnaud ◽  
Stephen C. Myers ◽  
Brian Young ◽  
James R. Hipp ◽  
Doug Dodge ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Travel Time ◽  
Seismic Velocity ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Computer Software ◽  
Velocity Model ◽  
Travel Times ◽  
Crust And Upper Mantle ◽  
Data Set ◽  
Earth Models ◽  
Regional Phases

Abstract A function of global monitoring of nuclear explosions is the development of Earth models for predicting seismic travel times for more accurate calculation of event locations. Most monitoring agencies rely on fast, distance-dependent one-dimensional (1D) Earth models to calculate seismic event locations quickly and in near real-time. RSTT (Regional Seismic Travel Time) is a seismic velocity model and computer software package that captures the major effects of three-dimensional crust and upper mantle structure on regional seismic travel times, while still allowing for fast prediction speed (milliseconds). We describe updates to the RSTT model using a refined data set of regional phases (i.e., Pn, Pg, Sn, Lg) using the Bayesloc relative relocation algorithm. The tomographic inversion shown here acts to refine the previous RSTT public model (rstt201404um) and displays significant features related to areas of global tectonic complexity as well as further reduction in arrival residual values. Validation of the updated RSTT model demonstrates significant reduction in median epicenter mislocation (15.3 km) using all regional phases compared to the iasp91 1D model (22.1 km) as well as to the current station correction approach used at the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization International Data Centre (18.9 km).

scholarly journals Seismic velocity model of the crust in the northern Canadian Cordillera from Rayleigh wave dispersion data

2017 ◽  
Vol 54 (2) ◽  
pp. 163-172 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shutian Ma ◽  
Pascal Audet
Keyword(s):  
Rayleigh Wave ◽  
Velocity Structure ◽  
Seismic Velocity ◽  
Group Velocity Dispersion ◽  
Velocity Model ◽  
Canadian Cordillera ◽  
Seismic Velocities ◽  
Crustal Layer ◽  
Velocity Models ◽  
Moderate Earthquake

Models of the seismic velocity structure of the crust in the seismically active northern Canadian Cordillera remain poorly constrained, despite their importance in the accurate location and characterization of regional earthquakes. On 29 August 2014, a moderate earthquake with magnitude 5.0, which generated high-quality Rayleigh wave data, occurred in the Northwest Territories, Canada, ∼100 km to the east of the Cordilleran Deformation Front. We carefully selected 23 seismic stations that recorded the Rayleigh waves and divided them into 13 groups according to the azimuth angle between the earthquake and the stations; these groups mostly sample the Cordillera. In each group, we measured Rayleigh wave group velocity dispersion, which we inverted for one-dimensional shear-wave velocity models of the crust. We thus obtained 13 models that consistently show low seismic velocities with respect to reference models, with a slow upper and lower crust surrounding a relatively fast mid crustal layer. The average of the 13 models is consistent with receiver function data in the central portion of the Cordillera. Finally, we compared earthquake locations determined by the Geological Survey of Canada using a simple homogenous crust over a mantle half space with those estimated using the new crustal velocity model, and show that estimates can differ by as much as 10 km.

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