Shallow crustal velocity structures revealed by active source tomography and fault activities of the Mianning–Xichang segment of the Anninghe fault zone, Southwest China

The Anninghe fault is a large left-lateral strike-slip fault in southwestern China. It has controlled deposition and magmatic activities since the Proterozoic, and seismic activity occurs frequently. The Mianning-Xichang segment of the Anninghe fault is a seismic gap that has been locked by high stress. Many studies suggest that this segment has great potential for large earthquakes(magnitude >7). We obtained three vertical velocity profiles of the Anninghe fault(between Mianning and Xichang) based on the inversion of P-wave first arrival times. The travel time data were picked from seismograms generated by methane gaseous sources and recorded by three linearly distributed across-fault dense arrays. The inversion results show that the P-wave velocity structures at depths of 0-2 km corresponds well with the local lithology. The Quaternary sediments have low seismic velocities, whereas the igneous rocks,metamorphic rocks, and bedrock have high seismic velocities. We then further discuss the fault activities of the two fault branches of the Anninghe fault in the study region based on small earthquakes(magnitudes between ML 0.5 and ML 2.5) detected by the Xichang array.The eastern fault branch is more active than the western branch and that the fault activities in the eastern branch are different in the northern and southern segments at the border of 28°21′N. The high-resolution models obtained are essential for future earthquake rupture simulations and hazard assessments of the Anninghe fault zone. Future studies of velocity models at greater depths may further explain the complex fault activities in the study region.

The shallow Longmenshan crustal S-velocity structure of the fault zone using ambient noise tomography of a seismic dense array

The Longmenshan fault zone(LMSF),characterized by complex structures and strong seismicity,is located at the junction between the eastern margin of the Tibetan Plateau and the north-western Sichuan basin.Since the Wenchuan earthquake on May 12,2008,abundant studies of the formation mechanism of earthquakes along the LMSF were performed.In this study,a short-period dense seismic array deployed across the LMSF was applied by ambient noise tomography.Fifty-two 3-D seismic instruments were used for data acquisition for 26 days.We calculated the empirical Green's functions(EGFs)between different station-pairs and extracted 776 Rayleigh-wave dispersion curves between 2 and 7 s.And then,we used the direct-inversion method to obtain the fine shallow crustal S-wave velocity structure within 6 km depth in the middle section of the Longmenshan fault zone and nearby areas.Our results show that the sedimentary layer(>5 km)exists in the northwest margin of Sichuan Basin with a low S-wave velocity(~1.5-2.5 km/s)which is much thicker than that beneath the Longmenshan fault zone and the Songpan-Garze block.The high-velocity structures with clear boundaries below the middle of Longmenshan fault zone(~2-4 km)and the Songpan-Garze block(~4.5-6 km)probably reveal the NW-SE distribution patterns of both the Pengguan complex and the high-density belt hidden in the northwest of the Pengguan complex.And the obviously high-velocity anomalies observed at the depth of^1-2 km in the southeastern margin of the Songpan-Garze block can be considered as the Laojungou granites.Our results provide a high-resolution shallow velocity structure for detailed studies of the Longmenshan fault zone.

Thickness Variations in the Lithospheric Mantle and the Low Velocity Zone of the Adamawa Plateau (Cameroon) from Teleseismic Receiver Functions

Teleseismic events recorded by stations located in the Adamawa Plateau have been treated using the inversion method of receiver functions. These six stations are part of a network of 32 large strip seismic stations installed in Cameroon between 2005 and 2007. This method allowed us to investigate the lithospheric mantle in that region. The results obtained from the velocity model have been compared to some existing results in this region. These results show the existence of a thick crust having an average thickness of about 35.2 km and a corresponding S wave velocity of 3.7 km/s. For an average S wave velocity of 4.4 km/s the lithospheric mantle appears to be thin in nature and has a thickness that varies from 39 km and 49.6 km. Beyond the lower lithospheric mantle, there exists a low velocity zone, whose thickness varies between 20 km and 43.9 km. The variation of the low velocity zone leads to variation of the lower boundary of the lithospheric mantle boundary at the depths ranging from 73.8 km and 85 km.

