Intrinsic Attenuation Research Articles

Frequency dependence of attenuation components including mantle leakage in Garhwal Himalaya based on a modified MLTWA method

SUMMARY Attenuation mechanism of seismic waves derived with an appropriate scattering model is a mandate for high-frequency earthquake ground-motion modelling. The assumption of uniform half-space is not always realistic and can have significant implications on the results obtained. We tested this assumption for the case of Garhwal Himalaya using a two-layered half-space model. To this end, we analysed the 1999 Chamoli earthquake aftershock sequence in Garhwal Himalaya based on the MLTWA method assuming both the uniform and layered models. The data set consists of 384 seismograms from 72 aftershocks recorded by a temporary seismic network of twelve stations. The uniform model cannot fully describe the energy loss by intrinsic and scattering attenuation, expecting bias in the corresponding attenuation estimates which are constrained by comparing results of numerical simulations with analytical solutions. By comparing the coda envelopes of both the analytical and numerical experiments for a suite of models that include the varying degree of scattering and intrinsic attenuation of crust and mantle (half-space), we could obtain improved attenuation estimates. Monte Carlo method was used to numerically solve the radiative transfer equation to deal with multiple isotropic scattering of seismic waves in 3-D heterogeneous acoustic media. The coda envelopes for the uniform model could reasonably fit those for the layered ones. The envelope fits suggest that the intrinsic and scattering coefficients for the uniform model are overestimated, by a factor that is frequency-dependent, as compared to those for the layered earth model. The factor lies in the range 4.0–7.5 (5.75 ± 1.75) below ∼3 Hz and 2.8–4.0 (3.4 ± 0.6) above 3 Hz for intrinsic, and the range 1.1–2.5 (1.8 ± 0.7) for scattering coefficient at 1–12 Hz. Under the assumption of a layered model, we could further reinterpret the apparent frequency-dependent energy loss as a sum of frequency-dependent mantle leakage and frequency-independent intrinsic attenuation. The results in the assumption of a layered model suggest strong scattering in the upper crust and weak mantle leakage in the frequency range 1.5–24 Hz. The small-scale random heterogeneities responsible for the observed scattering likely represent the fluid-filled fractured-crust, as evidenced from seismic tomography in the source area of the 1999 event.

Small-scale lithospheric heterogeneity characterization using Bayesian inference and energy flux models

SUMMARYObservations from different disciplines have shown that our planet is highly heterogeneous at multiple scale lengths. Still, many seismological Earth models tend not to include any small-scale heterogeneity or lateral velocity variations, which can affect measurements and predictions based on these homogeneous models. In this study, we describe the lithospheric small-scale isotropic heterogeneity structure in terms of the intrinsic, diffusion and scattering quality factors, as well as an autocorrelation function, associated with a characteristic scale length (a) and RMS fractional velocity fluctuations (ε). To obtain this characterization, we combined a single-layer and a multilayer energy flux models with a new Bayesian inference algorithm. Our synthetic tests show that this technique can successfully retrieve the input parameter values for 1- or 2-layer models and that our Bayesian algorithm can resolve whether the data can be fitted by a single set of parameters or a range of models is required instead, even for very complex posterior probability distributions. We applied this technique to three seismic arrays in Australia: Alice Springs array (ASAR), Warramunga Array (WRA) and Pilbara Seismic Array (PSAR). Our single-layer model results suggest intrinsic and diffusion attenuation are strongest for ASAR, while scattering and total attenuation are similarly strong for ASAR and WRA. All quality factors take higher values for PSAR than for the other two arrays, implying that the structure beneath this array is less attenuating and heterogeneous than for ASAR or WRA. The multilayer model results show the crust is more heterogeneous than the lithospheric mantle for all arrays. Crustal correlation lengths and RMS velocity fluctuations for these arrays range from ∼0.2 to 1.5 km and ∼2.3 to 3.9 per cent, respectively. Parameter values for the upper mantle are not unique, with combinations of low values of the parameters (a < 2 km and ε < ∼2.5 per cent) being as likely as those with high correlation length and velocity variations (a > 5 km and ε > ∼2.5 per cent, respectively). We attribute the similarities in the attenuation and heterogeneity structure beneath ASAR and WRA to their location on the proterozoic North Australian Craton, as opposed to PSAR, which lies on the archaean West Australian Craton. Differences in the small-scale structure beneath ASAR and WRA can be ascribed to the different tectonic histories of these two regions of the same craton. Overall, our results highlight the suitability of the combination of an energy flux model and a Bayesian inference algorithm for future scattering and small-scale heterogeneity studies, since our approach allows us to obtain and compare the different quality factors, while also giving us detailed information about the trade-offs and uncertainties in the determination of the scattering parameters.

