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This thesis applies a fully nonlinear Bayesian inversion methodology to estimate shear-wave velocity (Vs) profiles and uncertainties from surface-wave dispersion data extracted from ambient seismic noise. In the inversion, the Vs profile is parameterized using a Bernstein polynomial basis, which efficiently characterizes general depth-dependent gradients in the soil/sediment column. Bernstein polynomials provide a stable parameterization in that small perturbations to the model parameters (basis-function coefficients) result in only small perturbations to the Vs profile. The inversion solution is defined in terms of the marginal posterior probability for Vs as a function of depth, estimated using Metropolis-Hastings sampling with parallel tempering. This methodology is validated via inversion of synthetic dispersion data as well as previously-considered data inverted using different parameterizations. The approach considered here is better suited than layered modelling approaches in applications where smooth gradients in geophysical parameters are expected, and/or the observed data are diffuse and not sensitive to fine-scale discrete layering (such as surface-wave dispersion). The Bernstein polynomial representation is much more general than other gradient-based models such that the form of the gradients are determined by the data, rather than by subjective parameterization choice. The Bernstein inversion methodology is also applied to dispersion data processed from passive array recordings collected in the coastal community of Kitimat, British Columbia. The region is the proposed site of several large-scale industrial development projects and has great economic and environmental significance for Canada. The inversion results are consistent with findings from other geophysical studies in the region and are used in a site-specific seismic hazard analysis. The level of ground-motion amplification expected to occur during an earthquake due to near-surface Vs structure is probabilistically quantified, and predicted to be significant compared to reference (hard ground) sites. / Graduate

This study shows how the use of modern geological investigative techniques can reopen old, “drained” hydrocarbon fields. Specifically, it looks at the White Castle Field in South Louisiana. This field has pay sections ranging from late Oligocene to late Miocene. The late Oligocene package is underexplored and understudied and contains 3 primary reservoirs (Cib Haz (CH), MW, and MR). This study established the depositional history of these reservoirs. During most of the late Oligocene, the White Castle Salt Dome was located in a minibasin on the continental slope. The CH and MW deposited in this minibasin. The CH is an amalgamation of slumped shelfal limestones, sandstones, and shales deposited during a lowstand systems tract (LST). The MW comprises a shelf-edge delta that is part of a LST. The MR is an incised valley fill located in the continental shelf that was deposited during LST after the minibasin was filled.

Reinforced concrete moment-resisting frames are structural systems that work to resist earthquake ground motions through ductile behavior. Their performance is essential to prevent building collapse and loss of life during a seismic event. Seismic building code provisions outline requirements for three categories of reinforced concrete moment-resisting frames: ordinary moment frames, intermediate moment frames, and special moment frames. Extensive research has been conducted on the performance of special moment-resisting frames for areas of high seismic activity such as California. More research is needed on the performance of intermediate moment frames for areas of moderate seismicity because the current code provisions are based on past observation and experience. Adapting dynamic analysis software and applications developed by the Pacific Earthquake Engineering Research (PEER) Group, a representative concrete intermediate moment frame was designed per code provisions and analyzed for specified ground motions in order to calculate the probability of collapse. A parametric study is used to explore the impact of changes in design characteristics and building code requirements on the seismic response and probability of collapse, namely the effect of additional height and the addition of a strong column-weak beam ratio requirement. The results show that the IMF seismic design provisions in ACI 318-08 provide acceptable seismic performance based on current assessment methodology as gravity design appeared to govern the system. Additional height did not negatively impact seismic performance, while the addition of a strong-column weak-beam ratio did not significantly improve results. It is the goal of this project to add insight into the design provisions for intermediate moment frames and to contribute to the technical base for future criteria.

The seismic method in exploration geophysics consists of creating a mechanical disturbance at or close to the surface of the earth, and observing its effects at a number of chosen locations along the surface. The purpose of seismic data acquisition is to record these effects in such a manner that their relation with the initial disturbance can be interpreted as a guide to the earth's subsurface structure (Nettleton, 1940).The validity of data interpretation depends upon the fidelity of recording. A better seismic interpretation can result from correctly collected data using instrumentation which faithfully records the seismic signal. Subsequent computer processing cannot reconstruct information which is not contained in the recorded field data. Hence, the quality of field data recording must be at an optimum level, otherwise the result will be an inferior interpretation (Donnell,1957).A reflection seismic data acquisition system was assembled and put into operation. The basic instrument was a Texas Instruments DFS IV, obtained from marine vessel M/V Banksia, and commissioned for land application.The system was tested and evaluated. The instrument analog filter phase distortion was studied in detail. The study indicated that phase distortion can be a major cause of seismic misties. Without a knowledge of the particular recording instrumentation filter transfer function, data processing bureaux may not compensate for phase distortion effects adequately (Gray et al., 1968).Once testing was completed satisfactorily, the operational system was applied to several practical field situations of commercial standard. A series of noise studies was performed to evaluate not only source generated noise, but also to study the effect of different types of energy sources on seismic data. In addition, two multi-fold seismic lines wore recorded, both of which were considered superior ++ / to those previously produced by the industry, at each location (Jacia, pers. comm., 1984).Finally, a single fold three-dimensional areal seismic survey was performed over the Woodada gas field. The results of this survey will be released after processing has been completed by Allied Geophysical Laboratories (University of Houston), and are not contained in this thesis.Future areas for field application are discussed. Recommendations are made for further research work in the area of phase distortion; the examination of different energy sources; a review of receiver properties and horizontally travelling seismic waves; a bore-hole seismic study and finally, a fourth-dimensional recording technique involving the performance of an offset VSP survey at the same time as an areal 3-D seismic survey.Volume 1 describes the establishment of the acquisition system and its subsequent field application.Volume 2 contains the Appendix of instrument tests and their analysis.

