Rayleigh Wave Velocity Research Articles

3D characterization of kinematic fields and poroelastic swelling near the tip of a propagating crack in a hydrogel

AbstractIn fracture mechanics, polyacrylamide hydrogel has been widely used as a model material in experiments due to its optical transparency, the brittle nature of its failure, and low Rayleigh wave velocity. Indeed, linear elastic fracture mechanics has been used successfully to model the fracture of polyacrylamide hydrogels. However, in soft materials such as hydrogels, the crack opening can be extremely large, leading to substantial geometric and material nonlinearity at the crack tip. Furthermore, poroelasticity may also modify the local mechanical state within the polymer network due to solvent migration. Direct characterization of the kinematic fields and the poroelastic response at the crack tip is lacking. Here we use a hybrid digital image correlation—particle tracking technique to retrieve high-resolution 3D particle trajectories near the tip of a slowly propagating crack, and measure the near-tip 3D kinematic fields in-situ. With this method, we charactherize the displacement fields, rotation fields, stretch fields, strain fields, and swelling fields. These measurements confirm the complex multi-axial stretching near the crack tip and the substantial geometric nonlinearity, particularly in the wake of the crack, where material rotation exceeds $$30^{\circ }$$ 30 ∘ . Comparison between the measured fields and the corresponding prediction from linear elastic fracture mechanics highlights an increasing disagreement in the direct vicinity of the crack tip, particularly for displacement component $$u_x$$ u x and the through-thickness strain component $$\varepsilon _{zz}$$ ε zz . Significant swelling occurs due to solvent migration, with a strong correlation to the local stretch.

Temperature and porosity effect on Rayleigh velocity in superconducting material

Our work's objective is to study the temperature effect and the porosity on ultrasonic wave velocity (Longitudinal wave velocity (VL), transverse wave velocity (VT), and Rayleigh wave velocity (VR)) of superconductor material type Y123 (or YBa2Cu3O7-x). A new model rational of temperature-porosity depending on ultrasonic wave velocities of surface and volume for an Y123 superconducting material was proposed, with each parameter having a distinct physical meaning. The study allows us to deduct the Rayleigh velocity VR following their evolution as temperature and porosity functions, bringing into focus the modelling of both the reflection coefficient R(θ), By analysing it, we were able to determine the variations of the longitudinal wave velocity and transverse wave velocity of the superconducting material considered as a function of the porosity and the temperature, and attenuating oscillations of the acoustic material signature, V(z) curves. The vibration working frequency of 570 MHz at a sensor, according to the porosity. This quantitative investigation is based on the experimental results obtained on porous and non-porous Y123 superconducting materials in the 5 to 300 K temperature range, This enables the estimated evolution of the Rayleigh velocity, VR, variation on the temperature-porosity depending. Since the model can well predict the ultrasonic wave velocities of porous superconducting materials from extreme low temperature to ultrahigh temperature under different porosity rates. In addition, the models obtained could aid well understand the behavior and performance of porous superconducting materials, and offer a new method to describe the temperature-porosity dependent ultrasonic wave’s velocities of superconducting materials.

Continent‐Side Uplifted Mantle and Geological Imprints Along a Paleo Rift in the Western East Sea (Sea of Japan)

AbstractWe investigate the continent‐size lithospheric structures of paleo rift around the central Korean Peninsula using ambient noise tomography and earthquake‐based Eikonal tomography based on dense seismic networks. We determine Rayleigh‐wave group velocities at periods of 1–15 s from ambient noise tomography and Rayleigh‐wave phase velocities at periods of 20–80 s from earthquake‐based Eikonal tomography. We determine a 3‐D shear‐wave velocity model in the lithosphere from the Rayleigh wave velocities. The model exhibits high lateral variations ranging from ‒9% to 8%, depending on depth. The shear‐wave velocities at shallow depths (2 km) are relatively high in mountain regions and low in coastal and basin regions. Strong velocity contrasts are observed around major earthquake hypocenters at depths of 3–20 km, which may be due to the presence of seismogenic faults. Shear‐wave velocities at depths of 30–40 km are high along the east coast, suggesting uplifted mantle that is responsible for the opening of the East Sea (Sea of Japan). High velocity structures beneath Moho around the coast may suggest solidified underplated magma caused by the paleo rifting. The root of coast‐parallel high‐mountain range (Taebaek Mountain Range) is bounded by the uplifted mantle, presenting mountain range development in rift flank along paleo‐rift axis. Low shear‐wave velocities along the coast at depths km may imply elevated temperature beneath the solidified underplated magma. The continent‐side paleo rift affects the geological, thermal, and seismological properties around the continental margin at present.

