Reflection Profiles Research Articles

A dual-camera hyperspectral laparoscopic imaging system.

Minimally invasive surgery (MIS) has expanded broadly in the field of abdominal and pelvic surgery. However, there are still prevalent issues surrounding intracorporeal surgery, such as iatrogenic injury, anastomotic leakage, or the presence of positive tumor margins after resection. Current approaches to address these issues and advance laparoscopic imaging techniques often involve fluorescence imaging agents, such as indocyanine green (ICG), to improve visualization, but these have drawbacks. Hyperspectral imaging (HSI) is an emerging optical imaging modality that takes advantage of spectral characteristics of different tissues. Various applications include tissue classification and digital pathology. In this study, we developed a dual-camera system for high-speed hyperspectral imaging. This includes the development of a custom application interface and corresponding hardware setup. Characterization of the system was performed, including spectral accuracy and spatial resolution, showing little sacrifice in speed for the approximate doubling of the covered spectral range, with our system acquiring 29 spectral images from 460-850 nm. Reference color tiles with various reflectance profiles were imaged and a RMSE of 3.56 ± 1.36% was achieved. Sub-millimeter resolution was shown at 7 cm working distance for both hyperspectral cameras. Finally, we image ex vivo tissues, including porcine stomach, liver, intestine, and kidney with our system and use a high-resolution, radiometrically calibrated spectrometer for comparison and evaluation of spectral fidelity. The dual-camera hyperspectral laparoscopic imaging system can have immediate applications in various surgeries.

Subsurface distribution of granites and greenstones in the Paleoarchean East Pilbara Terrane from 3-D gravity inversion

The Paleoarchean East Pilbara Terrane contains some of the oldest rocks on Earth, and has a distinctive surface architecture of granite domes surrounded by arcuate greenstone belts. Explanations for creation of the domes include fold interference, core complex formation and the subsidence of a dense, mafic crust between relatively buoyant granitic complexes. In the latter “sagduction” process, greenstones are often viewed as descending to the base of the crust. Here we present a 3-D inversion of Bouguer gravity data for density contrast constrained by shear wave velocities and a seismic reflection profile. We show that the East Pilbara Terrane is predominantly characterized by a two-layer crust with high-density greenstone rocks largely confined to the upper crust, which is inconsistent with vertical tectonic models requiring large-scale greenstone preservation in the lower crust. The eastern margin of the terrane is marked by a west-to-east transition from low-density ovoid bodies to linear northwest-trending sources associated with the Proterozoic Paterson Orogen. We identify the previously unknown 10–15 km wide Tumbinna Pool Dome, between the Mount Edgar and Yilgalong domes. Higher density sources related to the surface distribution of greenstone rocks largely occur above 10–15 km depth, though they may locally reach >15 km depth on the north side of the Mount Edgar Dome. Some granitic domes have higher density cores related to distinct granite suites, while the Split Rock Supersuite appears to exhibit systematically lower density at depths of 5–10 km. Low-density sources due to small intrusions such as the North Pole Dome only extend to depths up to 10 km, while the large Mount Edgar Dome can be identified at depths as great as 15–20 km. Some low-density bodies in the lower crust, one of which underlies the Yilgalong Dome, correlate with regions of reduced seismic reflectivity, which we interpret to be possible relict migmatisation zones or melt pathways. A weakly constrained ESE-trending high-density region immediately below the Moho correlates with isolated sub-Moho reflectors, and may be a relict zone of rifting and delamination.