Love-wave normal modes discriminate between upper-mantle and crustal earthquakes: Simulation and demonstration in Tibet

We discriminate upper-mantle earthquakes from crustal earthquakes based on the amplitude ratio of seismic waves Sn and Lg (‘Sn/Lg’), a prominent feature of regional seismograms that is visible to the naked eye. Crucially, our new method uses only the waveforms of the candidate earthquake, unlike previous methods to identify upper-mantle earthquakes that introduce potentially large errors by comparing hypocentral depths with independent measures of crustal thickness. Our synthetics show that the Love-wave higher modes that form individual Sn and Lg Airy phases on the transverse component are preferentially excited when the source is respectively below or above the Moho. We use three previously recognized mantle events from southern Tibet to validate our new approach and show that focal mechanism, intrinsic attenuation, geometrical spreading etc., can be ignored to first order. We then identify two new upper-mantle earthquakes in NW Tibet where, previously, only lower-crustal events had been reliably demonstrated, thereby showing this NW-Tibet lithosphere is seismogenic at all depths i.e. that upper-mantle and lower-crustal earthquakes co-exist. Our method has potential for expanding the global catalog of continental earthquakes reliably determined to be close above or close below the Moho.

1D magnetic nitrogen doped carbon-based fibers derived from NiFe Prussian blue analogues embedded polyacrylonitrile via electrospinning with tunable microwave absorption

Exploring excellent microwave absorbing materials (MAMs) to manage the electromagnetic (EM) radiation and interference is still a grand challenge nowadays. In this work, NiFe Prussian blue analogues (NiFe-PBA) embedded in polyacrylonitrile (PAN) fibers is prepared by electrospinning, and the derived NiFe nanoparticles embedded in nitrogen doped carbon fibers (NiFe@NCFs) were synthesized followed a heat treatment process. Among the samples, the minimum reflection loss is −39.7 dB at 11.5 GHz with a small thickness of 2 mm and the broadest effective absorption bandwidth (EAB) is 4.6 GHz with a small thickness of only 1.45 mm. The excellent microwave absorption is attribute to the synergistic effect of suitable impedance matching and intrinsic strong attenuation capability. The quantity of NiFe-PBA embedded in PAN fiber-like precursors could effectively regulate the EM parameters of NiFe@NCFs by adjusting the conductivity and magnetic properties. It is believed that this work would opened up a way for designing novel light-weight, ultrathin-thickness, broadband, strong microwave attenuation capability of magnetic carbon-based MAMs.

LP or VT signals? How intrinsic attenuation influences volcano seismic signatures constrained by Whakaari volcano parameters

Long Period (LP) seismicity is considered a key indicator of fluid migration in the volcanic edifice, with a source mechanism typically ascribed to fluid resonance in the volcano conduit and fractures. Our viscoelastic numerical wave propagation models at laboratory and field scales are based on quantitative estimates of wave speeds and intrinsic attenuation from Whakaari rocks saturated with a range of fluid types. Such models display path effects in homogeneous and layered media that influence the frequency content and duration of the seismic waveforms. We find that volcano-tectonic (VT) earthquakes can resemble short-duration LP events when propagating through fully or partially gas-saturated ash tuff deposits. Meanwhile, in a shallow volcanic subsurface comprising low-velocity, attenuative ash tuff and high-velocity, low-attenuation lava layers, VT signals may be distorted to resemble long-duration LP events. Such geological models are built based on interpretations of the shallow hydrothermal system at Whakaari volcano, and discussed in the context of other volcanoes around the world.

Single-Station Coda Wave Interferometry: A Feasibility Study Using Machine Learning.

Coda wave interferometry usually is applied with pairs of stations analyzing the signal transmitted from one station to another. A feasibility study was performed to evaluate if one single station could be used. In this case, the reflected coda wave signal from a zone to be identified was analyzed. Finite-difference simulations of wave propagation were used to study whether ultrasonic measurements could be used to detect velocity changes in such a zone up to a depth of 1.6 m in a highly scattering medium. For this aim, 1D convolutional neural networks were used for prediction. The crack density, the crack length, and the intrinsic attenuation were varied in the considered background material. The influence of noise and the sensor width was elaborated as well. It was shown that, in general, the suggested single-station approach is a possible way to identify damage zones, and the method was robust against the studied variations. The suggested workflow also took advantage of machine-learning techniques, and can be transferred to the detection of defects in concrete structures.

