An application of induced event interferometry approach at The Geysers Geothermal Field, California, USA

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Taghi Shirzad ◽  
Stanisław Lasocki ◽  
Beata Orlecka‐Sikora
Keyword(s):  
Velocity Structure ◽  
General Structure ◽  
Clean Energy ◽  
Velocity Model ◽  
Geothermal Field ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Low Velocity ◽  
Study Region ◽  
Resultant Velocity ◽  
The Geysers

<p>While the classical tomography approaches, e.g., P-, S-, and/or surface-wave traveltime tomography, provide a general structure of the Earth’s interior, new developments in signal processing of interferometry approaches are needed to obtain a high-resolution velocity structure. If the number of earthquakes is adequate, the virtual seismometer method may be a solution in regions with sparse instrumental coverage. Theoretically, the empirical Green’s functions between a pair of events can be retrieved using earthquake’s cross-correlations. Here, an event interferometry approach was used on a very small scale around Prati-9 and Prati-29 injection wells in the NW of The Geysers Geothermal Field. The study region experienced intense injection-induced seismicity. We selected all events with location uncertainties less than 50 m in a cuboid of the horizontal side ~1 × ~2 km and the vertical edge at depths between 1.0 and 2.0 km. The cuboid was cut into 100m thick layers, and we applied to events from each layer criteria enabling a quasi 2D approach. After calculating the Rayleigh wave group velocity dispersion curves, further processing was performed at a 0.2s period, selected based on the sensitivity kernel criterion. Finally, the relative velocity model of each layer at the depth z was obtained by subtracting the velocity model of the just overlying layer (at the depth z-100m) from the model of this layer. Our resultant velocity model in the study area indicated four low-velocity anomalies. The first one can be linked by the two layers interface topography variation at the top of the cuboid (depth 1000 m). The secondary faults can cause the second low-velocity anomaly. The other two anomalies look to result from fluid injection into Prati-9 and Prati-29 wells. <br>This work was supported under the S4CE: "Science for Clean Energy" project, which has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation program, under grant agreement No 764810.</p>

Seismic tomography at a fire‐flood site

Geophysics ◽  
1989 ◽  
Vol 54 (9) ◽  
pp. 1082-1090 ◽  
Author(s):  
N. D. Bregman ◽  
P. A. Hurley ◽  
G. F. West
Keyword(s):  
Oil Recovery ◽  
Velocity Structure ◽  
Seismic Velocity ◽  
Pilot Project ◽  
Velocity Model ◽  
High Amplitude ◽  
Oil Sand ◽  
Low Velocity ◽  
Study Region ◽  
Velocity Channel

A crosshole seismic experiment was conducted to locate and characterize a firefront at an enhanced oil recovery (EOR) pilot project. The reservoir engineers involved in the project were interested in finding out why the burnfront apparently had stalled between two wells 51 m apart. In a noisy producing environment, good quality seismic data were recorded at depths ranging from 710 to 770 m. The frequency range of the data, 500 to 1500 Hz, allows resolution of the velocity structure on a scale of several meters. The moveout of first arrivals indicates that there are large velocity variations in the study region; a high‐amplitude, late arriving channel wave points to the existence of a low‐velocity channel connecting the boreholes. Using an iterative, nonlinear scheme which incorporates curved ray tracing and least‐squares inversion in each iteration, the first‐arrival times were inverted to obtain a two‐dimensional model of the compressional seismic velocity between the boreholes. The velocities range from 1.5 km/s to 3.2 km/s, with a low‐velocity channel at the depth of the producing oil sand. Sonic, core, and temperature logs lead us to conclude that the extremely low velocities in the model are probably due to gases produced by the burn. Increased velocities in an adjacent shale may be a secondary effect of the burn. The velocity model also indicates an irregularity in the topography at the bottom of the reservoir, an irregularity which may be responsible for blocking the progress of the burnfront.

