• Geophysics and Geophysical Exploration
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• v.11 no.1
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• pp.26-33
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• 2008

The analysis of wide-angle seismic reflection and refraction data plays an important role in lithospheric-scale crustal structure study. However, it is extremely difficult to develop an appropriate velocity structure model directly from the observed data, and we have to improve the structure model step by step, because the crustal structure analysis is an intrinsically non-linear problem. There are several subjective processes in wide-angle crustal structure modelling, such as phase identification and trial-and-error forward modelling. Because these subjective processes in wide-angle data analysis reduce the uniqueness and credibility of the resultant models, it is important to reduce subjectivity in the analysis procedure. From this point of view, we describe two software tools, PASTEUP and MODELING, to be used for developing crustal structure models. PASTEUP is an interactive application that facilitates the plotting of record sections, analysis of wide-angle seismic data, and picking of phases. PASTEUP is equipped with various filters and analysis functions to enhance signal-to-noise ratio and to help phase identification. MODELING is an interactive application for editing velocity models, and ray-tracing. Synthetic traveltimes computed by the MODELING application can be directly compared with the observed waveforms in the PASTEUP application. This reduces subjectivity in crustal structure modelling because traveltime picking, which is one of the most subjective process in the crustal structure analysis, is not required. MODELING can convert an editable layered structure model into two-way traveltimes which can be compared with time-sections of Multi Channel Seismic (MCS) reflection data. Direct comparison between the structure model of wide-angle data with the reflection data will give the model more credibility. In addition, both PASTEUP and MODELING are efficient tools for handling a large dataset. These software tools help us develop more plausible lithospheric-scale structure models using wide-angle seismic data.

• Geophysics and Geophysical Exploration
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• v.11 no.1
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• pp.52-59
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• 2008

We have developed a new deep-towed marine DC resistivity survey system. It was designed to detect the top boundary of the methane hydrate zone, which is not imaged well by seismic reflection surveys. Our system, with a transmitter and a 160-m-long tail with eight source electrodes and a receiver dipole, is towed from a research vessel near the seafloor. Numerical calculations show that our marine DC resistivity survey system can effectively image the top surface of the methane hydrate layer. A survey was carried out off Joetsu, in the Japan Sea, where outcrops of methane hydrate are observed. We successfully obtained DC resistivity data along a profile ${\sim}3.5\;km$ long, and detected relatively high apparent resistivity values. Particularly in areas with methane hydrate exposure, anomalously high apparent resistivity was observed, and we interpret these high apparent resistivities to be due to the methane hydrate zone below the seafloor. Marine DC resistivity surveys will be a new tool to image sub-seafloor structures within methane hydrate zones.

• Geophysics and Geophysical Exploration
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• v.11 no.1
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• pp.1-14
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• 2008

We present a method for interpreting seismic records with arrivals and waveforms having characteristics which could be generated by extremely inhomogeneous velocity structures, such as non-typical oceanic crust, decollement at subduction zones, and seamounts in oceanic regions, by comparing them with synthetic waveforms. Recent extensive refraction and wide-angle reflection surveys in oceanic regions have provided us with a huge number of high-resolution and high-quality seismic records containing characteristic arrivals and waveforms, besides first arrivals and major reflected phases such as PmP. Some characteristic waveforms, with significant later reflected phases or anomalous amplitude decay with offset distance, are difficult to interpret using only a conventional interpretation method such as the traveltime tomographic inversion method. We find the best process for investigating such characteristic phases is to use an interactive interpretation method to compare observed data with synthetic waveforms, and calculate raypaths and traveltimes. This approach enables us to construct a reasonable structural model that includes all of the major characteristics of the observed waveforms. We present results here with some actual observed examples that might be of great help in the interpretation of such problematic phases. Our approach to the analysis of waveform characteristics is endorsed as an innovative method for constructing high-resolution and high-quality crustal structure models, not only in oceanic regions, but also in the continental regions.