Low velocity zone of upper mantle and its effect on PdSwr phase related to 670 kmdiscontinuity

This paper studied some properties of PdSwr phase related to 670 km discontinuities in detail, and theoretically processed a preliminary analysis to this phase. We discussed the relationships between the incident angle ih of PdSwr phase with its path, epicentral distance, travel-time and relative amplitude due to low velocity zone (LVZ) of upper mantle, and preliminarily pointed out the main characters of PdSwr phase recorded in seismogram. The PdSwr phase is concentrated in range of 13.5~96.5. When epicentral distance is greater than 33, the start point of PdSwr phase is relatively well distinguishable and could thus be determined more easily. When the epicentral distance is between 13.5 to 33, the triplication of PdSwr's travel-time curve could be slightly distinguished due to the low velocity zone and 220 km seismic velocity discontirluity of upper mantle. The relevant observed PdSwr phase should be in a more complex pattern and it should be more difficult to determine its start point

Ultrasonic method for measuring water holdup of low velocity and high-water-cut oil-water two-phase flow

Oil reservoirs with low permeability and porosity that are in the middle and late exploitation periods in China＇s onshore oil fields are mostly in the high-water-cut production stage.This stage is associated with severely non-uniform local-velocity flow profiles and dispersed-phase concentration（of oil droplets） in oil-water two-phase flow,which makes it difficult to measure water holdup in oil wells.In this study,we use an ultrasonic method based on a transmission-type sensor in oil-water two-phase flow to measure water holdup in lowvelocity and high water-cut conditions.First,we optimize the excitation frequency of the ultrasonic sensor by calculating the sensitivity of the ultrasonic field using the finite element method for multiphysics coupling.Then we calculate the change trend of sound pressure level attenuation ratio with the increase in oil holdup to verify the feasibility of the employed diameter for the ultrasonic sensor.Based on the results,we then investigate the effects of oildroplet diameter and distribution on the ultrasonic field.To further understand the measurement characteristics of the ultrasonic sensor,we perform a flow loop test on vertical upward oilwater two-phase flow and measure the responses of the optimized ultrasonic sensor.The results show that the ultrasonic sensor yields poor resolution for a dispersed oil slug in water flow（D OS/W flow）,but the resolution is favorable for dispersed oil in water flow（D O/W flow） and very fine dispersed oil in water flow（VFD O/W flow）.This research demonstrates the potential application of a pulsed-transmission ultrasonic method for measuring the fraction of individual components in oil-water two-phase flow with a low mixture velocity and high water cut.

Low-velocity Impact Damage Analysis of Composite Laminates Using Self-adapting Delamination Element Method

On the basis ofa 2D 4-node Mindlin shell element method, a novel self-adapting delamination finite element method is presented, which is developed to model the delamination damage of composite laminates. In the method, the sublaminate elements are generated automatically when the delamination damage occurs or extends. Thus, the complex process and state of delamination damage can be simulated practically with high efficiency for both analysis and modeling. Based on the self-adapting delamination method, linear dynamic finite element damage analysis is performed to simulate the low-velocity impact damage process of three types of mixed woven composite laminates. Taking the frictional force among sublaminations during delaminating and the transverse normal stress into account, the analytical results are consistent with those of the experimental data.

Low Root Zone Temperature Exacerbates the Ion Imbalance and Photosynthesis Inhibition and Induces Antioxidant Responses in Tomato Plants Under Salinity

The combined effects of salinity with low root zone temperature （RZT） on plant growth and photosynthesis were studied in tomato （Solanum lycopersicum） plants. The plants were exposed to two different root zone temperatures （28/20℃, 12/8℃, day/night temperature） in combination with two NaC1 levels （0 and 100 mmol L-l）. After 2 wk of treatment, K＋ and Na~ concentration, leaf photosynthetic gas exchange, chlorophyll fluorescence and leaf antioxidant enzyme activities were measured. Salinity significantly decreased plant biomass, net photosynthesis rate, actual quantum yield of photosynthesis and concentration of K＋, but remarkably increased the concentration of Na＋. These effects were more pronounced when the salinity treatments were combined with the treatment of low RZT conditions. Either salinity or low RZT individually did not affect maximal efficiency of PSII photochemistry （Fv/Fm）, while a combination of these two stresses decreased Fv/Fm considerably, indicating that the photo-damage occurred under such conditions. Non-photochemical quenching was increased by salt stress in accompany with the enhancement of the de-epoxidation state of the xanthophyll cycle, in contrast, this was not the case with low RZT applied individually. Salinity stress individually increased the activities of SOD, APX, GPOD and GR, and decreased the activities of DHAR. Due to the interactive effects of salinity with low RZT, these five enzyme activities increased sharply in the combined stressed plants. These results indicate that low RZT exacerbates the ion imbalance, PSII damage and photosynthesis inhibition in tomato plants under salinity. In response to the oxidative stress under salinity in combination with low RZT, the activities of antioxidant enzymes SOD, APX, GPOD, DHAR and GR were clearly enhanced in tomato plants.

