Engineering Papers⌕ Search

SEARCH · Engineering Papers

Results for “Induced Seismicity”

Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 37 records · Page 2
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1985

Lithospheric and crustal thinning

In rift zones, both the crust and the lithosphere get thinner. The amplitude and the mechanism of these two thinning situations are different. The lithospheric thinning is a thermal phenomenon produced by an asthenospherical uprising under the rift zone. In some regions its amplitude can exceed 200%. This is observed under the Baikal rift where the crust is directly underlaid by the mantellic asthenosphere. The presence of hot material under rift zones induces a large negative gravity anomaly. A low seismic velocity zone linked to this thermal anomaly is also observed. During the rifting, the magmatic chambers get progressively closer from the ground surface. Simultaneously, the Moho reflector is found at shallow depth under rift zones. This crustal thinning does not exceed 50%. Tectonic stresses and vertical movements result from the two competing effects of the lithospheric and crustal thinning. On the one hand, the deep thermal anomaly induces a large doming and is associated with extensive deviatoric stresses. On the other hand, the crustal thinning involves the formation of a central valley. This subsidence is increased by the sediment loading. The purpose here is to quantify these two phenomena in order to explain the morphological and thermal evolution of rift zones.

Moretti, I.↗
NASA NTRS1979

Martian seismicity

During the Viking mission to Mars, the seismometer on Lander II collected approximately 0.24 earth years of observational data, excluding periods of time dominated by wind-induced Lander vibration. The 'quiet-time' data set contains no confirmed seismic events. A proper assessment of the significance of this fact requires quantitative estimates of the expected detection rate of the Viking seismometer. The first step is to calculate the minimum magnitude event detectable at a given distance, including the effects of geometric spreading, anelastic attenuation, seismic signal duration, seismometer frequency response, and possible poor ground coupling. Assuming various numerical quantities and a Martian seismic activity comparable to that of intraplate earthquakes, the appropriate integral gives an expected annual detection rate of 10 events, nearly all of which are local. Thus only two to three events would be expected in the observational period presently on hand and the lack of observed events is not in gross contradiction to reasonable expectations. Given the same assumptions, a seismometer 20 times more sensitive than the present instrument would be expected to detect about 120 events annually.

Goins, N. R.↗
NASA NTRS2001

Thermally Induced Vibrations of the Hubble Space Telescope's Solar Array 3 in a Test Simulated Space Environment

NASA Goddard Space Flight Center and the European Space Agency (ESA) conducted a disturbance verification test on a flight Solar Array 3 (SA3) for the Hubble Space Telescope using the ESA Large Space Simulator (LSS) in Noordwijk, the Netherlands. The LSS cyclically illuminated the SA3 to simulate orbital temperature changes in a vacuum environment. Data acquisition systems measured signals from force transducers and accelerometers resulting from thermally induced vibrations of the SAI The LSS with its seismic mass boundary provided an excellent background environment for this test. This paper discusses the analysis performed on the measured transient SA3 responses and provides a summary of the results.

Early, Derrick A.↗
NASA NTRS2022

Could Road Constructions Be More Hazardous Than an Earthquake in Terms of Mass Movement?

Roads can have a significant impact on the frequency of mass wasting events in mountainous areas. However, characterizing the extent and pervasiveness of mass movements over time has rarely been documented due to limitations in available data sources to consistently map such events. We monitored the evolution of a road network and assessed its effect on mass movements for a 11-year window in Arhavi, Turkey. The main road construction projects run in the area are associated with a hydroelectric power plant as well as other road extension works and are clearly associated with the vast majority (90.1%) of mass movements in the area. We also notice that the overall number and size of the mass movements are much larger than in the naturally-occurring comparison area. This means that the sediment load originating from the anthropogenically induced mass movements is larger than its counterpart associated with naturally occurred landslides. Notably, this extra sediment load could cause river channel aggregation, reduce accommodation space and as a consequence, it could lead to an increase in the probability and severity of flooding along the river channel. This marks a strong and negative effect of human activities on the natural course of earth surface processes. We also compare frequency-area distributions of human-induced mass movements mapped in this study and co-seismic landslide inventories from the literature. By doing so, we aim to better understand the consequences of human effects on mass movements in a comparative manner. Our findings show that the damage generated by the road construction in terms of sediment loads to river channels is compatible with the possible effect of a theoretical earthquake with a magnitude greater than Mw=6.0.

