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At least 109 records · Page 6
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2020

Peak Ground Velocity Spatial Variability Revealed by Dense Seismic Array in Southern California

There are an infinite number of locations where seismic waves interact with Earth's surface, yet seismologists can only record a finite set of ground motions. This requires assumptions about how known measurements or predictions can be extrapolated to nearby locations. We test to what extent extrapolation is viable using an array of 1,108 geophones installed 10–20 m apart within a 0.36 km 2 study area for 1 month atop the San Jacinto Fault in Southern California. Measuring ground motions from 38 small local earthquakes, we observe peak ground velocity (PGV) variations up to 22% across the array. We find the basin structure consistently traps energy, amplifying the seismic velocities, and that the damaged region within the fault reduces the PGVs. Comparing surface and borehole measurements (148 m deep), we find PGVs recorded at the surface are 3–10 times greater than the measurements at depth. We attribute these differences to amplification from soft sediments within the basin. We show that by leveraging information from >1,000 measurements per earthquake the ground motion velocities can be tightly constrained. These results suggest the spatial extrapolation of PGVs in regions of known faults and basins, even across a small area, should be done with caution.

58 GEOSCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2021

Seismic source characterization of the Arabian Peninsula and Zagros Mountains from regional moment tensor and coda envelopes

Reliable estimates of moment magnitude and source mechanism for seismic events in the Middle East can be challenging due to a small number of openly available stations, the complex tectonic setting, and regions of high attenuation. Access to high-quality waveform data from well-calibrated regional seismic stations is fundamental in producing robust and stable estimates of earthquake source parameters, particularly when measurements of absolute ground motion amplitudes are required. Earthquake source mechanism and moment magnitude are invaluable information in the assessment of seismic hazard, plate motions, and the characterization of faults and regional stress field. The expansion of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s national seismic network in the past several decades provides an opportunity to develop the capabilities of routine focal mechanism and moment magnitude estimations. In this study, we use time-domain full waveform moment tensor inversion and coda envelope–derived amplitude measurements to solve for earthquake source mechanism, moment magnitudes, and their source type. Furthermore, we compared the moment magnitudes calculated from the two methods and publicly available earthquake catalogs and discuss the implications of the obtained source parameters.

58 GEOSCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2023

Dynamic Rupture Simulations of the Mw7.2 1992 Landers,California, Earthquake

An important part of the simulation technique implemented in the Recipe is the earthquake rupture characterization based on established empirical scaling relationships between source parameters and seismic moment. The scaling relationships used in the rupture characterization are derived from recorded data and are tested against dynamic and kinematic rupture models of crustal earthquakes. Currently, a revised three-stage source scaling relationship between the source rupture area and seismic moment of inland crustal earthquakes, initially proposed by Irikura and Miyake, is being used. Recent analysis of results obtained with the Recipe for the 2016 M7.1 Kumamoto earthquake performed by several researchers, including the PI, Arben Pitarka, indicate that in order to reproduce the near-fault long-period ground motions and the permanent displacements, observed during surface-rupturing earthquakes, the recipe needs modifications to the kinematic rupture parametrization in the shallow crustal weak zone. In particular, improvements are required in characterizing the slip rate function at shallow depths, above the sesimogenic zone. The main objective of this research project was the development of a dynamic rupture model for the Mw7.2 1992 Landers, California earthquake. The dynamic rupture model was used to derive kinematic rupture parameters, such as slip, slip-rate, rupture time distributions, and slip rate functions in the weak (0-4km) and seismogenic crustal zones. In addition to the knowledge gained from the dynamic rupture modeling of Chi-chi, Ridgecrest, Kumamoto and other crustal earthquakes, studied by the PI, the rupture characterization of the Landers earthquake can be helpful in updating the conventional recipe for broadband ground motion simulations of crustal earthquakes with shallow rupture. The project emphasizes the need for performing physics-based earthquake rupture modeling which ultimately will inform further improvements of rupture characterization. In particular, the modeling of rupture dynamics for recorded earthquakes, and numerical simulations for different rupture scenarios, provides physical constrains on slip evolution in time and space, used in adjustments of empirical source scaling relationships for large crustal earthquakes.