Reconstruction of 3D DPR Observations Using GMI Radiances

AbstractThree‐dimensional global precipitation observation is crucial for understanding climate and weather dynamics. While spaceborne precipitation radars provide precise but limited observations, passive microwave imagers are available much more frequently. In this study, we propose a deep learning approach to reconstruct active radar observations using passive microwave radiances. We introduce the Hybrid Deep Neural Network (HDNN) model, which utilizes reflectivity profiles from the Dual‐frequency Precipitation Radar (DPR) onboard the Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) Core Observatory Satellite as the “target” and combines radiances from the GPM Microwave Imager (GMI) with supplementary reanalysis data to serve as the “features.” Results underscore the HDNN's exemplary performance, with a root mean square error below 4 dBZ across all altitude levels, and a consistent accuracy across different precipitation types. Its efficacy is further illustrated when applied to typhoon cases of Haishen and Khanun, emerging as a superior tool for capturing 3D structures of expansive precipitation systems.

Carboniferous to Triassic polyphase tectonic transition in the western North China craton: A retroarc basin response to termination of the middle segment of the Paleo-Asian Ocean

Knowledge of the closure of the archipelago-type southern Paleo-Asian Ocean has been limited by uncertainty regarding whether the Alxa tectonic belt was isolated from the North China craton by an ocean around the Helanshan tectonic belt. Newly released seismic reflection profiles across the Alxa-Ordos border showed that the Alxa tectonic belt and Ordos Basin were located in a paleogeographically linked basin throughout the Paleozoic, indicating that the Tianshan and Solonker sutures were contiguous. The ca. 320−285 Ma successions in the Helanshan tectonic belt and surroundings, fed by a northeasterly Inner Mongolia continental arc source, display a retrogradational stacking pattern along with diabase sill emplacement. This inferred retroarc extensional setting was coeval with asthenospheric upwelling and thinning of the continental arc driven by retreating subduction of the Paleo-Asian Ocean. The subsequent ca. 280−260 Ma sedimentary hiatus coincided with magmatic flare-up, crustal thickening, and retroarc foreland formation in the Inner Mongolia continental arc, indicating a geodynamic transition from retroarc extension to compression in the mid-Permian. Then craton-scale drainage reorganization occurred during the Early Triassic (ca. 250−230 Ma), manifested by the discharge of the Middle Triassic fluvial system southeastward to the central Ordos Basin; this was steered by southeastward expansion of the Alxa tectonic belt during the final termination of the Paleo-Asian Ocean. Postcollision lithospheric adjustment since ca. 230 Ma resulted in vigorous alkaline magmatism and supracrustal stretching in the Inner Mongolia continental arc as well as mafic magmatism and rifting in the study area. Hence, Carboniferous to Triassic polyphase tectonic transitions in the western North China craton were retroarc basin expressions related to complicated subduction-closure processes in the southern Paleo-Asian Ocean.

Intraplate thrust orogeny of the Altai Mountains revealed by deep seismic reflection

The Altai orogen is a typical intracontinental orogen in Central Asia that experienced far-field deformation associated with Indian-Eurasian plate convergence. This region is characterized by uplift comparable to that of the Tianshan Mountains but has a distinct strain rate. Half of the Indo-Asia strain is accommodated by the Tianshan Mountains, whereas the Altai Mountains accommodates only 10%. To elucidate how the Altai Mountains produced such a large amount of uplift with only one-fifth of the strain rate of the Tianshan Mountains, we constructed a detailed crustal image of the Altai Mountains based on a new 166.8-km deep seismic reflection profile. The prestack migration images reveal an antiform within the Erqis crust, an ∼10 km Moho offset between the Altai arc and the East Junggar area, and a major south-dipping (30° dip) thrust in the lower crust beneath the Altai Mountains, which is connected to the Moho offset. The south-dipping thrust not only records the southward subduction of the Ob-Zaisan Ocean in the Paleozoic but also controlled the Altai deformation pattern in the Cenozoic with the Erqis antiform. The Erqis antiform prevented the extension of deformation to the Junggar crust. The south-dipping thrust in the lower crust of the Altai area caused extrusion of the lower crust, generating uplift at the surface, thickening of the crust, and steep (∼10 km) Moho deepening in the Altai Mountains. This process significantly widened the deformation zone of the Altai Mountains. These findings provide a new geodynamic model for describing how inherited crustal structure controls intraplate deformation without strong horizontal stress.

