Identification of a fault zone beneath Moxa observatory (Central Germany): evidence from combining logging, rock physical measurements, and geophysical profiling

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Valentin Kasburg ◽  
Todor Valchev ◽  
Andreas Goepel ◽  
Cornelius Octavian Schwarze ◽  
Nina Kukowski
Keyword(s):  
Fault Zone ◽  
Structural Model ◽  
Core Material ◽  
Seismic Velocities ◽  
Geological Structures ◽  
Data Set ◽  
Resistivity Tomography ◽  
Near Surface ◽  
Physical Measurements ◽  
Geophysical Surveys

<p>Geophysical observatories aim to decipher natural processes taking place in very different parts of the Earth’s interior by recording long time series of various signals related to these processes. As such signals, e.g. fluctuations of deformation or temperature, may be very small, complementary information e.g. from climate stations and very good knowledge of geological structures in the vicinity of an observatory is indispensable. Moxa Geodynamic Observatory, belonging to Jena university is located in a remote area in the Palaeozoic Thuringian Slate Mountains, which however, is characterized by complex subsurface structures with regard to fluid transport and hydrology, including a suspected fault beneath the observatory.</p><p>Information about the subsurface beneath the observatory and its geological structures is available from various near-surface geophysical surveys including numerous geo-electrical profiles. These were used to undertake 3D resistivity tomography.</p><p>Here we use rock physical measurements, including thermal conductivity, permeability and seismic velocities, on core material from the research drill hole next to the observatory building to characterise the silty greywackes. This data set is complemented by the evaluation of logging data and inspection of long-term temperature data obtained from records of an optical fibre deployed in the borehole to characterize the drilled rocks and identify sections which may favour ground water transport. We also identified fissures from the acoustic televiewer and thus found several depth intervals which could represent a fault zone. Finally we used this information and the results of the resistivity tomography to propose a structural model for the subsurface including the position and type of the suspected fault zone.</p>

scholarly journals Large-scale electrical resistivity tomography in the Cheb Basin (Eger Rift) at an ICDP monitoring drill site to image fluid-related structures

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tobias Nickschick ◽  
Christina Flechsig ◽  
Jan Mrlina ◽  
Frank Oppermann ◽  
Felix Löbig ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Electrical Resistivity ◽  
Fault Zone ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Earthquake Activity ◽  
Resistivity Tomography ◽  
Near Surface ◽  
Scientific Drilling ◽  
Eger Rift ◽  
Geophysical Surveys ◽  
Cheb Basin

Abstract. The Cheb Basin, a region of ongoing swarm earthquake activity in the western Czech Republic, is characterized by intense carbon dioxide degassing along two known fault zones – the N-S-striking Počatky-Plesná fault zone (PPZ) and the NW-SE-striking Mariánské Lázně fault zone (MLF). The fluid pathways for the ascending CO2 of mantle origin are subject of an International Continental Scientific Drilling Program (ICDP) project in which several geophysical surveys are currently carried out to image the near-surface geologic situation, as existing boreholes are not sufficiently deep to characterize the structures. As electrical resistivity is a sensitive parameter to the presence of low-resistivity rock fractions as liquid fluids, clay minerals and also metallic components, a large-scale dipole-dipole experiment using a special type of electric resistivity tomography (ERT) was carried out in June 2017 in order to image fluid-relevant structures. We used static remote-controlled data loggers in conjunction with high-power current sources for generating sufficiently strong signals that could be detected all along the 6.5 km long profile with 100 m and 150 m dipole spacings. Extensive processing of time series and apparent resistivity data lead to a full pseudosection and allowing interpretation depths of more than 1000 m. The subsurface resistivity image reveals the deposition and transition of the overlying Neogene Vildštejn and Cypris formations, but also shows a very conductive basement of phyllites and granites that can be attributed to high salinization or rock alteration by these fluids in the tectonically stressed basement. Distinct, narrow pathways for CO2 ascent are not observed with this kind of setup which hints at wide degassing structures over several kilometers within the crust instead. We also observed gravity/GPS data along this profile in order to constrain ERT results. Gravity clearly shows the deepest part of the Cheb Basin along the profile, its limitation by MLF at NE end, but also shallower basement with an assumed basic intrusion in SW part of profile. We propose a conceptual model in which certain lithological layers act as caps for the ascending fluids, based on stratigraphic records and our results from this experiment, providing a basis for future drills in the area aimed at studying and monitoring fluids.

