P-wave Velocity Research Articles

Analysis and application of low frequency shadows based on the asymptotic theory for porous media

Low-frequency shadows beneath gas reservoirs can be regarded as a time delay relative to the reflection from the reservoir zone, but they cannot be reasonably explained by the high-frequency attenuation or velocity dispersion observed in normal P-waves. According to the new asymptotic theory for porous media, seismic P-waves undergo multiple conversions between fast and slow modes during seismic waves passing through layered permeable reservoirs at low frequencies, and changes in the velocity and amplitude (i.e., energy) of slow P-waves can lead to low-frequency shadows. In this study, a forward analysis was performed on the dispersion and attenuation of fast and slow P-waves within the seismic frequency band based on the asymptotic theory for porous media; the results revealed that fast P-waves do not undergo frequency dispersion and attenuation within the seismic frequency band and that slow P-waves are the primary contributor of dispersion and attenuation. In addition, methods used to calculate the frequencies at which low-frequency shadows occur were analyzed and are discussed. Finally, S-transform time-frequency analysis method was used to calculate and analyze the low-frequency shadows of three-dimensional seismic data acquired from work area M in Sichuan. The low-frequency shadow anomalies determined by this method were found to be highly consistent with those identified based on the data acquired from wells in the target reservoir. These results indicate the good application performance of this method.

Integrating Multimodal Deep Learning with Multipoint Statistics for 3D Crustal Modeling: A Case Study of the South China Sea

Constructing an accurate three-dimensional (3D) geological model is crucial for advancing our understanding of subsurface structures and their evolution, particularly in complex regions such as the South China Sea (SCS). This study introduces a novel approach that integrates multimodal deep learning with multipoint statistics (MPS) to develop a high-resolution 3D crustal P-wave velocity structure model of the SCS. Our method addresses the limitations of traditional algorithms in capturing non-stationary geological features and effectively incorporates heterogeneous data from multiple geophysical sources, including 44 wide-angle seismic crustal structure profiles obtained by ocean bottom seismometers (OBSs), gravity anomalies, magnetic anomalies, and topographic data. The proposed model is rigorously validated against existing methods such as Kriging interpolation and MPS alone, demonstrating superior performance in reconstructing both global and local spatial features of the crustal structure. The integration of diverse datasets significantly enhances the model’s accuracy, reducing errors and improving the alignment with known geological information. The resulting 3D model provides a detailed and reliable representation of the SCS crust, offering critical insights for studies on tectonic evolution, resource exploration, and geodynamic processes. This work highlights the potential of combining deep learning with geostatistical methods for geological modeling, providing a robust framework for future applications in geosciences. The flexibility of our approach also suggests its applicability to other regions and geological attributes, paving the way for more comprehensive and data-driven investigations of Earth’s subsurface.

Influence of Chemical Weathering and Microcracks on Permeability Variations in Crystalline Rocks

Rock permeability, an important factor in subsurface fluid migration, can be influenced by microcracks and chemical weathering due to water–rock interactions. Understanding the relationship between permeability, chemical weathering, and microcracks is crucial for assessing fluid flow in rocks. This study focuses on the hydrogeological characteristics of granite and gneiss, potential host rocks for high-level radioactive waste disposal in South Korea. Samples were analyzed for permeability, porosity, P-wave velocity, and chemical weathering indices. Regression analysis revealed a weak correlation between permeability and both porosity and rock density, while an inverse correlation was observed between permeability and chemical weathering indices. Interestingly, some samples showed low permeability (10−21 to 10−22 m2) despite high weathering, while others showed high permeability (10−18 to 10−19 m2) despite low weathering. SEM-EDS analysis indicated the presence of microcracks within the rocks or the filling of these cracks with secondary minerals. The findings suggest that chemical weathering generally increases pore size and porosity, but actual permeability can vary depending on the presence and connectivity of microcracks and the extent to which they are filled with secondary minerals. Therefore, both chemical weathering and microcrack connectivity must be considered when evaluating the hydrogeological characteristics of crystalline rocks.

