<p>Controlled Source Tensor Magnetotelluric (CSTMT) ground measurements were executed on the Hallandsåsen horst where a major tunnel is under construction. The instrument system EnviroMT are used for this purpose. The major research aspect of this thesis has been to form an opinion of the effectiveness of the method by comparing the results from the CSTMT survey with a prior investigation performed with the DC resistivity method. Another important part of this thesis has been to compile the basic and fundamental CSTMT and RMT theory, in a way that people outside the EM community easily can be introduced to the subject.</p><p>When comparing the different inversion models from the CSTMT and DC resistivity surveys one can see differences in the depth at which the conductors are resolved. In the CSTMT inversion models (TE+TM) there are two conductors that possibly can reach the depth of the tunnel in construction. These conductors are not resolved at the deeper structures in the DC resistivity models. Whether the conductors in the CSTMT inversions (TE+TM) truly extend to the depth at which they are modeled, or if they in deeper parts are artificial effects of regularisation in the inversion cannot be said for sure. Accounting for the low frequencies utilised in the TE mode, one has very strong arguments that the deep conductors seen in the CSTMT model are true.</p><p>The TE-mode models have shown to be much less affected by the complex problems of near field effects in comparison with the TM-mode models. The evidence of the near field effects is very prominent in the TM-mode phase, but in the phase of the TE-mode one can not see any such tendencies. However, one can see a discontinuity in the same part of three profile lines which shows that the data is disturbed but not nearly as much as in the TM-mode. The apparent resistivity seems to be over all less affected by the near field effects. In the apparent resistivity of the TE-mode, one can not discern any near field effects at all.</p><p>In the TM-mode, the apparent resistivity shows higher apparent resistivity than the real apparent resistivity in the near field. To receive more information about the deeper structures, lower controlled source frequencies were allowed in the TE-mode than in the TM-mode inversion models. The RMS in the TE-mode inversions has not been deteriorated, which is an another indication that the TE mode is not very disturbed by the near field effects.</p><p>The RMT inversion models are shown to be heavily biased in the deeper parts to which the RMT data are insensitive and regularization determining the outcome of the inversion. One can also see that regularisation is influencing the whole inversion model. In the shallow subsurface the inversion models should be same for CSTMT and RMT, but one can see differences in resistivity between the models.</p><p>The real induction arrows show features that are not as clearly displayed in either the phase or apparent resistivity. It seems that the real induction arrows are better at detecting lateral differences in conductivity in a more resistive media, than the phase and apparent resistivity.</p>

Controlled Source Tensor Magnetotelluric (CSTMT) ground measurements were executed on the Hallandsåsen horst where a major tunnel is under construction. The instrument system EnviroMT are used for this purpose. The major research aspect of this thesis has been to form an opinion of the effectiveness of the method by comparing the results from the CSTMT survey with a prior investigation performed with the DC resistivity method. Another important part of this thesis has been to compile the basic and fundamental CSTMT and RMT theory, in a way that people outside the EM community easily can be introduced to the subject. When comparing the different inversion models from the CSTMT and DC resistivity surveys one can see differences in the depth at which the conductors are resolved. In the CSTMT inversion models (TE+TM) there are two conductors that possibly can reach the depth of the tunnel in construction. These conductors are not resolved at the deeper structures in the DC resistivity models. Whether the conductors in the CSTMT inversions (TE+TM) truly extend to the depth at which they are modeled, or if they in deeper parts are artificial effects of regularisation in the inversion cannot be said for sure. Accounting for the low frequencies utilised in the TE mode, one has very strong arguments that the deep conductors seen in the CSTMT model are true. The TE-mode models have shown to be much less affected by the complex problems of near field effects in comparison with the TM-mode models. The evidence of the near field effects is very prominent in the TM-mode phase, but in the phase of the TE-mode one can not see any such tendencies. However, one can see a discontinuity in the same part of three profile lines which shows that the data is disturbed but not nearly as much as in the TM-mode. The apparent resistivity seems to be over all less affected by the near field effects. In the apparent resistivity of the TE-mode, one can not discern any near field effects at all. In the TM-mode, the apparent resistivity shows higher apparent resistivity than the real apparent resistivity in the near field. To receive more information about the deeper structures, lower controlled source frequencies were allowed in the TE-mode than in the TM-mode inversion models. The RMS in the TE-mode inversions has not been deteriorated, which is an another indication that the TE mode is not very disturbed by the near field effects. The RMT inversion models are shown to be heavily biased in the deeper parts to which the RMT data are insensitive and regularization determining the outcome of the inversion. One can also see that regularisation is influencing the whole inversion model. In the shallow subsurface the inversion models should be same for CSTMT and RMT, but one can see differences in resistivity between the models. The real induction arrows show features that are not as clearly displayed in either the phase or apparent resistivity. It seems that the real induction arrows are better at detecting lateral differences in conductivity in a more resistive media, than the phase and apparent resistivity.

