Seepage System Research Articles

A new numerical model for understanding free and dissolved gas progression toward the atmosphere in aquatic methane seepage systems

AbstractWe present a marine two‐phase gas model in one dimension (M2PG1) resolving interaction between the free and dissolved gas phases and the gas propagation toward the atmosphere in aquatic environments. The motivation for the model development was to improve the understanding of benthic methane seepage impact on aquatic environments and its effect on atmospheric greenhouse gas composition. Rising, dissolution, and exsolution of a wide size‐range of bubbles comprising several gas species are modeled simultaneously with the evolution of the aqueous gas concentrations. A model sensitivity analysis elucidates the relative importance of process parameterizations and environmental effects on the gas behavior. The parameterization of transfer velocity across bubble rims has the greatest influence on the resulting gas distribution, and bubble sizes are critical for predicting the fate of emitted bubble gas. High salinity increases the rise height of bubbles; whereas temperature does not significantly alter it. Vertical mixing and aerobic oxidation play insignificant roles in environments where advection is important. The model, applied in an Arctic Ocean methane seepage location, showed good agreement with acoustically derived bubble rise heights and in situ sampled methane concentration profiles. Coupled with numerical ocean circulation and biogeochemical models, M2PG1 could predict the impact of benthic methane emissions on the marine environment and the atmosphere on long time scales and large spatial scales. Because of its flexibility, M2PG1 can be applied in a wide variety of environmental settings and future M2PG1 applications may include gas leakage from seafloor installations and bubble injection by wave action.

Differences of microscopic seepage mechanisms of water flooding and polymer flooding and prediction models of final oil recovery for conglomerate reservoir

The special sedimentary environments of conglomerate reservoir lead to pore structure characteristics of complex modal, and the reservoir seepage system is mainly in the “sparse reticular-non reticular” flow pattern. As a result, the study on microscopic seepage mechanism of water flooding and polymer flooding and their differences becomes the complex part and key to enhance oil recovery. In this paper, the actual core samples from conglomerate reservoir in Karamay oilfield are selected as research objects to explore microscopic seepage mechanisms of water flooding and polymer flooding for hydrophilic rock as well as lipophilic rock by applying the Computed Tomography (CT) scanning technology. After that, the final oil recovery models of conglomerate reservoir are established in two displacement methods based on the influence analysis of oil displacement efficiency. Experimental results show that the seepage mechanisms of water flooding and polymer flooding for hydrophilic rock are all mainly “crawling” displacement along the rock surface while the weak lipophilic rocks are all mainly “inrushing” displacement along pore central. Due to the different seepage mechanisms among the water flooding and the polymer flooding, the residual oil remains in hydrophilic rock after water flooding process is mainly distributed in fine throats and pore interchange. These residual oil are cut into small droplets under the influence of polymer solution with stronger shearing drag effect. Then, those small droplets pass well through narrow throats and move forward along with the polymer solution flow, which makes enhancing oil recovery to be possible. The residual oil in weak lipophilic rock after water flooding mainly distributed on the rock particle surface and formed oil film and fine pore-throat. The polymer solution with stronger shear stress makes these oil films to carry away from particle surface in two ways such as bridge connection and forming oil silk. Because of the essential attributes differences between polymer solution and injection water solution, the impact of Complex Modal Pore Structure (CMPS) on the polymer solution displacement and seepage is much smaller than on water flooding solution. Therefore, for the two types of conglomerate rocks with different wettability, the pore structure is the main controlling factor of water flooding efficiency, while reservoir properties oil saturation, and other factors have smaller influence on flooding efficiency although the polymer flooding efficiency has a good correlation with remaining oil saturation after water flooding. Based on the analysis on oil displacement efficiency factors, the parameters of water flooding index and remaining oil saturation after water flooding are used to establish respectively calculation models of oil recovery in water flooding stage and polymer flooding stage for conglomerate reservoir. These models are able to calculate the oil recovery values of this area controlled by single well control, and further to determine the oil recovery of whole reservoir in different displacement stages by leveraging interpolation simulation methods, thereby providing more accurate geological parameters for the fine design of displacement oil program.