Theoretical investigation of the excitation of leaky modes for multi-layered models

Summary The dispersion analysis with array-based methods enables us to detect and analyse the multi-mode dispersive waves with weak amplitudes. Over the past years, there has been widespread extraction of higher normal modes from earthquake records and ambient noise, which have been extensively employed in near-surface and crustal investigations. Notably, the frequent reporting of leaky modes in recent observations has gained significant attention. This is because leaky modes can provide more constraints on subsurface structures. Particularly, a subset of leaky modes is found to be sensitive to P-wave velocities, which has the potential to compensate for the limitations of traditional surface wave inversion. Nevertheless, due to the lack of knowledge of the excitation and practical application of leaky modes, it is urgent to have an effective guide in selecting certain leaky modes for practical inversion combined with other imaging methods. To this end, the theoretical investigation into the excitation of leaky modes for multi-layered models is undertaken. By computing theoretical seismograms for various source mechanisms and source depths with the discrete wavenumber method and the normal-mode summation method respectively, the qualitative evaluation of the leaky-mode contributions to the synthesized seismograms is conducted. Additionally, the impact of the source depth for the same source mechanism is meticulously examined by the dispersion spectra. Furthermore, with the accurate computation of leaky modes, we categorize the leaky modes into PL and OP (organ-pipe) modes according to their distinctive properties, i.e., their attenuation and eigen-displacements, which may be used to explain very well the occurrence of certain leaky modes on the dispersion spectrum and be indicative of the reasonable choice of PL modes to put them into practical inversion for P-velocity structures.

Fluid effect on elastic properties of carbonate and implication for CO2 geological sequestration monitoring

Laboratory measurement of the elastic properties of carbonates saturated with different fluids is crucial for characterizing reservoirs and monitoring CO2 sequestration. However, it is challenging to distinguish the effects of different fluids. We measured eight carbonate samples under varying pressure and fluids saturation conditions, and conducted quantitative analysis. The measurements showed that water saturation can increase P-wave velocity (Vp), while oil and CO2 saturation may lead to an increase, decrease or no change in Vp. Meanwhile, all fluids saturation reduces the S-wave velocity (Vs). The velocities of dolomite samples are higher and less pressure-sensitive than that of limestone samples. Four attributes are adopted to distinguish the fluids effect, including elastic moduli, impedance, Vp/Vs ratio, and a newly designed fluid discrimination factor F, which is proposed by multiplying P-wave modulus and square value of density change. Among the attributes, the F factor performed the best as it achieved evident and consistent results for all the samples. Rock physics models were used to simulate the elastic behaviors with the differential effective medium model predicting Vs the best. The Gassmann’s equation correctly indicated the positive or negative changes of rock velocity after fluid saturation even though its prediction did not exactly match the data. This study highlights the impact of various pore fluids on the carbonate elastic properties through laboratory measurement and theoretical modeling, and introduces a novel fluid identification factor, providing insights for reservoir seismic characterization and CO2 sequestration monitoring.

INSIGHTS INTO THE MOHO DEPTH VARIATIONS AND CRUSTAL CHARACTERISTICS IN THE GUELMA–CONSTANTINE BASIN, NORTHEASTERN ALGERIA: A SHORT-PERIOD SEISMIC-RECEIVER-FUNCTION PERSPECTIVE

