InSAR, seismic noise, and geotechnical data to assess landslide activity and geometry: the Villa de Independencia (Cochabamba, Bolivia) case study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Veronica Pazzi ◽  
Matteo Del Soldato ◽  
Chuang Song ◽  
Chen Yu ◽  
Zhenhong Li ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Time Series ◽  
Seismic Noise ◽  
Slip Surface ◽  
Ground Surface ◽  
Spectral Ratio ◽  
Failure Surface ◽  
Inversion Method ◽  
Geotechnical Data ◽  
Landslide Volume ◽  
Noise Measurements

<p>Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR) enables detailed investigation of surface landslide movements but lacks information about subsurface recognition/identification. It can be obtained by means of direct measurements (e.g., geotechnical data) and geophysical techniques. InSAR observations, seismic noise measurements, and geotechnical data were integrated to assess the deformation on the ground surface and to determine the depth of the failure surface of the Villa de Independencia landslide, Cochabamba (Bolivia) affecting the village. It is a compound slow-moving landslide (total area approximatively 3.8·10<sup>6</sup> m<sup>2</sup>) composed by three sub-blocks slide exhibiting diverse geometries, multiple failure surfaces, and magnitudes.</p><p>For investigating the spatiotemporal characteristics of the landslide motion, Sentinel-1 time series from October 2014 to December 2019 were analysed. A new geometric inversion method was also proposed to determine the best-fit sliding direction and inclination of the landslide. Results of the Sentinel-1 time series show two substantial accelerations in early 2018 and 2019, coinciding with an increment of precipitations in the late rainy season. It allows supposing the rainy as the most likely triggers of the identified accelerations.</p><p>The seismic noise measurements (more than one hundred spreaded over the whole landslide), analysed according to the Vertical to Horizontal Spectral Ratio technique (H/V), were calibrated and validated by means of the geotechnical data derived by three boreholes and 13 between rock and soil samples. H/V data allowed identifying the different dynamic characteristics of the three sub-blocks: movements are possibly due to the different properties of shallow and deep slip surfaces. The landslides caused damage on the edifices, probably mainly caused by the shallow slip interface (located at a mean depth of 5 m) since the foundation depth of the buildings is at most 2 m. In the town centre a deeper failure surfaces, approximatively with depth between 15 and 75 m, can be identified which may be responsible for its different direction and acceleration magnitude of sliding (inferred by InSAR) compared to the other parts of the landslides. Finally, the determination of the slip surface depths allowed to estimate the overall landslide volume assessed approximatively 9.18·10<sup>7</sup> m<sup>3</sup>.</p><p>The study shows the great potential for landslide motion characterization and mechanism investigation by combing InSAR, seismic noise and geotechnical measurements.</p>

scholarly journals Landslide geometry and activity in Villa de la Independencia (Bolivia) revealed by InSAR and seismic noise measurements

Landslides ◽  
2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chuang Song ◽  
Chen Yu ◽  
Zhenhong Li ◽  
Veronica Pazzi ◽  
Matteo Del Soldato ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Time Series ◽  
Seismic Noise ◽  
Slip Surface ◽  
Inversion Method ◽  
Subsurface Structures ◽  
Slip Surfaces ◽  
Landslide Volume ◽  
Noise Measurements ◽  
Landslide Body

AbstractInterferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR) enables detailed investigation of surface landslide movements, but it cannot provide information about subsurface structures. In this work, InSAR measurements were integrated with seismic noise in situ measurements to analyse both the surface and subsurface characteristics of a complex slow-moving landslide exhibiting multiple failure surfaces. The landslide body involves a town of around 6000 inhabitants, Villa de la Independencia (Bolivia), where extensive damages to buildings have been observed. To investigate the spatial-temporal characteristics of the landslide motion, Sentinel-1 displacement time series from October 2014 to December 2019 were produced. A new geometric inversion method is proposed to determine the best-fit sliding direction and inclination of the landslide. Our results indicate that the landslide is featured by a compound movement where three different blocks slide. This is further evidenced by seismic noise measurements which identified that the different dynamic characteristics of the three sub-blocks were possibly due to the different properties of shallow and deep slip surfaces. Determination of the slip surface depths allows for estimating the overall landslide volume (9.18 · 107 m3). Furthermore, Sentinel-1 time series show that the landslide movements manifest substantial accelerations in early 2018 and 2019, coinciding with increased precipitations in the late rainy season which are identified as the most likely triggers of the observed accelerations. This study showcases  the potential of integrating InSAR and seismic noise techniques to understand the landslide mechanism from ground to subsurface.

scholarly journals Design and Implementation of an Arduino-Based Plug-and-Play Acquisition System for Seismic Noise Measurements

