Deconvolution of multicomponent seismic data by means of quaternions: Theory and preliminary results

Multicomponent seismic data are acquired by orthogonal geophones that record a vectorial wavefield. Since the single components are not independent, the processing should be performed jointly for all the components. In this contribution, we use hypercomplex numbers, specifically quaternions, to implement the Wiener deconvolution for multicomponent seismic data. This new approach directly derives from the complex Wiener filter theory, but special care must be taken in the algorithm implementation due to the peculiar properties of quaternion algebra. Synthetic and real data examples show that quaternion deconvolution, either spiking or predictive, generally performs superiorly to the standard (scalar) deconvolution because it properly takes into account the vectorial nature of the wavefields. This provides a better wavelet estimation and thus an improved deconvolution performance, especially when noise affects differently the various components

Late Miocene shortening of the Northern Apennines back-arc

The inner Northern Apennines (western Tuscany and Tyrrhenian basin) is characterized by a relatively thin continental crust (similar to 20-25 km), high heat flow (>100 mW m(-2)), and the presence of relevant tectonic elision of stratigraphic sequences, a setting known as Serie Ridotta. These features are normally ascribed to an extensional deformation that affected the back-arc area above the subducting Adria plate since the Early-Middle Miocene (similar to 16 Ma). However, various geophysical studies image the continental crust to be currently affected by W-dipping thrust faults (and associated basement uplifts) that have not been obliterated by this claimed long-lasting extensional process. These observations raise the question whether the thrusts are older or younger than the continental extension. To address this question we have reprocessed and interpreted the deep seismic reflection profile CROP03/c that crosses the onshore hinterland sector, and investigated the structural setting of some of the Late Miocene-Pliocene hinterland basins (Cinigiano-Baccinello, Siena-Radicofani, Tafone, Albegna and Radicondoli basins) that are situated at the front or in-between the basement uplifts. The analysis of field structures and commercial seismic profiles has allowed the recognition that both substratum and basins' infill have been intensely shortened. These findings and the architecture of the basins suggest that the latter developed under a contractional regime, which would have started around 8.5 Ma with the onset of the continental sedimentation. This compressive stress state followed an earlier phase of continental extension that presumably started at similar to 16 Ma (with the blocking of the Corsica-Sardinia rotation), and thinned both the continental crust and sedimentary cover producing most of the Serie Ridotta. The main phases of basin shortening are bracketed between 7.5 and 3.5 Ma, and thus overlap with the increase in the exhumation rate of the metamorphic cores at similar to 6-4 Ma determined through thermochronological data. We therefore propose a correlation between the basin deformation and the activity of the nearby basement thrusts, which would have thus shortened a previously thinned continental crust. This chronology of deformation may suggest a geodynamic model in which the back-arc and hinterland sector of the Northern Apennines was recompressed during Late Miocene-Early Pliocene times. This evolution may be explained through different speculative scenarios involving a blockage of the subduction process, which may vary between end members of complete slab detachment and stalled subduction

Application of quaternion algorithms for multicomponent data analysis: a review.

In this paper we illustrate the applications of three algorithms of multicom- ponent seismic data processing, velocity analysis, deconvolution, and seismic waveeld separation, that we implemented by means of quaternion algebra. Af- ter a brief introduction on quaternions and a review of these methods, we focus our description on the applications to actual multicomponent seismic datasets. Quaternion velocity analysis results in an improved resolution and distinc- tion of the velocity trends associated with the various wave phases, while the extension of the classical Wiener deconvolution demonstrates the better per- formance of the quaternion lter on the multicomponent traces compared to the scalar lters. Waveeld separation by means of quaternion SVD makes it possible to discern body waves from surface waves based on their dierent polarization characteristics and eventually leads to their eective separation. From these experiences it turns out that the superior performance of the quaternion approaches is due to the ability of quaternions to naturally represent vectorial data

Soil electrical resistivity monitoring as a practical tool for evaluating irrigation systems efficiency at the orchard scale: a case study in a vineyard in Central Chile

In many orchards, irrigation scheduling is designed based on data from meteorological networks and considering homogeneous soil properties. Such assumptions may result in inefficient irrigation, which is difficult to constrain without expensive or invasive techniques. Here we have evaluated the ability of the electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) for detecting meter-scale irrigation uniformity and deep percolation during irrigation. The spatiotemporal variability of soil volumetric water content (VWC) in a vineyard located near Santiago (Chile) was inferred using ERT monitoring of two irrigation cycles. The electrical resistivity structure up to 4 m depth was estimated using two-dimensional inversion of ERT data. ERT results were verified by comparing resistivity models with VWC measured with soil moisture sensors, soil properties mapped in a 2 m-depth soil pit, and the spatiotemporal evolution of VWC obtained by solving numerically Richards equation. Largest temporal variations of resistivity were observed within the root depth (1 m) and are consistent with expected relative changes in VWC during irrigation. ERT images exhibit lateral changes in resistivity at these depths, likely indicating non-uniform infiltration of water controlled by observed soil texture variations. Resistivity changes were also observed below the root zone, suggesting that a fraction of the irrigation water percolates downward. These findings can be explained by an excess of irrigation water applied during the monitoring, which was planned considering regional evapotranspiration (ET) data that overestimated the actual ET measured at the vineyard. Altogether, our results suggest that ERT monitoring during irrigation is a cost-effective tool to constrain the performance of irrigation systems.Comision Nacional de Investigacion Cientifica y Tecnologica (CONICYT) CONICYT FONDECYT 117042