• Geophysics and Geophysical Exploration
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• v.20 no.3
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• pp.146-162
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• 2017

Multibeam and seismic data in the northwestern part of the Ulleung Basin were analyzed to study stratigraphy and evolutionary history of submarine canyon. A detailed analysis reveals that the sedimentary sequences in this area consist of four stratigraphic units separated by erosional unconformities. On the continental slope, these units are dominated by well-stratified facies with some slope failures, whereas these units show well-stratified and chaotic facies toward the basin floor. Generally, the sediment thickness is relatively thin on the slope, whereas thick sediment accumulation occurs on the base of slope and basin floor. Based on seismic characteristics and distribution, the deposition of each units are well correlated with the evolutionary history of the submarine canyon. Unit 1 directly overlying the acoustic basement has thin sediment layer on the slope, whereas its thickness gradually increase toward the basin floor. Compared to other units, Unit 2 is relatively thick accumulations on the slope and contains some slope failures related to faults systems. The mass transport sediments due to slope failures, mainly deposited on the base of slope as a submarine fan. The width and depth of submarine canyon increase due to dominant of the erosional process rather than the sediment deposition. Unit 3 is thin accumulation on the slope around the submarine canyon. Toward the basin floor, its thickness gradually increases. Unit 4 is characterized by thin layers including slides and slumps on the slope, whereas it formed thick accumulations at the base of slope as a submarine fan. The increase in the width and depth of submarine canyon results from the dominant of the erosional process and slope failures around the submarine canyon. Consequently, the formation of sedimentary units combined with the development of submarine canyon in this area is largely controlled by the amounts of sediment supply originated from slope failures, regional tectonic effects and sea-level fluctuations.

• Geophysics and Geophysical Exploration
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• v.1 no.2
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• pp.101-109
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• 1998

Using airborne magnetic data, magnetic characteristics were studied at the Samryangjin caldera area developed in the volcanics of the Yuchon sub-basin, the south eastern part of the Gyeongsang basin. Residual magnetics, reduction to the pole, horizontal derivative, and vertical derivative maps are prepared. Using these maps, the magnetic lithofaces are zoned and the geological structures such as caldera and faults were qualitatively interpreted. In addition, the two quantitative interpretations were performed. Firstly, the forward modelling were done to the 14.5 line km crossing the caldera area to the northeast-southwest direction. Applying the 3-D Euler deconvolution method to the whole study area, the depth extent and the characteristics of the magnetic anomalous bodies were studied. According to the results, the magnetic lithofaces of the area are zoned by 4 units. In general, these are well matched with the geological distributions. But the biotite granites intruded in the northern boundary of the Samryangjin caldera show the high magnetic intensity, while the biotite granites of the other areas show the low magnetic intensity and the different magnetic lithofaces. Thus, we interpreted that the biotite granites are closely related with the volcanic activity of the Samryngjin caldera, and are intruded in the fracture zones developed along the caldera rim. The Samryangjin caldera and fault structures of the area can be easily recognized by the distinct magnetic structures from the various magnetic anomaly maps. Also the topographic characteristics well reflect these structures. The results of the forward modelling show that the magnetic basement depth of the Gyeongsang sedimentary basin is on the average about 6 km and in maximum 10 km. And the depth becomes shallower toward the caldera boundary due to the shallow intrusion of the volcanics. The results of the 3-D Euler method also show the caldera and fault structures. And the relatively shallow magnetic anomalous bodies which are related with the volcanics are generally developed to the east-west and northeast directions, while the deep magnetic anomalous bodies to the northwest direction.