A Novel True Triaxial Apparatus for Testing Shear Seepage in Gas-Solid Coupling Coal

To study the effects of shear stress on the mechanical and seepage properties of gas-bearing coal in three-dimensional stress conditions, a novel true triaxial apparatus (TTA) was developed for the rigid loading of the major principal stress σ1 and the intermediate principal stress σ2, and for the flexible loading of the minor principal stress σ3. Both the upper and lateral pressure heads do not interfere with each other when loading σ1 and σ2. The control and measurement of gas flow sealed effectively in coal samples were achieved by using a gas seepage system. The TTA was used to perform a series of experiments on shear seepage in coal samples under true triaxial stress conditions. The experimental results about coal’s shear failure modes, shear stress-shear displacement curve, and permeability-shear displacement curve all showed that the TTA with its better accuracy and reliability had advantages in studying the effects of both the intermediate principal stress and shear deformation on the mechanical properties of coal samples and on the characteristics of gas seepage. Thus, it could provide a new test means for further studies on shear-induced seepage in the gas-solid coupling coal.

Variation Characteristics of Mass-Loss Rate in Dynamic Seepage System of the Broken Rocks

When the collapse column and its adjacent rocks in complex geological structures are disturbed by mining, concomitant fine particle migration, mass loss, and porous structure variation during the water seepage process in broken rocks are the inherent causes for collapse column activation and water inrush. Studying the time-varying characteristics of the mass-loss rate in the dynamic seepage system of the broken rocks is of theoretical importance for the prevention of water inrush from the collapse columns. In this study, the seepage tests of the broken mudstone were carried out using the patented pumping station seepage method, and the time-varying function of the mass-loss rate was generalized. Then, the optimal coefficients in the function of mass-loss rate were computed using the genetic algorithm. At last, the mass-loss rate in the dynamic seepage system of the broken rocks with consideration of the acceleration factor was calculated using Lagrange discrete element method. The results showed that (1) the mass-loss rate was expressed as a time-dependent, exponential function with its coefficient related to the porosity, and its time-varying characteristics were affected by gradation; (2) the time-varying curves with Talbol power exponents less than 0.6 had a rapid change stage and a slow change stage, while the time-varying curves with Talbol power exponents greater than 0.6 had an initial gradual change stage, a rapid change stage and a slow change stage; (3) at the early seepage stage, the mass-loss rate decreased with Talbol power exponent increasing; and (4) after long time seepage, the mass-loss rate was close to zero and unrelated to Talbol power exponent, and the porous structure in broken rocks remained stable with its porosity close to a certain stable value.

A Numerical Simulation Study of the Migration Law of Water-Sand Two-Phase Flow in Broken Rock Mass

When the upper parts of coal resources are exploited, the mining overburden separated strata may easily connect with the upper unconsolidated aquifers. This may cause the water-sand two-phase fluids in the aquifers to flow underground through the falling broken rock mass. It has been found that it is difficult to eliminate sand after it has entered a mine, which tends to severely restrict the restorations of mines and causes significant economic losses. This paper studied a seepage system dynamic model of water-sand two-phase fluids in broken rock mass based on related two-phase flow theories. In addition, using FORTRAN language, it established a numerical calculation program to study the migration law of water-sand two-phase fluids flowing into broken rock mass and determined the main influencing factors on the seepage characteristic parameters of water-sand two-phase fluids in broken rock mass and the amounts of sand losses.

Earth-Fill Dam Monitored by EIS Method during Application of Nutrient Aqueous Solution used in BioSealing Method

The paper gives short information about the results of monitoring the electrical properties of an earth-fill dam during the application of a nutrient aqueous solution used in the method BioSealing. Monitoring is carried out using a Z-meter device when applying the method of electrical impedance spectrometry and, in some cases, is part of a system of monitoring seepage through the earth-fill dam of the water reservoir by its administrator. Information about the changes that take place in the body of the dam during the movement of the water level in the reservoir or after the influence of weather changes or human activity are given through the monitored changes in the electrical parameters of the soil of the dam with time.

