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Directional statistics, Bayesian methods of earthquake focal mechanism estimation, and their application to New Zealand seismicity data : a thesis submitted to the Victoria University of Wellington in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Statistics /Walsh, David Leonard. January 2008 (has links)
Thesis (M.Sc.)--Victoria University of Wellington, 2008. / Includes bibliographical references.
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Changes in local stress field orientation in response to magmatic activity /Roman, Diana Christine, January 2004 (has links)
Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Oregon, 2004. / Vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 178-188). Also available for download via the World Wide Web; free to University of Oregon users.
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Changes in local stress field orientation in response to magmatic activity /Roman, Diana Christine, January 2004 (has links)
Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Oregon, 2004. / Typescript. Includes vita and abstract. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 178-188). Also available for download via the World Wide Web; free to University of Oregon users.
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A seismicity study of the Queen Charlotte Islands/Hecate Strait RegionBérubé, Joane January 1985 (has links)
The Queen Charlotte Islands are located east of the seismically active Queen Charlotte transform fault zone which separates the Pacific and North American plates. The fault zone is the locus of significant seismic activity and is distinguished bathymetrically by two steep scarps bounding a 15 to 25 km wide terrace. To better define regional seismicity characteristics, 16 portable seismographs and 6 ocean bottom seismographs were operated for 9 weeks and 5 days, respectively, during June to August 1983. Three hundred and seventeen events were detected; 130 events that were recorded on 3 or more stations have been located. Twenty' events were identified as possible blasts.
Ninety-two of the located earthquakes lie along the Queen Charlotte transform fault zone, most within the 1949, Ms = 8.1, earthquake rupture zone along the inner scarp of the terrace. However, several earthquakes are located on the terrace and a few are aligned with the outer scarp where no activity has previously been observed. Most of the activity is well constrained to be less than 15 km in depth. Two areas of low seismicity were observed along the fault zone. Only two earthquakes occurred in the documented seismic gap bound on the north by the 1949 rupture zone and on the south by the 1970 M = 7.0 earthquake. They were both at -the southern tip of the gap. A similar region of low activity was observed for the fault along Graham Island. No major seismicity (M > 4.0) has been located in this region since the 1949 earthquake. Composite fault plane mechanism solutions were determined for five clusters of events along the fault zone. Events to the northwest of Graham Island are consistent with strike-slip motion along a fault in the direction of the Queen Charlotte transform fault. The four remaining clusters were located along Moresby Island. The mechanisms for these are dominated by thrust faulting with a component of compressional stress trending north-south. These events are interpreted as the result of oblique convergence between the Pacific and North American plate.
Significant seismicity was located east of the main Queen Charlotte transform fault zone. Eighteen earthquakes, the largest ML = 3.8, were located in northeastern Graham Island and adjacent Hecate Strait - Dixon Entrance area. None could be associated with known faults. The focal depth of these events is well constrained within the crust so they could not be associated with a subducted plate. A composite fault plane mechanism solution determined for some of these earthquakes indicates a thrusting mechanism with north-south trending compressional stress. One event with a well constrained solution at a shallow focal depth occurred in southeastern Hecate Strait. This event could be associated with crustally pervasive faults identified in Hecate Strait.
A magnitude scale based on the coda length of the earthquake signal was determined. Magnitudes were calculated for 265 of the events recorded during the study. For the complete data set a b-value of 0.55 ± 0.05 was determined. This value is significantly lower than values from other studies in the Canadian Cordillera, indicating that a greater percentage of the total number of earthquakes occurs at the higher magnitudes. However, the short period of recording and large magnitude seismic activity (4 earthquakes with ML > 3.8 in 9 weeks) might have biased the estimate toward a low value. / Science, Faculty of / Earth, Ocean and Atmospheric Sciences, Department of / Graduate
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Curvature Analysis of Aeromagnetic DataLee, Madeline 04 1900 (has links)