Electronics ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (9) ◽  
pp. 1035
Author(s):  
Juan Luis Soler-Llorens ◽  
Juan Jose Galiana-Merino ◽  
Boualem Youcef Nassim-Benabdeloued ◽  
Sergio Rosa-Cintas ◽  
Javier Ortiz Zamora ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Data Acquisition ◽  
Seismic Noise ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Spectral Ratio ◽  
Data Acquisition System ◽  
Acquisition System ◽  
Open Hardware ◽  
Array Measurements ◽  
Starting Point ◽  
Noise Measurements

The analysis of seismic noise provides a reliable estimation of the soil properties, which supposes the starting point for the assessment of the seismic hazard. The horizontal-to-vertical spectral ratio technique calculates the resonant frequency of the soil just by using a single three-component sensor. Array measurements require at least several vertical sensors registering simultaneously and their analysis provides an estimation of the surface waves dispersion curve. Although these methods are relatively cheaper than other geotechnical techniques, the cost of the sensors and the multi-channel data acquisition system means that small research groups cannot afford this kind of equipment. In this work, two prototypes for registering seismic noise have been developed and implemented: a three-channel acquisition system, optimized for working with three-component sensors; and a twelve-channel acquisition system, prepared for working simultaneously with twelve vertical geophones. Both prototypes are characterized by being open-hardware, open-software, easy to implement, and low-cost. The main aim is to provide a data acquisition system that can be reproduced and applied by any research group. Both developed prototypes have been tested and compared with other commercial equipment, showing their suitability to register seismic noise and to estimate the soil characteristics.

Seismic noise monitoring of the water table in a deep-seated, slow-moving landslide

2016 ◽  
Vol 4 (3) ◽  
pp. SJ67-SJ76 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christophe Voisin ◽  
Stéphane Garambois ◽  
Chris Massey ◽  
Romain Brossier
Keyword(s):  
Water Table ◽  
Frequency Band ◽  
Seismic Noise ◽  
Seismic Velocity ◽  
Slip Surface ◽  
Ground Surface ◽  
Velocity Change ◽  
Fluid Saturation ◽  
Limited Frequency ◽  
Velocity Changes

Daily correlations of ambient seismic noise on a large landslide at Utiku, New Zealand, reveal seismic velocity changes up to [Formula: see text] that follow a summer/winter cycle consistent with the pore-water pressures monitored at the basal slip surface in the landslide. The annual pattern of velocity changes is borne by a limited frequency band (6–8 Hz typically) that suggests a localized change in the medium. The Rayleigh waves that form the seismic signal within this frequency band have a maximum sensitivity at a depth of 2–3 m below the ground surface, consistent with the water table level. Fluid saturation changes in the landslide modeled using the Biot-Gassmann theory explain the limited frequency band and the amplitude of the seismic velocity change. This set of arguments suggests that seismic noise correlations are sensitive to water table oscillations through saturation changes and could be used as a nondestructive hydrologic monitoring tool.

scholarly journals GlobSim (v1.0): deriving meteorological time series for point locations from multiple global reanalyses

2019 ◽  
Vol 12 (11) ◽  
pp. 4661-4679 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bin Cao ◽  
Xiaojing Quan ◽  
Nicholas Brown ◽  
Emilie Stewart-Jones ◽  
Stephan Gruber
Keyword(s):  
Time Series ◽  
Land Surface ◽  
Ground Surface ◽  
Reanalysis Data ◽  
Meteorological Variables ◽  
Ensemble Simulations ◽  
Driving Time ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Global Coverage ◽  
Uncertain Input

Abstract. Simulations of land-surface processes and phenomena often require driving time series of meteorological variables. Corresponding observations, however, are unavailable in most locations, even more so, when considering the duration, continuity and data quality required. Atmospheric reanalyses provide global coverage of relevant meteorological variables, but their use is largely restricted to grid-based studies. This is because technical challenges limit the ease with which reanalysis data can be applied to models at the site scale. We present the software toolkit GlobSim, which automates the downloading, interpolation and scaling of different reanalyses – currently ERA5, ERA-Interim, JRA-55 and MERRA-2 – to produce meteorological time series for user-defined point locations. The resulting data have consistent structure and units to efficiently support ensemble simulation. The utility of GlobSim is demonstrated using an application in permafrost research. We perform ensemble simulations of ground-surface temperature for 10 terrain types in a remote tundra area in northern Canada and compare the results with observations. Simulation results reproduced seasonal cycles and variation between terrain types well, demonstrating that GlobSim can support efficient land-surface simulations. Ensemble means often yielded better accuracy than individual simulations and ensemble ranges additionally provide indications of uncertainty arising from uncertain input. By improving the usability of reanalyses for research requiring time series of climate variables for point locations, GlobSim can enable a wide range of simulation studies and model evaluations that previously were impeded by technical hurdles in obtaining suitable data.