Paleoenvironmental evolution in a high-stressed cold-seep system (Vicchio Marls, Miocene, northern Apennines, Italy)

Excellent exposures of Miocene seep-carbonates enclosed in marine marly sediments (Vicchio outcrops in the northern Apennines, Italy) offer the opportunity to highlight the evolution of a fossil seep ecosystem and the response of benthic communities to high-stressed environmental conditions. For this purpose, seep-related facies and molluscs within carbonate bodies have been studied, coupled with benthic foraminiferal assemblages and carbon and oxygen isotopes in the enclosing marls. The integrated planktonic foraminiferal and calcareous nannofossil biostratigraphy has allowed us to constrain the seepage within well-calibrated bioevents and to stress the relationships with paleoclimatic and paleoceanographic variations during the middle Miocene in the Mediterranean area. Our biostratigraphic data indicate that the onset of the seepage approximates the Mi3b cooling event (13.82Ma) and the seepage system lasts for 400kyr. The evolution of the Vicchio cold-seep system passes through four phases: (1) The onset of the seepage, characterized by a pervasive flow of methane-rich fluids, is inferred by δ13C depletion of marly sediments and by prevailing benthic foraminifera indicative of suboxic conditions at the sea-floor. (2) The methane flow becomes focused causing the precipitation of wide pinnacle-like carbonate bodies which contain giants lucinids. Enclosing marls indicate well-oxygenated conditions, possibly enhanced by paleoceanographic variations connected to the Mi3b cooling event. (3) The appearance of the vesicomyid Christineconcha cf. C. regab and the absence of lucinids in seep-carbonates suggest stable methane-rich fluid emissions; higher flow rates locally favoured the flourishment of bacterial mats. Benthic foraminifera show abundance peaks of organic matter depending taxa. (4) The reduced intensity of methane-rich fluid flows favours the precipitation of stratiform carbonate bodies along strike; the macrofauna is characterized by the presence of both Vesicomyidae and giant lucinids. Foraminiferal assemblages in the enclosing marls indicate the restoration of well-oxygenated conditions.

Identification of nitrate pollution sources of groundwater and analysis of potential pollution paths in loess regions: a case study in Tongchuan region, China

Groundwater is the essential and predominant source of drinking and irrigation water supplies in most arid and semiarid regions, particularly in Loess Plateau of China. The threat to groundwater quality by nitrate pollution has always been of considerable concern in loess regions. In this paper, correspondence analysis, stoichiometric analysis, ratios of major ions and some qualitative analysis are employed to discuss the spatial variability of nitrate (NO3 −), identification of NO3 − pollution sources and its potential pollution paths based on 112 water samples in Tongchuan region on the middle edge of Loess Plateau of China. Results indicate that the NO3 − concentrations ranged from 0.25 to 173 mg/L, 20.54% of water samples exceeded the Standards for Drinking Water Quality from China (≤44 mg/L), and 15.18% of samples exceeded the Guidelines for Drinking Water Quality from World Health Organization (≤50 mg/L); the water samples with high NO3 − concentrations primarily concentrated in river valleys, and the types were mainly pore waters and individual surface waters. Sewage or manure from livestock effluent was the primary sources of NO3 − in some surface waters, pore water samples with high NO3 − were closely related to agricultural input or a mixing process. Groundwater recharges from surface water and vertical infiltration in river valleys with shallow groundwater depth were considered as the potential pollution paths for NO3 − ions in the study area based on nitrate nitrogen distribution in soil profile. Driven by concentration difference and local seepage system, these NO3 − ions diffused around and groundwater buried in great depth was consequently polluted. Therefore, river valleys should be listed as the prior protection areas in loess regions; in addition, the time lag between land use changes and groundwater quality response should also be paid attention to in nitrate pollution prevention, particularly in the thick unsaturated zones.