The radio magnetotellucic (RMT) method originates from (Tikhonov, 1950) and (Cagniard,1953) who discovered the possibility to estimate resistivity in the Earth’s subsurface using naturally occurring telluric currents. This through measuring the surface impedance of electromagnetic waves. Later (Paal, 1965) makes use of electromagnetic plane-waves originating from radio transmitters that operates in the very low frequency range (10 − 30kHz). These plane waves artificially induce telluric currents which can then be used to estimate resistivity in shallow subsurface. It is hence the source of the electromagnetic wave inducing the telluric current that named the RMT method accordingly. It’s then shown by (Bastani, 2001) that the signal can be measured in an even broader band (10 − 250kHz) to gain a better vertical resolution. Finally, frequency of the electromagnetic wave is affecting the skin depth and one can therefore estimate the depth of resistivity layers in the subsurface. In this thesis a data processing algorithm has been developed, based on the work in (Bastani, 2001), that processes RMT field data. Impedance, resistivity among other quantities is calculated. One can then export this data and use it in existing modeling software. New processing parameters has been implemented and its effect on the data set investigated. The software is implemented in matlab, and tested with synthetic data and data measured at Blötberget, Sweden. However, work is still to be done due to field equipment malfunction during measurements at Blötberget. This rendering an, at least partly, faulty data set. Therefore one cannot completely exclude calibration issues until a clean data set is taken. / Den radio magnetotelluriska (RMT) metoden har sitt ursprung i (Tikhonov, 1950) och (Cagniard, 1953) arbete där strukturen hos geologisk resistivitet uppskattas med hjälp av naturligt förekommande elektriska jordströmmar. Detta genom att mäta den elektromagnetiska vågimpedansen vid markytan. Sedan använder (Paal, 1965) sig av elektromagnetiska planvågor från lågfrekventa radiosändare (10 − 30kHz), som artificiellt inducerar jordströmmar, för att uppskatta resistiviteten i mer ytligt underliggande geologisk struktur. Det är således källan till den inducerade jordströmmen som namngett RMT-metoden. Det är sedan påvisat av (Bastani,2001) att man kan använda sig av frekvenser i ett bredare spektrum (10 − 250kHz) för att få ökad vertikal upplösning. Slutligen påverkar frekvensen hos den elektromagnetiska vågen inträngningsdjupet och på så sätt tillåts det att uppskatta resistiviteten vid ett särskilt djup. I denna studie har en databehandlingsalgorithm utvecklats, baserat på arbete utfört av (Bastani, 2001), som bearbetar RMT fältdata. Impedans och resistivitet samt andra storheter beräknas för att sedan kunna exporteras och användas i existerande modelleringsprogramvara. Programvaran är skriven i matlab, och dess funktionalitet har prövats med syntetisk data samt data från Blötberget, Sverige. Även påverkan av olika processparametrar har undersökts. Detta har gjorts med framgång, men arbete återstår för att fullständigt verifiera korrekt implementering då utrustningen som användes för insamling av fältdata vid Blötberget felade. Därför kan kalibreringsproblem i programvaran inte helt uteslutas.

The Kattegat sea region between Denmark and Sweden is identified as a region both economically and environmentally sensitive. Statistics indicate that over two thousand vessels per day navigate in the region. Navigation route optimization for the region is vital for efficient transportation. Optimized routes allow a vessel to carry the maximum amount of goods per course leading to efficient fuel consumption, which can greatly benefit in an economical and environmental aspect. Such optimization requires a highly accurate and reliable vertical reference surface for efficient transportation. In the Baltic Sea and Kattegat, a geoid is now used as such a surface. For geoid modelling, homogenous and reliable gravity measurements are required over a larger area surrounding the computation point. The Kattegat region consists of gravity data mainly from the Swedish Fyrbyggaren marine campaign 2019, Kattegat airborne campaign 2018 and several older datasets from the Nordic Geodetic Commission (NKG) database. These gravity data over Kattegat region have been measured using different instruments in various time epochs that inherit them with uncertainties depending on the platform type, instrument sensor type, filter type, corrections applied, processing software and many other parameters. In this study, the data uncertainty of gravity measurements from various sensors in the Kattegat region was studied through statistical and graphical evaluations. It was found out that the data from Kattegat airborne campaign 2018 deviate systematically with from the more reliable Fyrbyggaren marine campaign 2019 and other marine datasets. The airborne campaign was therefore tentatively corrected by the estimated shift +1.46 mGal before further analysis was made of the other datasets. It is found that NKG publication numbers 29, 42, 44, 610, 611 and 616 from the NKG gravity database have a standard uncertainty of around 2-3 mGal. Which is within the range of allowable uncertainty for future applications. These datasets may thus positively contribute to NKG database along with data from the Swedish Fyrbyggaren marine campaign 2019 and the shifted Kattegat airborne campaign 2018. These datasets should be used to model the geoid over the region in the future.