Resolving near-seabed velocity anomalies: Deep water offshore eastern India

Geophysics ◽  
2008 ◽  
Vol 73 (5) ◽  
pp. VE235-VE241 ◽  
Author(s):  
Juergen Fruehn ◽  
Ian F. Jones ◽  
Victoria Valler ◽  
Pranaya Sangvai ◽  
Ajoy Biswal ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Velocity Field ◽  
Deep Water ◽  
Model Building ◽  
Velocity Model ◽  
Narrow Channel ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Low Velocity ◽  
Near Surface ◽  
Velocity Model Building ◽  
Velocity Anomalies

Imaging in deep-water environments poses a specific set of challenges, both in data preconditioning and velocity model building. These challenges include scattered, complex 3D multiples, aliased noise, and low-velocity shallow anomalies associated with channel fills and gas hydrates. We describe an approach to tackling such problems for data from deep water off the east coast of India, concentrating our attention on iterative velocity model building, and more specifically the resolution of near-surface and other velocity anomalies. In the region under investigation, the velocity field is complicated by narrow buried canyons ([Formula: see text] wide) filled with low-velocity sediments, which give rise to severe pull-down effects; possible free-gas accumulation below an extensive gas-hydrate cap, causing dimming of the image below (perhaps as a result of absorption); and thin-channel bodies with low-velocity fill. Hybrid gridded tomography using a conjugate gradient solver (with [Formula: see text] vertical cell size) was applied to resolve small-scale velocity anomalies (with thicknesses of about [Formula: see text]). Manual picking of narrow-channel features was used to define bodies too small for the tomography to resolve. Prestack depth migration, using a velocity model built with a combination of these techniques, could resolve pull-down and other image distortion effects in the final image. The resulting velocity field shows high-resolution detail useful in identifying anomalous geobodies of potential exploration interest.

P-wave velocity structure of the Earth's crust beneath Vancouver Island

1983 ◽  
Vol 20 (5) ◽  
pp. 742-752 ◽  
Author(s):  
George A. McMechan ◽  
George D. Spence
Keyword(s):  
Velocity Structure ◽  
General Structure ◽  
Vertical Component ◽  
Vancouver Island ◽  
P Wave ◽  
Low Velocity ◽  
Velocity Anomaly ◽  
P Wave Velocity ◽  
Refraction Data ◽  
Velocity Zone

Refraction data were recorded from three shot points out to a maximum distance of ~330 km as part of the 1980 Vancouver Island Seismic Project (VISP80). These vertical component data are partially reversed and so can be interpreted in terms of two-dimensional structures by iterative modeling of P-wave travel times and amplitudes. The structure of the upper crust is the best constrained part of the model. It consists, generally, of a gradually increasing velocity from ~5.3 km/s at the surface to ~6.4 km/s at 2 km depth to ~6.75 km/s at 15.5 km depth, where the velocity increases sharply to ~7 km/s. Below ~20 km depth, the model becomes speculative because the data provide only indirect constraints on velocities at these depths. An interpretation that fits the observed times and amplitudes has a low velocity zone in the lower crust and a Moho at 37 km depth. The only significant departure from this general structure is beneath the central part of Vancouver Island where the 15.5 km boundary in the model attains a depth of ~23 km, below which there appears to be a local high velocity anomaly.

Hotspot signatures at the North American passive margin

Geology ◽  
2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhongmin Tao ◽  
Aibing Li ◽  
Karen M. Fischer
Keyword(s):  
North America ◽  
New England ◽  
Velocity Model ◽  
Passive Margin ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Low Velocity ◽  
Velocity Anomaly ◽  
The North ◽  
New Information ◽  
Velocity Anomalies

The presence of localized low-velocity anomalies in the upper mantle beneath the passive Atlantic margin in North America is a puzzling geophysical observation. Whether the anomalies are caused by the remnant heat from past hotspots or ongoing asthenospheric upwelling is still debated. We addressed the formation of the anomalies based on a recent velocity model for eastern North America, which reveals new information on their shapes and anisotropic signatures. The low-velocity anomaly in New England appears as a narrow column above 90 km depth and broadens westward at depths of 120–200 km. Two slow anomalies are imaged under the central Appalachian Mountains between 140 km and 240 km. These low velocities correspond to pronounced positive radial anisotropy (Vsh > Vsv), indicating a dominantly horizontal asthenospheric flow. They also coincide with the tracks of the Great Meteor hotspot (140–115 Ma) and an inferred hidden hotspot (60–50 Ma). The anomalies in the central Appalachians could be due to lithospheric interaction with the second hotspot and subsequent lithospheric instabilities. The complex shape of the New England anomaly is consistent with interaction with both hotspots. The first hotspot could have eroded the base of the lithosphere, forming a channel, and the second hotspot could have further thinned the lithosphere and produced a localized cavity at shallow depths. Consequently, the indented lithosphere base would have filled with channelized asthenospheric flow or produced small-scale convection, helping to sustain the slow anomaly. Low-velocity anomalies at the North America passive margin are likely the consequences of prior hotspot interactions.