Efficient monostatic anisotropic point scatterer model for high performance computing

ABSTRACT High performance computing (HPC) electromagnetic (EM) emulators are used to simulate real-time EM wave interactions between numerous radar targets. Radar Cross Section (RCS) data stores reflection profiles of radar targets as a table; however, the needed storage size increases with frequency sampling density, aspect angle sampling density, and number of target types. The large quantity of data often exceeds storage capability and limits manipulation and representation feasibility. The spherical harmonic based monostatic anisotropic point scatterer model is proposed for HPC EM simulations where scattering responses can be computed with finite impulse response (FIR) filters. An efficient algorithm constructing this model with large scale RCS data is discussed. The scatterer position and the reflection profile of each scatterer are solved using least squares methods and particle swarm optimization (PSO). In addition, the function evaluations in PSO are accelerated by taking advantage of the matrix structure, making the algorithm 22 times faster

Structure and Tectonic Evolution of the NW Sulu Sea Basin (SE Asia)

AbstractWe discuss the tectonic structure, seismic stratigraphy and evolution of the NW Sulu Sea using reprocessed 2D reflection profiles. The NW Sulu Sea is located between the Palawan continental shelf and the Cagayan Ridge and represents the northern part of the Sulu Sea, a marginal sea resulting from Paleogene extension and subsequent Neogene contraction due to convergence between the Palawan and the Philippine blocks. The basin consists of six seismo‐stratigraphic units overlying crystalline basement. Syn‐orogenic depocenters contain calibrated Middle Miocene to, possibly, Lower Miocene units, while rift‐related depocenters consist of uncalibrated but tentatively dated Paleogene to Lower Miocene units. Thickness and depth maps of the main units and bounding horizons differentiate the Piedra‐Blanca and the Rasa domains, separated by the NW‐Sulu‐Break major tectonic structure. Fault‐bounded rift‐related depocenters are strongly segmented. We interpret that NW‐SE and NE‐SW trending zones accommodate shape and trend variations of these depocenters. We suggest that these zones may link rift segments, recording different extensional deformation. Miocene thrusting and folding in the Piedra‐Blanca Domain and mudflow with associated gravitational structures in the Rasa Domain influenced the deposition of syn‐orogenic units. Rift structures inherited from rift segmentation may have conditioned the style and distribution of contractional deformation during the subsequent incipient reactivation during contraction. In the context of SE Asia, our results support that the timing of rifting of the NW Sulu Sea overlaps with the opening of the South China Sea and the North Palawan margin, which may indicate a common geodynamic driving force triggering extension.

Delineating subbasins of sedimentary rock structure beneath eastern Central Sumatra Basin based on gravity model, seismic profiles, and well-log data: A case study

The Central Sumatra Basin is a vast sedimentary basin that has been proven to produce hydrocarbon. The basin comprises several subbasins that are not sufficiently imaged by conventional seismic reflection profiles and limited well-log data, particularly in the nearshore area to the east. This research aims to delineate sedimentary subbasins, interpret the subsurface geologic model, and identify geologic structures beneath the eastern part of the Central Sumatra Basin using integrated geophysical gravity, seismic profiles, and well-log data. Three-dimensional gravity inversion modeling results indicate that the pre-Tertiary granitic basement is a continental crust with a mass density value of 2.67 gr/cc. The modeling results indicate that the sedimentary rock is composed of Early Oligocene–Middle Miocene sedimentary rock, with a mass density of 2.35 gr/cc, arranged from bottom to top. The residual gravity anomaly model identifies 13 sedimentary subbasins with structural features such as basement height, graben, and fault mapped in a relatively northwest–southeast direction. Moreover, based on the graben pattern and the basement high beneath the eastern Central Sumatra Basin, many structural patterns support the development of petroleum systems similar to that of the western part of the basin, which has already produced hydrocarbon. Our research also revealed the thickness of the Sihapas Formation in the eastern part of the basin, which shows great potential as a hydrocarbon reservoir. The results show that integrated analysis of many geophysical data sets can substantially decrease the uncertainty associated with individual data sets and produce more reliable imaging of subsurface geology.