Teleseismic receiver functions (RF) were extracted from data collected at eight short-period, three-component seismic recording stations over the Guelma–Constantine Basin, northeastern Algeria, to improve the understanding of crustal structure and geodynamic processes. The H-κ stacking method was used to determine the Moho depths and average vP/vS ratios at each station. Careful linear inversion of RF was performed to determine the most appropriate average shear-wave and P-wave velocity profiles at each site. Both methods have yielded highly congruent results, with Moho depths showing robust correlations with previous seismological and geophysical studies. The previously observed pattern of the increasing Moho depth from north to south in the Tell Atlas has been confirmed. Furthermore, the identified transitional nature of the Moho in the Constantine Basin is consistent with a recent study. In addition, we identify a low-velocity zone (LVZ) at approximately 20 km depth within the southern Guelma Basin, confirming previous results in the Constantine Basin and suggesting an eastward elongation of the LVZ, at least into the southern periphery of the Guelma Basin. Examination of data from the northern tip of the Hammam Debbagh–Roknia NW–SE fault, the western boundary of the Guelma pull-apart basin, revealed a shallow Moho depth (22 km), less than the basin average depth of 25 km. The LVZ observed in the lower crust (12 km) suggests the presence of partial melts, consistent with gravimetric and chemical analyses of hydrothermal sources in the area. The extensional tectonic activity along this boundary, coupled with the low-viscosity zone and low average vP/vS ratio, is potentially associated with delamination processes. The effectiveness of our approach underscores its potential as a viable alternative or complementary method for investigating variations in the Moho depth.

Evaluation of the water weakening coefficient of sandstones by using non-destructive physical parameters

IntroductionThe presence of water significantly reduces the mechanical strength of rocks and induces various engineering geological hazards. The water weakening coefficient Kp is used to quantify this effect, defined as the ratio of wet uniaxial compressive strength to the dry value.MethodsA comprehensive physico-mechanical test was conducted on fifteen sandstones under dry and saturated conditions to predict the water weakening coefficient using easily obtainable physical parameters. Multiple linear regression was employed to establish the relationship between these parameters and the saturated water weakening coefficient.ResultsThe saturated water weakening coefficient decreases with increasing porosity and increases with higher Primary wave velocity (P-wave velocity). Rocks with higher porosity but lower P-wave velocity typically absorb more water. The P-wave velocity and clay mineral content were identified as the best predictors of the saturated water weakening coefficient (R2 = 0.82). Unsaturated water weakening coefficients at any water saturation level were well estimated using a previous exponential function.DiscussionThe roles of different clay minerals and P-wave velocity in the water weakening process of rocks are comprehensively discussed. This study enhances the understanding of the water weakening mechanism and provides an improved evaluation model for the water weakening coefficient of sandstones using physical parameters.

POROELASTICITY AND ROCK PHYSICS TEMPLATES

Two common rock physics templates (RPTs) that are used to identify geological facies and fluid trends derived from well log or pre-stack inverted seismic data involve cross-plotting VP/VS ratio against acoustic impedance, IP (the product of P-wave velocity, VP, and density) and mu-rho against lambda-rho, where mu and lambda are the Lam矣oefficients extracted from P and S-wave velocity, called the LMR, or LambdaMuRho, method. Using well log examples from an Alberta gas well and a deeper North Sea oil well, we show how to superimpose constant mu-rho and lambda-rho curves on a VP/VS versus IP cross-plot, which produce orthogonal trends of stiffness or porosity (from mu-rho) and fluid saturation (from lambda-rho) that match the data trends reasonably well. We then consider the related technique of KMR, or KMuRho, where K represents bulk modulus, and show how to superimpose constant K-rho trends on a VP/VS versus IP cross-plot. Again, we get orthogonal trends of stiffness or porosity (from mu-rho) and fluid saturation (from K-rho), but the fit to our real data examples is less accurate than with LMR. Using Biot-Gassmann poroelasticity theory, we generalize the LMR and KMR approaches into a technique we call FMR (Fluid-Mu-Rho). In the FMR techniques we introduce two new fitting parameters, f and d, where f is a fluid term derived from Biot-Gassmann theory, and d is the dry rock VP/VS ratio squared. When we superimpose fluid trends from the FMR technique on our two well log datasets, and adjust the f and d parameters, we achieve accurate fits to the datasets. Finally, we apply the FMR technique to a seismic case study from the Gulf of Mexico. In an appendix, we compare the FMR technique to the empirical Curved Pseudo-Elastic impedance, or CPEI, and Pseudo-Elastic Impedance for Lithology, or PEIL, methods.

