Imaging polar and dipolar sources of geophysical anomalies by probability tomography. Part II: Application to the Vesuvius volcanic area

In the previous part I, we have developed the generalized theory of the probability tomography method to image polar and dipolar sources of a vector or scalar geophysical anomaly field. The purpose of the new method was to improve the core-and-boundary resolution of the most probable buried sources of the anomalies detected in a datum domain. In this paper, which constitutes the part II of the same study, an application of the new approach to the Vesuvius volcano (Naples, Italy) is illustrated in detail by analyzing geoelectrical, self-potential and gravity datasets collected over the whole volcanic area. The purpose is to get new insights into the shallow structure and hydrothermal system of Vesuvius, and the deep geometry of the tectonic depression within which the volcano grew.Comment: 7 pages, 10 figure

A multi-domain decomposition-based Fourier finite element method for the simulation of 3D marine CSEM measurements

We introduce a multi-domain decomposition Fourier finite element (MDDFFE) method for the simulation of three-dimensional (3D) marine controlled source electromagnetic measurement (CSEM). The method combines a 2D finite element (FE) method in two spatial dimensions with a hybrid discretization based on a Fourier FE method along the third dimension. The method employs a secondary field formulation rather than the total field formulation. We apply the MDDFFE method to several synthetic marine CSEM examples exhibiting bathymetry and/or multiple 3D subdomains. Numerical results show that the use of the MDDFFE method reduces the problem size by as much as 87 % in terms of the number of unknowns, without any sacrifice in accuracy

On the regional variability of dB/dt and its significance to GIC

Faraday's law of induction is responsible for setting up a geoelectric field due to the variations in the geomagnetic field caused by ionospheric currents. This drives geomagnetically induced currents (GICs) which flow in large ground‐based technological infrastructure such as high‐voltage power lines. The geoelectric field is often a localized phenomenon exhibiting significant variations over spatial scales of only hundreds of kilometers. This is due to the complex spatiotemporal behavior of electrical currents flowing in the ionosphere and/or large gradients in the ground conductivity due to highly structured local geological properties. Over some regions, and during large storms, both of these effects become significant. In this study, we quantify the regional variability of dB/dt using closely placed IMAGE stations in northern Fennoscandia. The dependency between regional variability, solar wind conditions, and geomagnetic indices are also investigated. Finally, we assess the significance of spatial geomagnetic variations to modeling GICs across a transmission line. Key results from this study are as follows: (1) Regional geomagnetic disturbances are important in modeling GIC during strong storms; (2) dB/dt can vary by several times up to a factor of three compared to the spatial average; (3) dB/dt and its regional variation is coupled to the energy deposited into the magnetosphere; and (4) regional variability can be more accurately captured and predicted from a local index as opposed to a global one. These results demonstrate the need for denser magnetometer networks at high latitudes where transmission lines extending hundreds of kilometers are present

Comparing Three Approaches to the Inducing Source Setting for the Ground Electromagnetic Field Modeling due to Space Weather Events

Ground-based technological systems, such as power grids, can be affected by geomagnetically induced currents (GIC) during geomagnetic storms and magnetospheric substorms. This motivates the necessity to numerically simulate and, ultimately, forecast GIC. The prerequisite for the GIC modeling in the region of interest is the simulation of the ground geoelectric field (GEF) in the same region. The modeling of the GEF in its turn requires spatiotemporal specification of the source which generates the GEF, as well as an adequate regional model of the Earth’s electrical conductivity. In this paper, we compare results of the GEF (and ground magnetic field) simulations using three different source models. Two models represent the source as a laterally varying sheet current flowing above the Earth. The first model is constructed using the results of a physics-based 3-D magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) simulation of near-Earth space, the second one uses ground-based magnetometers’ data and the Spherical Elementary Current Systems (SECS) method. The third model is based on a “plane wave” approximation which assumes that the source is locally laterally uniform. Fennoscandia is chosen as a study region and the simulations are performed for the September 7–8, 2017 geomagnetic storm. We conclude that ground magnetic field perturbations are reproduced more accurately using the source constructed via the SECS method compared to the source obtained on the basis of MHD simulation outputs. We also show that the difference between the GEF modeled using laterally nonuniform source and plane wave approximation is substantial in Fennoscandia.publishedVersio

Geophysical and geostatistical reserve estimates of migmatite-gneiss deposits from parts of southwestern nigeria