On the existence of Rayleigh waves with full impedance boundary condition

The existence of Rayleigh waves (propagating in isotropic elastic half-spaces) with the tangential and normal impedance boundary conditions was investigated. It has been shown that for the tangential impedance boundary condition (TIBC), there always exists a unique Rayleigh wave, while for the normal impedance boundary condition (NIBC), there exists a domain (of impedance and material parameters) in which exactly one Rayleigh wave is possible and outside this domain a Rayleigh wave is impossible. In this paper, we consider the existence of Rayleigh waves with the full impedance boundary condition (FIBC) that contains both TIBC and NIBC. It is shown that the existence picture of Rayleigh waves for this general case is more complicated. It contains domain for which exactly one Rayleigh wave exists, domain where a Rayleigh wave is impossible, and domain for which all three possibilities may occur: two Rayleigh waves exist, one Rayleigh wave exists, and no Rayleigh wave exists at all. The obtained existence results recover the existence results established previously for the cases of TIBC and NIBC. The formulas for the Rayleigh wave velocity are derived. As these formulas are totally explicit, they are very useful in various practical applications, especially in the non-destructive evaluation of the mechanical properties of structures. In order to establish the existence results and derive formulas for the Rayleigh wave velocity, the complex function method, which is based on the Cauchy-type integrals, is employed.

Piezoelectric layer guided in-plane surface waves with flexoelectricity and gradient effects

With the rapid advancement of 5 G technology, the demand for surface acoustic wave (SAW) devices is experiencing exponential growth. Precisely forecasting the speed at which Rayleigh waves propagate, taking into account size effects and flexoelectric properties, is vital for enhancing SAW device design. To address this need, the study explores Rayleigh wave propagation in a stratified system consisting of a nanoscale piezoelectric guiding layer atop an isotropic elastic substrate. The governing equations, boundary conditions, and interface continuity conditions between the guiding layer and substrate are established through the Hamiltonian principle. Following this, the dispersion equations for Rayleigh waves under electric open-circuit and electric short-circuit conditions are derived and solved numerically. Additionally, the effects of flexoelectricity, inertial gradients, strain gradients, electric field gradients, and the piezoelectric guiding layer thickness on the phase velocity of Rayleigh waves are extensively explored. Our findings indicate that flexoelectricity and strain gradients elevate the phase velocity, while inertial gradients and electric field gradients result in a decrease in the phase velocity. As the frequency of Rayleigh waves increases, the impact of these factors becomes more prominent. In addition, it is observed that electric field gradients play a less significant role compared to inertial gradients and strain gradients. The findings of this study could offer valuable insights for the advancement of miniaturized SAW devices designed for high-frequency service.

A novel method for stress measurement utilizing the Rayleigh wave virtual superimposed interference spectrum

This study presents a novel stress measurement method utilizing the Rayleigh waves virtual superimposed interference spectrum (RW-VSIS). This method achieves stress measurements by exploiting the effect of stress on the superimposed interference spectrum of two beams of Rayleigh waves. Firstly, the effect of stress on Rayleigh wave velocity is theoretically investigated by partial wave theory and matrix solving algorithm. The theoretical results show that the Rayleigh wave propagation direction versus the stress direction will affect the wave velocity and the time of flight (TOF). Then, a theoretical model of RW-VSIS under pre-stress is derived. It's found that the stress will dominate the first characteristic frequency (FCF). The regulation effects of propagation distance and angle on FCF are discussed. Finally, the feasibility of stress measurement based on the FCF is validated through experiments. The impact of stress on TOF and FCF is comparatively analyzed. The results show a significant improvement of stress measurement by FCF in the superimposed interference spectrum, compared to the TOF in time domain waveform. With a calibration and verification test for the unknow coefficient of an aluminum specimen, the experimental examination of the stress shows a maximum error of less than 4 MPa indicating good measurement accuracy.