Assessment of the Stiffness of Small Arterial Vessels of Superficial Biotissues and Their Spectral-Temporal Diffuse Light Reflection Profiles

Assessment of the Stiffness of Small Arterial Vessels of Superficial Biotissues and Their Spectral-Temporal Diffuse Light Reflection Profiles

Tectonic evolution of the Crotone Basin (central Mediterranean): The important role of two strike-slip fault zones

The middle Miocene to Quaternary evolution of the Crotone Basin (CB), on the Ionian side of the Calabrian Arc (southern Italy), was strongly controlled by the activity of the NNW- to NW-striking Rossano-San Nicola (RSFZ) and Petilia-Sosti (PSFZ) fault zones. The integration of low frequency 2D seismic reflection profiles, boreholes and geological maps has allowed the discovery of a positive flower structure, which is part of the RSFZ. Such a positive flower structure was responsible for the emplacement of an allochthonous unit in the Late Tortonian and contributed to the onset of gravitational collapse in the Pliocene. Dextral transpressional tectonics related to the RSFZ led to the expulsion of a S-verging thrust controlling the emergence of the northern sector (Cirò area), and the development of an elongated E-W-oriented depocenter in the southern sector of the Crotone Basin (Crotone area), from the Late Tortonian to Late Messinian. In the Late Messinian, the offshore area of the basin turned into a structural high marked by overall exposure conditions, as a consequence of the RSFZ activity. Contractional/transpressional activity also took place at the transition between the Early and Late Pliocene, when the PSFZ governed the superimposition of the Messinian Unit in the Crotone area. Conversely, phases of extensional/transtensional tectonics are inferred to have been occurred along the PSFZ during the Messinian, by the development of a tectonic trough in the south Crotone area. This tectonic regime is also supposed to have persisted during the Early Pliocene and the Pleistocene in the offshore area, where the development of local depocenters took place.

Origin, evolution and significance of giant buried sediment mounds near the Sahara Slide Complex, North‐west African margin

AbstractMixed turbidite–contourite depositional systems result from interactions between down‐slope turbidity currents and along‐slope bottom currents, comprising excellent records of past oceanographic currents. Modern and ancient systems have been widely documented along the continental margins of the Atlantic Ocean. Yet, few examples have so far been identified on the North‐west African continental margin, limiting understanding of the sedimentary and palaeoceanographic evolution in this area. This work uses two‐dimensional seismic reflection profiles to report, for the first time, the presence of three giant sediment mounds beneath the headwall region of the Sahara Slide Complex. The sediment mounds are elongated and separated by two broad canyons, showing a north‐west/south‐east orientation that is roughly perpendicular to the continental margin. These mounds are 24 to 37 km long and 12 to 17 km wide, reaching a maximum height of ca 1000 m. Numerous slide scarps are observed within and along the flanks of the mounds, hinting at the occurrence of submarine landslides during their development. Based on their geometries, external shapes, internal seismic architecture and stratigraphic stacking patterns, it is proposed that these sediment mounds comprise down‐slope elongated mounded drifts formed in a mixed turbidite–contourite system during four evolutionary stages: onset, growth, maintenance and burial. The significance of this work is that it demonstrates the gradual transition from a turbidite system to a full mixed turbidite–contourite system to be associated, in the study area, with the establishment of strong ocean currents along north‐west Africa.