Seismicity time evolution and 3D/4D seismic tomography of Nesjavellir geothermal field (Iceland)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ortensia Amoroso ◽  
Ferdinando Napolitano ◽  
Vincenzo Convertito ◽  
Raffaella De Matteis ◽  
Paolo Capuano
Keyword(s):  
Power Plant ◽  
Seismic Tomography ◽  
Geothermal Energy ◽  
Clean Energy ◽  
Velocity Model ◽  
B Value ◽  
Geothermal Field ◽  
Hot Water ◽  
Central Volcano ◽  
4D Seismic

<p>Nesjavellir Geothermal Field is located in the Northern part of the Hengill central volcano in South West Iceland. The Hengill volcanic complex consists of three smaller volcanic systems feeding several geothermal fields with surface manifestations.</p><p>Geothermal energy is currently produced at two power plants, in Nesjavellir and in Hellisheidi. After an exploitation period started in 1947, the construction of Nesjaveillir power plant was completed in 1990. Nowadays it produces geothermal energy of up to 300 MW, which is 1,640 l/sec of hot water and up to 120 MW of electricity.</p><p>Part of the surplus geothermal water from the plant goes into the injection wells and in analogy with the nearby Hellisheidi power plant the re-injection of geothermal gases into basaltic formations is planned. To this aim several tests of fluids deep injection are being conducted to prepare the experimental re-injection of carbon dioxide and hydrogen sulphide.</p><p>In the framework of the H2020-Science4CleanEnergy project, S4CE, a multi-disciplinary project aimed at understanding the underlying physical mechanisms underpinning sub-surface geo-energy operations and to measure, control and mitigate their environmental risks, we investigate the seismicity evolution through the b-value and study the elastic properties of the propagation medium through the 3D/4D seismic tomography.</p><p>The seismicity recorded in the study area is due to different mechanisms. Indeed, while in Hengill the seismicity is originated by volcano-tectonic processes, small earthquake swarms between Hengill and Grensdalur volcano are due to the geothermal activity. Finally, the seismicity in proximity of Hellishedi and Nesjaveiilir power plant appears to be induced by re-injection of waste water from the geothermal production.</p><p>Seismic data are recorded by the Icelandic Meteorological Office (IMO) but also from Iceland GeoSurvey (ÍSOR) and by the COSEISMIQ project. The production data are from the OR energy company.</p><p>We used an iterative linearized delay-time inversion to estimate both the 3D P and S velocity models and earthquake locations. The velocity model is parametrized by trilinear interpolation on a 3D grid. The inversion starts from the 1D velocity model, optimized for the area. Time variations of the medium seismic properties are observed in term of Vp, Vs and Vp/Vs ratio obtained by 4D tomography. The technique consists in applying the 3D tomography at consecutive epochs. Spatial and temporal characteristics of the re-located earthquakes are then analysed by using the ZMAP code to image the b-value in the investigate volume.</p><p>The images obtained for each epoch in terms of b-value, Vp and Vs velocities are then correlated with operational data.</p><p> </p><p>This work has been supported by S4CE ("Science for Clean Energy") project, funded from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 - R&I Framework Programme, under grant agreement No 764810 and by PRIN-2017 MATISSE project funded by Italian Ministry of Education and Research.</p>

A new a-priori velocity model for seismic tomography investigation of the Southern Italy region

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cristina Totaro ◽  
Giancarlo Neri ◽  
Barbara Orecchio ◽  
Debora Presti ◽  
Silvia Scolaro
Keyword(s):  
Velocity Structure ◽  
Southern Italy ◽  
Seismic Velocity ◽  
A Priori ◽  
Velocity Model ◽  
Moho Depth ◽  
Seismic Profiles ◽  
Study Region ◽  
Plate Convergence ◽  
Geodynamic Models