Bottom‐simulating reflector dynamics at Arctic thermogenic gas provinces: An example from Vestnesa Ridge, offshore west Svalbard

AbstractThe Vestnesa Ridge comprises a >100 km long sediment drift located between the western continental slope of Svalbard and the Arctic mid‐ocean ridges. It hosts a deep water (>1000 m) gas hydrate and associated seafloor seepage system. Near‐seafloor headspace gas compositions and its methane carbon isotopic signature along the ridge indicate a predominance of thermogenic gas sources feeding the system. Prediction of the base of the gas hydrate stability zone for theoretical pressure and temperature conditions and measured gas compositions results in an unusual underestimation of the observed bottom‐simulating reflector (BSR) depth. The BSR is up to 60 m deeper than predicted for pure methane and measured gas compositions with >99% methane. Models for measured gas compositions with >4% higher‐order hydrocarbons result in a better BSR approximation. However, the BSR remains >20 m deeper than predicted in a region without active seepage. A BSR deeper than predicted is primarily explained by unaccounted spatial variations in the geothermal gradient and by larger amounts of thermogenic gas at the base of the gas hydrate stability zone. Hydrates containing higher‐order hydrocarbons form at greater depths and higher temperatures and contribute with larger amounts of carbons than pure methane hydrates. In thermogenic provinces, this may imply a significant upward revision (up to 50% in the case of Vestnesa Ridge) of the amount of carbon in gas hydrates.

Investigation of gas pressure and temperature effects on the permeability and steady-state time of chinese anthracite coal: An experimental study

Understanding permeability evolution in coal is critical for the prediction of coalbed methane (CBM) production and prevention of mine gas disasters. The primary objective of this study is to investigate the influences of gas pressure and temperature on the permeability and steady-state time of a Chinese anthracite coal. Using a self-developed coal and rock steady-state permeability testing system, the permeabilities of Chinese anthracite coal samples with CH4, CO2 and helium were measured under various gas pressures and temperatures. Meanwhile, the relationships between the steady-state time and gas pressure and temperature were examined. The results indicate that the changes of methane and carbon dioxide permeability with respect to gas pressure do not always monotonically increase or decrease. A tendency of an initial decrease, and subsequent increase is observed. For a seepage system, the time required to achieve a steady state increases nonlinearly with the increment of gas pressure, which indicates the typical characteristics of the Langmuir model. If other conditions are held constant, the time required to reach a steady state is longer for higher confining pressures. Carbon dioxide takes longer to reach the steady state than methane. The relationship between permeability and temperature is relatively complicated. Temperature affects the permeability by influencing the thermodynamic expansion of coal, gas molecular dynamics and adsorption/desorption. The actual permeability depends on the influence of the leading factor. We believe that this research will have a substantial guiding significance for field CO2-ECBM and the prevention of mine gas disasters.

Seepage system of oil-gas and its exploration in Yinggehai Basin located at northwest of South China Sea

Seepage systems of oil-gas in Yinggehai Basin are divided into two types, namely: “micro-seepage”, which is presented by gas chimneys and pockmarks; and “macro-seepage”, which is also called oil-gas outflow; and, in addition, the combination of the two basic types. Among the oil seepage systems, the combined seepage system at Yingdong Slope of Yinggehai Basin is the most eye-catching, and gas chimneys and pockmarks micro-leakage systems in mud diapir zones in the central part of the basin are very common. Both the indications of large-scale oil-gas outflow at Yingdong Slope, which have been booming for a hundred years; and the occurrence of pockmarks at the central mud diapir belt, along with the chaotic seismic reflection of widely-distributed shallow gas chimneys—have shown that hydrocarbon in this area is sufficient and oil-gas is now in dynamic equilibrium of the processes of accumulation, migration, gathering and dispersing. It builds up good conditions for the accumulation, migration, gathering and reserving of oil and gas. However, it must be noted that the results of oil-gas exploration at Yingdong Slope didn't turn out to be satisfactory, despite the presence of oil-gas outflow and gas chimney combined seepage systems. So, strengthen synthesized analysis and study on oil-gas seepage systems and on the conditions for accumulation, migration, gathering and dispersing; the forecasting and evaluation to the advantageous conditions for enriched oil and gas zones; and trap preservation in accordance with the dynamic balance theories; are of significant importance for purposes of exploration.