58 GEOSCIENCES↗
NASA NTRS1989

Rate of change of the Quincy-Monument Peak baseline from a translocation analysis of Lageos laser range data

Translocation studies of Lageos laser range data from Quincy and Monument Peak in California observed during 1984-1987 suggest that plate tectonic motion across the San Andreas fault system in the direction of the baseline between the two stations is uniform at a rate of -30(+ or - 3) mm/yr. Changes in the components of the baseline vector were inferred from repeat determinations using the solutions from successive 0.5-year intervals. The changes in the vertical and transverse components of the Quincy-Monument Peak baseline are -0.4(+ or - 5) mm/yr and +14(+ or -5) mm/yr, respectively. The vertical component determinations attest to the height stability of the laser ranging method. Lageos measurements made from Quincy and Monument Peak before 1984 are inaccurate enough to limit their usefulness for plate tectonic studies.

Stolz, A.↗
NASA NTRS1989

Strain accumulation and surface deformation along the San Andreas, California

The goal of this project remains to be the achievement of a better understanding of the regional and local deformation and crustal straining processes in western North America, particularly the effect of the San Andreas and nearby faults on the spatial and temporal crustal deformation behavior. Construction of theoretical models based on the mechanics of coupled elastic plate/viscoelastic foundation and large scale crack mechanics provide a rational basis for the interpretation of seismic and aseismic anomalies and expedite efforts in forecasting the stability of plate boundary deformations. In the present period, special focus is placed on the 3-D effect of irregular fault locked patches on the ground measured deformation fields. Specifically, use is made of a newly developed 3-D boundary element program to analyze the fault slip and vertical ground motion in the Parkfield area on the San Andreas.

Li, Victor C.↗
NASA NTRS2012

Deep Moonquake Focal Mechanisms: Recovery and Implications

A defining characteristic of deep moonquakes is their tendency to occur with tidal periodicity, prompting previous studies to infer that they are related to the buildup and release of tidal stress within the Moon [refs]. In studies of tidal forcing, a key constraint is the focal mechanism: the fault parameters describing the type of failure moonquakes represent. The quality of the lunar seismic data and the limited source/receiver geometries of the Apollo seismic network prohibit the determination of deep moonquake fault parameters using first-motion polarities, as is typically done in terrestrial seismology [ref]. Without being able to resolve tidal stress onto a known failure plane, we can examine only gross qualities of the tidal stress tensor with respect to moonquake occurrence, so we cannot fully address the role of tidal stress in moonquake generation.

Weber, Renee C.↗
NASA NTRS2017

S-band Smallsat InSAR Constellation for Surface Deformation Science

Surface deformation studies using repeat-pass interferometric SAR have evolved into a powerful tool for geophysicists studying earthquake fault zones, volcanoes, ice sheet motion, and subterranean aquifers. Longer wavelengths (S-Band and L-Band) are preferred because they do not decorrelate as quickly as shorter wavelengths. Rapid revisit (1-3 days) is preferred because it allows the study of these phenomena at the timescales at which they commonly occur. Global access on such timescales is also required. Vector surface deformation measurements, taken from more than one direction, are a desired feature. This paper describes the conceptual architecture of a longer wave length, Smallsat SAR constellation of up to 12 satellites for rapid revisit surface deformation studies. The key to making such a constellation affordable is to lower launch costs, spacecraft costs, and instrument (SAR) costs. The first two objectives can be achieved using an ESPA-ring class, or Smallsat spacecraft. The third objective requires a SAR instrument sized to fit the mass and volume constraints imposed by such a spacecraft. Current state-of-the-art in miniaturization of electronics means that the radar transmit, receive and data handling functions can easily be implemented in a compact, low mass solution. The most significant challenge in designing a SAR to fit the Smallsat paradigm is in the dimensions of the antenna. The antenna sizing problem is addressed by adopting a smaller antenna than allowed by conventional SAR design rules. The baseline antenna design is simple, requiring no electronic beam-steering or beam-forming capability. Both reflectarray and microstrip patch antenna solutions are considered. The antenna structure is dual-purpose, to limit the overall system mass, with solar panels on the backplane providing power for the radar and spacecraft. The proposed solution easily accommodates radar squint angles of +/-30 degrees for repeat-pass interferometry measurements from multiple direct