Reflection seismic and seismic tomography methods can be used to image the upper kilometer of hard bedrock and the loose unconsolidated sediments covering it. Developments of these two methods and their application, as well as identifying issues concerning their usage, are the main focus of the thesis. Data used for this development were acquired at three different sites in Sweden, in Forsmark 140 km north of Stockholm, in the Oskarshamn area in southern Sweden, and in the northern part of the Siljan Ring impact crater area. The reflection seismic data were acquired with long source-receiver offsets relative to some of the targeted depths to be imaged. In the initial processing standard steps were applied, but the uppermost part of the sections were not always clear. The longer offsets imply that pre-stack migration is necessary in order to image the uppermost bedrock as clearly as possible. Careful choice of filters and velocity functions improve the pre-stack migrated image, allowing better correlation with near-surface geological information. The seismic tomography method has been enhanced to calculate, simultaneously with the velocity inversion, optimal corrections to the picked first break travel times in order to compensate for the delays due to the seismic waves passing through the loose sediments covering the bedrock. The reflection seismic processing used in this thesis has produced high-quality images of the upper kilometers, and in one example from the Forsmark site, the image of the uppermost 250 meters of the bedrock has been improved. The three-dimensional orientation of reflections has been determined at the Oskarshamn site. Correlation with borehole data shows that many of these reflections originate from fracture zones. The developed seismic tomography method produces high-detail velocity models for the site in the Siljan impact area and for the Forsmark site. In Forsmark, detailed estimates of the bedrock topography were calculated with the use of the developed tomography method.

The purpose of this thesis is to provide a detailed description of recent methods and scientific basis for characterizing earthquake sources within a certain region with distinct tectonic environments. The focus will be on those characteristics that are most significant to the ground-shaking hazard and on how we can incorporate our current knowledge into hazard analyses for engineering design purposes. I treat two particular geographical areas where I think current hazard analysis methods are in need of significant improvement, and suggest some approaches that have proven to be effective in past applications elsewhere. A combined hazard procedure is used to estimate seismicity in northern Central America, where there appear to be four tectonic environments for modeling the seismogenic sources and in Iran, where the large earthquakes usually occur on known faults. A preferred seismic hazard model for northern Central America and the western Caribbean plate based on earthquake catalogs, geodetic measurements, and geological information is presented. I used the widely practiced method of relating seismicity data to geological data to assess the various seismic hazard parameters and test parameter sensitivities. The sensitivity and overall uncertainty in peak ground acceleration (PGA) estimates are calculated for northwestern Iran by using a specific randomized blocks design. A Monte Carlo approach is utilized to evaluate the ground motion hazard and its uncertainties in northern Central America. A set of new seismic hazard maps, exhibiting probabilistic values of peak ground acceleration (PGA) with 50%, 10%, and 5% probabilities of exceedance (PE) in 50 years, is presented for the area of relevance. Disaggregation of seismic hazard is carried out for cities of San Salvador and Guatemala by using a spatial distribution of epicenters around these sites to select design ground motion for seismic risk decisions. In conclusion, consideration of the effect of parameters such as seismic moment, fault rupture, rupture directivity and stress drop are strongly recommended in estimating the near field ground motions. The rupture process of the 2002 Changureh earthquake (Mw = 6.5), Iran, was analyzed by using the empirical Green’s function (EGF) method. This method simulates strong ground motions for future large earthquakes at particular sites where no empirical data are available.

