Seismic tomography is a technique for imaging Earth’s sub-surface characteristics in an effort to understand deep geologic structure. Gathering ample compressional wave (P-wave) and transverse wave (S-wave) travel time measurements allows us to compile 3D images of earth’s velocity structure.
Theory
Tomography is solved as an inverse problem. First measurements are made of seismic waves passing through a material. The character of these measurements is then analyzed to make inferences on the material such waves have passed through (velocity, density, etc.). The velocity of p and s waves depends on the rheology of the material that they travel through (density and elasticity). In short, variations in chemical compositions and thermal structure result in a change of velocity. Such waves can travel faster through relatively colder material. It is observed that wave velocity increases with increasing depth from 2–8km/s in the crust up to 13km/s in the mantle. Current research is based on this premise.
In this animation we simplify things and make an Earth of uniform density (isotropic; constant velocity sphere) with a slow zone that we image as a magma chamber for simplicity. For reference, the Earth figures below show the difference between our simple animation and a body with changes in rock type and temperature that cause the seismic waves to refract and bend when transmitted between different rock compositions.
More Info at:
http://www.iris.edu/hq/programs/education_and_outreach/aotm/7
published: 07 Nov 2008
3D Seismic Tomography
The GSR-3D ground imaging system of Geostructural Seismic Research Inc. is a complete 3D distributed digital seismic ground imaging system designed for engineers. GSR 3D tomography imaging and analysis software allows engineers to acquire data and produce accurate 3D images of the subsurface in near real-time. The GSR system can be used to map bedrock, underground geologic structures, landfills,
abandoned wells, and a lot more. ... http://gsr-us.com (more info) (less info)
published: 06 Dec 2009
Seismic Tomography 1st Arrival of P waves to seismic stations
Narrated animation describing Seismic Tomography, an imaging technique using earthquakes to create three-dimensional images of the inside of the Earth.
For more detail visit:
http://www.iris.edu/hq/programs/education_and_outreach/aotm/7
published: 14 Aug 2009
Seismic Tomography, Fly-through of a seismic tomography model of Earth
Seismic tomography is the pre-eminent tool for imaging the Earth’s interior. Since the advent of this method in the mid-1970s, the internal structure of Earth has been vastly sampled and imaged at a variety of scales, and the resulting models have served as the primary means to investigate the processes driving our planet.
Seismic tomography is similar to the non-invasive imaging methods used for medical diagnostics (e.g., X-ray tomography) except that the sources are earthquakes, and the receivers are a global network of seismometers (e.g., USArray). In this method, seismic waves* generated by earthquakes are used to create three-dimensional images of Earth's interior, mapping out anomalously hot, cold, or dense regions.
* For an example of seismic wave propagation in a spherically symm...
published: 30 Jan 2017
Seismic Tomography Visualization
Seismic Tomography Visualization Cyber-ShARE Center of Excellence UTEP
published: 20 Dec 2012
Basic principles of the seismic method | Seismic Principles
published: 15 Jun 2021
Seismic Tomography of Mantle Structure, Featuring LLSVP
3D Mantle Structured constructed from seismic data inversion. Color coding represents seismic velocity.
The 2 red structure, one beneath pacific ocean and one beneath Africa, are Large Low Shear Wave Provinces (LLSVPs). Both are contoured at - 0.9% value.
The model used in this animation is S40RTS.
published: 16 Jan 2019
2D Seismic Refraction Tomography
This video provides an entire field demonstration of how to set up and do a 2D seismic refraction tomography. The method can image hundreds of feet. Seismic refraction tomography utilizes seismic (P and S) waves refracted on geological layers to image velocity contrasts of the subsurface. It works similar to the classical seismic refraction methods; however, data acquisition uses more seismic shots. Cordillera Geo-Services produces seismic survey services anywhere for multiple applications in environmental, engineering, mining, groundwater, and construction projects.