Temporal variation in scattering and intrinsic attenuation due to earthquakes in East Asia

Separated attenuation values have not been used in post-seismic variation research, although the scattering attenuation (Qs−1) parameter that can be used to estimate crustal inhomogeneity due to cracks. In this study, three earthquakes that occurred in Kumamoto (M7.3), Tottori (M6.6), and Gyeongju (M5.8) in 2016 were investigated by applying a multiple lapse time window analysis to seismograms recorded before and after the events. At a low frequency, significantly greater variation of the Qs−1 value was observed than the intrinsic attenuation (Qi−1) for the Kumamoto earthquake, whereas similarly large variation was observed for the Gyeongju earthquake. For the surrounding Kumamoto earthquake area of increased attenuation, even higher decreases in Qs–1 and Qi–1 were also observed. The increases occurred within a two year-period after mainshock. The large increases in attenuation, corresponding to regions with high peak ground acceleration, were limited to the basin area with an elevation below 500 m. Furthermore, post-seismic increases in attenuation values were found to correlate with the magnitude and length of the quiet periods of the earthquakes. From this study, Qs–1 and Qi–1 were shown as new parameters that can quantitatively measure the post-seismic deformation due to crustal earthquake.

Frequency-dependent anisotropy in porous rocks with aligned cracks containing compressible fluid–a model based on poroelastic spring condition and exact solution of scattering by a circular crack at oblique incidence

SUMMARYThorough understanding of seismic signatures in cracked rocks is essential to estimate rock physical properties. Wave-induced fluid flow (or diffusion), scattering and Biot's global flow are three major mechanisms in controlling frequency-dependent attenuation and dispersion. To shed light on how those mechanisms and their interference affect the anisotropic features in cracked porous rocks, we develop an analytic model to estimate the angle-dependent attenuation and dispersion in such media. The most noteworthy feature of the model is that it is developed upon the exact solution of the problem of elastic wave scattered by a crack at oblique incidence. In particular, the poroelastic spring condition is applied to describe the influences of crack thickness and crack-filling fluid elasticity on wave scattering. Regardless of its complexity, we have showed that the model agrees with many benchmark theories under corresponding conditions, demonstrating its reasonability. It is found that the key factors that dominate anisotropic attenuation and dispersion are different in separating frequency regimes. At diffusion-dominated frequencies, the frequency-dependent anisotropic properties are mainly determined by the normal stress on the crack faces. In contrast, in Rayleigh scattering regime, they are greatly determined by the applied shear stress. At higher frequencies (Mie scattering regime), affected by the wave reflections between the crack edges, the frequency-dependent anisotropy becomes complex. The angle-dependent velocity can largely deviate from elliptic-shaped profile. As a result, the material properties cannot be described within the framework of the transversely isotropic medium model. Moreover, it is found that the attenuation is sensitive to the fluid compressibility and crack thickness, showing evidences that it is possible to invert fluid saturation and permeability from seismic attenuation. We also conclude that using a simple linear superposition of the attenuations due to wave-induced fluid flow and elastic scattering from their corresponding equivalent medium models will leads to an overestimation of the total attenuation. Our results demonstrate it is necessary to account for the mechanism interference to allow for an adequate estimation of the intrinsic attenuation of cracked porous rocks.

Impact of spatial variability of shear wave velocity on the lagged coherency of synthetic surface ground motions