Debye temperatures and nanostructuring of polyurethane auxetics

Based on experimental values of longitudinal and transverse ultrasonic wave propagation velocities and surface Rayleigh wave velocities were calculated phonon energies and Debye limiting frequencies and temperatures were determined of metal-filled polyurethane auxetics samples. Modeling the structural formations of such systems and obtaining the value of the lattice and Grüneisen acoustic parameter made it possible to find the root-mean-square displacement of the atomic groups of the macromolecule, as well as the limits of forced elasticity, shear deformation, and deformation of the interstructural bond. The relationship between Debye frequencies (temperatures) and Poisson's ratio, Grüneisen parameter, was established. A quantum-mechanical approach to the movement of electrons, atomic groups of macromolecules, thermal and sound phonons made it possible to estimate the size of nanoformations in the composition. The theoretical values of Poisson's ratio obtained based on models of polymer auxetics and processes of propagation of ultrasonic waves in such systems are analyzed.

Environmental Microvibration Analysis Method for Vibration Isolation Research in High-Precision Laboratories

Environmental microvibrations, often originating from unidentified sources, pose a significant challenge for predicting and controlling their complex wave fields, potentially leading to measurement errors of sensitive instruments in high-precision laboratories and impacting the accuracy of experimental outcomes. Therefore, investigating effective control measures for environmental microvibrations under passive conditions is key to addressing such engineering issues. This paper presents a finite element analysis method tailored to address environmental microvibrations in the absence of apparent sources. This method involves obtaining the vibration time history at specific ground surface points through field measurements and combining the Rayleigh wave velocity attenuation character with depth at the center frequencies of one-third octave bands within the 1–100 Hz frequency range; the vibration time history at any depth in the soil is calculated. These calculated vibrations are then applied as input loads to the corresponding nodes on one boundary of the foundation–soil model, serving as the source of environmental microvibrations. The predicted results are compared with measured data and the empirical point source input method, indicating that this approach is more precise and efficient, providing valuable reference for the prediction and analysis of environmental microvibrations. In addition, utilizing this method, the study examines the effects of pile foundation parameters such as the pile length, burial depth, and concrete baseplate thickness on the vibration isolation performance of environmental microvibrations, providing guidance for designing pile foundation isolation.

Crack propagation and damage evolution of metallic cylindrical shells under internal explosive loading

This paper investigates the three-dimensional crack propagation and damage evolution process of metallic column shells under internal explosive loading. The calibration of four typical failure parameters for 40CrMnSiB steel was conducted through experiments and subsequently applied to simulations. The numerical simulation results employing the four failure criteria were compared with the differences and similarities observed in freeze-recovery tests and ultra-high-speed tests. This analysis addressed the critical issue of determining failure criteria for the fracture of a metal shell under internal explosive loads. Building upon this foundation, the damage parameter Dc, linked to the cumulative crack density, was defined based on the evolution characteristics of a substantial number of cracks. The relationship between the damage parameter and crack velocity over time was established, and the influence of the internal central pressure on the damage parameter and crack velocity was investigated. Variations in the fracture modes were found under different failure criteria, with the principal strain failure criterion proving to be the most effective for simulating 3D crack propagation in a pure shear fracture mode. Through statistical analysis of the shell penetration fracture radius data, it was determined that the fracture radius remained essentially constant during the crack evolution process and could be considered a constant. The propagation velocity of axial cracks ranged between 5300 m/s and 12600 m/s, surpassing the Rayleigh wave velocity of the shell material and decreasing linearly with time. The increase in shell damage exhibited an initial rapid phase, followed by deceleration, demonstrating accelerated damage during the propagation stage of the blast wave and decelerated damage after the arrival of the rarefaction wave. This study provides an effective approach for investigating crack propagation and damage evolution. The derived crack propagation and damage evolution law serves as a valuable reference for the development of crack velocity theory and the construction of shell damage evolution modes.