Contact information:
person: Dr. Hector R. Hinojosa, PG
website: www.cordillerageo.com
mobile: 737.207.2536
e-mail: [email protected]
Subscribe to our YouTube channel here: https://tinyurl.com/yxwpos5z
published: 05 Mar 2020
Seismic Imaging
published: 21 Nov 2012
3D Seismic Tomography Application
Seismic tomography results were used to build 3D ground model: map the top of bedrock and determine thickness of overburden soil. Interested volume of overburden soil deposits and bedrock were excavated. 3D seismic tomography results are not just images, they are 3D models that will be used for the next phase of work -- design and construction of structures.
In this animation we simplify things and make an Earth of uniform density (isotropic; constant velocity sphere) with a slow zone that we image as a magma chambe...
In this animation we simplify things and make an Earth of uniform density (isotropic; constant velocity sphere) with a slow zone that we image as a magma chamber for simplicity. For reference, the Earth figures below show the difference between our simple animation and a body with changes in rock type and temperature that cause the seismic waves to refract and bend when transmitted between different rock compositions.
More Info at:
http://www.iris.edu/hq/programs/education_and_outreach/aotm/7
In this animation we simplify things and make an Earth of uniform density (isotropic; constant velocity sphere) with a slow zone that we image as a magma chamber for simplicity. For reference, the Earth figures below show the difference between our simple animation and a body with changes in rock type and temperature that cause the seismic waves to refract and bend when transmitted between different rock compositions.
More Info at:
http://www.iris.edu/hq/programs/education_and_outreach/aotm/7
The GSR-3D ground imaging system of Geostructural Seismic Research Inc. is a complete 3D distributed digital seismic ground imaging system designed for engineer...
The GSR-3D ground imaging system of Geostructural Seismic Research Inc. is a complete 3D distributed digital seismic ground imaging system designed for engineers. GSR 3D tomography imaging and analysis software allows engineers to acquire data and produce accurate 3D images of the subsurface in near real-time. The GSR system can be used to map bedrock, underground geologic structures, landfills,
abandoned wells, and a lot more. ... http://gsr-us.com (more info) (less info)
The GSR-3D ground imaging system of Geostructural Seismic Research Inc. is a complete 3D distributed digital seismic ground imaging system designed for engineers. GSR 3D tomography imaging and analysis software allows engineers to acquire data and produce accurate 3D images of the subsurface in near real-time. The GSR system can be used to map bedrock, underground geologic structures, landfills,
abandoned wells, and a lot more. ... http://gsr-us.com (more info) (less info)
Narrated animation describing Seismic Tomography, an imaging technique using earthquakes to create three-dimensional images of the inside of the Earth.
For more...
Narrated animation describing Seismic Tomography, an imaging technique using earthquakes to create three-dimensional images of the inside of the Earth.
For more detail visit:
http://www.iris.edu/hq/programs/education_and_outreach/aotm/7
Narrated animation describing Seismic Tomography, an imaging technique using earthquakes to create three-dimensional images of the inside of the Earth.
For more detail visit:
http://www.iris.edu/hq/programs/education_and_outreach/aotm/7
Seismic tomography is the pre-eminent tool for imaging the Earth’s interior. Since the advent of this method in the mid-1970s, the internal structure of Earth h...
Seismic tomography is the pre-eminent tool for imaging the Earth’s interior. Since the advent of this method in the mid-1970s, the internal structure of Earth has been vastly sampled and imaged at a variety of scales, and the resulting models have served as the primary means to investigate the processes driving our planet.
Seismic tomography is similar to the non-invasive imaging methods used for medical diagnostics (e.g., X-ray tomography) except that the sources are earthquakes, and the receivers are a global network of seismometers (e.g., USArray). In this method, seismic waves* generated by earthquakes are used to create three-dimensional images of Earth's interior, mapping out anomalously hot, cold, or dense regions.
* For an example of seismic wave propagation in a spherically symmetric Earth model: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u6-mJ6TCi6o
And for an example of seismic wave propagation in a spherically symmetric Earth model with a low velocity structure at the Core Mantle Boundary: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mFXlIw_Dbbc
Details:
- Red colors: low-velocity structures (e.g., hot materials). As an example, at around 20s (video), the red colors in the Atlantic ocean can be related to the mid-Atlantic ridge.