<p>Fundamentally the amplitude, sign, and frequency of a magnetic signal are inherently linked to curvature. This thesis employs curvature analysis as a semi-automated tool for source signal extraction from a magnetic field surface represented by a grid. The first step is to compute the full, profile, and plan curvatures from the magnetic grid. These values are used in two approaches to curvature analysis: statistical and lineament. The descriptive statistics mean, standard deviation, kurtosis, and skew are computed for quantitative analysis. Mean is used in conjunction with kurtosis and skew to assess frequency content of the signal, magnetization and source dip. Standard deviation characterizes low, moderate, and extreme curvatures. A rapid technique to statistical analysis is applied using a graphical approach with histograms and scatterplots. Histograms display frequency distribution and scatterplots display the relationship between different curvatures. Curvature in the maximum dip direction is used to systematically identify surficial lineaments characterized as continuous troughs or ridges. These lineaments may represent geological sources or remanent acquisition artefacts. Lineaments representing faults and dykes are used in conjunction with <em>a priori</em> knowledge to determine mineralization vectors since many ore deposits are structurally controlled. Quality control of the aeromagnetic grid levelling application may be assessed using spatial correlation of flight lines and magnetic lineaments. In this work curvature analysis is applied to simple synthetic models and two Canadian aeromagnetic data sets. Curvature analysis was applied to magnetic data from the Wopmay Orogen to identify bedrock contacts, fault configurations, and dyke swarms. The data was also used to show lineaments displayed as rose diagrams may be used as an alternative to standard Fourier power spectrums for assessment of levelling. Magnetic survey data from Southern Ontario was used to show a statistical approach to identify regional dip, dominant magnetization, and interference in anomalies.</p> / Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
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GEOPHYSICAL PROCESSING AND INTERPRETATION WITH GEOLOGIC CONTROLS: EXAMPLES FROM THE BATHURST MINING CAMPTschirhart, Peter 10 1900 (has links)
<p>With an ever-increasing consumption of natural resources new prospecting techniques are required to satisfy the demand. Geophysical methods are one tool commonly relied upon. New acquisition platforms or survey methodologies provide one way to expand the geophysical capabilities, but are expensive and slow to develop. New processing and interpretation techniques on the other hand provide a rapid means to reinterpret existing datasets with the goal of improving our geologic understanding of a project area. This thesis presents four new ways to extract additional geologic insights from a variety of geophysical datasets. All of the studies are based within the Bathurst Mining Camp, NB.</p> <p>A physical rock property database for the Bathurst Mining Camp is constructed and statistically analyzed in chapter two. Descriptive statistics include mean, standard deviation; first, second and third quartiles are calculated for density and magnetic susceptibility measurements and provided in tables for reference. Bivariate plots are then used to identify trends in the density-magnetic susceptibility relationship. We relate some of our findings to processes involved in the depositional and alteration history of the various lithologies. Comprehensive rock property databases provide valuable constraints for geophysical data processing and are essential for any subsequent geophysical modeling. This is demonstrated with two examples. A joint gravity-magnetic profile model is completed across the geologically complex Nine Mile Synform. The profile reveals deep structure in the Camp down to 5 km depth. A geologically constrained geophysical inversion model of the magnetic anomaly associated with the Armstrong B mineral deposit reveals this anomaly contains a strong magnetic remanence contribution. The influence of remanence is often ignored in magnetic interpretation and modeling, but vital to achieve a geologically correct solution. In this instance comparison of the calculated remanence direction with the expected Apparent Polar Wander Path defined direction suggests an age of mineralization that is compatible with geological evidence.</p> <p>A new approach to determine the optimum near surface residual magnetic signal is presented in chapter three. Additionally, a new way of locating remanently magnetized bodies is also introduced. This technique inverts frequency domain helicopter-borne electromagnetic data to yield apparent magnetic susceptibility. To locate those zones where the magnetic signal is dominated by remanence the inverted HFEM susceptibility is cross plot against the results of a traditional apparent susceptibility filter. The inverted HFEM susceptibility is independent of remanence while the apparent susceptibility assumes no remanence. Where remanence is present the TMI derived apparent susceptibility does not correlate with the HFEM. These differences are readily evident in a cross plot of the two susceptibilities. To determine a magnetic residual the inverted susceptibility is forward modeled as a series of vertical prisms with homogeneous susceptibility equal to the inverted susceptibility. This HFEM magnetic model is then used to reference the results of traditional wavelength separation methods. By design the HFEM information is restricted the near surface whereas all traditional regional / residual separation methods operate under wavelength assumptions. A case study using this methodology is presented on the western side of the Tetagouche Antiform.</p> <p>The use of a spatially variable density correction applied to ground gravity and gravity gradiometry in the BMC is examined in the fourth chapter. The influence of topography on gravity and gravity gradiometry measurements is profound and must be removed prior to interpretation. In geologic environments where there is a structural and/or stratigraphic control on the near surface mass distribution, using a single density value may introduce error into the reduced data. A regionally variable density correction is a means to compensate for this effect. Spectral information between the ground gravity and airborne gravity gradiometry is also compared in this chapter. Both systems are fundamentally recording the same geologic mass distribution albeit by different means. Where differences exist one system must be in error.