Cost-benefit Analysis of Cabbage Grown Using a Plasticulture and Seepage Bare Ground Production System in Florida

Seepage is characterized as an inefficient irrigation method with regard to water and nutrient use. There is a need for an economically viable irrigation alternative to seepage, which increases crop productivity and profitability in Florida. The use of plastic mulch and drip irrigation for cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata) production increases plant population per area and reduces the irrigation water requirement. However, plasticulture has a high capital investment and operating cost. The objectives of this study were to compare the profitability of plasticulture cabbage production and traditional seepage bare ground irrigation systems for Florida cabbage production, and to determine the breakeven point for cabbage grown under plasticulture given a range of market prices. The preharvest cost per acre for the plasticulture system was significantly higher than the cost for the seepage system ($4726 and $3035 per acre, respectively). However, for all planting dates considered in this study, the plasticulture system resulted in a significant increase in marketable yields when compared with the seepage system. The resulting increase in potential revenue offset the increase in preharvest costs and assured a positive net return on investment over the whole range market prices. It was also observed that low air temperatures combined with reduced solar radiation can prevent optimum plant development for cabbage transplanted between November and mid-December. Therefore, the return on investment may be reduced during less favorable climatic conditions for cabbage growth, making the plasticulture system less economically desirable for certain planting dates.

Influence of particle size on non-Darcy seepage of water and sediment in fractured rock

Surface water, groundwater and sand can flow into mine goaf through the fractured rock, which often leads to water inrush and quicksand movement. It is important to study the mechanical properties of water and sand in excavations sites under different conditions and the influencing factors of the water and sand seepage system. The viscosity of water–sand mixtures under different particle sizes, different concentration was tested based on the relationship between the shear strain rate and the surface viscosity. Using the self-designed seepage circuit, we tested permeability of water and sand in fractured rock. The results showed that (1) effective fluidity is in 10−8–10−5 mn+2 s2−n/kg, while the non-Darcy coefficient ranges from 105 to 108 m−1 with the change of particle size of sand; (2) effective fluidity decreases as the particle size of sand increased; (3) the non-Darcy coefficient ranges from 105 to 108 m−1 depending on particle size and showed contrary results. Moreover, the relationship between effective fluidity and the particle size of sand is fitted by the exponential function. The relationship between the non-Darcy coefficient and the particle size of sand is also fitted by the exponential function.

An integrated geophysical approach for investigating hydro-geological characteristics of a debris landslide in the Wenchuan earthquake area

Debris landslides are one of the most widely distributed types of landslides in the Wenchuan earthquake area. The hydro-geological structure characteristics are the fundamental basis for stability evaluation, performing protection and administration of a landslide. The rock and soil mass of a debris landslide was highly non-uniform and preferential seepage paths were normally developed in it. Therefore, in situ identification of the underground water seepage system became particularly important. Recently, investigations on the seepage paths of underground water in debris landslides were restricted to indoor model testing and site observation, which were far from meeting the actual demand for landslide prevention and mitigation. To locate the seepage paths, we conducted survey work on a debris landslide seated in the Xishan Village, Li County, Sichuan Province, China, by combing four different geophysical methods. They were multichannel analysis of surface wave (MASW), electrical resistivity tomography (ERT), ground penetrating radar (GPR) and microtremor survey method (MSM). The geophysical interpretation was verified with field engineering surveys and monitoring data. The results suggested that a dendritic pipe-network seepage system usually developed in debris landslides. Varisized infiltration pipes showed the characteristics of inhomogeneity and concentration of the seepage. This work highlighted that geophysical parameters (shear wave velocity Vs, dielectric constant ε and resistivity value ρ) could provide reliable qualitative and quantitative information about the colluvial layer, bedrock interface, potential sliding surface and underground water seepage system of a landslide. The optimum combination of geophysical methods was suitable to survey the hydro-geological characteristics of debris landslides in the Wenchuan earthquake area.