Retrieval and precise phase-velocity estimation of Rayleigh waves by the spatial autocorrelation method between distributed acoustic sensing and seismometer data

Summary In distributed acoustic sensing (DAS), optical fibre is used as sensors, which enables us to observe strain over tens of kilometres at intervals of several metres. S-wave velocity (Vs) structures of shallow sediments of high resolution have been obtained from surface wave dispersion curves by applying seismic interferometry to DAS data both onshore and offshore. However, it is known that there is a disadvantage to DAS seismic interferometry. In addition to Rayleigh waves, Love waves are also included. Consequently, the accuracy of the estimated phase velocities for Rayleigh waves is reduced due to the contamination of Love waves. To address this shortcoming, we suggest a spatial autocorrelation (SPAC) method between DAS and the vertical component of seismometer data. The SPAC method is equivalent to seismic interferometry and is useful for obtaining phase velocity dispersion curves of surface waves from the cross-correlation functions (CCFs) between the records of two receivers. The CCFs obtained from a combination of DAS and vertical seismometer data should contain only Rayleigh waves because Love waves have no vertical component. CCFs between DAS and vertical seismometer data are therefore expected to give more accurate phase velocities of Rayleigh waves than CCFs with DAS data only. In this study, we first formulated analytical expressions of cross-spectra for DAS and three-component seismometer data because seismic observation is generally carried out using a three-component seismometer. A new SPAC method is presented in the form of analytical expressions. We showed that our formulation only includes Rayleigh and not Love waves in the cross-spectra with DAS and the vertical-component seismometer data. We applied our SPAC method to actual DAS and vertical seismometer data recorded on the seafloor. Then, we compared our new SPAC method for DAS and vertical seismometer data with a conventional SPAC method for only DAS data. The results reveal that our new SPAC method can estimate the phase velocities of Rayleigh waves more accurately than the conventional method. In addition, the analytical formulations of the cross-spectrum between DAS and three-component seismometer data, which we obtained in this study, are expected to be useful for the estimation of accurate three-dimensional structures in the future, although this is not available at the moment due to the lack of an applicable dataset.

Impact of memory-dependent heat transfer on Rayleigh waves propagation in nonlocal piezo-thermo-elastic medium with voids

PurposeThis paper addresses a significant research gap in the study of Rayleigh surface wave propagation within a piezoelectric medium characterized by piezoelectric properties, thermal effects and voids. Previous research has often overlooked the crucial aspects related to voids. This study aims to provide analytical solutions for Rayleigh waves propagating through a medium consisting of a nonlocal piezo-thermo-elastic material with voids under the Moore–Gibson–Thompson thermo-elasticity theory with memory dependencies.Design/methodology/approachThe analytical solutions are derived using a wave-mode method, and roots are computed from the characteristic equation using the Durand–Kerner method. These roots are then filtered based on the decay condition of surface waves. The analysis pertains to a medium subjected to stress-free and isothermal boundary conditions.FindingsComputational simulations are performed to determine the attenuation coefficient and phase velocity of Rayleigh waves. This investigation goes beyond mere calculations and examines particle motion to gain deeper insights into Rayleigh wave propagation. Furthermore, this investigates how kernel function and nonlocal parameters influence these wave phenomena.Research limitations/implicationsThe results of this study reveal several unique cases that significantly contribute to the understanding of Rayleigh wave propagation within this intricate material system, particularly in the presence of voids.Practical implicationsThis investigation provides valuable insights into the synergistic dynamics among piezoelectric constituents, void structures and Rayleigh wave propagation, enabling advancements in sensor technology, augmented energy harvesting methodologies and pioneering seismic monitoring approaches.Originality/valueThis study formulates a novel governing equation for a nonlocal piezo-thermo-elastic medium with voids, highlighting the significance of Rayleigh waves and investigating the impact of memory.