- Blue colors: high-velocity structures (e.g., cold materials). At around 1:40 (video), a high-velocity structure can be identified beneath the North America (blue color) which might be related to the whole-mantle subduction system in this region.
Tour:
00:10s: Tour begins in Europe.
00:18s: Atlantic ocean, showing the velocity structures (red and blue colors) at the surface.
00:27s: North America
00:30s: start from the surface and go all the way down to the Core-Mantle Boundary at ~2900 km depth (the continental outlines are kept for orientation).
00:45s: Pacific Ocean
00:50s: only the low-velocity structures are rendered up to 500 km above the Core-Mantle Boundary. Large-scale slow regions in the southern hemisphere are well-known from other global tomography models, and correspond to the Pacific Large Low Shear Velocity Provinces (LLSVPs). Here, subdivisions of the LLSVPs at the base of the mantle as well as an Ultra-Low Velocity Zone west of Hawaii can be detected.
01:03s: Eastern Asia, now rendering the high-velocity structures up to 500 km above the Core-Mantle Boundary. Seismically fast areas are confirmed under most of eastern Asia, presumably the resting places of massive accumulations of subducted lithosphere (slab graveyards).
01:16s: African LLSVPs.
01:25s: North America, showing a cross-section from the surface down to the Core-Mantle Boundary.
Refer to:
https://doi.org/10.1093/gji/ggz394
Enjoy!
Seismic tomography is the pre-eminent tool for imaging the Earth’s interior. Since the advent of this method in the mid-1970s, the internal structure of Earth has been vastly sampled and imaged at a variety of scales, and the resulting models have served as the primary means to investigate the processes driving our planet.
Seismic tomography is similar to the non-invasive imaging methods used for medical diagnostics (e.g., X-ray tomography) except that the sources are earthquakes, and the receivers are a global network of seismometers (e.g., USArray). In this method, seismic waves* generated by earthquakes are used to create three-dimensional images of Earth's interior, mapping out anomalously hot, cold, or dense regions.
* For an example of seismic wave propagation in a spherically symmetric Earth model: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u6-mJ6TCi6o
And for an example of seismic wave propagation in a spherically symmetric Earth model with a low velocity structure at the Core Mantle Boundary: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mFXlIw_Dbbc
Details:
- Red colors: low-velocity structures (e.g., hot materials). As an example, at around 20s (video), the red colors in the Atlantic ocean can be related to the mid-Atlantic ridge.
- Blue colors: high-velocity structures (e.g., cold materials). At around 1:40 (video), a high-velocity structure can be identified beneath the North America (blue color) which might be related to the whole-mantle subduction system in this region.
Tour:
00:10s: Tour begins in Europe.
00:18s: Atlantic ocean, showing the velocity structures (red and blue colors) at the surface.
00:27s: North America
00:30s: start from the surface and go all the way down to the Core-Mantle Boundary at ~2900 km depth (the continental outlines are kept for orientation).
00:45s: Pacific Ocean
00:50s: only the low-velocity structures are rendered up to 500 km above the Core-Mantle Boundary. Large-scale slow regions in the southern hemisphere are well-known from other global tomography models, and correspond to the Pacific Large Low Shear Velocity Provinces (LLSVPs). Here, subdivisions of the LLSVPs at the base of the mantle as well as an Ultra-Low Velocity Zone west of Hawaii can be detected.
01:03s: Eastern Asia, now rendering the high-velocity structures up to 500 km above the Core-Mantle Boundary. Seismically fast areas are confirmed under most of eastern Asia, presumably the resting places of massive accumulations of subducted lithosphere (slab graveyards).
01:16s: African LLSVPs.
01:25s: North America, showing a cross-section from the surface down to the Core-Mantle Boundary.
Refer to:
https://doi.org/10.1093/gji/ggz394
Enjoy!
3D Mantle Structured constructed from seismic data inversion. Color coding represents seismic velocity.
The 2 red structure, one beneath pacific ocean and one...
3D Mantle Structured constructed from seismic data inversion. Color coding represents seismic velocity.