Mapping weed infestation in maize fields using Sentinel-2 data

Weed management in maize farms is a time-specific activity and requires timely detection of weed infestations. The challenge to early detection of weeds is that many dicotyledonous crops and broad-leaved weeds often display similar reflectance profile in the early growth stage and requires hyperspectral data to detect them. However, the advent of Sentinel-2 sensor series, with enhanced spectral configuration featuring red-edge bands that are known for species-level discrimination of plants, presents an affordable opportunity to detect weeds using multispectral data. The present study explores the question of whether Sentinel-2 sensor with its advanced spectral configuration can differentiate weeds from maize (Zea mays) in the early growth stages of maize. The study recorded 165 GPS points of weeds, maize, and mixed class in six maize farms during the early stages of maize growth. These GPS points were overlaid on Sentinel-2 images acquired within two days of field data gathering to guide the collection of spectral signatures of the maize, mixed, and weed classes. Spectral signatures were divided into training (70%) and validation (30%) data in a Random Forest (RF) model with S-2 spectral bands and vegetation indices as predictor variables. Spectral signatures were firstly tested for spectral separability between classes using ANOVA. The results of spectral analysis showed that the weed class had higher interclass variability from the maize and mixed class particularly in the red-edge and NIR regions of Sentinel-2. The classification matrix consistently showed that weeds were detected with high user and producers’ accuracy of 95%. These results indicate the utility of the enhanced spectral configuration of Sentinel-2 data in the early detection of weeds in maize farms.

DEEP REFLECTION SEISMIC DATA FOR IMPROVED IMAGING OF CRUST STRUCTURE: 2D CASE STUDY OF THE SOUTHWEST SUB-BASIN IN THE SOUTH CHINA SEA

Seismic imaging of crustal structures becomes difficult in the presence of rough basements or complex bathymetry. Here, we present a 900 km deep seismic reflection profile collected across the Southwest Sub-basin (SWSB) of the South China Sea. By analyzing the types and distinctions of noise and effective signals, we employed deep structure migration techniques to improve crustal structure imaging, wide-line processing to predict 3D space multiples, and F-K domain time-space variable adaptive de-ghosting and different offset stacking to enhance the weak signals reflected from deep strucutures. The imaged continental crustal structure in the Penxi Bank exhibits moderate thinning, down to 15 km, and is intersected by continental-ward low-angle normal faults. Within the limitations of the OBS P-wave velocity model, we detected sub-horizontal lower crustal reflections that may be indicative of a weak lower crust. Two small-scale rollover structures along detachment faults rooted and rafted to the top of these weak lower crust. Based on the presence of narrow continent-ocean transitions(COTs), continental-ward detachment faults, and high lithosphere heat flow, we deduced that the mantle lithosphere breakup occurred earlier than the crust in the SWSB. Moreover, the continent-ocean transitions and oceanic crust domains demonstrate rough basements with numerous faults and approximately 20% diffuse or weak Moho reflections. From the southern COT to the initial oceanic domain, the thickness of the crust gradually reduces to only 3-5 km. This suggests a relatively low magmatic budget and protracted tectonic extension from the continental breakup to the onset of seafloor spreading. Within the oceanic crust domain, the crust thickness ranges from approximately 4-6 km, indicating a thinner oceanic crust than normal crust. Lower crustal reflections with a ridge-ward dipping pattern terminate at the Moho reflections and are partly connected to syn-spreading faults, hinting at their possible generation through syn-spreading faulting.

New Zealand’s offshore sedimentary basins

ABSTRACT We present new interpretations and mapping that define the distribution, extent, and sediment thickness of 25 primarily offshore sedimentary basins within New Zealand’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and Extended Continental Shelf (ECS). These basins cover ∼1.64 million km2 of the ∼5.8 million km2 (∼28%) of New Zealand’s offshore territory. The sedimentary basins formed in different tectonic settings. Most initially formed during the mid- to Late Cretaceous in either a rift-related setting during Gondwana break-up, or within or atop the paleo Gondwana subduction margin. Others formed due to the onset of mid-Paleogene sea-floor spreading, or are related to Neogene–Quaternary subsidence driven by subduction processes. Slight to significant late Paleogene to Quaternary tectonic overprints are pervasive in basins located within the Hikurangi subduction margin’s deformation zone. Knowledge of the distribution and extent of these basins was refined during the multi-year ‘Atlas of Petroleum Prospectivity’ research programme, which builds upon many decades of previous research. New digital structure, isochore, and paleogeographic maps, along with annotated seismic reflection profiles, have been developed where data coverage has allowed, using a consistent set of age-equivalent seismic horizons tied to the New Zealand Geological Timescale. Maximum total sediment thickness of ∼11 km occurs in Taranaki Basin.