Seismic uplift capacity of inclined strip anchors

2005 ◽  
Vol 42 (1) ◽  
pp. 263-271 ◽  
Author(s):  
Deepankar Choudhury ◽  
K S Subba Rao
Keyword(s):  
Limit Equilibrium ◽  
Ground Surface ◽  
Failure Surface ◽  
Friction Angle ◽  
Uplift Capacity ◽  
Principle Of Superposition ◽  
Seismic Acceleration ◽  
Acceleration Coefficient ◽  
Angle Of Internal Friction ◽  
Seismic Forces

Uplift capacities of inclined strip anchors in soil with a horizontal ground surface are obtained under seismic conditions. Limit equilibrium approaches with a logarithm-spiral failure surface and pseudostatic seismic forces are adopted in the analysis. The results are presented in the form of seismic uplift capacity factors as functions of anchor inclination, embedment ratio, angle of internal friction of the soil, and horizontal and vertical seismic acceleration coefficients. The uplift capacity factors are worked out separately for cohesion, surcharge, and density components. Use of the principle of superposition for calculating anchor uplift capacity is validated. The vertical seismic acceleration coefficient always reduces the uplift capacity, whereas the horizontal seismic acceleration coefficient reduces the uplift capacity in most cases. The roles of anchor embedment ratio, soil friction angle, and anchor inclination in determination of the seismic uplift capacity are also discussed. Comparisons of the proposed method with available theories in the seismic case are also presented. The present study gives the minimum seismic uplift capacity factors compared with the existing theory.Key words: seismic uplift capacity factors, inclined strip anchors, limit equilibrium, pseudostatic, c–ϕ soil.

Downslope movements at shallow depths related to cyclic pore-pressure changes

1993 ◽  
Vol 30 (3) ◽  
pp. 464-475 ◽  
Author(s):  
K.D. Eigenbrod
Keyword(s):  
Pore Water ◽  
Slip Surface ◽  
Pore Water Pressure ◽  
Limit Equilibrium ◽  
Water Pressure ◽  
Ground Surface ◽  
Soil Mass ◽  
Passive Resistance ◽  
Pressure Changes ◽  
Timber Piles

Slow, shallow ground movements in a slope near Yellowknife caused excessive tilting of timber piles that supported an engineering structure. To avoid damage to the structure, the pile foundations had to be replaced by rigid concrete piers that were designed to resist the forces of the moving soil mass. Downhill movements were rather slow and, during an initial inspection, were indicated only by soil that was pushed up against a series of piles on their uphill sides, while gaps had formed on their downhill sides. No open cracks or bulging was observed on the slope. A stability analysis indicated that the slope was not in a state of limit equilibrium. To obtain a better understanding of the creep movements in the slope and their effect on the rigid concrete piers, extensive instrumentation was carried out after the construction of the piers. This included slope indicators, piezometers, thermistors, and total-pressure cells against one of the concrete piers. In addition, a triaxial testing program was undertaken in which the effect of cyclic pore-water pressure changes on the long-term deformations of the shallow clay layer was investigated. From the data collected in the field and laboratory, it could be concluded that (i) tilting of the original timber piles was caused by downslope movements related to cyclic pore-water increases; (ii) the lateral soil movements increased almost linearly with depth from 2 m below the ground surface, with no indication of a slip surface; and (iii) the pressures exerted by the moving soil mass against the rigid concrete piers within the soil mass were equal to the passive resistance activated within the moving soil mass. Key words : soil creep, slope movements, soil pressures, pore-water pressures, freezing pressures, permafrost, cyclic loading.

The Search of Diffusive Properties in Ambient Seismic Noise

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
José Piña-Flores ◽  
Martín Cárdenas-Soto ◽  
Antonio García-Jerez ◽  
Michel Campillo ◽  
Francisco J. Sánchez-Sesma
Keyword(s):  
Green’S Function ◽  
Surface Waves ◽  
Green's Function ◽  
Seismic Noise ◽  
Elastic Field ◽  
Spectral Ratio ◽  
Ambient Seismic Noise ◽  
Data Sets ◽  
Original Experiment ◽  
Imaging Theory