Intelligent detection of underground openings and surrounding disturbed zones

This study aims to develop an intelligent method to detect subsurface anomalies for prediction and mitigation of geologic risks. We trained a convolutional neural network (CNN) model using the seismic data from 6 field cases of regular pipes and irregular cavities and a sliding time window technique to augment the datasets, and tested the CNN model using another 2 field cases. We derived probability distribution as an indicator of anomaly existence and validated high-value and low-value probability distributions corresponding to underground openings and surrounding disturbed zones, respectively. We found that the characteristics of subsurface anomalies determines the effective seismic features and influences the CNN model performance. Finally, we applied the CNN model to investigate a circular-bored tunnel and surrounding disturbed zones. Our results demonstrate that the CNN model is fast and accurate to detect the horizontal locations of subsurface anomalies, while the accuracy of vertical locations depends on the estimation of P-wave velocity. The intelligent method has the potential to identify hidden risks at early stages and to mitigate subsequent geologic hazards.

3-D P-wave velocity structure of the upper mantle beneath eastern Indonesia from body wave tomography

Eastern Indonesia's tectonic setting is well known for its complexity and intense seismic activity. Controlled by several major and minor plates, including the Eurasian, Australian, and Pacific plates, this region is famous for its U-shaped subduction system beneath the Banda Arc. To better understand the architecture of the underlying structure in this region, we performed body-wave travel time tomography using ten years of catalog data provided by the Indonesian Agency for Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics. We utilize 9729 events in total, from which 46,446 P-wave arrival times were extracted. We used a double difference method to relocate the initial event catalog, which produced a pattern of seismicity consistent with a curved subduction system. Our tomographic model reveals a high velocity band between 90 and 240 km depth in the upper mantle, which is interpreted to be a concave dipping lithospheric slab that is parallel to the present-day Banda arc. Our results also show that lithosphere subducting from the north and south starts to collide at a depth of 300–350 km and becomes shallower further east. Apparent discontinuities in the high velocity band and a corresponding lack of seismicity supports the presence of a slab tear to the west of Seram. A dipping high velocity structure that is present from south to north beneath the island of Timor represents a subducting slab that dips more steeply beyond a depth of 150–200 km, which appears consistent with slab roll-back. Our tomographic model also shows evidence of back arc thrusting to the north of Sumbawa and Flores Islands in the form of a south-dipping higher velocity band at shallow depth. Furthermore, our tomographic models also reveal the possible presence of underthrust continental forearc in the form of a thin higher velocity anomaly that connects the backarc thrust and northward dipping lithosphere slab in the Timor area. Finally, a zone of low velocity above the higher velocity slab is clearly seen beneath Seram Island at a depth of ∼100 km and may represent a partial melting zone.

Ground Motion Amplification and 3D P-Wave Velocity Model of the Crati Valley Graben (Italy)

Ground Motion Amplification and 3D P-Wave Velocity Model of the Crati Valley Graben (Italy)

Developing some models to predict the uniaxial compressive strength of various sedimentary rocks (Case studies: Large dam site and mine in Southeast China)

Direct determination of uniaxial compressive strength (UCS) is time-consuming, expensive, and challenging. Therefore, this study aims to indirectly predict UCS using statistical and machine learning methods. First, laboratory measurements were conducted to determine carbonate percentage, water absorption percentage, moisture content, porosity percentage, P-wave velocity, and UCS of sandstone, dolomite, dolomitic limestone, marl limestone, and limestone samples. Subsequently, various models were established to predict UCS using multivariate linear regression (MVLR), random forest regression (RFR), Gaussian process regression (GPR) based on squared exponential kernel function, and adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS). The influence of Jurassic limestone texture on physical and mechanical properties in stable and unstable slopes in the Three Gorges Dam site and reservoir (TGDSR) showed that the percentage of mudstone texture in unstable slopes is higher than in stable slopes. The UCS, density, compressional wave velocity, and percentage of carbonate in unstable slopes is less than stable slopes. The results indicated that the average measured UCS is 60.60 MPa. Moreover, the average predicted UCS based on the three intelligent methods was 60.55 MPa. The percentage difference between the measured and predicted UCS was −0.09 %, demonstrating that the average error of the three employed methods is less than one percent, highlighting the high accuracy of these methods in estimating rock UCS. Notably, based on error level, Taylor diagram, Wilmot agreement index (WAI), A10 and A20 indices, Nash-Sutcliffe efficiency (NSE), and PM (performance metric) criteria the RFR exhibited superior precision (R2=99 %, and RMSE= 0.06 MPa) compared to the other used methods. The Kruskal-Wallis test (KWT) results showed that there is no significant difference between the measured and predicted values.