Freeman, Anthony↗
NASA NTRS1986

An approach to modeling present-day deformation in southern California

This paper presents an approach to modeling the complete, time-dependent deformation in southern California. A variety of techniques are used to include the far-field plate motion, stress relaxation in the asthenosphere, aseismic fault slip within the elastic lithosphere, and the complex, three-dimensional nature of the faults within the southern California region. Among the conclusions of the work here are the following: (1) the data exibit a marginal preference for a relatively thin lithosphere in southern California: (2) the most sensitive determinant for lithospheric thickness and viscosity of the asthenosphere is the rotation rate of the motion vectors toward or away from major faults; (3) the major faults in southern California are slipping at depth, at or near their average Holocene rates; (4) a shallow, active decollement beneath the Transverse Ranges is apparently needed to realistically model the strain changes observed there; and (5) this modeling technique offers the best approach for understanding the complex deformation field in southern California.

Rundle, J. B.↗
NASA NTRS2012

Plate Margin Deformation and Active Tectonics Along the Northern Edge of the Yakutat Terrane in the Saint Elias Orogen, Alaska and Yukon, Canada

The northwest directed motion of the Pacific plate is accompanied by migration and collision of the Yakutat terrane into the cusp of southern Alaska. The nature and magnitude of accretion and translation on upper crustal faults and folds is poorly constrained, however, due to pervasive glaciation. In this study we used high-resolution topography, geodetic imaging, seismic, and geologic data to advance understanding of the transition from strike-slip motion on the Fairweather fault to plate margin deformation on the Bagley fault, which cuts through the upper plate of the collisional suture above the subduction megathrust. The Fairweather fault terminates by oblique-extensional splay faulting within a structural syntaxis, allowing rapid tectonic upwelling of rocks driven by thrust faulting and crustal contraction. Plate motion is partly transferred from the Fairweather to the Bagley fault, which extends 125 km farther west as a dextral shear zone that is partly reactivated by reverse faulting. The Bagley fault dips steeply through the upper plate to intersect the subduction megathrust at depth, forming a narrow fault-bounded crustal sliver in the obliquely convergent plate margin. Since . 20 Ma the Bagley fault has accommodated more than 50 km of dextral shearing and several kilometers of reverse motion along its southern flank during terrane accretion. The fault is considered capable of generating earthquakes because it is linked to faults that generated large historic earthquakes, suitably oriented for reactivation in the contemporary stress field, and locally marked by seismicity. The fault may generate earthquakes of Mw <= 7.5.

Bruhn, Ronald L.↗
NASA NTRS1986

North American-Pacific relative plate motion in southern California from interferometry

VLBI measurements of baselines crossing the San Andreas fault zone in southern California have provided observational constraints on rates of elastic tectonic strain accumulation. The single site located near this fault (the JPL site) moves in a direction concordant with the Pacific plate motion vector but at approximately half the net rate relative to North America. This motion agrees approximately in amount with geologically determined displacement rates on the San Andreas fault alone but not with the local strike of the fault. When considered together with complementary geodetic data, these results suggest a complex relation between the short-term accumulation of elastic strain and its permanent accommodation on existing faults.

Lyzenga, G. A.↗
NASA NTRS1973

A simulation of the San Andreas fault experiment

The San Andreas Fault Experiment, which employs two laser tracking systems for measuring the relative motion of two points on opposite sides of the fault, was simulated for an eight year observation period. The two tracking stations are located near San Diego on the western side of the fault and near Quincy on the eastern side; they are roughly 900 kilometers apart. Both will simultaneously track laser reflector equipped satellites as they pass near the stations. Tracking of the Beacon Explorer C Spacecraft was simulated for these two stations during August and September for eight consecutive years. An error analysis of the recovery of the relative location of Quincy from the data was made, allowing for model errors in the mass of the earth, the gravity field, solar radiation pressure, atmospheric drag, errors in the position of the San Diego site, and laser systems range biases and noise. The results of this simulation indicate that the distance of Quincy from San Diego will be determined each year with a precision of about 10 centimeters. This figure is based on the accuracy of earth models and other parameters available in 1972.