• Geophysics and Geophysical Exploration
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• v.15 no.4
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• pp.209-218
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• 2012

Repeatability and reproducibility in solid weight and effective porosity measurements have been discussed using 8 core samples with different diameters, lengths, rock types, and effective porosities. Further, the effect of temperature on the effective porosity measurement has been discussed as well. Effective porosity of each sample has been measured 7 times with vacuum saturation method with vacuum pressure of 1 torr and vacuum time of 80 minutes. Firstly, effective porosity of each sample is measured one by one, so that it can provide a reference value. Then for reproducibility check, effective porosity measurements with vacuum saturation of 2, 4, and 8 samples simultaneously have been performed. And finally, repeated measurements for 3 times for each sample are made for repeatability check. Average deviation from the reference set in solid weight showed 0.00 $g/cm^3$, which means perfect repeatability and reproducibility. For effective porosity, average deviations are less than 0.07% and 0.05% in repeatability and reproducibility test sets, respectively, which are in good agreement too. Most of porosities measured in reproducibility test lies within the deviation range in repeatability test sets. Thus, simultaneous vacuum saturation of several samples has little impact on the effective porosity measurement when high vacuum pressure of 1 torr is used. Air temperature can cause errors on submerged weight read and even effective porosity, because it is closely related to the temperature, density, and buoyancy of water. Consequently, for accurate measurement of effective porosity in a laboratory, efforts for maintaining air or water temperature constant during the experiment, or a temperature correction from other information are needed.

• Geophysics and Geophysical Exploration
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• v.12 no.1
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• pp.121-131
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• 2009

In recent years, microtremor array observations have been used for estimation of shear-wave velocity structures. One of the methods is the conventional spatial autocorrelation (SPAC) method, which requires simultaneous recording at least with three or four sensors. Modified SPAC methods such as 2sSPAC, and linear array methods, allow estimating shear-wave structures by using only two sensors, but suffer from instability of the spatial autocorrelation coefficient for frequency ranges higher than 1.0 Hz. Based on microtremor measurements from four different size triangular arrays and four same-size triangular and linear arrays, we have demonstrated the stability of SPAC coefficient for the frequency range from 2 to 4 or 5 Hz. The phase velocities, obtained by fitting the SPAC coefficients to the Bessel function, are also consistent up to the frequency 5 Hz. All data were processed by the SPAC method, with the exception of the spatial averaging for the linear array cases. The arrays were deployed sequentially at different times, near a site having existing Parallel Seismic (PS) borehole logging data. We also used the imaginary part of the SPAC coefficients as a data-quality indicator. Based on perturbations of the autocorrelation spectrum (and in some cases on visual examination of the record waveforms) we divided data into so-called 'reliable' and 'unreliable' categories. We then calculated the imaginary part of the SPAC spectrum for 'reliable', 'unreliable', and complete (i.e. 'reliable' and 'unreliable' datasets combined) datasets for each array, and compared the results. In the case of insufficient azimuthal distribution of the stations (the linear array) the imaginary curve shows some instability and can therefore be regarded as an indicator of insufficient spatial averaging. However, in the case of low coherency of the wavefield the imaginary curve does not show any significant instability.

• Geophysics and Geophysical Exploration
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• v.12 no.1
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• pp.132-142
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• 2009

The Tamar rift valley runs through the City of Launceston, Tasmania. Damage has occurred to city buildings due to earthquake activity in Bass Strait. The presence of the ancient valley, the Tamar valley, in-filled with soft sediments that vary rapidly in thickness from 0 to 250mover a few hundreds metres, is thought to induce a 2D resonance pattern, amplifying the surface motions over the valley and in Launceston. Spatially averaged coherency (SPAC), frequency-wavenumber (FK) and horizontal to vertical spectrum ratio (HVSR) microtremor survey methods are combined to identify and characterise site effects over the Tamar valley. Passive seismic array measurements acquired at seven selected sites were analysed with SPAC to estimate shear wave velocity (slowness) depth profiles. SPAC was then combined with HVSR to improve the resolution of these profiles in the sediments to an approximate depth of 125 m. Results show that sediments thicknesses vary significantly throughout Launceston. The top layer is composed of as much as 20m of very soft Quaternary alluvial sediments with a velocity from 50 m/s to 125 m/s. Shear-wave velocities in the deeper Tertiary sediment fill of the Tamar valley, with thicknesses from 0 to 250m vary from 400 m/s to 750 m/s. Results obtained using SPAC are presented at two selected sites (GUN and KPK) that agree well with dispersion curves interpreted with FK analysis. FK interpretation is, however, limited to a narrower range of frequencies than SPAC and seems to overestimate the shear wave velocity at lower frequencies. Observed HVSR are also compared with the results obtained by SPAC, assuming a layered earth model, and provide additional constraints on the shear wave slowness profiles at these sites. The combined SPAC and HVSR analysis confirms the hypothesis of a layered geology at the GUN site and indicates the presence of a 2D resonance pattern across the Tamar valley at the KPK site.