</p> <p>The final chapter demonstrates a quantitative interpretative technique for geophysical data. Often interpretation of the geophysical data in a geological context is done qualitatively using total field and derivative maps. With this approach the resulting map product may reflect the interpreter’s bias. Source edge detection provides a quantitative means to map lateral physical property changes in potential and non-potential field data, but the field data must be transformed prior to SED computation. There are numerous transformation algorithms, all of which operate slightly differently. We demonstrate that by combining the output of several different SED computations through data stacking, the interpretable product of SED is improved. In two examples, a synthetic example and real world example from the Bathurst Mining Camp, a number of transformation algorithms are applied to gridded geophysical datasets and the resulting SED solutions combined. Edge stacking combines the benefits and nuances of each SED algorithm; coincident, or overlapping solutions are considered more indicative of a true edge, while isolated points are taken as being indicative of random noise or false solutions.</p> / Master of Science (MSc)
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Airborne Gravity Gradiometry as an Exploration ToolDohey, Tim 10 1900 (has links)
<p><strong>Airborne gravity gradiometry (AGG) is a relatively new technology to the mineral exploration industry which has been increasingly used over the past decade. AGG systems are capable of separating linear accelerations due to aircraft movement from the accelerations related that represent the gravity signal, resulting in a much higher resolution measurement than airborne gravity. The rapid and cost-effective deployment of an AGG survey gives it an advantage when compared to traditional ground gravity survey. With the momentum of existing AGG technology in the exploration industry and the multitude of next-generation AGG sensors currently in development the technique promises to be a valuable exploration tool for the foreseeable future. This thesis focuses on the capabilities of the AGG technology as an exploration tool, its niche within the exploration process, and how AGG compares to other gravity methods. An overview of the AGG method provides context for the aim of the study. A history of airborne gravimetry is presented, as well as a detailed technical description of AGG measurements and units. A summary of all existing airborne gravity and airborne gravity gradiometry technology is provided, along with the major research initiatives aimed at making more sensitive AGG sensors in the future. A discussion of the potential sources of error and uncertainty when working with AGG data highlights many of the technique’s obstacles that we will be closely examining within this study. The AGG case study which is examined includes an AGG dataset collected as part of a nickel exploration program to image prospective troctolite chambers in Northern Labrador, by Vale. The study focuses on the portion of the survey over the Voisey’s Bay main block that contains several economic nickel deposits, including the world-class Ovoid deposit. This area has been characterized both geologically and geophysically in the past, and contains multiple datasets, including ground gravity. Forward modeling is completed using Voisey’s Bay physical rock properties to calculate the response that could be expected over a nickel-bearing troctolite chamber. The methodology and considerations of AGG data acquisition are reviewed in the context of this survey and the dataset is then taken through a terrain correction involving the determination of the best possible background density choice. The limitations and potential pitfalls of the terrain correction are examined in relation to the digital elevation model being used. The problem of thick, variable overburden in portions of the survey is also examined. Several filtering techniques are completed on the data, including vertical integration and the removal of the regional signal. The AGG resolution is then quantitatively compared to the historical ground gravity data and an upward continued version of the ground gravity (representing the response of an airborne gravity survey) by using 2D power spectra and radially averaged power spectra plots. Although the ground gravity is found to contain better resolution in some areas due to its proximity to the ground, the more regular spatial sampling of the AGG survey provided resolution advantages in other areas. The much higher sensitivity of the AGG sensor resulted in a strong resolution advantage over the upward continued gravity. This comparison is extended to include the differences in interpretive products produced from each dataset, in the form of 3D gravity inversions. Inversions were completed on all three datasets and the results are compared. Although the resolution of an individual ground gravity measurement is greater than that of an AGG measurement, the uniformity of the AGG survey provides superior coverage and leads to a more detailed inversion model, particularly for features greater than ~200-400m, such as the prospective nickel bearing troctolite chambers. </strong></p> / Master of Science (MSc)
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Geophysical and geological integration and interpretation of the northeast Thelon Basin, NunavutTschirhart, Victoria 04 1900 (has links)