The present thesis collects results of research applying theory and methods of statistical seismology to the seismicity of Central America, a region with a complex tectonic setting controlled by the interaction of four major plates, namely the Caribbean, Cocos, Nazca and North American plates. Three different earthquake catalogues were used for studies focused on stress in a tectonic volume, seismic hazard maps and seismicity patterns (precursors), covering the region 94ºW to 81ºW and 5ºN to 20ºN. Variations in the b-value, the parameter in Gutenberg &amp; Richter’s equation LogN=a-bM, as a function of depth in the subduction zone were investigated. High b-values were identified in the upper part of the slab at depths of 80-110km beneath Guatemala-El Salvador and at depths 130-170km beneath Nicaragua. These anomalies may be related to the generation of volcanism occurring above them. Time dependence of the b-value was also studied. Five case studies were selected (events with MS ≥7.2) for a detailed analysis. In three out of five cases, it was possible to link b-value minima to the time of occurrence of corresponding large events. Seismic quiescence was mapped as a function of time and space by a griding technique. The characteristics of the quiescence were calculated using the statistics Z and ß and for Time Window lengths between 1 and 5 years. Five positive anomalies were found, which can be associated with large earthquakes (MS≥7.2). Finally, a Monte Carlo approach was utilized to evaluate the ground motion hazard and its uncertainties in northern Central America. A set of new seismic hazard maps exhibiting probabilistic values of peak ground acceleration (PGA) with 50%, 10%, and 5% probabilities of exceedance (PE) in 50 years is presented for a large area of northern Central America, including El Salvador and Guatemala.

No description available.

<p>The purpose of this thesis is to provide a detailed description of recent methods and scientific basis for characterizing earthquake sources within a certain region with distinct tectonic environments. The focus will be on those characteristics that are most significant to the ground-shaking hazard and on how we can incorporate our current knowledge into hazard analyses for engineering design purposes. I treat two particular geographical areas where I think current hazard analysis methods are in need of significant improvement, and suggest some approaches that have proven to be effective in past applications elsewhere. A combined hazard procedure is used to estimate seismicity in <i>northern Central America</i>, where there appear to be four tectonic environments for modeling the seismogenic sources and in <i>Iran</i>, where the large earthquakes usually occur on known faults. A preferred seismic hazard model for northern Central America and the western Caribbean plate based on earthquake catalogs, geodetic measurements, and geological information is presented. I used the widely practiced method of relating seismicity data to geological data to assess the various seismic hazard parameters and test parameter sensitivities. </p><p>The sensitivity and overall uncertainty in peak ground acceleration (PGA) estimates are calculated for northwestern Iran by using a <i>specific randomized blocks design</i>. A Monte Carlo approach is utilized to evaluate the ground motion hazard and its uncertainties in northern Central America. A set of new seismic hazard maps, exhibiting probabilistic values of peak ground acceleration (PGA) with 50%, 10%, and 5% probabilities of exceedance (PE) in 50 years, is presented for the area of relevance. <i>Disaggregation of seismic hazard</i> is carried out for cities of San Salvador and Guatemala by using a spatial distribution of epicenters around these sites to select design ground motion for seismic risk decisions. </p><p>In conclusion, consideration of the effect of parameters such as seismic moment, fault rupture, rupture directivity and stress drop are strongly recommended in estimating the near field ground motions. The rupture process of the 2002 Changureh earthquake (<i>M</i><i>w</i> = 6.5), Iran, was analyzed by using the<i> empirical Green’s function (EGF) method</i>. This method simulates strong ground motions for future large earthquakes at particular sites where no empirical data are available.</p>

<p>The present thesis collects results of research applying theory and methods of statistical seismology to the seismicity of Central America, a region with a complex tectonic setting controlled by the interaction of four major plates, namely the Caribbean, Cocos, Nazca and North American plates.</p><p>Three different earthquake catalogues were used for studies focused on stress in a tectonic volume, seismic hazard maps and seismicity patterns (precursors), covering the region 94ºW to 81ºW and 5ºN to 20ºN.</p><p>Variations in the <i>b</i>-value, the parameter in Gutenberg & Richter’s equation Log<i>N</i>=<i>a</i>-<i>bM</i>, as a function of depth in the subduction zone were investigated. High <i>b</i>-values were identified in the upper part of the slab at depths of 80-110km beneath Guatemala-El Salvador and at depths 130-170km beneath Nicaragua. These anomalies may be related to the generation of volcanism occurring above them. Time dependence of the <i>b</i>-value was also studied. Five case studies were selected (events with <i>M</i><i>S</i> ≥7.2) for a detailed analysis. In three out of five cases, it was possible to link <i>b</i>-value minima to the time of occurrence of corresponding large events. </p><p>Seismic quiescence was mapped as a function of time and space by a griding technique. The characteristics of the quiescence were calculated using the statistics <i>Z</i> and <i>ß</i> and for Time Window lengths between 1 and 5 years. Five positive anomalies were found, which can be associated with large earthquakes (<i>M</i><i>S</i>≥7.2).</p><p>Finally, a Monte Carlo approach was utilized to evaluate the ground motion hazard and its uncertainties in northern Central America. A set of new seismic hazard maps exhibiting probabilistic values of peak ground acceleration (PGA) with 50%, 10%, and 5% probabilities of exceedance (PE) in 50 years is presented for a large area of northern Central America, including El Salvador and Guatemala.</p>