Decennial multi-approach monitoring of thermo-hydro-mechanical processes, Kammstollen outdoor laboratory, Zugspitze (Germany)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Riccardo Scandroglio ◽  
Till Rehm ◽  
Jonas K. Limbrock ◽  
Andreas Kemna ◽  
Markus Heinze ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Electrical Resistivity ◽  
Electrical Resistivity Tomography ◽  
Environmental Research ◽  
Permafrost Degradation ◽  
Earth Surface ◽  
Data Set ◽  
Resistivity Tomography ◽  
Near Surface ◽  
Permafrost Rock ◽  
Austrian Alps

<p>The warming of alpine bedrock permafrost in the last three decades and consequent reduction of frozen areas has been well documented. Its consequences like slope stability reduction put humans and infrastructures at high risk. 2020 in particular was the warmest year on record at 3000m a.s.l. embedded in the warmest decade.</p><p>Recently, the development of electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) as standard technique for quantitative permafrost investigation allows extended monitoring of this hazard even allowing including quantitative 4D monitoring strategies (Scandroglio et al., in review). Nevertheless thermo-hydro-mechanical dynamics of steep bedrock slopes cannot be totally explained by a single measurement technique and therefore multi-approach setups are necessary in the field to record external forcing and improve the deciphering of internal responses.</p><p>The Zugspitze Kammstollen is a 850m long tunnel located between 2660 and 2780m a.s.l., a few decameters under the mountain ridge. First ERT monitoring was conducted in 2007 (Krautblatter et al., 2010) and has been followed by more than one decade of intensive field work. This has led to the collection of a unique multi-approach data set of still unpublished data. Continuous logging of environmental parameters such as rock/air temperatures and water infiltration through joints as well as a dedicated thermal model (Schröder and Krautblatter, in review) provide important additional knowledge on bedrock internal dynamics. Summer ERT and seismic refraction tomography surveys with manual and automated joints’ displacement measurements on the ridge offer information on external controls, complemented by three weather stations and a 44m long borehole within 1km from the tunnel.</p><p>Year-round access to the area enables uninterrupted monitoring and maintenance of instruments for reliable data collection. “Precisely controlled natural conditions”, restricted access for researchers only and logistical support by Environmental Research Station Schneefernerhaus, make this tunnel particularly attractive for developing benchmark experiments. Some examples are the design of induced polarization monitoring, the analysis of tunnel spring water for isotopes investigation, and the multi-annual mass monitoring by means of relative gravimetry.</p><p>Here, we present the recently modernized layout of the outdoor laboratory with the latest monitoring results, opening a discussion on further possible approaches of this extensive multi-approach data set, aiming at understanding not only permafrost thermal evolution but also the connected thermo-hydro-mechanical processes.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p>Krautblatter, M. et al. (2010) ‘Temperature-calibrated imaging of seasonal changes in permafrost rock walls by quantitative electrical resistivity tomography (Zugspitze, German/Austrian Alps)’, Journal of Geophysical Research: Earth Surface, 115(2), pp. 1–15. doi: 10.1029/2008JF001209.</p><p>Scandroglio, R. et al. (in review) ‘4D-Quantification of alpine permafrost degradation in steep rock walls using a laboratory-calibrated ERT approach (in review)’, Near Surface Geophysics.</p><p>Schröder, T. and Krautblatter, M. (in review) ‘A high-resolution multi-phase thermo-geophysical model to verify long-term electrical resistivity tomography monitoring in alpine permafrost rock walls (Zugspitze, German/Austrian Alps) (submitted)’, Earth Surface Processes and Landforms.</p>

Do active faults’ clay mineral compositions affect whether earthquake ruptures they host will displace the surface?