The plan for durable rock base road construction and other civil engineering works necessitated this study to establish the thickness and quantify migmatite-gneiss deposits. This intends to facilitate its exploitation and proffer specific details for diverse applications. Comprehensive geological field mapping, laboratory density measurements and geoelectrical resistivity were employed for the resource quantification. The extent of migmatite-gneiss deposits and its contacts with other rock types were identified. Seventeen (17) fresh migmatite-gneiss rock samples collected from different rock outcrops were taken to the laboratory for measurement of their density. Schlumberger vertical electrical sounding (VES) technique with a total of forty-two sounding stations were employed across the area with electrode spread (AB/2) ranging 1 - 200 m. The average density of the deposits is 2.70 ± 0.10 g/cm3. Three to five geologic layers characterized the area subsurface sequence. Thick fractured rock layer across the area would facilitate the exploitation of the deposits as construction aggregates. Basement topographical highs at northeastern, northwestern and southeastern parts serve as the best zones viable for mining. The basement resistivity (> 3000 Ωm), resistivity contrast, reflection coefficient values and high transverse layer resistivity (ρT) (> 500 Ωm) corroborate the freshness of the deposits. The average thickness of the deposit is 29.3 m, though, thicker at northeastern and northwestern parts of the area where the deposit is fresh and less weathered. The study area occupies a total area of 71,300,000 m2 with volume of the deposits calculated as 2,089,090,000 m3. Distantly-spaced data points of the variogram reveal high degree of variability with respect to locations. The estimated migmatite-gneiss resource tonnage of 5,640,543,000 tonnes shows prospects for sustainable large scale mining as construction aggregates and diverse applications of economic purposes using open pit coupled with underground mining for deeper sections of the migmatite-gneiss deposit

Aquifer investigations in north Qatar

A thesis submitted to the Faculty of Science, Technology and Design, Department of Environment, Geography and Geology, University of Luton, UK in partial fulfillment ofthe requirements for the degree of Master of PhilosophyThe purpose of this study was to investigate the levels and quality of groundwater in a farming area to the north of Doha, the capital of the State of Qatar. Two rows of about five wells were selected, the lines being more or less parallel to each other, about 30 km apart, running for 45 km inland from the east coast. Vertical electrical sounding surveys were undertaken and groundwater samples were taken from these wells in winter and in summer. The water was chemically analysed, and the results formed the basis for a hydrogeochemical modelling exercise. The results of the geophysical and geochemical surveys indicate that there is a seasonal vertical and lateral migration of the fresh water/salt water interface in winter before the rainfall replenishes the groundwater aquifers. The geochemistry of the groundwater indicate that there is a gradual decrease of cations and anions, particularly Na+, cr, S04, and HC03-, together with a decrease in conductivity CEC), total dissolved solids (TDS) and sodium absorption ratio (SAR) from the coast inland. There is an upconing which brings the saline water to the surface near the middle of the southern profile in both seasons. In both profiles the fresh water/salt water interface migrates inland due to the excessive extraction of fresh water from the wells

Eletrodo de aterramento HVDC do Rio Madeira - Bipolo 1 : modelagem geoelétrica da crosta terrestre para projeto do eletrodo

