Explosions detonated in geologic media damage it in various ways via processes that include vaporization, fracturing, crushing of interstitial pores, etc. Seismic waves interact with the altered media in ways that could be important to the discrimination, characterization, and location of the explosions. As part of the Source Physics Experiment, we acquired multiple pre- and post-explosion near-field seismic datasets and analyzed changes to seismic P-wave velocity. Our results indicate that the first explosion detonated in an intact media can cause fracturing and, consequently, a decrease in P-wave velocity. After the first explosion, subsequent detonations in the pre-damaged media have limited discernible effects. We hypothesize this is due to the stress-relief provided by a now pre-existing network of fractures into which gasses produced by the explosion migrate. We also see an overall increase in velocity of the damaged region over time, either due to a slow healing process or closing of the fractures by subsequent explosions.
As part of the Source Physics Experiment (SPE) Phase I shallow chemical detonation series, multiple surface and borehole active-source seismic campaigns were executed to perform high-resolution imaging of seismic velocity changes in the granitic substrate. Cross-correlation data processing methods were implemented to efficiently and robustly perform semi-automated change detection of first-arrival times between campaigns. The change detection algorithm updates the arrival times, and consequently the velocity model, of each campaign. The resulting tomographic imagery reveals the evolution of the subsurface velocity structure as the detonations progressed.
As part of the Source Physics Experiment (SPE) Phase I shallow chemical detonation series, multiple surface and borehole active-source seismic campaigns were executed to perform high resolution imaging of seismic velocity changes in the granitic substrate. Cross-correlation data processing methods were implemented to efficiently and robustly perform semi-automated change detection of first-arrival times between campaigns. The change detection algorithm updates the arrival times, and consequently the velocity model, of each campaign. The resulting tomographic imagery reveals the evolution of the subsurface velocity structure as the detonations progressed.