Gravity-Seismic Joint Inversion of Lithospheric Density Structure in the Qiongdongnan Basin, Northwest South China Sea

Abstract Qiongdongnan Basin (QDNB), located at the northwestern corner of the South China Sea (SCS), is a key juncture between the extensional tectonic regime in the northern continental margin and the shear tectonic regime in the western continental margin. Analyzing the crustal density structure and tracking the thermodynamic controlling factors are effective approaches to reveal the nonuniform breakup process of the northwestern SCS. Herein, focusing on the obvious tectonic deformation with distinct eastern and western parts in the QDNB, we present the crustal density structures of five profiles and identify the high-density anomaly related to the synrifting mantle underplating and postrifting magmatic intrusions. The crustal density model was constructed from the Bouguer gravity anomaly, ocean bottom seismic profiles, and multichannel seismic reflection profiles. The northern part of QDNB, with normal crustal density, lower surface heat flow of <55 mW/m2, and limited extension factor of 1.25–1.70, is recognized as the initial nonuniform extension continental crust. The mantle underplating beneath the QDNB is identified as a high mantle density of 3.30–3.40 g/cm3 and a high lower crustal density of 2.92–2.96 g/cm3, which is usually recognized by the high-velocity layers in the northeastern margin of SCS. The magmatic intrusions are identified as the high-density bodies ranging from 3.26 g/cm3 at the base to 2.64 g/cm3 at the top, which become stronger from the west to east. The central part of Xisha Trough is featured by the cooling of the heavily thinned lower crust in the final continental rifting stage, which is close to the cold and rigid oceanic crust. Lateral variations in the deep magmatic anomaly should be the crucial factor for the nonuniform breakup process in the northwestern margin of SCS.

Oceanic crust—seismic structure, lithology and the cause of the 2A Event at borehole 504B

SUMMARY This study focuses on the 3-D velocity structure and thickness of ∼7-Myr-old oceanic crust surrounding borehole 504B, located ∼235 km from the intermediate-spreading Costa Rica Rift (Panama Basin). It investigates how well seismic structure determined by 3-D tomography compares with actual lithology and, consequently, what the origin and cause might be of an amplitude anomaly, the 2A Event, that is observed in multichannel seismic data. Our P-wave model shows an ∼0.3-km-thick sediment layer of velocity between ∼1.6 and 1.9 km s−1 (gradient 1.0 s−1), bound at its base by a velocity step to 4.8 km s−1 at the top of oceanic crustal Layer 2. Layer 2 itself is subdivided into two main units (2A and 2B) by a vertical velocity gradient change at 4.5 km depth, with a gradient of 1.7 s−1 above (4.8–5.8 km s−1) and 0.7 s−1 below (5.8–6.5 km s−1). The base of Layer 2, in turn, is defined by a change in gradient at 5.6 km depth. Below this, Layer 3 has a velocity range of 6.5–7.5 km s−1 and a gradient of ∼0.3 s−1. Corresponding S-wave igneous layer velocities and gradients are: Layer 2A, 2.4–3.1 km s−1 and 1.0 s−1; Layer 2B, 3.1–3.7 km s−1 and 0.5 s−1; Layer 3, 3.7–4.0 km s−1 and 0.1 s−1. The 3-D tomographic models, coupled with gravity modelling, indicate that the crust is ∼6 km thick throughout the region, with a generally flat-lying Moho. Although the P- and S-wave models are smooth, their velocities and gradients are remarkably consistent with the main lithological layering subdivisions logged within 504B. Thus, using the change in velocity gradient as a proxy, Layer 2 is interpreted as ∼1.8 km thick and Layer 3 as ∼3.8 km thick, with little vertical variation throughout the 3-D volume. However, the strike of lateral gradient variation is not Costa Rica Rift-parallel, but instead follows the orientation of the present-day adjacent Ecuador Rift, suggesting a reorientation of the Costa Rica Rift spreading ridge axis. Having determined its consistency with lithological ground-truth, the resulting P-wave model is used as the basis of finite difference calculation of wave propagation to find the origin of the 2A Event. Our modelling shows that no distinct interface, or transition, is required to generate this event. Instead, it is caused by averaging of heterogeneous physical properties by the seismic wave as it propagates through Layer 2 and is scattered. Thus, we conclude that the 2A Event originates and propagates exclusively in the lower part of Layer 2A, above the mean depth to the top of the dykes of Layer 2B. From our synthetic data we conclude that using the 2A Event on seismic reflection profiles as a proxy to determine the Layer 2A/2B boundary's depth will result in an overestimate of up to several hundred metres, the degree of which being dependent on the specific velocity chosen for normal moveout correction prior to stacking.