Agreen, R. W.↗
NASA NTRS1990

Multiple strike slip faults sets: A case study from the Dead Sea transform

In many strike slip tectonic settings, large rotations of crust blocks about vertical axes have been inferred from paleomagnetic data. These blocks are bounded by sets of parallel faults which presumably accommodate the relative motion between the blocks as regional deformation progress. A mechanical model by Nur et al., (1986) suggests that rotations greater than phi sub c equals 25 to 45 degrees must be accommodated by more than one set of faults, with angle phi sub c between their direction; consequently the sum of the angles between sets must be roughly equal to the total tectonic material rotation. To test this model, the authors investigated the fault geometry and field relation of fault sets in the Mt. Hermon area in northern Israel, where paleomagnetic declination implies data 69 degrees plus or minus 13 degrees counter-clockwise block rotation. The statistical and field relation analysis of over 315 faults shows that the faulting is predominantly right lateral strike slip consisting of three distinct sets. The oldest set strikes 253 degrees, the second oldest set strikes 293 degrees and the youngest strikes 339 degrees. This last direction is consistent also with the current north-south direction of the maximum principle stress axis. The angle phi sub c between the first and second sets is 39 degrees and between the second and third sets 46 degrees, in good agreement with the phi sub c angle predicted from mechanical considerations. The sum of the two angles is 85 degrees, in good agreement with the 69 degrees plus or minus 13 degrees CCW paleomagnetically derived rotation. The results suggest specifically that the sequential development of multiple intersecting fault sets is responsible for the faulting in the Mt. Hermon area; and generally that the model of block rotation with multiple faults provides very good simple rules for analyzing very complex fault patterns.

Ron, Hagai↗
NASA NTRS1974

A simulation of the San Andreas fault experiment

The San Andreas fault experiment (Safe), which employs two laser tracking systems for measuring the relative motion of two points on opposite sides of the fault, has been simulated for an 8-yr observation period. The two tracking stations are located near San Diego on the western side of the fault and near Quincy on the eastern side; they are roughly 900 km apart. Both will simultaneously track laser reflector equipped satellites as they pass near the stations. Tracking of the Beacon Explorer C spacecraft has been simulated for these two stations during August and September for 8 consecutive years. An error analysis of the recovery of the relative location of Quincy from the data has been made, allowing for model errors in the mass of the earth, the gravity field, solar radiation pressure, atmospheric drag, errors in the position of the San Diego site, and biases and noise in the laser systems. The results of this simulation indicate that the distance of Quincy from San Diego will be determined each year with a precision of about 10 cm. Projected improvements in these model parameters and in the laser systems over the next few years will bring the precision to about 1-2 cm by 1980.

Agreen, R. W.↗
DOE OSTI2023

Atomic faulting induced exceptional cryogenic strain hardening in gradient cell–structured alloy

Coarse-grained materials are widely accepted to display the highest strain hardening and the best tensile ductility. We experimentally report an attractive strain hardening rate throughout the deformation stage at 77 kelvin in a stable single-phase alloy with gradient dislocation cells that even surpasses its coarse-grained counterparts. Contrary to conventional understanding, the exceptional strain hardening arises from a distinctive dynamic structural refinement mechanism facilitated by the emission and motion of massive multiorientational tiny stacking faults (planar defects), which are fundamentally distinct from the traditional linear dislocation–mediated deformation. In conclusion, the dominance of atomic-scale planar deformation faulting in plastic deformation introduces a different approach for strengthening and hardening metallic materials, offering promising properties and potential applications.

Gradient dislocation structure↗
DOE OSTI2025

Fault Network Geometry Modulates Earthquake Source Spectra Across Scales

Earthquake source spectra provide unique insights into the earthquake rupture process. Motivated by previous research suggesting that complex fault geometries enhance high‐frequency seismic radiation, we study the influence of fault network geometry on earthquake source spectra using multiple independent observations. At regional scales, we examine correlations of stress drop measurements with surface fault trace misalignment in Southern California, Japan, and Central Italy. At a global scale, we examine correlations of moment‐rate function complexity of large earthquakes with focal mechanism variability, a proxy for local fault complexity. Despite significant scatter in the observations, we find overall consistent positive correlations. The concept that elastic interactions of discrete fault structures during the earthquake rupture process generates high‐frequency ground motions offers a coherent framework for interpreting our observations. These findings suggest that variations in fault complexity explain why some earthquakes produce stronger high‐frequency ground motions than others.