ON THE POSSIBILITY OF ESTIMATING THE RADIUS OF A CYLINDRICAL REFLECTOR BY THE TIME OF THE DELAY OF THE PULSE OF THE PASSING WAVE IN RELATION TO THE MIRROR-REFLECTED PULSE OF THE SHEAR WAVE DURING ULTRASONIC METAL INSPECTION BY AN ANGLE PROBE

Modeling of the electro-acoustical channel of an angle probe for a side drilled hole type reflector made it possible to calculate the forms of the run round pulse generated by the radiation of a surface Rayleigh wave propagating along a concave cylindrical cavity and the wave pulse when reflected in the geometric acoustics approximation (mirror) for different radii of the hole and to obtain estimates of the ratio of the amplitudes of these pulses and the difference in their registration time. Comparison of the experimental results with those obtained by calculation for holes with radii of 2 and 3 mm showed their quite good qualitative and satisfactory quantitative coincidence. Estimates of the radius of a cylindrical hole are given based on the experimental delay time of the run round pulse and the Rayleigh wave velocity for a flat surface using a simple ratio; the range of the ratio of the diameter of the hole to the length of the transverse wave in the medium in which such an assessment is advisable is indicated, and an example of the values of the lag time in this range is given.

New constraints on the shear wave velocity structure of the Ivrea geophysical body from seismic ambient noise tomography (Ivrea-Verbano Zone, Alps)

SUMMARY We performed seismic ambient noise tomography to investigate the shallow crustal structure around the Ivrea geophysical body (IGB) in the Ivrea-Verbano Zone (IVZ). We achieved higher resolution with respect to previous tomographic works covering the Western Alps, by processing seismic data collected by both permanent and temporary seismic networks (61 broad-band seismic stations in total). This included IvreaArray, a temporary, passive seismic experiment designed to investigate the IVZ crustal structure. Starting from continuous seismic ambient noise recordings, we measured and inverted the dispersion of the group velocity of surface Rayleigh waves (fundamental mode) in the period range 4–25 s. We obtained a new, 3-D vS model of the IVZ crust via the stochastic neighbourhood algorithm (NA), with the highest resolution between 3 to 40 km depth. The fast and shallow shear wave velocity anomaly associated with the IGB presents velocities of 3.6 km s−1 directly at the surface, in remarkable agreement with the location of the exposed lower-to-middle crustal and mantle outcrops. This suggests a continuity between the surface geological observations and the subsurface geophysical anomalies. The fast IGB structure reaches vS of 4 km s−1 at 20–25 km depth, at the boundary between the European and Adriatic tectonic plates, and in correspondence with the earlier identified Moho jump in the same area. The interpretation of a very shallow reaching IGB is further supported by the comparison of our new results with recent geophysical investigations, based on receiver functions and gravity anomaly data. By combining the new geophysical constraints and the geological observations at the surface, we provide a new structural interpretation of the IGB, which features lower crustal and mantle rocks at upper crustal depths. The comparison of the obtained vS values with the physical properties from laboratory analysis of local rock samples suggests that the bulk of the IGB consists of a combination of mantle peridotite, ultramafic and lower crustal rocks, bound in a heterogeneous structure. These new findings, based on vS tomography, corroborate the recent interpretation for which the Balmuccia peridotite outcrops are continuously linked to the IGB structure beneath. The new outcomes contribute to a multidisciplinary framework for the interpretation of the forthcoming results of the scientific drilling project DIVE. DIVE aims at probing the lower continental crust and its transition to the mantle, with two ongoing and one future boreholes (down to 4 km depth) in the IVZ area, providing new, complementary information on rock structure and composition across scales. In this framework, we constrain the upper crustal IGB geometries and lithology based on new evidence for vS, connecting prior crustal knowledge to recent active seismic investigations.