"July 2004" / Bibliography: leaves 215-230. / viii, 230 leaves : ill., maps ; 30 cm. / Title page, contents and abstract only. The complete thesis in print form is available from the University Library. / Thesis (Ph.D.)--University of Adelaide, School of Chemistry and Physics, Discipline of Physics, 2004

Deep troughs and ridges of the Arctic Basin are some of the least known features of the Earth's crust. Some of the ridges, eg. Chukchi and Nordwind, are connected directly to the continental shelves and are certainly submarine promontories of the latter. The character of the Lomonosov Ridge as a narrow slice of continental crust that separated from the Eurasian margin in the early Cenozoic (by opening of the Eurasian Basin), is not in doubt. Recent drilling (ACEX) and piston coring have confirmed this interpretation. However there are many other ridges and some of the troughs that are of uncertain origin. Seismic research in combination with potential field data over the East-Siberian margin, Podvodnikov and Makarov basins and the Mendeleev Ridge, presented here, provides a framework for understanding this enigmatic part of the Earth. The constrained models of the crust illustrate their structure. The crust beneath the East Siberian margin is up to 40 km thick; it thins to about 20 km towards to the Podvodnikov Basin. The models over the Arlis Gap, in the middle of the Podvodnikov Basin, and the Mendeleev Ridge have shown that the crust beneath both these features is anomalously thick (up to 28–32 km) and has a velocity structure that suggests the presence of highly attenuated continental crust. The crustal thickness over the Makarov Basin varies from 8 km to 15 km. Reflection profiles provide evidence of the character and thickness of the sedimentary cover (mostly Cenozoic and late Mesozoic), both on the ridges and beneath the troughs. Presented here is evidence that some of the ridges (eg. Marvin Spur) appear to be fragments of continental crust rifted off the Lomonosov Ridge (with a similar, unconformable Cenozoic cover); however, they gently plunge into and beneath troughs (eg. Makarov Basin). Reflection seismic data collected by the HOTRAX expedition in 2005 over the central part of the Lomonosov Ridge illustrate the sedimentary structure on the top of the Ridge and in an internal basin. The main sedimentary units can be interpreted by correlation with the ACEX results. The major fault separating the surrounding ridges from the internal basin appears to have a roll over anticline in the hanging wall, suggesting that the basin was created by a growth fault. The seismic lines provide evidence of gently folded basement beneath the Lomonosov Ridge with intra basement reflections are usually parallel to the upper surfaces; in combination with velocities (c. 4–5 km/s), these suggest the presence of old well-consolidated sediments.

IGeoS is an integrated open-source software framework for geophysical data processing under development at the UofS seismology group. Unlike other systems, this processing monitor supports structured multicomponent seismic data streams, multidimensional data traces, and employs a unique backpropagation execution logic. This results in an unusual flexibility of processing, allowing the system to handle nearly any geophysical data.<p> In this project, a modern and feature-rich Graphical User Interface (GUI) was developed for the system, allowing editing and submission of processing flows and interaction with running jobs. Multiple jobs can be executed in a distributed multi-processor networks and controlled from the same GUI. Jobs, in their turn, can also be parallelized to take advantage of parallel processing environments such as local area networks and Beowulf clusters.<p> A 3D/2D interactive display server was created and integrated with the IGeoS geophysical data processing framework. With introduction of this major component, the IGeoS system becomes conceptually complete and potentially bridges the gap between the traditional processing and interpretation software.<p> Finally, in a specialized application, network acquisition and relay components were written allowing IGeoS to be used for real-time applications. The completion of this functionality makes the processing and display capabilities of IGeoS available to multiple streams of seismic data from potentially remote sites. Seismic data can be acquired, transferred to the central server, processed, archived, and events picked and placed in database completely automatically.

IGeoS is an integrated open-source software framework for geophysical data processing under development at the UofS seismology group. Unlike other systems, this processing monitor supports structured multicomponent seismic data streams, multidimensional data traces, and employs a unique backpropagation execution logic. This results in an unusual flexibility of processing, allowing the system to handle nearly any geophysical data.<p> In this project, a modern and feature-rich Graphical User Interface (GUI) was developed for the system, allowing editing and submission of processing flows and interaction with running jobs. Multiple jobs can be executed in a distributed multi-processor networks and controlled from the same GUI. Jobs, in their turn, can also be parallelized to take advantage of parallel processing environments such as local area networks and Beowulf clusters.<p> A 3D/2D interactive display server was created and integrated with the IGeoS geophysical data processing framework. With introduction of this major component, the IGeoS system becomes conceptually complete and potentially bridges the gap between the traditional processing and interpretation software.<p> Finally, in a specialized application, network acquisition and relay components were written allowing IGeoS to be used for real-time applications. The completion of this functionality makes the processing and display capabilities of IGeoS available to multiple streams of seismic data from potentially remote sites. Seismic data can be acquired, transferred to the central server, processed, archived, and events picked and placed in database completely automatically.

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