Reconstruction of synthetic aperture radar data using hybrid compressive sensing and deep neural network algorithm

SummaryThe reconstruction of reflectivity profile of the synthetic aperture radar (SAR) is an important field of research. SAR tomography is an advanced 3D imaging technique for the spectrum estimation in the elevation direction for each azimuth resolution cell. This work presents the processing chain for the tomographic reconstruction from ALOS PALSAR data for an urban region. First, the data are preprocessed by removing the speckle noise followed by atmospheric phase screen and topographic correction. Then the SAR images are stacked together with one master image and the remaining slave images on the baseline value. After the images are coregistered, the interferogram is generated from the image to obtain the difference of the phase value. Then the proposed super resolution SAR (SRS) algorithm is attempted for TomoSAR processing, which combines the functionality of modern machine learning method like deep learning with parametric block‐based compressive sensing approach. Finally, a 3D image is reconstructed from the input data. Evaluation is carried out by comparing the results of the proposed method with other spectrum estimation methods such as nonlinear least square, Capon, and multisignal classification. The normal baseline of the interferometric fringes is about 368.54 m. The proposed SRS algorithm gives improved results with less mean elevation error of 1.8 m and the less standard deviation error of 4.85 m. Finally, the result reveals that the SRS algorithm performed better than other TomoSAR algorithms with the less relative error 0.003.

Late MIS5a in the southern North Sea: new chronostratigraphic insights from the Brown Bank Formation

ABSTRACTThe Brown Bank Formation (BB Fm) is a clay‐rich sedimentary unit that is distributed over a large area in the southern North Sea. It is easily recognisable in 2D acoustic reflection profiles, forming sets of subparallel high‐amplitude reflections. Previous studies have provided only fragmentary information on the facies, and a variety of interpretations on the depositional environment and age of the BB Fm. In this study we combine high‐resolution 2D acoustic reflection profiles and multiproxy sedimentological, geochemical and geochronological analyses of three vibrocores, to provide a detailed description and a new age assessment for the BB Fm at its type locality, adjacent to the Brown Bank ridge. At the study site, the BB Fm shows morphologically well‐preserved submarine sand dunes, deposited in a high‐energy shelf setting, overlain by organic‐rich silty clays that were deposited under lower‐energy conditions in an increasingly compartmentalised marginal marine environment. Elevated terrestrial organic input shows that the Rhine–Meuse delta was situated relatively close‐by. Luminescence ages indicate that the sediments of the BB Fm in our cores were deposited during the Weichselian Odderade interstadial (MIS5a, ca. 80 ka) and earliest parts of the Early Pleniglacial (MIS4, ca. 70 ka), which is later than previously reported in the literature.