Hakan Tanyas↗
NASA NTRS1996

Seismic Excitation of the Polar Motion

The mass redistribution in the earth as a result of an earthquake faulting changes the earth's inertia tensor, and hence its rotation. Using the complete formulae developed by Chao and Gross (1987) based on the normal mode theory, we calculated the earthquake-induced polar motion excitation for the largest 11,015 earthquakes that occurred during 1977.0-1993.6. The seismic excitations in this period are found to be two orders of magnitude below the detection threshold even with today's high precision earth rotation measurements. However, it was calculated that an earthquake of only one tenth the size of the great 1960 Chile event, if happened today, could be comfortably detected in polar motion observations. Furthermore, collectively these seismic excitations have a strong statistical tendency to nudge the pole towards approx. 140 deg E, away from the actually observed polar drift direction. This non-random behavior, similarly found in other earthquake-induced changes in earth rotation and low-degree gravitational field by Chao and Gross (1987), manifests some geodynamic behavior yet to be explored.

Chao, Benjamin Fong↗
NASA NTRS1996

Seismic Excitation of the Polar Motion, 1977-1993

The mass redistribution in the earth as a result of an earthquake faulting changes the earth's inertia tensor, and hence its rotation. Using the complete formulae developed by CHAO and GROSS (1987) based on the normal mode theory, we calculated the earthquake-induced polar motion excitation for the largest 11,015 earthquakes that occurred during 1977.0-1993.6. The seismic excitations in this period are found to be two orders of magnitude below the detection threshold even with today's high precision earth rotation measurements. However, it was calculated that an earthquake of only one tenth the size of the great 1960 Chile event, if happened today, could be comfortably detected in polar motion observations. Furthermore, collectively these seismic excitations have a strong statistical tendency to nudge the pole towards approximately 140deg E, away from the actual observed polar drift direction. This non-random behavior, similarly found in other earthquake-induced changes in earth rotation and low-degree gravitational field by CHAO and GROSS (1987), manifests some geodynamic behavior yet to be explored.

Chao, Benjamin Fong↗
NASA NTRS2003

Satellite Detection of the Convection Generated Stresses in Earth

We review research developments on satellite detection of the convection generated stresses in the Earth for seismic hazard assessment and Earth resource survey. Particular emphasis is laid upon recent progress and results of stress calculations from which the origin and evolution of the tectonic features on Earth's surface can be scientifically addressed. An important aspect of the recent research development in tectonic stresses relative to earthquakes is the implications for earthquake forecasting and prediction. We have demonstrated that earthquakes occur on the ring of fire around the Pacific in response to the tectonic stresses induced by mantle convection. We propose a systematic global assessment of the seismic hazard based on variations of tectonic stresses in the Earth as observed by satellites. This space geodynamic approach for assessing the seismic hazard is unique in that it can pinpoint the triggering stresses for large earthquakes without ambiguities of geological structures, fault geometries, and other tectonic properties. Also, it is distinct from the probabilistic seismic hazard assessment models in the literature, which are based only on extrapolations of available earthquake data.

Liu, Han-Shou↗
NASA NTRS1979

Martian wind activity detected by a seismometer at Viking lander 2 site

Since the Viking lander 2 seismometer (Anderson et al., 1977) located on top of the lander is extremely sensitive to Martian winds, it can provide a record of Martian wind activity. The seismograph continuously samples the wind-induced lander vibration, and its output complements meteorological data. Some pertinent seismic data are presented along with results of a preliminary spectral analysis of the data. Attention is given to wind speed/seismic noise correlation, and to long-term variation and periodicity. The results indicate that wind variations on Mars are very regular in the summer and winter seasons. Winds are light in summer and exhibit a strong diurnal periodicity, the strongest winds occurring in the early afternoon. Winds become stronger and more irregular in autumn. In all seasons nighttime conditions are usually very quiet. The high wind season correlates with the global dust storm duration. Spring is characterized by very strong though variable wind activity. Other details are also presented.