• Geophysics and Geophysical Exploration
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• v.16 no.1
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• pp.18-26
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• 2013

Shear-wave velocity ($v_s$) structures beneath two seismic stations, JJU and JJB on the flanks of the volcano Halla on Jeju island, Korea, were estimated by receiver-function inversion and H-${\kappa}$ stacking applied to 150 teleseismic events ($M_W{\geq}5.5$) recorded since 2007. $P_S$ waves converted at the Moho discontinuity does not appear clearly for northwesterly back-azimuths ($207{\sim}409^{\circ}$, average $308^{\circ}$) at station JJU and southeasterly back-azimuths ($119{\sim}207^{\circ}C$, average $163^{\circ}$) at station JJB. This may be due to a gradual velocity increase at Moho or heterogeneity within the crust. The $v_s$ models derived by inversion of receiver functions indicate a distinct low velocity layer ($v_s{\leq}3.5km/s$; LVL) within the crust and a gradual increase in $v_s$ in the depth interval of 30 to 40 km. Within the radius of 18 km beneath station JJB, the LVL occurs at depths of 14 ~ 26 km and the 'Moho' ($v_s{\geq}4.3km/s$) is at 34 km depth. Ten kilometers to the west, within the radius of 16 km beneath station JJU, both the LVL and the Moho are significantly shallower, at depths of 14 to 24 km and 30 km, respectively. H-${\kappa}$ analyses for stations JJU and JJB yield estimated crustal thickness of 29 and 33 km and $v_p/v_s$ ratios of 1.64 and 1.75, respectively. The lesser $v_p/v_s$ ratio was derived for rocks nearest to th peak of the volcano.

• Geophysics and Geophysical Exploration
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• v.9 no.4
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• pp.279-290
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• 2006

The borehole radar methods used to tunnel detection are mainly classified into borehole radar reflection, directional antenna, crosshole scanning, and radar tomography methods. In this study, we have investigated the feasibility and limitation of each method to tunnel detection through case studies. In the borehole radar reflection data, there were much more clear diffraction signals of the upper wings than lower wings of the hyperbolas reflected from the tunnel, and their upper and lower wings were spreaded out to more than 10m higher and lower traces from the peaks of the hyperbolas. As the ratio of borehole diameter to antenna length increases, the ringing gets stronger on the data due to the increase in the impedance mismatching between antennas and water in the boreholes. It is also found that the reflection signals from the tunnel could be enhanced using the optimal offset distance between transmitter and receiver antennas. Nevertheless, the borehole radar reflection data could not provide directional information of the reflectors in the subsurface. Direction finding antenna system had a advantage to take a three dimensional location of a tunnel with only one borehole survey even though the cost is still very high and it required very high expertise. The data from crosshole scanning could be a good indicator for tunnel detection and it could give more reliable result when the borehole radar reflection survey is carried out together. The images of the subsurface also can be reconstructed using travel time tomography which could provide the physical property of the medium and would be effective for imaging the underground structure such as tunnels. Based on the results described above, we suggest a cost-effective field procedure for detection of a tunnel using borehole radar techniques; borehole radar reflection survey using dipole antenna can firstly be applied to pick up anomalous regions within the borehole, and crosshole scanning or reflection survey using directional antenna can then be applied only to the anomalous regions to detect the tunnel.