Orientador: Sueli Yoshinaga PereiraTese (doutorado) - Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Instituto de GeociênciasResumo: Um sistema de transmissão HVDC é composto por duas Subestações Conversoras, interligadas pela linha HVDC, cada uma com um eletrodo de aterramento separado do seu pátio CC, geralmente localizado de 15 km a 150 km de distância e conectado por meio da linha do eletrodo. Os eletrodos HVDC proporcionam redução de custos e agregam confiabilidade ao sistema de transmissão de energia. Os eletrodos geralmente dissipam na terra a corrente de desequilíbrio do bipolo, entre 20 A a 40 A. No caso de perda de um polo da linha HVDC, a energia pode ser transmitida pelo polo remanescente com retorno pela terra, utilizando os eletrodos de aterramento para a injeção de correntes que chegar a quase 4 kA, o que pode resultar em interferências em uma área ampla, dependendo da estrutura geológica. A seleção dos locais de construção dos eletrodos deve ser realizada dentro de um raio de algumas dezenas de quilômetros ao redor das subestações, nas duas extremidades da linha HVDC. O melhor local em cada extremidade é aquele que apresenta a estrutura geoelétrica com resistividades mais baixas, desde a superfície do solo até pelo menos o meio da crosta. Esta tese apresenta o desenvolvimento do modelo geoelétrico 1D para o eletrodo sul do sistema HVDC do Rio Madeira, bipolo 1, localizado em Araraquara, na Bacia Sedimentar do Paraná, sul do Brasil. O eletrodo é constituído por um anel aproximadamente retangular de poços (cerca de 820 m x 560 m), cada um revestido por tubos de aço com profundidades variáveis, entre 20 m e 40 m de profundidade. O modelo geoelétrico deve ser representativo da média do solo raso, até a profundidade dos poços, combinada com um modelo profundo. A modelagem do solo raso foi desenvolvida a partir de uma campanha de sondagens Schlumberger e da perfilagem por indução de poços de monitoramento perfurados no local. O modelo profundo foi construído a partir de uma campanha magnetotelúrica (MT). Os modelos geoelétricos são aprimorados ao longo do projeto, à medida que mais dados geofísicos e geotécnicos são levantados. O modelo de projeto tem um ajuste final após o comissionamento do eletrodo, pois o desempenho elétrico medido permite um ajuste complementar do desvio estático da curva de resistividades aparentes MT. Uma medição independente do potencial tubo-solo foi feita no gasoduto Bolívia-Brasil, a 26 km do eletrodo, sendo o valor medido comparado com o potencial calculado a partir da simulação do eletrodo com o modelo geoelétrico final, com ambos os valores apresentando boa compatibilidadeAbstract: A HVDC transmission system comprises two Converter Substations, interconnected by the HVDC line, each one requiring a separate grounding electrode for its DC switchyard, which usually is located from 15 km to 150 km away and connected by means of the electrode line. HVDC electrodes allow for cost reduction and add reliability to the energy transmission system. The electrodes usually dissipate into the ground the unbalance current of the bipole, about 20 A to 40 A. In case of the loss of one pole of the HVDC line, the energy can be transmitted by the remaining pole with ground return, using grounding electrodes for the injection into the ground currents that may reach almost 4 kA, which may produce interferences within a wide area, depending on the tectonic setting. The electrodes Site Selection shall be carried up within a radius of some tens of kilometers around the substations at the two ends of the HVDC line. The best site at each end is the one with the geoelectric structure that presents lower resistivities, from soil surface down to at least mid-crust. This thesis presents the development of the 1D geoelectric model for the South electrode of Rio Madeira HVDC system, bipole 1, located at Araraquara, in the Paraná Sedimentary Basin, South of Brazil. The electrode is constituted by an approximately rectangular ring of wells (about 820 m x 560 m), each one lined with steel pipes with varying depths, between 20 m to 40 m deep. The geoelectric model shall represent the average of the shallow ground, down to the depth of the wells, combined with a deep model, down to the mid-crust. The modeling of the shallow ground was developed from a Schlumberger survey and from the induction profiling of monitoring wells drilled in the site. The deep model was built from a magnetotelluric (MT) survey. The models are improved along the project, as more geophysical and geotechnical data are surveyed. The design model has a final adjustment after the electrode commissioning, because the measured electrical performance allows for a complementary adjustment of the MT static deviation. An independent measurement of pipe-to-ground potential was done at the Bolivia-Brazil pipeline, 26 km away from the electrode, which was compared with the potential calculated from the electrode simulation using the final geoelectric model, with both values presenting good compatibilityDoutoradoGeologia e Recursos NaturaisDoutor em Geociência

Physics-driven Deep Learning Inversion for Direct Current Resistivity Survey Data

The direct-current (DC) resistivity method is a commonly used geophysical technique for surveying adverse geological conditions. Inversion can reconstruct the resistivity model from data, which is an important step in the geophysical survey. However, the inverse problem is a serious ill-posed problem that makes it easy to obtain incorrect inversion results. Deep learning (DL) provides new avenues for solving inverse problems, and has been widely studied. Currently, most DL inversion methods for resistivity are purely data-driven and depend heavily on labels (real resistivity models). However, real resistivity models are difficult to obtain through field surveys. An inversion network may not be effectively trained without labels. In this study, we built an unsupervised learning resistivity inversion scheme based on the physical law of electric field propagation. First, a forward modeling process was embedded into the network training, which converted the predicted model to predicted data and formed a data misfit to the observation data. Unsupervised training independent of the real model was realized using the data misfit as a loss function. Moreover, a dynamic smoothing constraint was imposed on the loss function to alleviate the ill-posed inverse problem. Finally, a transfer learning scheme was applied to adapt the trained network with simulated data to field data. Numerical simulations and field tests showed that the proposed method can accurately locate and depict geological targets