Nakamura, Y.↗
NASA NTRS1973

Lunar seismic profiling experiment

The Apollo 17 lunar seismic profiling experiment was conducted to record the vibrations of the lunar surface as induced by explosive charges, the thrust of the lunar module ascent engine, and the crash of the lunar module ascent stage. Analysis of the data obtained made it possible to determine the internal characteristics of the lunar crust to a depth of several kilometers. The test equipment used in the experiment is described. Maps showing the location of the geophones and the deployed explosive packages are provided. Samples of the seismic signals recorded by the lunar seismic profiling experiment geophones are included.

Robert L. Kovach↗
NASA NTRS1976

Strainmeters and tiltmeters in geophysics

Several types of sensitive strainmeters and tiltmeters have been developed, and it is now becoming clear which geophysical applications are most suitable for these instruments. In general, strainmeters and tiltmeters are used for observing ground deformation at periods of minutes to days. Small-scale lateral inhomogeneities at the instrument sites distort signals by a few percent, although the effects of large structures can be calculated. In earth tide work these lateral inhomogeneities and unknown ocean loading signals prevent accurate values of the regional tide from being obtained. This limits tidal investigations to looking for temporal variations, possibly associated with pre-earthquake dilatancy, and spatial variations caused by gross elasticity contrasts in the local geological structure. Strainmeters and tiltmeters are well suited for observing long-period seismic waves, seismic slip events on faults and volcano tumescence, where small site-induced distortions in the measured signals are seldom important.

Goulty, N. R.↗
NASA NTRS1982

The earthquake cycle in subduction zones

A simplified model of a subduction zone is presented, which incorporates the mechanical asymmetry induced by the subducted slab to anchor the subducting plate during post-seismic rebound and thus throw most of the coseismic stream release into the overthrust plate. The model predicts that the trench moves with respect to the deep mantle toward the subducting plate at a velocity equal to one-half of the convergence rate. A strong extensional pulse is propagated into the overthrust plate shortly after the earthquake, and although this extension changes into compression before the next earthquake in the cycle, the period of strong extension following the earthquake may be responsible for extensional tectonic features in the back-arc region.

Melosh, H. J.↗
NASA NTRS2020

Glacially Induced Faulting in Alaska

Southern Alaska provides an ideal setting to assess how surface mass changes can influence crustal deformation and seismicity amidst rapid tectonic deformation. Since the end of the Little Ice Age, the glaciers of southern Alaska have undergone extensive wastage, retreating by kilometers and thinning by hundreds of meters. Superimposed on this are seasonal mass fluctuations due to snow accumulation and rainfall of up to meters of equivalent water height in fall and winter, followed by melting of gigatons of snow and ice in spring and summer and changes in permafrost. These processes produce stress changes in the solid Earth that modulate seismicity and promote failure on upper-crustal faults. Here we quantify and review these effects and how they combine with tectonic loading to influence faulting in the southeast, St. Elias and southwest regions of mainland Alaska

Jeanne Sauber↗
NASA NTRS1991

Lower-mantle viscosity constrained by seismicity around deglaciated regions

It is shown here that seismicity around the margins of deglaciated areas provides a constraint on the viscosity of the lower mantle. Calculations using a spherical, viscoelastic earth model show that the present-day magnitude of the stress fields induced in the lithosphere beneath the Laurentide and Fennoscandian ice sheets is very sensitive to the value of the lower-mantle viscosity. Stress of about 100 bar, sufficient to cause seismicity, can still remain in the lithosphere for lower-mantle viscosities greater than about 10 to the 22nd Pa-s; for lower-mantle viscosities of about 10 to the 21st Pa-s, only a few tens of bars of stress persist in the lithosphere today. This influence of lower-mantle viscosity on the state of stress in the lithosphere also has implications for the migration of stress from earthquakes, and hence for earthquake recurrence times.