New insight into the velocity and anisotropy structures of the subduction zone in northern Sumatra

In this study, we conducted seismic tomographic inversions to investigate the velocity and anisotropy structures of northern Sumatra, using 9774 P-wave and 8405 S-wave arrivals from regional earthquakes. Isotropic P-wave velocity, isotropic S-wave velocity, P-wave azimuthal anisotropy, and P-wave radial anisotropy models were generated using eikonal equation-based traveltime tomography methods. The study identified low-velocity zones beneath the Toba and Sinabung volcanoes, potentially indicating the presence of magma reservoirs. Furthermore, low-velocity anomalies above the subduction slab were detected, which are likely caused by the dehydration of the slab and interpreted as channels of upwelling flow. The tomographic results revealed a trench-parallel high-velocity belt in the uppermost mantle, representing the subducting slab of the India-Australian plate. The trench-parallel fast velocity directions in the slab suggested that the subducted oceanic slab retains its frozen-in anisotropy formed at the mid-ocean ridge, or that the anisotropy is induced by the lattice-preferred orientation of the B-type olivine. Negative radial anisotropy in the mantle wedge was observed, reflecting hot upwelling flows and transitions of olivine fabrics in the presence of water due to slab dehydration. The results also indicated a multilevel magma plumbing system beneath the Toba Caldera. In summary, the results of this study provide new insights into the structure and dynamic processes of the northern Sumatra subduction zone.

Seismic lithospheric model across Ukrainian Shield from the Carpathians to the Dnieper-Donets Basin and its tectonic interpretation

The SW-NE directed wide-angle reflection-refraction (WARR) SHIELD’21 profile crosses entire width of Ukraine. It targeted the structure of the crust and uppermost mantle in the southwestern part of the East European Craton (EEC), between Carpathians and Voronezh Massif, across Ukrainian Shield and Dnieper-Donets Basin. The ~660 km-long profile is an extension of the RomUkrSeis profile in Romania and Ukraine. SHIELD’21 experiment, using TEXAN and DATA-CUBE short-period seismic stations, provided high-quality seismic sections from 10 shot points. This allowed construction of a ray-tracing P-wave velocity model, supplemented by Vp/Vs ratio, for the upper part of the lithosphere in the Sarmatia segment of the EEC and constraining geodynamic processes that led to the formation of the Ukrainian Shield and its margins since Archean times.The velocity distribution in the crystalline crust indicates a rather uniform structure, with velocity changing from 6.0 km/s near the surface to 6.8 km/s at the Moho. The entire section shows the lack of a high-velocity lower crust (Vp > 6.8 km/s), presumably resulting from delamination of the primitive mafic lower crust during early evolution of a juvenile continental crust. The seismic boundaries in the upper crust reflect a Paleoproterozoic extensional detachment system below the SW flank of Dnieper-Donets rift basin, initiated in the Devonian. At larger depths, a wide dome of the lower crust with velocities of 6.5–6.8 km/s in the SW-central segment of the profile, probably represents an enormous Palaeoproterozoic(?) granitoid batholith. In the southwesternmost part of the profile, the crystalline crust shows exclusively low velocities. The prominent Moho is undulating and varies in depth between 32 and 50 km. It is underlain by high-velocity bodies (Vp: 8.36–8.40 km/s), against the background of 8.16–8.25 km/s in the mantle. The velocity model corresponds with the anomalies of potential fields and zones of high electric conductivity.