<p>The northeast Thelon Basin, Nunavut, is a rapidly developing albeit poorly studied, frontier exploration domain for unconformity-associated uranium deposits. Critical criteria for unconformity –associated uranium deposit models are knowledge of the basement geology, fault history and depth to unconformity surface. This thesis sets forth to derive working geological and geophysical models for the northeast Thelon Basin through the implementation of integrated geophysical techniques.</p> <p>A physical rock property database is compiled defining average density and susceptibility values for key map units for integration into subsequent modelling iterations. Forward and inverse potential field modelling using these petrophysical with geological controls define the structure and geometry of the Shultz Lake intrusive complex and northeast Amer Belt, both of which are present below the Thelon sedimentary cover. Implementation of a new source edge detection technique estimates fault development and location within the basin. This provides a quantitative analysis of fault timing, identifying potentially reactivated faults which have an increased likelihood to serve as conduits to transport uranium-rich fluids and focus deposition. Corroborating the geophysical signatures on the aeromagnetic map with petrophysical properties and outcrop observations, a predictive geological map is developed for area beneath the sedimentary cover sequences. Inversion and interpretation of several discrete aeromagnetic anomalies provides local source depth estimates. Knowledge of fault locations is employed to delineate fault block boundaries. Interpreted geological model profiles include abrupt changes in sediment thickness with faults while abiding with the integrated source depth estimates. Integrating the results from a number of profiles provides a pseudo-3D rendition of the unconformity surface and its relationship to known faults. The geological-geophysical models which are presented herein incorporate all currently available data while providing a framework for the inclusion of future information as the knowledge gap for this remote region diminishes.</p> / Doctor of Science (PhD)
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A comparison of the seismicity and regional geology of the southeastern United States and southeastern AustraliaHunter, Stephen Allen 24 September 2008 (has links)
The southeastern United States and southeastern Australia are both intraplate regions. They are characterized topographically and geologically by low relief, Paleozoic mountain belts that parallel continental margins formed by rifting. Interestingly, there are also remarkable similarities in the seismicity of the two areas.
To characterize the temporal aspects of seismicity, the recurrence relationship, log N (number of earthquakes per year) versus I<sub>o</sub> (maximum intensity), for southeastern Australia was determined to be:
log N = 3.28 - 0.61 I<sub>o</sub>; III ≤ I<sub>o</sub> ≤ VII
Comparison with a similar relationship for the southeastern United States,
log N = 3.01 - 0.59 I<sub>o</sub>; V ≤ I<sub>o</sub> ≤ VIII.
(Bollinger, G. A., 1973) indicates that both the level of seismic activity and the distribution of earthquakes by size are comparable in the two regions. Additionally, strain release studies for the two regions, while subject to considerable uncertainty, do support that similarity. Note that the intensity X, 1886 Charleston, South Carolina, earthquake was not included in either the recurrence or strain studies.
Comparison of the spatial patterns of earthquake epicenters in both regions reveals only weak correlations of the seismicity with topography or with regional geology. There is, however, no apparent correlation with major igneous outcrops or with most major through-going faults. Both regions have seismic zones that are transverse or parallel to the regional geologic trends or tectonic fabrics. The parallel zones are usually associated spatially with severely-faulted regions, suggesting a possible causal relationship. For southeastern Australia, such zones exhibit northeast-trending normal faults of Jurassic age while for the southeastern United States, there are northeast-trending Pennsylvanian-Permian thrust faults. However, no such fault concentrations are found in the transverse seismic zones. Thus, the severely-faulted Source region hypothesis does apply uniformly. Indeed, it may be that, in portions of both of these widely separated geographic regions, the seismic activity is associated with deep crustal features that have no obvious surface expression. / Master of Science
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Focal mechanisms for eastern Tennessee earthquakes, 1981-1983Teague, Alan Gaither January 1984 (has links)
To understand better the faulting process in the Southern Appalachians, eleven single event focal mechanisms (SEFM) and seven composite focal mechanisms (CFM) are determined from 37 events that occurred in eastern Tennessee between September 1981 and July 1983. Both P-wave polarities and (Sv/P)z amplitude ratios are input to a computer program that systematically searches the focal sphere for solutions acceptable within pre-set error limits. Hypocenter locations, azimuth and departure angles are taken from locations obtained by the Tennessee Earthquake Information Center (TEIG) with a four layer velocity model (GCOl). A second velocity model (STEP2), developed to improve focal depth estimates and to acquire continuously varying departure angles, is used to relocate events for which SEFM and CFM solutions are obtained. The two different velocity models produced focal mechanisms with similar nodal plane and P-axis orientations, indicating stable and reliable results; the differences between average strike, dip, and rake angles of the two data sets range from 2° to 11°.
Both SEFM and CFM solutions exhibit predominantly strike-slip motion along nearly vertical north-south (right-lateral) or east-west (left-lateral) oriented nodal planes. Standard deviations for average strike, dip, and rake angles are generally less than 20°. P-axis trends average about N50°E, with a nearly horizontal average plunge, and both have standard deviations of 25° or less. Except for three events in the northernmost region, all earthquakes in the study area result from a maximum compressive stress trending between N40°E and N70°E and plunging between 10° and -30°. / Master of Science
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