The 2 red structure, one beneath pacific ocean and one beneath Africa, are Large Low Shear Wave Provinces (LLSVPs). Both are contoured at - 0.9% value.
The model used in this animation is S40RTS.
3D Mantle Structured constructed from seismic data inversion. Color coding represents seismic velocity.
The 2 red structure, one beneath pacific ocean and one beneath Africa, are Large Low Shear Wave Provinces (LLSVPs). Both are contoured at - 0.9% value.
The model used in this animation is S40RTS.
This video provides an entire field demonstration of how to set up and do a 2D seismic refraction tomography. The method can image hundreds of feet. Seismic ref...
This video provides an entire field demonstration of how to set up and do a 2D seismic refraction tomography. The method can image hundreds of feet. Seismic refraction tomography utilizes seismic (P and S) waves refracted on geological layers to image velocity contrasts of the subsurface. It works similar to the classical seismic refraction methods; however, data acquisition uses more seismic shots. Cordillera Geo-Services produces seismic survey services anywhere for multiple applications in environmental, engineering, mining, groundwater, and construction projects.
Contact information:
person: Dr. Hector R. Hinojosa, PG
website: www.cordillerageo.com
mobile: 737.207.2536
e-mail: [email protected]
Subscribe to our YouTube channel here: https://tinyurl.com/yxwpos5z
This video provides an entire field demonstration of how to set up and do a 2D seismic refraction tomography. The method can image hundreds of feet. Seismic refraction tomography utilizes seismic (P and S) waves refracted on geological layers to image velocity contrasts of the subsurface. It works similar to the classical seismic refraction methods; however, data acquisition uses more seismic shots. Cordillera Geo-Services produces seismic survey services anywhere for multiple applications in environmental, engineering, mining, groundwater, and construction projects.
Contact information:
person: Dr. Hector R. Hinojosa, PG
website: www.cordillerageo.com
mobile: 737.207.2536
e-mail: [email protected]
Subscribe to our YouTube channel here: https://tinyurl.com/yxwpos5z
Seismic tomography results were used to build 3D ground model: map the top of bedrock and determine thickness of overburden soil. Interested volume of overburde...
Seismic tomography results were used to build 3D ground model: map the top of bedrock and determine thickness of overburden soil. Interested volume of overburden soil deposits and bedrock were excavated. 3D seismic tomography results are not just images, they are 3D models that will be used for the next phase of work -- design and construction of structures.
Seismic tomography results were used to build 3D ground model: map the top of bedrock and determine thickness of overburden soil. Interested volume of overburden soil deposits and bedrock were excavated. 3D seismic tomography results are not just images, they are 3D models that will be used for the next phase of work -- design and construction of structures.
In this animation we simplify things and make an Earth of uniform density (isotropic; constant velocity sphere) with a slow zone that we image as a magma chamber for simplicity. For reference, the Earth figures below show the difference between our simple animation and a body with changes in rock type and temperature that cause the seismic waves to refract and bend when transmitted between different rock compositions.
More Info at:
http://www.iris.edu/hq/programs/education_and_outreach/aotm/7
The GSR-3D ground imaging system of Geostructural Seismic Research Inc. is a complete 3D distributed digital seismic ground imaging system designed for engineers. GSR 3D tomography imaging and analysis software allows engineers to acquire data and produce accurate 3D images of the subsurface in near real-time. The GSR system can be used to map bedrock, underground geologic structures, landfills,
abandoned wells, and a lot more. ... http://gsr-us.com (more info) (less info)
Narrated animation describing Seismic Tomography, an imaging technique using earthquakes to create three-dimensional images of the inside of the Earth.
For more detail visit:
http://www.iris.edu/hq/programs/education_and_outreach/aotm/7
Seismic tomography is the pre-eminent tool for imaging the Earth’s interior. Since the advent of this method in the mid-1970s, the internal structure of Earth has been vastly sampled and imaged at a variety of scales, and the resulting models have served as the primary means to investigate the processes driving our planet.