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Selina S. Fenske ◽  
Virginia G. Toy ◽  
Bernhard Schuck ◽  
Anja M. Schleicher ◽  
Klaus Reicherter
Keyword(s):  
Fault Zone ◽  
Clay Mineral ◽  
Active Faults ◽  
Surface Displacement ◽  
Surface Rupture ◽  
Near Surface ◽  
Ground Shaking ◽  
Physical Measurements ◽  
Surface Displacements ◽  
Earthquake Ruptures

<p>The tectonophysical paradigm that earthquake ruptures should not start, or easily propagate into, the shallowest few kilometers of Earth’s crust makes it difficult to understand why damaging surface displacements have occurred during historic events. The paradigm is supported by decades of analyses demonstrating that near the surface, most major fault zones are composed of clay minerals – particularly extraordinarily weak smectites – which most laboratory physical measurements suggest should prevent surface rupture if present. Recent studies of New Zealand’s Alpine Fault Zone (AFZ) demonstrate smectites are absent from some near surface fault outcrops, which may explain why this fault was able to offset the surface locally in past events. The absence of smectites in places within the AFZ can be attributed to locally exceptionally high geothermal gradients related to circulation of meteoric (surface-derived) water into the fault zone, driven by significant topographic gradients. The record of surface rupture of the AFZ is heterogeneous, and no one has yet systematically examined the distribution of segments devoid of evidence for recent displacement. There are significant implications for seismic hazard, which comprises both surface displacements and ground shaking with intensity related to the area of fault plane that ruptures (which will be reduced if ruptures do not reach the surface).  We will present results of new rigorous XRD clay mineral analyses of AFZ principal slip zone gouges that indicate where smectites are present, and consider if these display systematic relationships to surface displacement records. We also plan to apply the same methodology to the Carboneras Fault Zone in Spain, and the infrequent Holocene-active faults in Western Germany.</p>

scholarly journals Large-scale electrical resistivity tomography in the Cheb Basin (Eger Rift) at an International Continental Drilling Program (ICDP) monitoring site to image fluid-related structures

Solid Earth ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (6) ◽  
pp. 1951-1969 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tobias Nickschick ◽  
Christina Flechsig ◽  
Jan Mrlina ◽  
Frank Oppermann ◽  
Felix Löbig ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Electrical Resistivity ◽  
Fault Zone ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Monitoring Site ◽  
Earthquake Activity ◽  
Resistivity Tomography ◽  
Scientific Drilling ◽  
Eger Rift ◽  
Geophysical Surveys ◽  
Cheb Basin

Abstract. The Cheb Basin, a region of ongoing swarm earthquake activity in the western Czech Republic, is characterized by intense carbon dioxide degassing along two known fault zones – the N–S-striking Počatky–Plesná fault zone (PPZ) and the NW–SE-striking Mariánské Lázně fault zone (MLF). The fluid pathways for the ascending CO2 of mantle origin are one of the subjects of the International Continental Scientific Drilling Program (ICDP) project “Drilling the Eger Rift” in which several geophysical surveys are currently being carried out in this area to image the topmost hundreds of meters to assess the structural situation, as existing boreholes are not sufficiently deep to characterize it. As electrical resistivity is a sensitive parameter to the presence of conductive rock fractions as liquid fluids, clay minerals, and also metallic components, a large-scale dipole–dipole experiment using a special type of electric resistivity tomography (ERT) was carried out in June 2017 in order to image fluid-relevant structures. We used permanently placed data loggers for voltage measurements in conjunction with moving high-power current sources to generate sufficiently strong signals that could be detected all along the 6.5 km long profile with 100 and 150 m dipole spacings. After extensive processing of time series for voltage and current using a selective stacking approach, the pseudo-section is inverted, which results in a resistivity model that allows for reliable interpretations depths of up than 1000 m. The subsurface resistivity image reveals the deposition and transition of the overlying Neogene Vildštejn and Cypris formations, but it also shows a very conductive basement of phyllites and granites that can be attributed to high salinity or rock alteration by these fluids in the tectonically stressed basement. Distinct, narrow pathways for CO2 ascent are not observed with this kind of setup, which hints at wide degassing structures over several kilometers within the crust instead. We also observed gravity and GPS data along this profile in order to constrain ERT results. A gravity anomaly of ca. −9 mGal marks the deepest part of the Cheb Basin where the ERT profile indicates a large accumulation of conductive rocks, indicating a very deep weathering or alteration of the phyllitic basement due to the ascent of magmatic fluids such as CO2. We propose a conceptual model in which certain lithologic layers act as caps for the ascending fluids based on stratigraphic records and our results from this experiment, providing a basis for future drillings in the area aimed at studying and monitoring fluids.