Characterization of Seepage Velocity beneath a Complex Rock Mass Dam Based on Entropy Theory

Owing to the randomness in the fracture flow system, the seepage system beneath a complex rock mass dam is inherently complex and highly uncertain, an investigation of the dam leakage by estimating the spatial distribution of the seepage field by conventional methods is quite difficult. In this paper, the entropy theory, as a relation between the definiteness and probability, is used to probabilistically analyze the characteristics of the seepage system in a complex rock mass dam. Based on the principle of maximum entropy, an equation for the vertical distribution of the seepage velocity in a dam borehole is derived. The achieved distribution is tested and compared with actual field data, and the results show good agreement. According to the entropy of flow velocity in boreholes, the rupture degree of a dam bedrock has been successfully estimated. Moreover, a new sampling scheme is presented. The sampling frequency has a negative correlation with the distance to the site of the minimum velocity, which is preferable to the traditional one. This paper demonstrates the significant advantage of applying the entropy theory for seepage velocity analysis in a complex rock mass dam.

Reservoir characterization and origin of tight gas sandstones in the Upper Triassic Xujiahe formation, Western Sichuan Basin, China

The Western Sichuan Basin, which is located at the front of Longmen Mountain in the western Sichuan Province, China, is a foreland basin formed in the Late Triassic. The Upper Triassic Xujiahe formation in the Basin includes several tight gas sandstone reservoirs, whose porosity is less than 6.0 % and permeability less than 0.1 md. According to data of cores, thin sections, FMI, SEM and experiments, we summarize the reservoir characteristics, analyze the origin of these tight gas sandstones, and discuss the factors controlling the formation of relatively high-quality reservoirs. Xujiahe Formation is a set of terrestrial clastic rocks with low compositional maturity, low cement content, and medium textural maturity. Secondary dissolution pores are abundant, but pore spaces are small with narrow pore throats and high capillary pressures. Due to the existence of abundant fractures and intense diagenesis, these tight gas reservoirs are characterized by high reservoir heterogeneity, complex seepage system, and strong stress sensitivity. The original sedimentary facies belt and later tectonism co-control the distribution of favorable reservoirs. The intense compaction and cementation are the main factors making the Xujiahe formation to be tight.

Subsurface seepage dynamics and flow types in a Messinian paleoseep system (Maiella Mts., Central Italy)

Abstract The subsurface feeder complexes of mud volcanoes and seepage systems potentially provide valuable information on the evolution of seepage dynamics. Ancient seepage systems in outcrops allow for the observation of expulsion features, which are otherwise commonly beyond seismic resolution. In the Maiella hydrocarbon seep area, the evolution of fluid migration through the sedimentary column during the Messinian Salinity Crisis generated distinctive seep-plumbing features, geological responses, and geochemical signatures in the “Brecciated Limestones” unit. The fluid migration pathways evolved from funnel-shaped feeder channels (Flow-mobilized Sediments) into hydrofractured microbial carbonate buildups (Limestone Buildups), and finally into blow-out micropipes in the host sediment (Patchy Limestones), as overpressure dissipated through the plumbing system. The Flow-mobilized Sediments (δ13C down to − 24.5‰ PDB-1) correspond to the highest flow rates in the whole area, whereas the Patchy Limestones (δ13C down to − 39.3‰ PDB-1) correspond to the slowest flow rates within the intrusive zone. The Limestone Buildups show different degrees of hydrofracturing that reflect different flow rates (δ13C down to − 27.5‰ PDB-1). The fluid transport mechanisms evolved from focused venting through neoformed feeder channels, where sediments elutriated from depths were carried out (the sediment-prone response to fluid migration), to high-rate seepage triggering high hydrofracturation in the microbial buildups. While the hydrocarbon-rich fluids contemporaneously triggered authigenic precipitation (the mineral-prone response to fluid migration), progressive upward and lateral flow deceleration resulted in gradually weaker hydrofracturing of the microbial buildups and finally only local cementation in the form of carbonate patches within the host sediments.