The spatial incoherence of ground motion during an earthquake can have a significant effect on the dynamic response of engineering structures such as bridges, dams, nuclear power plants and lifeline facilities. The main objective of this paper is to study the effect of anisotropic heterogeneities in a soil layer overlying homogeneous bedrock on the lagged coherency of surface ground motion. A set of numerical experiments is performed based on 2D spatial variability of shear-wave velocities modeled as a homogeneous stationary random field and discretized by the EOLE method (Expansion Optimal Linear Estimation). Seismic ground motions were simulated using FLAC2D software in the 1–25 Hz band for a plane wave excitation with SV polarization. The soil is characterized by horizontal and vertical autocorrelation distances ranging between 5 and 20 m and 1 and 2 m, respectively, and a coefficient of variation of the shear-wave velocity varying between 5% and 40%. The synthetic seismograms calculated for 9 parameter sets (100 realizations each) clearly show seismic waves scattering and surface waves diffracted locally by the ground heterogeneities, generating large spatial variations in coherence mainly controlled by the coefficient of variation of shear-wave velocity. Consistently with existing models and experimental data, the numerical coherency curves decrease with frequency and receiver distance, however at a rate which is lower than that observed in the experimental data. This difference is probably due to intrinsic attenuation that is not accounted for in the simulations and/or to our 2D simulations that do not reproduce the complete wavefield. The numerical average coherency curves for each parameter set exhibit maxima within narrow frequency bands caused by the vertically trapped body waves and surface wave propagation properties within the average ground model. This interpretation is supported by experimental data recorded in the Koutavos-Argostoli valley (Greece).

Sensitivity kernels for static and dynamic tomography of scattering and absorbing media with elastic waves: a probabilistic approach

SUMMARYScattered seismic coda waves are frequently used to characterize small scale medium heterogeneities, intrinsic attenuation or temporal changes of wave velocity. Spatial variability of these properties raises questions about the spatial sensitivity of seismic coda waves. Especially the continuous monitoring of medium perturbations using ambient seismic noise led to a demand for approaches to image perturbations observed with coda waves. An efficient approach to localize spatial and temporal variations of medium properties is to invert the observations from different source–receiver combinations and different lapse times in the coda for the location of the perturbations. For such an inversion, it is key to calculate the coda-wave sensitivity kernels which describe the connection between observations and the perturbation. Most discussions of sensitivity kernels use the acoustic approximation in a spatially uniform medium and often assume wave propagation in the diffusion regime. We model 2-D multiple non-isotropic scattering in a random elastic medium with spatially variable heterogeneity and attenuation using the radiative transfer equations which we solve with the Monte Carlo method. Recording of the specific energy density of the wavefield that contains the complete information about the energy density at a given position, time and propagation direction allows us to calculate sensitivity kernels according to rigorous theoretical derivations. The practical calculation of the kernels involves the solution of the adjoint radiative transport equations. We investigate sensitivity kernels that describe the relationships between changes of the model in P- and S-wave velocity, P- and S-wave attenuation and the strength of fluctuation on the one hand and seismogram envelope, traveltime changes and waveform decorrelation as observables on the other hand. These sensitivity kernels reflect the effect of the spatial variations of medium properties on the wavefield and constitute the first step in the development of a tomographic inversion approach for the distribution of small-scale heterogeneity based on scattered waves.

Could both intrinsic and extrinsic iodine be successfully suppressed on virtual non-contrast CT images for detecting thyroid calcification?

Although virtual non-contrast (VNC) successfully removes iodinated contrast, uncertainty exists regarding the feasibility of VNC to suppress iodine for detecting thyroid calcification. Therefore, we evaluated whether both intrinsic and extrinsic iodine attenuation were suppressed on VNC images. We enrolled 128 patients (male: female 17:111; age 48.0 ± 10.4years) who underwent dual-layer dual-energy CT (DL-DECT) examination before their thyroid cancer surgeries. Two additional sets of VNC (VNCu, VNCc) images were retrospectively generated from their true unenhanced (TUE) and true contrast-enhanced (TCE) series. We compared CT attenuation values measured on the VNCu and VNCc images by drawing identical regions of interest encompassing thyroid parenchyma, then subjectively determined the concordance of calcification. Although CT attenuation discrepancies between the VNCu and VNCc were significant (2.0 ± 5.7HU, p < 0.001),61.7%, 89.1%, and 100.0% of all measurements were < 5HU, < 10HU, and < 15HU. Based on Bland-Altman analysis, the limits of agreement were - 9.2HU and 13.2HU, whereas the proportional differences were small for VNC images generated from both TUE and TCE images. There was no discordance between two VNC image sets in detecting thyroid calcification. VNC technique could be a feasible method to suppress both intrinsic and extrinsically administered iodine for detecting thyroid calcification.

Extreme Radiation Sensitivity of Ultra-Low Loss Pure-Silica-Core Optical Fibers at Low Dose Levels and Infrared Wavelengths.