Permeability monitoring of underground concrete structures using elastic wave characteristics with modified Biot’s model

This study aims to develop a theoretical model for predicting the permeability of concrete in underground structures using compressive elastic waves. This research is motivated by the necessity of monitoring the permeability of concrete used in critical underground infrastructure, such as tunnels and radioactive waste disposal sites, to ensure their long-term safety. Increased permeability owing to crack generation can lead to groundwater inflow, undermining the structural integrity of these facilities. Traditional methods for permeability monitoring face challenges at depths of 500 m–1 km owing to high temperatures, high pressures, and limited space conditions. To address these issues, Biot’s model, which correlates the P-wave characteristics with the properties of porous media, was applied in this study. The P-wave velocity and attenuation were studied according to the permeability of concrete based on Biot’s model. Subsequently, concrete specimens were prepared to measure the permeability, P-wave velocity, and attenuation. The permeability results from the experiment were compared with those obtained from the model for validation. The findings indicate that the modified Biot’s model can effectively monitor permeability through elastic wave characteristics, offering a non-destructive and reliable method for assessing the condition of concrete structures in underground environments. This approach is expected to enhance the safety of underground infrastructure through accurate permeability monitoring.

Effects of overconsolidation on seismic rock physics — A comparative study between unconsolidated sands and weakly cemented sandstone

In seismic rock physics, models typically assume rocks are normally consolidated, often neglecting the effects of overconsolidation. Recent studies reveal that overconsolidated sands, resulting from stress release, show different physical property variations than normally consolidated sands. However, similar research is lacking for weakly cemented sandstones, a common reservoir analog. This study aims to systematically compare the effects of overconsolidation and stress direction on unconsolidated sandstones and weakly cemented sandstones. It also assesses the impact of overconsolidation on seismic interpretation, monitoring, and rock physics modeling applied to the two types of rocks. Experimental measurements of porosity, P-wave, and S-wave velocities were collected under different stress paths between loading and unloading. For weakly cemented sandstone, well-log data from the Norwegian Sea and Barents Sea were compared with experimental data. Analyses focused on the velocity-porosity relationship, VP/VS ratio vs. AI, and VP/VS ratio vs. effective stress.

Study on the freeze-thaw damage degree and its influence on the shear strength parameters of sandstones

The variations of shear strength parameters against the freeze-thaw cycles are not well understood in the previous study. This research mainly investigated the influence of freeze-thaw treatment on the shear strength parameters and their relationship with the freeze-thaw damage variable for sandstones. The fraction dimensions of sandstone surfaces and basic friction angles display an increasing trend under freeze-thaw cycles. It implies that the sandstone surface becomes rougher due to the freeze-thaw loss of cementation minerals and thus induces the increase in the basic friction angle. Another interesting finding is that although the cohesion of sandstone reduces, the internal friction angle also increases with increasing freeze-thaw cycles. Thus, the reduction in the shear strength under freeze-thaw actions should be attributed to the loss of cohesion. Moreover, the change of shear strength parameters is also related with the freeze-thaw damage degree. As the number of freeze-thaw cycles increases, the increase in porosity and reduction in P-wave velocity are much larger for the YY and YR sandstones with higher porosities, thus, they suffer much more serious freeze-thaw damage, and they have a much larger variation in shear strength parameters. The novel finding is that the growth in basic friction angle is positively correlated with the increase of freeze-thaw damage, and the internal friction angle exponentially increases with the increase of freeze-thaw damage. This study provides a much better understanding of the change of the shear strength parameters under freeze-thaw cycles.