Target-oriented optimized survey design and quantitative comparison for 3D electrical resistivity tomography

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lincheng Jiang ◽  
Gang Tian ◽  
Bangbing Wang ◽  
Amr Abd El-Raouf
Keyword(s):  
Electrical Resistivity ◽  
Electrical Resistivity Tomography ◽  
Survey Design ◽  
Quantitative Comparison ◽  
Data Set ◽  
Resistivity Tomography ◽  
Near Surface ◽  
Target Set ◽  
Survey Designs

<p>In recent decades, geoelectrical methods have played a very important role in near-surface investigation. The most widely used of these methods is electrical resistivity tomography (ERT). Regardless of the forward and inversion algorithms used, the original data collected from a survey is the most important factor for quality of the resulted model. However, 3D electrical resistivity survey design continues to be based on data sets recorded using one or more of the standard electrode arrays. There is a recognized need for the 3D survey design to get better resolution using fewer data. Choosing suitable data from the comprehensive data set is a great approach. By reasonable selecting, better resolution can be obtained with fewer electrodes and measurements than conventional arrays. Previous research has demonstrated that the optimized survey design using the 'Compare R' method can give a nice performance.</p><p>This paper adds target-oriented selection and modified the original 'Compare R' method. The survey design should be focused on specific target areas, which need a priori information about the subsurface properties. We select electrodes and configurations as the target set by the comprehensive set firstly which meets the requirements of the target area. The number of measurements and electrodes is much less than the comprehensive set and the model resolution matrix takes less time to calculate. At the next step for rank, we calculate the sensitivity matrix of the target set only once and then calculate the contribution degree of each measurement separately from it. The time of iterative calculation of the resolution matrix when measurements set changing is less than the original method.</p><p>The traditional method of evaluating RMS is not appropriate for comparing the quality of collected data by different survey designs. SSIM (structural similarity index) gives more reliable measures of image similarity better than the RMS. The curves of SSIM values in three dimensions and the average SSIM are given as quantitative comparisons. Besides, the frequency of electrodes utilized given to guides on selecting the highest used electrodes. Finally, the curves of the average relative resolution S and the number of electrodes as the number of measurements increase are given, which proves the method works effectively.</p><p>The results show the significance of using target-oriented optimized survey design, as it selects fewer electrodes and arrays than the original CR method. Also, it produces better resolution than conventional arrays and takes less calculation time. 3D SSIM, frequency of electrodes used, the relationship between average relative resolution, number of electrodes and number of measurements, these quantitative comparison methods can effectively evaluate the data collected in various survey designs.</p>

Aquifer heterogeneity from SH‐wave seismic impedance inversion

Geophysics ◽  
2002 ◽  
Vol 67 (5) ◽  
pp. 1548-1557 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kevin D. Jarvis ◽  
Rosemary J. Knight
Keyword(s):  
Shallow Aquifer ◽  
Velocity Variation ◽  
Bayesian Inversion ◽  
Cone Penetrometer ◽  
Seismic Velocities ◽  
Sh Wave ◽  
Data Set ◽  
Seismic Reflection Data ◽  
Near Surface ◽  
The Impact