<p>By integrating data and constraints available in the literature, we defined a new “a-priori” 3D seismic velocity model imaging the lithospheric structure of Southern Italy, a highly complex area in the Mediterranean region where the Africa-Europe plate convergence and the residual rollback of the Ionian slab coexist. Involving the integration of multiple datasets and constraints (e.g. velocity patterns from seismic profiles and/or tomographies, moho depth estimates, subduction interface geometries) and following a procedure derived to the one already successfully applied in the area about a decade ago, we obtained the simplest 3D velocity structure consistent with all the available collected data. Studies and analyses performed in recent years allowed us to enlarge and improve the previous estimated model by adding further data and useful constraints. The so obtained "a-priori" velocity model has then been used as starting model for a new earthquake tomographic inversion of the study region. Dataset used for the velocity model computation has been selected from the Italian seismic database (www.ingv.it) and consists of ca. 10000 earthquakes with magnitude equal or greater than 2 and occurred in the time period 2000-2020 at depth less than 60 km and with at least 10 station readings. The obtained 3D velocity structure and the related hypocenter locations have been compared with other geophysical and geological observations and interpreted in the frame of the geodynamic models proposed for the region.</p>

scholarly journals Velocity Structure at the Source Physics Experiment Phase I Site Obtained with the Large‐N Array Data

2019 ◽  
Vol 91 (1) ◽  
pp. 304-309
Author(s):  
Ting Chen ◽  
Catherine M. Snelson ◽  
Robert Mellors
Keyword(s):  
Velocity Structure ◽  
Volcanic Rocks ◽  
Velocity Model ◽  
Seismic Array ◽  
P Wave ◽  
Low Velocity ◽  
Large N ◽  
Chemical Explosions ◽  
Physics Experiment ◽  
Source Physics

Abstract The Source Physics Experiment (SPE) consists of a series of chemical explosions at the Nevada National Security Site. The goal of the SPE is to understand and model seismic‐wave generation and propagation from these explosions. To achieve this goal, we need an accurate velocity model of the SPE site. A large‐N seismic array deployed at the SPE site during one of the chemical explosions (SPE‐5) provides great data for this purpose. The array consists of 996 geophones and covers an area of approximately 2×2.5  km. In addition to the SPE‐5 explosion, the array recorded 53 large weight drops. Using the large‐N seismic array recordings, we perform first‐arrival analysis and obtain a 2D P‐wave velocity model of the SPE site. We image a sharp transition from high‐velocity Cretaceous granite to low‐velocity Quaternary alluvium. Other geological units such as the Tertiary volcanic rocks and Paleozoic sedimentary rocks are also clearly shown. The results of this work provide important local geological information and will be incorporated into the larger 3D modeling effort of the SPE program to validate the predictive models developed for the site.

Upper crustal structure of NW Iran revealed by regional 3-D Pg velocity tomography

2020 ◽  
Vol 222 (2) ◽  
pp. 1093-1108
Author(s):  
Mehdi Maheri-Peyrov ◽  
Abdolreza Ghods ◽  
Stefanie Donner ◽  
Maryam Akbarzadeh-Aghdam ◽  
Farhad Sobouti ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Velocity Structure ◽  
Historical Earthquakes ◽  
Velocity Model ◽  
Central Iran ◽  
Medium Size ◽  
Depth Range ◽  
Upper Crust ◽  
Low Velocity ◽  
Nw Iran ◽  
Velocity Region

SUMMARY We present the result of a 3-D Pg tomography in NW Iran to better understand the relationship between seismicity and velocity structure within the young continental collision system. In this regard, we have collected 559 07 Pg traveltime readings from 3963 well located earthquakes recorded by 353 seismic stations including 121 stations from four new temporary seismic networks. The most prominent feature of our Pg velocity model is a high correlation between the location of majority of large magnitude events and the location of low velocity regions within the seismogenic layer. The large instrumental and historical earthquakes with some limited exceptions tends to happen close to the borders of the low velocity regions. The Lorestan arc of Zagros has the thickest (∼20 km) low velocity region and Central Iran has the thinnest (less than 10 km) low velocity region where little seismicity is observed. Despite the relative increase of thickness of low velocity region in the uppermost part of the upper crust of Alborz, the average Pg velocity of the upper crust increases from Central Iran towards Alborz and reaches to its climax in the northern hills of Alborz, where the catastrophic Rudbar-Tarom 1990 event happened. The Pg velocity map shows presence of a low angle basement ramp in the Lorestan arc at the depth range of ∼10–20 km. The large low angle thrust Ezgele-Sarpolzahab 2017 earthquake and medium size high angle thrust events happened at the base and updip part of the velocity ramp, respectively. The calculated Pg velocity map shows low velocity regions at depths deeper than 11 and 20 km beneath the Sahand and Sabalan volcanoes, respectively.

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