Seepage law and permeability calculation of coal gas based on Klinkenberg effect

Focused on the Klinkenberg effect on gas seepage, the independently developed triaxial experimental system of gas seepage was applied to conduct research on the seepage characteristics of coal seam gas. By means of experimental data analysis and theoretical derivation, a calculation method of coal seam gas permeability was proposed, which synthesized the respective influences of gas dynamic viscosity, compressibility factor and Klinkenberg effect. The study results show that the Klinkenberg effect has a significant influence on the coal seam gas seepage, the permeability estimated with the method considering the Klinkenberg effect is correct, and this permeability can fully reflect the true seepage state of the gas. For the gas around the standard conditions, the influences of dynamic viscosity and compressibility factor on the permeability may be ignored. For the gas deviating far away from the standard conditions, the influences of dynamic viscosity and compressibility factor on the permeability must be considered. The research results have certain guiding significance in forming a correct understanding of the Klinkenberg effect and selecting a more accurate calculation method for the permeability of coal containing gas.

Long-term acoustic monitoring at North Sea well site 22/4b

Marine seeps produce underwater sounds as a result of bubble formation and fragmentation upon emission from the seabed. The frequency content and sound levels of these emissions are related to bubble size distribution and emission flux, providing important information on methane release from the seafloor. Long-term passive acoustic monitoring was used to continuously record seep sounds over a 7-month period within the blowout crater at the abandoned well site, 22/4b, in the central North Sea. Also recorded were water column fluid velocities and near-seafloor water conductivity, temperature, and pressure. Acoustic signatures were primarily from ∼1 to 10 kHz. Key features were relatively broad spectral peaks at about 1.0, 1.5, 2.2, 3.1, 3.6 and 5.1 kHz. Temporal variations in spectral levels were apparently associated with tides.The recordings also documented a series of major episodic events including a large and persistent increase (∼10 dB) in overall sound levels and spectral broadening on 8 December 2011. The acoustic temporal pattern of this event was consistent with other recorded large transient events in the literature, and the major event was correlated with dramatic changes in other measurements, including increased water column fluid velocities, increased pressure and decreased salinity, indicating real changes in emission flux. Observed seabed morphology changes reported elsewhere in this special issue, also likely were related to this event. These data demonstrate the dynamic nature of marine seepage systems, show the value of monitoring systems, and provide direct supporting evidence for a violent formation mechanism of many widespread seep-associated seabed features like pockmarks.

Design of System for Monitoring Seepage of Levee Engineering Based on Distributed Optical Fiber Sensing Technology

Seepage is the major factor and monitoring index of levee safety. Leakage may be undetected by conventional monitoring methods and techniques, but optical fiber distributed temperature sensor (DTS) temperature measuring system can achieve real-time temperature monitoring in internal soil of levees. According to the temperature field obtained by DTS system, monitoring and inversion methods of seepage velocity based on double-line heat source and single-line heat source are introduced, respectively. An experiment is designed and composed of DTS temperature measuring system, the heating system, the water supply system, and the computer-aided analysis system to test and verify the effectiveness and feasibility of the monitoring method. On this basis, the system of monitoring seepage based on distributed optical fibers is put forward and designed. Optical fiber intelligent monitoring system will improve the current situation of safety monitoring of levee engineering on the basis of its unique superiority.