Spada, G.↗
NASA NTRS2019

Lunar Seismometer and Burial System

Beginning in 1969, Apollo successfully deployed a long-lived network of seismometers on the Moon. Seismic studies provide definitive knowledge of internal planetary structure, and analysis of the Apollo seismic data has contributed to the magma ocean hypothesis for initial terrestrial planetary differentiation [Wieczoreket al., 2006]. While the general model is widely accepted, details such as mantle composition, stratification and possible overturn, lateral structure, and thermal inhomogeneities remain unresolved. The Moon experiences moonquakes at varying depths [Nakamura, 1983]. Shallow quakes are relatively large but rare, similar to terrestrial intra-plate earthquakes. Deeper quakes are comparatively smaller but more frequent, occurring periodically according to the tidal cycle. On the Moon, the lack of an atmosphere enables seismic experiments to potentially constrain meteorite impact flux, which informs cratering rates assumed throughout the solar system. The large diurnal temperature variation between day and night also induces thermal moonquakes, which may contribute to regolith production [Duennebier& Sutton, 1974; Weber et al., 2017]. Still, many questions remain regarding the frequency and distribution of natural moonquakes. This translates into an incomplete understanding of the Moon’s hemispherical dichotomies in crustal thickness, mare volcanism, seismicity, and the distribution of heat-producing elements. The Planetary Decadal Survey (National Research Council, 2013) identifies a New Frontiers Lunar Geophysical Network (LGN) mission to answer such questions.

Bailey, S. H.↗
NASA NTRS2015

Geomorphic and Geologic Controls of Geohazards induced by Nepal's 2015 Gorkha Earthquake

The Gorkha earthquake (Magnitude 7.8) on 25 April 2015 and later aftershocks struck South Asia, killing approx.9,000 and damaging a large region. Supported by a large campaign of responsive satellite data acquisitions over the earthquake disaster zone, our team undertook a satellite image survey of the earthquakes induced geohazards in Nepal and China and an assessment of the geomorphic, tectonic, and lithologic controls on quake-induced landslides. Timely analysis and communication aided response and recovery and informed decision makers. We mapped 4,312 co-seismic and post-seismic landslides. We also surveyed 491 glacier lakes for earthquake damage, but found only 9 landslide-impacted lakes and no visible satellite evidence of outbursts. Landslide densities correlate with slope, peak ground acceleration, surface downdrop, and specific metamorphic lithologies and large plutonic intrusions.

earthquake↗
NASA NTRS1981

Earthquakes - on the moon

Information obtained with the Apollo lunar seismic stations is discussed. The four types of natural seismic sources that have been identified are described, viz., thermal moonquakes, deep moonquakes, meteoroid impacts, and shallow moonquakes. It is suggested that: (1) the thermal quakes represent the slow cracking and movement of surface rocks; (2) the deep quakes are induced by the tide-generating force of the earth's gravity; (3) the meteoroids responsible for most of the observed impacts are in the mass range from 1 to 100 kg and are clustered in groups near the earth's orbit; and (4) the shallow quakes are similar to intraplate earthquakes and indicate that the moon is as seismically active as the interior regions of the earth's tectonic plates. The structure of the lunar interior as inferred from seismic signals due to both the last three natural sources and 'artificial' impacts of used spacecraft is examined in detail.

Nakamura, Y.↗
NASA NTRS1992

Effects of physical agitation on yield of greenhouse-grown soybean

Agronomic and horticultural crop species experience reductions in growth and harvestable yield after exposure to physical agitation (also known as mechanical stress), as by wind or rain. A greenhouse study was conducted to test the influence of mechanical stress on soybean yield and to determine if exposure to mechanical stress during discrete growth periods has differential effects on seed yield. A modified rotatory shaker was used to apply seismic (i.e., shaking) stress. Brief, periodic episodes of seismic stress reduced stem length, total seed dry weight, and seed number of soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.]. Lodging resistance was greater for plants stressed during vegetative growth or throughout vegetative and reproductive growth than during reproductive growth only. Seed dry weight yield was reduced regardless of the timing or duration of stress application, but was lowest when applied during reproductive development. Seismic stress applied during reproductive growth stages R1 to R2 (Days 3 to 4) was as detrimental to seed dry weight accumulation as was stress applied during growth stages R1 to R6 (Days 39 to 42). Seed dry weight per plant was highly correlated with seed number per plant, and seed number was correlated with the seed number of two- and three-seeded pods. Dry weight per 100 seeds was unaffected by seismic-stress treatment. Growth and yield reductions resulting from treatments applied only during the vegetative stage imply that long-term mechanical effects were induced, from which the plants did not fully recover. It is unclear which yield-controlling physiological processes were affected by mechanical stress. Both transient and long-term effects on yield-controlling processes remain to be elucidated.

Non-NASA Center↗