We collected SH‐wave seismic reflection data over a shallow aquifer in southwestern British Columbia to investigate the use of such data in hydrogeologic applications. We used this data set in developing a methodology that uses cone penetrometer data as an integral part of the inversion and interpretation of the seismic data. A Bayesian inversion technique converts the seismic amplitude variations to velocity variations, honoring the probabilities of the priors and adhering to a geologically reasonable sparseness criterion. Velocity measurements acquired with the cone penetrometer provide velocity profiles and vertical seismic profiling (VSP) data, all of which are valuable in properly constraining the Bayesian inversion. The differentiation of lithologies (in this data set, sand and clay) is accomplished by first using a normalization procedure to remove the impact of effective stress, which dominates the velocity variation in the upper 10 to 20 m. The final transformation of seismic velocities to void ratio for the sand‐dominated regions is made using laboratory‐derived measurements; it provides an image of the heterogeneity of the near‐surface aquifer.

Traveltime tomographic inversion with simultaneous static corrections — Well worth the effort

Geophysics ◽  
2009 ◽  
Vol 74 (6) ◽  
pp. WCB25-WCB33 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ari Tryggvason ◽  
Cedric Schmelzbach ◽  
Christopher Juhlin
Keyword(s):  
Seismic Reflection ◽  
Real Data ◽  
Seismic Velocities ◽  
Low Velocity ◽  
Data Set ◽  
Detailed Model ◽  
Seismic Reflection Data ◽  
Near Surface ◽  
First Arrival ◽  
Static Corrections

We have developed a first-arrival traveltime inversion scheme that jointly solves for seismic velocities and source and receiver static-time terms. The static-time terms are included to compensate for varying time delays introduced by the near-surface low-velocity layer that is too thin to be resolved by tomography. Results on a real data set consisting of picked first-arrival times from a seismic-reflection 2D/3D experiment in a crystalline environment show that the tomography static-time terms are very similar in values and distribution to refraction-static corrections computed using standard refraction-statics software. When applied to 3D seismic-reflection data, tomography static-time terms produce similar or more coherent seismic-reflection images compared to the images using corrections from standard refraction-static software. Furthermore, the method provides a much more detailed model of the near-surface bedrock velocity than standard software when the static-time terms are included in the inversion. Low-velocity zones in this model correlate with other geologic and geophysical data, suggesting that our method results in a reliable model. In addition to generally being required in seismic-reflection imaging, static corrections are also necessary in traveltime tomography to obtain high-fidelity velocity images of the subsurface.

Ground-Motion Analysis of Hydraulic-Fracturing Induced Seismicity at Close Epicentral Distance

2019 ◽  
Vol 110 (1) ◽  
pp. 331-344
Author(s):  
Germán Rodríguez-Pradilla ◽  
David W. Eaton
Keyword(s):  
Hydraulic Fracturing ◽  
Ground Motion ◽  
Induced Seismicity ◽  
Epicentral Distance ◽  
Ground Motions ◽  
Strong Motion ◽  
Seismic Velocities ◽  
Traffic Light ◽  
Data Set ◽  
Near Surface

ABSTRACT The application of seismic hazard analysis methods developed for natural earthquakes can provide an effective framework for managing risks of induced seismicity (IS) sequences, particularly for assessment of potential risk to nearby infrastructure. Among various factors, the reliability of these methods depends on the accuracy of the ground-motion prediction equation (GMPE)—especially at close epicentral distances where ground motions are expected to be highest. In addition, potential impacts on local infrastructure can be assessed based on ground-motion-derived intensity values, which provide a basis for some traffic-light protocols that are used for managing fluid IS. GMPEs in many areas of the world, however, are poorly calibrated at close epicentral distances, because the availability of near-source seismograph stations is generally very sparse. This study investigates ground motions generated by an IS sequence, up to local magnitude (ML) 3.77 that occurred during a hydraulic-fracturing stimulation in the Duvernay shale play in central Alberta, western Canada. The sequence was monitored using a near-surface array that was located directly above the hydraulically fractured horizontal wells, providing accurate ground-motion measurements at hypocentral distances <10  km. The local array consisted of a combination of geophones cemented in shallow wellbores to depth of ∼27  m, shallow buried broadband seismometers, and a strong-motion accelerometer. This configuration enabled direct measurement of near-surface seismic velocities in the top 27 m, which provided robust VS30 data used to correct observed ground motions for local site-amplification effects. Our data set extends previous analyses in this region by providing new measurements very close to the epicenters of moderate earthquakes and shows that a recently developed GMPE provides accurate near-source ground-motion estimates.