We report here the response of a commercial ultra-low loss (ULL) single-mode (SM) pure silica core (PSC) fiber, the Vascade EX1000 fiber from Corning, associated with 0.16 dB/km losses at 1.55 µm to 40 keV X-rays at room temperature. Today, among all fiber types, the PSC or F-doped ones have been demonstrated to be the most tolerant to the radiation induced attenuation (RIA) phenomenon and are usually used to design radiation-hardened data links or fiber-based point or distributed sensors. The here investigated ULL-PSC showed, instead, surprisingly high RIA levels of ~3000 dB/km at 1310 nm and ~2000 dB/km at 1550 nm at a limited dose of 2 kGy(SiO2), exceeding the RIA measured in the P-doped SM fibers used for dosimetry for doses of ~500 Gy. Moreover, its RIA increased as a function of the dose with a saturation tendency at larger doses and quickly recovered after irradiation. Our study on the silica structure suggests that the very specific manufacturing process of the ULL-PSC fibers applied to reduce their intrinsic attenuation makes them highly vulnerable to radiations even at low doses. From the application point of view, this fiber cannot be used for data transfer or sensing in harsh environments, except as a very efficient radiation detector or beam monitor.

Effect of Random 3D Correlated Velocity Perturbations on Numerical Modeling of Ground Motion from the Source Physics Experiment

ABSTRACTExplosions are traditionally discriminated from earthquakes, using the relative amplitude of compressional and shear waves at regional and teleseismic distances known as the P/S discriminant. Pyle and Walter (2019) showed this technique to be less robust at shorter distances, in detecting small-magnitude earthquakes and low-yield explosions. The disparity is largely due to ground motion from small, shallow sources being significantly impacted by near-surface structural complexities. To understand the implications of wave propagation effects in generation of shear motion and P/S ratio during underground chemical explosions, we performed simulations of the Source Physics Experiment (SPE) chemical explosions using 1D and 3D velocity models of the Yucca Flat basin. All simulations used isotropic point sources in the frequency range 0–5 Hz. We isolate the effect of large-scale geological structure and small-scale variability at shallow depth (&amp;lt;5 km), using a regional 3D geologic framework model (GFM) and the GFM-R model derived from the GFM, by adding correlated stochastic velocity perturbations. A parametric study of effects of small-scale velocity variations on wave propagation, computed using a reference 1D velocity model with stochastic perturbations, shows that the correlation length and depth of stochastic perturbations significantly impact wave scattering, near-surface wave conversions, and shear-wave generation. Comparisons of recorded and simulated waveforms for the SPE-5 explosion, using 3D velocity models, demonstrate that the shallow structure of the Yucca Flat basin contributes to generation of observed shear motion. The inclusion of 3D wave scattering, simulated by small-scale velocity perturbations in the 3D model, improves the fit between the simulated and recorded waveforms. In addition, a relatively low intrinsic attenuation, combined with small-scale velocity variations in our models, can confirm the observed wave trapping and its effect on duration of coda waves and the spatial variation of P/S ratio at basin sites.

A Nano-Micro Engineering Nanofiber for Electromagnetic Absorber, Green Shielding and Sensor

HighlightsThe role of electron transport characteristics in electromagnetic (EM) attenuation can be generalized to other EM functional materials.The integrated functions of efficient EM absorption and green shielding open the view of EM multifunctional materials.A novel sensing mechanism based on intrinsic EM attenuation performance and EM resonance coupling effect is revealed.It is extremely unattainable for a material to simultaneously obtain efficient electromagnetic (EM) absorption and green shielding performance, which has not been reported due to the competition between conduction loss and reflection. Herein, by tailoring the internal structure through nano-micro engineering, a NiCo2O4 nanofiber with integrated EM absorbing and green shielding as well as strain sensing functions is obtained. With the improvement of charge transport capability of the nanofiber, the performance can be converted from EM absorption to shielding, or even coexist. Particularly, as the conductivity rising, the reflection loss declines from − 52.72 to − 10.5 dB, while the EM interference shielding effectiveness increases to 13.4 dB, suggesting the coexistence of the two EM functions. Furthermore, based on the high EM absorption, a strain sensor is designed through the resonance coupling of the patterned NiCo2O4 structure. These strategies for tuning EM performance and constructing devices can be extended to other EM functional materials to promote the development of electromagnetic driven devices.Graphic

A sequential inversion with outer iterations for the velocity and the intrinsic attenuation using an efficient wavefield inversion