Ambient noise tomography of the Aegean region of Türkiye from Rayleigh wave group velocity

We have studied Rayleigh wave group velocities beneath the Aegean region of Türkiye using ambient noise tomography. Noise data were gathered from 43 broadband seismic stations belonging to three permanent broad-band arrays. The cross-correlation method was used to estimate empirical Green’s functions. Group velocities of the fundamental mode Rayleigh waves were determined using multiple filter technique. We measured dispersion for each station pair in a period range of 2–12 s and computed maps of group velocity distribution using the fast marching surface tomography method. The group velocity maps correlate well with the geological and tectonic features of the region, displaying low velocities for the Quaternary alluvial basins, moderate velocities for Cretaceous rocks, and high velocities for the regions where gneiss and granitoid rocks outcrop. Low velocity anomalies may be associated with the grabens and horsts formed by faulting and to deep mantle flow. We detect potential offshore geothermal zones in Izmir and Candarli Bay. The information from broad-band networks improves the resolution of crustal surface wave velocity structures, particularly for shallow depths. This improvement will support the assessment of seismic hazard, as the shallow layers of the crust contribute significantly to seismic activity.

Pseudo-Mach angles for Rayleigh ground waves generated by trains moving at conventional speeds

Spatial distributions of ground vibrations (mostly Rayleigh surface waves) generated by railway trains travelling at conventional speeds have been investigated theoretically at frequencies close to sleeper passage frequencies defined by train speeds and sleeper periodicity. It has been demonstrated that generated ground vibrations at such frequencies are plane Rayleigh waves propagating symmetrically away from the track at certain angles in respect of the track. In particular, for frequency components slightly higher than sleeper passage frequencies, these radiation angles resemble the well-known frequency-independent Mach angles for Rayleigh ground waves generated by trains moving at speeds that are higher than Rayleigh wave velocity in the supporting ground. The above-mentioned angles associated with Rayleigh wave radiation at conventional speeds, that are dependent on frequency, can be called 'pseudo-Mach angles'. These radiation angles can be used for better understanding of railway-generated ground vibrations around sleeper passage frequencies and for their more efficient experimental observation.

An approximate formula for the Rayleigh wave velocity in the machined surface with residual stress

The present paper is concerned with the Rayleigh wave propagation in the machined surface with a thin damaged layer with residual stress. We assume that the layer and the half-space are bonded perfectly to each other. Biot’s theory of small deformations influenced by initial stress forms the basis for this study. With the help of the effective boundary condition method, a third-order approximate secular equation of Rayleigh waves is established for the case that the layer and half-space are both orthotropic. In addition, an explicit third-order approximate formula for the Rayleigh wave velocity is derived from the secular equation. By considering a sample of silicon wafer by fine grinding with fine abrasive grains, the accuracy of the approximate formula has been verified. This study is meant to serve as the mathematical foundation for non-destructive testing of residual stress in the practical applications.

Nonlinear ultrasonic techniques to quantify oxidation damage in carbon/carbon composite material

This research applies linear and nonlinear ultrasonic (NLU) techniques to quantify oxidation damage in a carbon/carbon (C/C) composite material cut from an automotive friction disc ring. The oxidation as a result of gasification of carbon at high temperatures (T >∼ 500 °C) is a major degradation mechanism in C/C composites. This is the first research to successfully use a dry-contact mediator wedge setup for nonlinear ultrasonic applications, enabling repeatable in-situ Rayleigh wave measurements on slow wave velocity materials where submersion is impractical. The samples are subjected to thermal damage by exposure to a high temperature atmosphere over multiple holding times, and the oxidation damage is visualized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The sample mass is recorded and both linear (velocity and attenuation) and nonlinear (β′) ultrasonic measurements are performed after each holding time. Superior sensitivity to early stage oxidation affirms the suitability of nonlinear Rayleigh wave measurements for the quantification of thermally induced oxidation damage in C/C composites, while the double mediator wedge setup is well suited for high attenuation, slow wave velocity materials, demonstrating potential applicability for in-situ condition monitoring. The results show that a systematic oxidation starts after 3 min of exposure to the temperature in this C/C composite. The oxidation induced fiber–matrix debonding, matrix defects (appearing to be microcracking), and void growth are consistently detected by the Rayleigh wave velocity and acoustic nonlinearity. In addition to the higher sensitivity, the nonlinearity parameter has the capability of selectively measuring the strength related damage such as the observed fiber–matrix debonding, while the wave velocity can detect the oxidation voids. A combined use of these two parameters can provide useful information on the microstructural evolution in C/C composites subjected to high temperatures.