Seismic tomography is similar to the non-invasive imaging methods used for medical diagnostics (e.g., X-ray tomography) except that the sources are earthquakes, and the receivers are a global network of seismometers (e.g., USArray). In this method, seismic waves* generated by earthquakes are used to create three-dimensional images of Earth's interior, mapping out anomalously hot, cold, or dense regions.
* For an example of seismic wave propagation in a spherically symmetric Earth model: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u6-mJ6TCi6o
And for an example of seismic wave propagation in a spherically symmetric Earth model with a low velocity structure at the Core Mantle Boundary: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mFXlIw_Dbbc
Details:
- Red colors: low-velocity structures (e.g., hot materials). As an example, at around 20s (video), the red colors in the Atlantic ocean can be related to the mid-Atlantic ridge.
- Blue colors: high-velocity structures (e.g., cold materials). At around 1:40 (video), a high-velocity structure can be identified beneath the North America (blue color) which might be related to the whole-mantle subduction system in this region.
Tour:
00:10s: Tour begins in Europe.
00:18s: Atlantic ocean, showing the velocity structures (red and blue colors) at the surface.
00:27s: North America
00:30s: start from the surface and go all the way down to the Core-Mantle Boundary at ~2900 km depth (the continental outlines are kept for orientation).
00:45s: Pacific Ocean
00:50s: only the low-velocity structures are rendered up to 500 km above the Core-Mantle Boundary. Large-scale slow regions in the southern hemisphere are well-known from other global tomography models, and correspond to the Pacific Large Low Shear Velocity Provinces (LLSVPs). Here, subdivisions of the LLSVPs at the base of the mantle as well as an Ultra-Low Velocity Zone west of Hawaii can be detected.
01:03s: Eastern Asia, now rendering the high-velocity structures up to 500 km above the Core-Mantle Boundary. Seismically fast areas are confirmed under most of eastern Asia, presumably the resting places of massive accumulations of subducted lithosphere (slab graveyards).
01:16s: African LLSVPs.
01:25s: North America, showing a cross-section from the surface down to the Core-Mantle Boundary.
Refer to:
https://doi.org/10.1093/gji/ggz394
Enjoy!
3D Mantle Structured constructed from seismic data inversion. Color coding represents seismic velocity.
The 2 red structure, one beneath pacific ocean and one beneath Africa, are Large Low Shear Wave Provinces (LLSVPs). Both are contoured at - 0.9% value.
The model used in this animation is S40RTS.
This video provides an entire field demonstration of how to set up and do a 2D seismic refraction tomography. The method can image hundreds of feet. Seismic refraction tomography utilizes seismic (P and S) waves refracted on geological layers to image velocity contrasts of the subsurface. It works similar to the classical seismic refraction methods; however, data acquisition uses more seismic shots. Cordillera Geo-Services produces seismic survey services anywhere for multiple applications in environmental, engineering, mining, groundwater, and construction projects.
Contact information:
person: Dr. Hector R. Hinojosa, PG
website: www.cordillerageo.com
mobile: 737.207.2536
e-mail: [email protected]
Subscribe to our YouTube channel here: https://tinyurl.com/yxwpos5z
Seismic tomography results were used to build 3D ground model: map the top of bedrock and determine thickness of overburden soil. Interested volume of overburden soil deposits and bedrock were excavated. 3D seismic tomography results are not just images, they are 3D models that will be used for the next phase of work -- design and construction of structures.
Seismic tomography is a technique for imaging Earth’s sub-surface characteristics in an effort to understand deep geologic structure. Gathering ample compressional wave (P-wave) and transverse wave (S-wave) travel time measurements allows us to compile 3D images of earth’s velocity structure.
Theory
Tomography is solved as an inverse problem. First measurements are made of seismic waves passing through a material. The character of these measurements is then analyzed to make inferences on the material such waves have passed through (velocity, density, etc.). The velocity of p and s waves depends on the rheology of the material that they travel through (density and elasticity). In short, variations in chemical compositions and thermal structure result in a change of velocity. Such waves can travel faster through relatively colder material. It is observed that wave velocity increases with increasing depth from 2–8km/s in the crust up to 13km/s in the mantle. Current research is based on this premise.