Joint PP and PS AVA inversion using an acceleration algorithm and a multi-trace strategy

Abstract Exploration utilizing converted wave (PS) technology has garnered considerable interest in recent years owing to its ability to provide distinct insights into subsurface properties compared to compressional waves (PP). PS wave is particularly advantageous for accurately determining S-wave velocity (${V}_S$) and bulk density ($\rho $), whereas PP wave is better suited for assessing P-wave velocity (${V}_P$). Thus, theoretically, joint PP and PS AVA inversion can yield precise results for ${V}_P$, ${V}_S$, and $\rho $. However, a critical step before joint inversion is PP and PS registration, which is prone to causing lateral discontinuity in the inversion outcomes. To mitigate this issue, we present a simultaneous multi-trace joint inversion method. The method can improve the lateral consistency of inversion results by imposing lateral continuity constraints on the elastic parameters being inverted. Nevertheless, this simultaneous multi-trace inversion method inherently increases computational burden. To enhance algorithmic efficiency without sacrificing inversion precision, we implement an acceleration strategy. Synthetic and real data examples demonstrate that the proposed method offers remarkable performance in enhancing computational efficiency and lateral continuity compared to the conventional methods.

Response Patterns of Acoustic Wave Characteristics to Reservoir Petrophysical Parameters in Different Bedding Directions: A Case Study of Low- and Middle-Rank Coals in Xinjiang, China.

The physical properties of coal reservoirs, important parameters for evaluating the production potential of coalbed methane (CBM) resources, can be assessed nondestructively and in real-time using acoustic wave technology. In this study, we collected 48 low- and middle-rank coal samples oriented in different bedding directions from seven typical coal mines, encompassing the Zhunan, Tuha, and Kuqa-Bay coalfields in Xinjiang, China. We clarified the characteristics of the physical parameters (apparent density, fracture, porosity, and permeability) and acoustic wave of coal variations through acoustic wave, porosity, and permeability experiments, revealing the response law of acoustic wave characteristics to the physical parameters of coal. The results indicated that the acoustic wave velocity and dynamic elastic modulus (E d) of coal samples oriented in the perpendicular bedding direction are larger than those oriented in the parallel bedding direction; however, the dynamic Poisson's ratio (μd) of coal samples oriented in different bedding directions does not significantly differ. The existence of fractures significantly reduces the acoustic wave velocity and E d of the coal. The greater the apparent density of coal, the tighter its structure, resulting in a faster acoustic wave velocity. The larger the porosity of coal, the greater its internal voids, leading to a more pronounced attenuation of acoustic energy and a slower acoustic wave velocity. The more developed and interconnected the bedding fractures of coal bodies oriented in the parallel bedding direction, the higher their permeability, resulting in a smaller decrease in acoustic wave velocity. Conversely, the more developed the bedding fractures of coal bodies oriented in the perpendicular bedding direction, the more pronounced their attenuation of acoustic wave velocity. Finally, the regression equations for E d with the square of P-wave velocity (V P 2) and μd with the square ratio of V P to S-wave velocity (V P 2/V S 2) were established for coal. The study findings can help evaluate and predict the reservoir quality of coal seams, assess CBM, and improve the safety and efficiency of its extraction.

Effects of Different Cooling Treatments on Heated Granite: Insights from the Physical and Mechanical Characteristics.

The exploration of Hot Dry Rock (HDR) geothermal energy is essential to fulfill the energy demands of the increasing population. Investigating the physical and mechanical properties of heated rock under different cooling methods has significant implications for the exploitation of HDR. In this study, ultrasonic testing, uniaxial strength compression experiments, Brazilian splitting tests, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), and scanning electron microscope (SEM) were conducted on heated granite after different cooling methods, including cooling in air, cooling in water, cooling in liquid nitrogen, and cycle cooling in liquid nitrogen. The results demonstrated that the density, P-wave velocity (Vp), uniaxial compressive strength (UCS), tensile strength (σt), and elastic modulus (E) of heated granite tend to decrease as the cooling rate increases. Notably, heated granite subjected to cyclic liquid nitrogen cooling exhibits a more pronounced decline in physical and mechanical properties and a higher degree of damage. Furthermore, the cooling treatments also lead to an increase in rock pore size and porosity. At a faster cooling rate, the fracture surfaces of the granite transition from smooth to rough, suggesting enhanced fracture propagation and complexity. These findings provide critical theoretical insights into optimizing stimulation performance strategies for HDR exploitation.