Seismogenic fault of the 2021 Ms 6.0 Luxian induced earthquake in the Sichuan Basin, China constrained by high-resolution seismic reflection and dense seismic array

Accurate documentation of the location and geometry of seismogenic faults are critical for understanding strong seismicity and seismic hazard mitigation. A rising concern worldwide is induced seismicity caused by hydraulic fracturing, yet the geological characteristics and mechanisms of such seismogenic faults remain insufficiently understood. In particular, a first-order issue is whether the strong (M ≥ 5.0) induced earthquakes are caused directly by the slip of shallow faults near shale reservoirs or indirectly by deep basement faults. The September 16, 2021 Ms 6.0 (Mw 5.4) Luxian earthquake in the Sichuan Basin, China is one of the world's greatest induced earthquakes related to shale gas exploitation. Here we constrain the geometry of the seismogenic fault of this earthquake using three-dimensional seismic reflection data and a dense seismic array. Pre-existing faults in the sedimentary cover are clearly visible in seismic coherence slices. However, these shallow faults do not match the seismological parameters of the Luxian earthquake. High-resolution seismic reflection profiles combined with relocated earthquakes indicate that the seismogenic fault is located in the Precambrian basement. The results suggest that the mainshock is most likely caused by the poroelastic effects due to fluid injection. Hydraulic fracturing could have reactivated a large-scale basement fault and triggered the strong earthquakes under a relatively high geo-stress conditions in the study area. The basement fault slipped upward and ruptured the sedimentary cover, resulting in a significant difference between the focal and centroid depths of the mainshock. Our findings emphasize the importance of investigating regional tectonic and geological settings, local stress fields, and pre-existing faults for studying potential induced seismicity in shale gas fields.

Messinian canyons morphology of the Rhône and Ardèche rivers (south-east France): new insights from seismic profiles

Twelve available two-way time high-resolution seismic reflection profiles located in the central part of the middle Rhône valley are interpreted. In addition, one of the profiles was reprocessed to determine the P-wave velocities of the main geological units and to convert this profile into a depth cross section. The Lower and Upper Cretaceous units are clearly identifiable on all the profiles, along with the Messinian Erosion Surface (MES) carved out during the Messinian Salinity Crisis (MSC) by the paleo-Rhône and its western tributaries, the Ardèche and Cèze paleo-canyons. The Plio-Quaternary fill of these paleo-canyons shows at least 4 main units with an overall transgression. The combination of geological data from geological maps, geological field surveys and borehole data made it possible to model the MES in 3D at the scale of the region, and to produce depth/elevation model. From a geological point of view, the interpretation of the seismic profiles enabled us to reconstruct the stages in the sub-aquatic filling of the Messinian-Pliocene aggradation of the paleo-river. Several Mass Transport Deposits (MTDs) were identified both during the drop and during the rise in the Mediterranean Sea level. From a geomorphological point of view, this study provides new insights in the route and longitudinal profile of paleo-rivers and, in particular, it deepens the profile of the Paleo-Rhône at the latitude of the Tricastin region (up to −700 m b.s.l.) and significantly modifies the course and depth of the Ardèche proposed in previous studies. The N-Ardèche river, known to develop a karstic system during the MSC, is connected to a deep canyon, most likely through a karstic pocket valley, as suggested by the very steep longitudinal profile of the MES. Finally, from a structural point of view, our interpretation of the seismic profiles shows a broad ENE-trending anticline structure associated with a normal fault which apparently did not affect the Mio-Pliocene fill. In the southern part of the area, near the Uchaux anticline, the imaged structures suggest the presence of a recent (syn- to post-Pliocene) fault propagation fold. In addition to all the new information on the geology, morphology and methods of excavation and filling of the Messinian paleo-canyon, the proposed topographic model of the paleo-canyon is crucial for modelling seismic movement in the context of a basin with a complex geometry and, in particular, for the numerical assessment of site effects in a context of low seismicity.