ABSTRACT Ambient seismic noise (ASN) is becoming of interest for geophysical exploration and engineering seismology, because it is possible to exploit its potential for imaging. Theory asserts that the Green’s function can be retrieved from correlations within a diffuse field. Surface waves are the most conspicuous part of Green’s function in layered media. Thus, the velocities of surface waves can be obtained from ASN if the wavefield is diffuse. There is widespread interest in the conditions of emergence and properties of diffuse fields. In the applications, useful approximations of the Green’s function can be obtained from cross correlations of recorded motions of ASN. An elastic field is diffuse if the background illumination is azimuthally uniform and equipartitioned. It happens with the coda waves in earthquakes and has been verified in carefully planned experiments. For one of these data sets, the 1999 Chilpancingo (Mexico) experiment, there are some records of earthquake pre-events that undoubtedly are composed of ASN, so that the processing for coda can be tested on them. We decompose the ASN energies and study their equilibration. The scheme is inspired by the original experiment and uses the ASN recorded in an L-shaped array that allows the computation of spatial derivatives. It requires care in establishing the appropriate ranges for measuring parameters. In this search for robust indicators of diffusivity, we are led to establish that under certain circumstances, the S and P energy equilibration is a process that anticipates the diffusion regime (not necessarily isotropy), which justifies the use of horizontal-to-vertical spectral ratio in the context of diffuse-field theory.

Determination of three-dimensional shape of failure in soil slopes

2015 ◽  
Vol 52 (9) ◽  
pp. 1283-1301 ◽  
Author(s):  
Roohollah Kalatehjari ◽  
Ali Arefnia ◽  
Ahmad Safuan A Rashid ◽  
Nazri Ali ◽  
Mohsen Hajihassani
Keyword(s):  
Slope Stability ◽  
Slip Surface ◽  
Limit Equilibrium ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Failure Surface ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
3D Shape ◽  
Finite Element Software ◽  
Soil Slopes ◽  
3D Slope Stability

This paper presents the application of particle swarm optimization (PSO) in three-dimensional (3D) slope stability analysis to determine the shape and direction of failure as the critical slip surface. A detailed description of adopted PSO is presented and a rotating ellipsoidal shape is introduced as the possible failure surface in the analysis. Based on the limit equilibrium method, an equation of factor of safety (FoS) was developed with the ability to calculate the direction of sliding (DoS) in its internal process. A computer code was developed in Matlab to determine the 3D shape of the failure surface and calculate its FoS and DoS. Then, two example problems were used to verify the applicability of the presented code, the first by conducting a comparison between the results of the code and PLAXIS-3D finite element software and the second by re-analyzing an example from the literature to find the 3D failure surface. In addition, a hypothetical 3D asymmetric slope was introduced and analyzed to demonstrate the ability of the presented method to determine the shape and DOS of failure in 3D slope stability problems. Finally, a small-scale physical model of a 3D slope under vertical load was constructed and tested in the laboratory and the results were re-analyzed and compared with the code results. The results demonstrate the efficiency and effectiveness of the presented code in determining the 3D shape of the failure surface in soil slopes.

Estimation of Site Dynamic Characteristics from Ambient Noise Measurements Using HVSR Method in Microzonation Study: Senggarang, Batu Pahat, Malaysia

2014 ◽  
Vol 931-932 ◽  
pp. 803-807 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ahmad Fahmy Kamarudin ◽  
Mohd Effendi Daud ◽  
Zainah Ibrahim ◽  
Ibrahim Azmi ◽  
Mohamad Khairani Yub ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dynamic Characteristics ◽  
Ambient Noise ◽  
Hazard Analysis ◽  
Resonance Effect ◽  
Spectral Ratio ◽  
Boundary Area ◽  
Contour Maps ◽  
The North ◽  
Hvsr Method ◽  
Noise Measurements

Site dynamic characteristics evaluation of fundamental ground frequency, Fo and amplification factor, Ao in Senggarang region were presented in 2D and 3D contour maps (microzonation maps) based on the ambient noise measurements carried out using Lennartz 1 Hz tri-axial seismometer sensors. Reliability of Fo and Ao determined from the ambient noise technique has become the main key components in seismic hazard analysis, resonance effect assessment, predictions of sedimentary layer and shear wave velocity, through cheaper, non-destructive and quick methodology. 73 points of ambient noise records were analyzed using Horizontal-to-Vertical Spectral Ratio (HVSR) method in the boundary area of 800 m x 800 m with the grid spacing of 100 m x 100 m. Significant peaks of mean HVSR curves were checked against the criterions proposed by the SESAME guideline. Slight difference of the Fo contours pattern between the North-South (NS) and the East-West (EW) directions was observed, but vice versa to the Ao contours between both directions. Significant peaks of Fo values were distributed from 1.61 to 6.35 Hz, whereas the Ao values were found from 3.18 to 9.39. Wide gap between the ranges of Fo and Ao in respective direction have shown to the variation of sediment thicknesses. Meanwhile, dominance shape of significant peak from the HVSR curves may indicate to a large velocity contrast presence underneath the ground surfaces.

Urban acoustic and seismic noise measurements in Baltimore.

2010 ◽  
Vol 127 (3) ◽  
pp. 1775-1775 ◽  
Author(s):  
Donald G. Albert ◽  
Stephen N. Decato
Keyword(s):  
Seismic Noise ◽  
Noise Measurements
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