scholarly journals Linear discontinuous deformations in the light of investigations performed with ERT method

2018 ◽  
Vol 66 ◽  
pp. 01006 ◽  
Author(s):  
Piotr Strzałkowski ◽  
Roman Ścigała ◽  
Katarzyna Szafulera ◽  
Marek Kruczkowski
Keyword(s):  
Electrical Resistivity ◽  
Rock Mass ◽  
Electrical Resistivity Tomography ◽  
Underground Mining ◽  
Mining Area ◽  
Geological Structure ◽  
Mining Operations ◽  
Resistivity Tomography ◽  
Near Surface ◽  
Geophysical Surveys

The article presents an example of using the electrical resistivity tomography method to assess the condition of shallow rock mass layers in the area of linear discontinuous deformations created in the past due to underground mining activity. The research concerned the mining area of one of the Upper Silesian Coal Basin mines, where intensive mining operations have been conducted for several decades. In the considered area, linear discontinuous deformations were created in the form of ground steps. Their location is related to characteristic layout of deposit accessing roadways and extraction fronts in several coal seams. The article analyzes the geological structure of the deposit and the state of deformation of the rock mass caused by mining operations. In order to evaluate the hitherto impacts, appropriate calculations of the extraction influence were performed, assuming different views on the summation of horizontal strain in long time intervals. The calculations were carried out using the theory of W.Budryk - S. Knothe. Theoretical considerations were supplemented with geophysical surveys performed with using electrical resistivity tomography. Obtained results of the near-surface layers ERT imaging in the form of resistivity profiles confirm the existence of rock loosening zones in the areas of discontinuous deformations occurrence.

scholarly journals Temporal changes of seismic velocities in the San Jacinto Fault zone associated with the 2016 Mw 5.2 Borrego Springs earthquake

2019 ◽  
Vol 220 (3) ◽  
pp. 1536-1554 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hongrui Qiu ◽  
Gregor Hillers ◽  
Yehuda Ben-Zion
Keyword(s):  
Fault Zone ◽  
Temporal Changes ◽  
Coda Wave ◽  
Seismic Velocities ◽  
Rupture Directivity ◽  
Lapse Time ◽  
Near Surface ◽  
Fault Surface ◽  
San Jacinto Fault ◽  
San Jacinto Fault Zone

SUMMARY We study temporal changes of seismic velocities associated with the 10 June 2016 Mw 5.2 Borrego Springs earthquake in the San Jacinto fault zone, using nine component Green's function estimates reconstructed from daily cross correlations of ambient noise. The analysed data are recorded by stations in two dense linear arrays, at Dry Wash (DW) and Jackass Flat (JF), crossing the fault surface trace ∼3 km northwest and southeast of the event epicentre. The two arrays have 9 and 12 stations each with instrument spacing of 25–100 m. Relative velocity changes (δv/v) are estimated from arrival time changes in the daily correlation coda waveforms compared to a reference stack. The obtained array-average δv/v time-series exhibit changes associated with the Borrego Springs event, superposed with seasonal variations. The earthquake-related changes are characterized by a rapid coseismic velocity drop followed by a gradual recovery. This is consistently observed at both arrays using time- and frequency-domain δv/v analyses with data from different components in various frequency bands. Larger changes at lower frequencies imply that the variations are not limited to the near surface material. A decreasing coseismic velocity reduction with coda wave lapse time indicates larger coseismic structural perturbations in the fault zone and near-fault environment compared to the surrounding rock. Observed larger changes at the DW array compared to the JF array possibly reflect the northwestward rupture directivity of the Borrego Springs earthquake.

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