Full-waveform inversion (FWI) has become a popular method to retrieve high-resolution subsurface model parameters. It is a highly nonlinear optimization problem based on minimizing the misfit between the observed and predicted data. For intrinsically attenuating media, wave propagation experiences significant loss of energy. Thus, for better data fitting, it is sometimes crucial to consider attenuation in FWI. Viscoacoustic FWI aims at achieving a joint inversion of the velocity and attenuation models. However, multiparameter FWI imposes additional challenges including expanding the null space and facing parameter trade-off issues. Theoretically, an ideal way to mitigate the trade-off issue in multiparameter FWI is to apply the inverse Hessian operator to the parameter gradients. However, it is often not practical to calculate the full Hessian and its matrix inverse because this will be extremely expensive. To improve the computational efficiency and mitigate the trade-off issue, we have used an efficient wavefield inversion (EWI) method to invert for the velocity and the intrinsic attenuation. This approach is implemented in the frequency domain, and the velocity, in this case, is complex-valued in the viscoacoustic EWI. We evaluate a sequential update strategy for the velocity and the intrinsic attenuation, and we repeat the separate optimizations, which we refer to as outer iterations, until the convergence is achieved. Because viscoacoustic EWI is able to recover an accurate velocity model, the velocity update leakage to the [Formula: see text] model is largely reduced. We determine the effectiveness of this approach using synthetic data generated for the viscoacoustic Marmousi and Overthrust models. To further demonstrate the validity of our approach, we generate data in the time domain using a viscoelastic wave equation solver and obtain reasonable inversion results in the frequency domain using the viscoacoustic approximation.

Mapping Intrinsic and Scattering Attenuation in the Southern Aegean Crust Using S Wave Envelope Inversion and Sensitivity Kernels Derived From Perturbation Theory

AbstractWe applied sensitivity kernels based on perturbation theory to map the crustal intrinsic and scattering attenuation of S wave envelopes in the southern Aegean. The southern Aegean crust is under extension due to the rollback of the Nubian plate, which is subducting beneath the Aegean plate. The waveforms of 104,531 crustal events (&lt;40 km) were used to calculate S wave envelopes in four frequency bands. The S wave envelopes were modeled using the 3‐D isotropic solution of the radiative transfer equation with a factor for energy leakage. A two‐stage grid search with linear least squares was applied to estimate the attenuation parameters from each S wave envelope. Then we calculated the 2‐D scattering and absorption sensitivity kernels for each wave path based on perturbation theory. These kernels and the envelope attenuation parameters were inverted using the Markov chain Monte Carlo algorithm to obtain maps of intrinsic and scattering attenuation (Qi−1 and Qsc−1). High Qi−1 has thermal origin associated with fluids while high Qsc−1 stems from velocity contrasts caused by deformed structure such as faults, folds, or fractures. The Corinth rift, the Santorini‐Amorgos zone, and the Gulf of Gökova show strong extensional deformation, which may produce high Qsc−1. The deformed oceanic material accreted below the continental crust and fractures generated by large thrust earthquakes likely produce high Qsc−1 in Crete. The Corinth rift with its repeated earthquake swarms demonstrates fluid activity, which can explain high Qi−1. Thermal contrasts generated by metamorphic core complexes are a potential source of Qi−1 in Cyclades and Crete.

Crustal attenuation from USArray ML amplitude tomography

SUMMARYSeismic attenuation across the US is estimated using station ML magnitude data from the USArray. Station magnitudes are recalibrated back to amplitude and back projected in a 2-D tomography. Data represent the amplitudes of the horizontal components of the Lg phase. The western US shows regions of very high attenuation and contrasts with the lesser attenuation of the eastern US. Individual attenuation anomalies can be clearly tied to regional geology. Station gains show broad regional variations that match geographic regions. Most of the high-attenuation areas are regions of high geothermal activity suggesting that intrinsic attenuation dominates over scattering attenuation. An exception is the central San Andreas Fault zone because it lacks any localized heat-flow anomaly. The US east of the Rocky Mountains is bland and contains none of the high-attenuation regions of the western US. Instead, the central US has low-attenuation patches that do not obviously correspond to geologic province. Sediments of the Gulf Coast Plain, Willison Basin and Michigan Basin do show up as intermediate attenuation while the Illinois Basin, Appalachian Basin and other basins are not apparent. In Alaska, attenuation is generally less than the western US, but still much greater than the eastern US. In southeast Alaska, the Wrangell Volcanic Field causes a sizeable high-attenuation zone. The volcanic Aleutian Mountains also have high attenuation. However, moderate to high attenuation also correlates with the tertiary sedimentary basins in Alaska. The North Slope Basin does not seem to attenuate. Thicker crust and mountain roots tend to show less attenuation, if anything, but this correspondence is most likely due to differences in temperature and seismic velocity. Heat, scattering and young sedimentary basins create seismic attenuation in the continental crust.