Scattering enhancement of partially buried sphere at the water-sand interfaces due to reflected subsonic Rayleigh waves

In view of the development needs of maritime security, the detecting of buried targets over long distances at low frequencies needs to be solved urgently. Through well designed experiments at low frequency (ka = 5–10), this paper presents a study on the scattering echoes from polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) spheres in partially buried cases (50%, 75% and 100% buried), and the propagation characteristics of subsonic Rayleigh surface waves on the surface of PMMA spheres at the water-sand interface can be clearly observed. It is shown that the fine sand medium with larger impedance brings about smaller circumferential phase and group velocities of subsonic Rayleigh waves on the surface of the PMMA sphere; the resonance peak caused by subsonic Rayleigh waves is shifted toward the low frequency with the deepening of the burial depth, and the offset can be predicted by the circumferential phase velocity of the subsonic Rayleigh wave in different media and burial depth of PMMA sphere, and the experimental and finite element simulation results validate the shift of the Rayleigh resonance peak. The research results of this paper can provide certain reference value for the detection of low frequency buried targets.

Shear wave crustal velocity structure in the Garhwal-Kumaon Himalaya based on noise cross-correlation of Rayleigh wave

The tectonics of the Garwal-Kumaon Himalaya is characterized by thrusts, tectonic windows, and klippen. We investigate crustal shear wave velocity variations using ambient noise cross-correlation tomography. The studied region encompasses the Kali River valley in the east to Satluj valley in the west, with the adjoining Indo-Gangetic Plain in the south covering the northern part of the Delhi-Haridwar ridge. The fundamental mode group velocities of Rayleigh waves are extracted from cross-correlation data of 33 broadband seismological stations from a regional seismic network. A total of 374 dispersion curves with a period range of 4–29 s show a group velocity variation between ∼2.3 and ∼ 3.4 km/s. The shear wave velocity structure of the uppermost lithosphere down to ∼50 km obtained by non-linear inversion of the Rayleigh wave dispersion data provides new insight into the geometry of the crust. A large variation in Vs in the range of ∼2.8 to ∼4.7 km/s corresponds to a variety of changes in the tectonic deformation, structure, and crustal thickness of the Himalayan wedge. Thick low-velocity sedimentary formations are identified beneath the Indo-Gangetic Plain and the frontal Himalaya. Anomalous low Vs zones are also observed in the mid-crust beneath the higher Himalaya and southern Tibet, indicating partial melting or the presence of aqueous fluid zones. The high-velocity anomalies may be correlated with duplex structures beneath the Lesser Himalaya and with lithospheric flexure.

Determination of the contrast boundaries of the low velocity zone by analyzing the features of the dispersion curves of the Rayleigh wave velocities based on empirical dependencies

An important application of the multichannel surface wave (MASW) method is seismic safety assessment. The key parameters in the calculation of increments in the input of seismic microzoning are the thickness and average velocity of the soil mass lying on the base of more rigid rocks. To determine these parameters, we propose a new method for constructing horizontally layered models of the upper part of the geological section using the features (positions of extrema of the second derivative) of the dispersion curves of phase velocities of the Rayleigh surface wave, which, as shown by numerical experiments, are associated with the position of contrasting boundaries in the medium under study. (e.g., the boundary between soils and rocks). This approach is much simpler than the problem of recovering a horizontally layered model traditionally solved in the MASW method from a set of phase velocities for a sequence of frequencies and does not require an initial approximation and/or any restrictions on the possible values of the model parameters. In the case of two-layer and three-layer media, our approach is reduced to a simple and fast application of explicit formulas.