Lee, Jaeseok [Brown Univ., Providence, RI (United ↗
NASA NTRS1991

Convection in three dimensions with surface plates - Generation of toroidal flow

This work presents numerical calculations of mantle convection that incorporate some of the basic observational constraints imposed by plate tectonics. The model is three-dimensional and includes surface plates; it allows plate velocity to change dynamically according to the forces which result from convection. It is shown that plates are an effective means of introducing a toroidal component into the flow field. After initial transients the plate motion is nearly parallel to transform faults and in the direction that tends to minimize the toroidal flow field. The toroidal field decays with depth from its value at the surface; the poloidal field is relatively constant throughout the layer but falls off slightly at the top and bottom boundaries. Layered viscosity increasing with depth causes the toroidal field to decay more rapidly, effectively confining it to the upper, low-viscosity layer. The effect of viscosity layering on the poloidal field is relatively small, which is attributed to its generation by temperature variations distributed throughout the system. The generation of toroidal flow by surface plates would seem to account for the observed nearly equal energy of toroidal and poloidal fields of plate motions on the earth. A low-viscosity region in the upper mantle will cause the toroidal flow to decay significantly before reaching the lower mantle. The resulting concentration of toroidal flow in the upper mantle may result in more thorough mixing there and account for some of the geochemical and isotopic differences proposed to exist between the upper and lower mantles.

Gable, Carl W.↗
DOE OSTI2026

Prairie State Generating Company 2D Seismic Interpretation

The objectives of the Illinois Storage Corridor (ISC) project are to accelerate commercial deployment of carbon capture utilization and storage at two individual sites and receive approvals for Underground Injection Control (UIC) Class VI permits for construction at each site (ISC Project Narrative, 2020). As part of this project, and as part of the subsurface geologic characterization, two-dimensional (2D) seismic data was acquired at both sites. This report summarizes the findings from two phases of 2D acquisition and seismic interpretation at the Prairie State Generating Company site near Marissa, Illinois. The seismic data indicates the presence of three faults that completely transect the storage and confining units. The initial 2021 2D seismic acquisition revealed the presence of a feature two miles east of the Lively Grove #1 characterization well. The feature is a polyphase fault with a component of strike-slip motion, forming a small positive flower structure. The second phase of 2D seismic acquisition in 2022 constrained the maximum extent of the fault, indicating it has a relatively limited length. Other 2022 seismic lines revealed the presence of two other faults that transect the storage and confining units in the southwest and northeast portions of the 2D seismic acquisition area. The 2021 and 2022 2D seismic surveys have identified three specific locations within the project area that may have an elevated risk of out of zone CO 2 migration due to faulting. Further technical work will be needed to quantify this risk and determine how and if this risk will impact the placement of CO 2 injection wells across the project area.

01 COAL, LIGNITE, AND PEAT↗
DOE OSTI2023

Simulation-based characterization of the variability of earthquake risk to buildings in the near-field

Recent advancements in high performance computing platforms and computational workflow for regional-scale simulations are enabling unprecedented modeling of fault-to-structure earthquake processes. Regional simulations resolving ground motions at frequencies relevant to engineered systems are becoming computationally viable and provide a new capability to improve understanding of the geographical distribution and intensity of risk to buildings and critical infrastructure. As computational capabilities advance, it is essential to move beyond illustrative single rupture realizations for scenario earthquake events towards the development of a full suite of rupture realizations that appropriately characterize the range of risk to building systems. The work described in this article investigates the application of a suite of fault rupture realizations with the objective of assessing near-fault, site-specific seismic demand variability for building structures. A representative high-performance regional-scale computational model is utilized to execute ground motion and building response simulations based on 18 kinematic rupture realizations of an M7 strike-slip scenario earthquake. The fault rupture models for the scenario earthquake are created by systematically perturbing the hypocenter location and stochastically generating rupture parameters (slip, rise time, rake angle) to represent a breadth of ground motion intensities resulting from the spatial and temporal variabilities of an earthquake rupture process. The resulting seismic demand variability for three-story (short period) and forty-story (long period) steel moment-resisting frame buildings is characterized in terms of the median and distribution of peak inter-story drift ratio for a range of near-fault sites. The full suite of 18 fault rupture realizations and approximately 280,000 nonlinear dynamic building simulations indicate that the three-story building undergoes higher median seismic demand and significantly greater variability of demand at a given site than the forty-story building, which has important implications for the level of certainty in predicting building performance during an earthquake. The simulations performed provide deeper insight into the relationship between fault rupture parameterization and building response, which is essential information for developing a representative suite of rupture realizations for specific earthquake scenarios.

58 GEOSCIENCES↗