SEDL / STP / STP1077-EB / STP19086S

Simultaneous Velocity Tomography and Source Location of Synthetic Acoustic Emission Data

Maxwell, SC
Rock Physics and Engineering Seismology Laboratory, Department of Geological Sciences, Queen's UniversityQueen's, Kingston,

Young, RP
Rock Physics and Engineering Seismology Laboratory, Department of Geological Sciences, Queen's UniversityQueen's, Kingston,

Hutchins, DA
Rock Physics and Engineering Seismology Laboratory, Department of Geological Sciences, Queen's UniversityQueen's, Kingston,

Pages: 9    Published: Jan 1991

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Abstract

A method is proposed to simultaneously determine source locations, and passively image the velocity structure of a deformed sample. The method utilizes arrival time data measured from recordings of induced acoustic emissions. Images of the velocity structure are sensitive to the state of stress in a sample, and can be used to map spatial variations in stress induced changes. This study documents the first phase of a passive imaging research project. Synthetic arrival time data were used to attempt to passively image a velocity model, using both spatially uniform and restricted event coverage. In both cases, the actual model was reproduced, however the restricted event coverage resulted in some loss of resolution. Sequential passive imaging should prove to be a powerful tool for imaging the evolving in-situ stress field using only basic monitoring instrumentation.