Metal Mobility in a Mine-Affected Floodplain

The study attempted to map and predict the remobilization of metals in a floodplain which had been heavily affected by long-term Zn–Pb mining. This research, based on Zn, Cd, Pb, Ca and Fe speciation, mineralogy and the stratigraphy of sediments which had accumulated over the distance of a dozen or so km from the mine, revealed variable potential for metal mobilization. The results suggest that a drop in the water table, something to be expected after the closure of a mine, would be accompanied by a decrease in the pH of the river water and can induce the remobilization of metals associated with carbonates and exchangeable cations over the short-reach downstream of the mine. However, the mobilization of contaminants may be impeded by the alkaline, impermeable stratum of loams, which play a pivotal role in maintaining anaerobic conditions and buffering the acidity resulting from the partial degradation of sulfides. Based on the findings of the study, it can be expected that the intrinsic attenuation will limit the need for remediation works, although monitoring river water quality is recommended to determine the need for any intervention in cases where permissible quality values have been exceeded over a longer period. Results of this research can be useful as a reference for remediation works planned in other contaminated river systems experiencing water table lowering, where the mobilization of contaminants as a consequence of sediment oxidization can be expected.

Continuum constitutive laws to describe acoustic attenuation in glasses.

Nowadays metamaterials are at the focus of an intense research as promising for thermal and acoustic engineering. However, the computational cost associated to the large system size required for correctly simulating them imposes the use of finite-elements simulations, developing continuum models, able to grasp the physics at play without entering in the atomistic details. Still, a correct description should be able to reproduce not only the extrinsic scattering sources on waves propagation, as introduced by the metamaterial microstructure, but also the intrinsic wave attenuation of the material itself. This becomes dramatically important when the metamaterial is made out of a glass, which is intrinsically highly dissipative and with a wave attenuation strongly dependent on frequency. Here we propose a continuum mechanical model for a viscoelastic medium, able to bridge atomic and macroscopic scale in amorphous materials and describe phonon attenuation due to atomistic mechanisms, characterized by a defined frequency dependence. This represents a first decisive step for investigating the effect of a complex nano- or microstructure on acoustic attenuation, while including the atomistic contribution as well.

Seismic attenuation structure across the Karakoram fault in western Tibet

SUMMARY2-D attenuation maps are produced for the crust of western Tibet using local earthquakes which are recorded by an array of 31 broad-band stations operated from 2007 July to 2011 May. Relative contribution of scattering ($Q_{sc}^{-1}$) and intrinsic ($Q_{i}^{-1}$) attenuation have been calculated using Multiple Lapse Time Window Analysis under the assumption of uniform distribution of multiple isotropic scattering and intrinsic absorption in a medium for five different frequency bands centred at 1.5, 3, 6, 12 and 18 Hz, respectively. All the events are selected on the basis of high signal-to-noise ratio having hypocentral distance within 200 km from the respective stations. The obtained Q−1 values show a strong frequency dependent nature which can be correlated to the degree of tectonic complexity and the heterogeneities present in the medium. The intrinsic absorption is found to be the dominant mechanism at all the frequency ranges for all stations except few (WT03, WT07 and WT13) at 18 Hz, which may be correlated with the presence of partial melt, geothermal fluids, hydrothermal springs, mantle-derived fluids and radioactivity in the crust of western Tibet. We have divided the entire area into two regions across the Karakoram fault (KKF) to explore the variations of crustal attenuation properties. The first part covers the northeastern of KKF referred as Region 1 while the second part covers the southwestern of KKF referred as Region 2. The spatial variations of $Q_{i}^{-1}$ across the region exhibit significant differences between Regions 1 and 2 at all the investigated frequencies. Interestingly, Region 1 exhibits higher $Q_{i}^{-1}$ than Region 2 at lower frequencies, whereas $Q_{i}^{-1}$ shows opposite trends at higher frequencies (&amp;gt; 6 Hz) as it shows higher values in Region 2 than Region 1. We find that the obtained values of Q−1 are also in good agreement with the other segments of Himalaya and Tibet as well as different tectonic regions in the world.