Active source monitoring at the Wenchuan fault zone:coseismic velocity change associated with aftershock event and its implication

With the improvement of seismic observation system, more and more observations indicate that earthquakes may cause seismic velocity change. However, the amplitude and spatial distribution of the velocity variation remains a controversial issue. Recent active source monitoring carried out adjacent to Wenchuan Fault Scientific Drilling （WFSD） revealed unambiguous coseismic velocity change associated with a local M8 5.5 earthquake. Here, we carry out forward modeling using two-dimensional spectral element method to further investigate the amplitude and spatial distribution of observed velocity change. The model is well constrained by results from seismic reflection and WFSD coring. Our model strongly suggests that the observed coseismic velocity change is localized within the fault zone with width of ~ 120 m rather than dynamic strong ground shaking. And a velocity decrease of -2.0 % within the fault zone is required to fit the observed travel time delay distribution, which coincides with rock mechanical experiment and theoretical modeling.

A new analytical model for the low-velocity perforation of thin steel plates by hemispherical-nosed projectiles

Ballistic experiments were conducted on thin steel plates that are normally impacted by hemisphericalnosed projectiles at velocities higher than their ballistic limits. The deformation and failure modes of the thin steel plates were analyzed. A new method was proposed according to the experimental results and the perforation phenomenon of the thin steel plates to determine the radius of the bulging region. In establishing this new method, a dynamic method combined with the plastic wave propagation concept based on the rigid plastic assumption was adopted. The whole perforation process was divided into four consecutive stages, namely, bulging deformation, dishing deformation, ductile hole enlargement, and projectile exit. On the basis of the energy conservation principle, a new model was developed to predict the residual velocities of hemispherical-nosed projectiles that perforate thin steel plates at low velocities.The results obtained from the theoretical calculations by the present model were compared with the experimental results. Theoretical predictions were in good agreement with the experimental results in terms of both the radius of the bulging region and the residual velocity of the projectile when the strain rate effects of the target material during each stage were considered.

GROUP VELOCITY CONTROL SCHEME WITH LOW DISSIPATION

In order to prevent smearing the discontinuity, a modified term is added to the third order Upwind Compact Difference scheme to lower the dissipation error. Moreover, the dispersion error is controled to hold back the non physical oscillation by means of the group velocity control. The scheme is used to simulate the interactions of shock density stratified interface and the disturbed interface developing to vortex rollers. Numerical results are satisfactory.

Effect of Cycling Low Velocity Impact on Mechanical and Wear Properties of CFRP Laminate Composites

The mechanical and wear properties of CFRP laminate were investigated using a method of cycling low velocity impact, to study the trend and mechanism of impact resistance of the CFRP laminate under repeated impact during its service process. The interface responses of CFRP laminate under di erent impact kinetic energy during the cycling impact process were studied were studied experimentally, such as impact contact duration, deformation and energy absorption. The worn surface morphologies were observed through optical microscopy and a 3?D surface profiler and the cross?sectional morphologies were observed through SEM to investigate the mechanism of impact material dam?age. Based on a single?degree?of?freedom damping vibration model, the normal contact sti ness and contact damp?ing of the material in di erent wear stages were calculated. It shows the failure process of CFRP laminate damaged by accumulated absorption energy under the cycling impact of di erent initial kinetic energy. The results indicate that the sti ness and damping coe cients will change at di erent impact velocities or cycle numbers. The damage mechanism of CFRP laminates under cycling low kinetic energy is delamination. After repeated experiments, it was found that there was a threshold value for the accumulated absorption energy before the failure of the CFRP laminate.

Tropical Cyclones and Polar Lows: Velocity, Size, and Energy Scales, and Relation to the 26℃ Cyclone Origin Criteria

The goal of this paper is to quantitatively formulate some necessary conditions for the development of intense atmospheric vortices. Specifically, these criteria are discussed for tropical cyclones （TC） and polar lows （PL） by using bulk formulas for fluxes of momentum, sensible heating, and latent heating between the ocean and the atmosphere. The velocity scale is used in two forms： （1） as expressed through the buoyancy flux b and the Coriolis parameter Ic for rotating fluids convection, and （2） as expressed with the cube of velocity times the drag coefficient through the formula for total kinetic energy dissipation in the atmospheric boundary layer. In the quasistationary case the dissipation equals the generation of the energy. In both cases the velocity scale can be expressed through temperature and humidity differences between the ocean and the atmosphere in terms of the reduced gravity, and both forms produce quite comparable velocity scales. Using parameters b and Ic, we can form scales of the area and, by adding the mass of a unit air column, a scale of the total kinetic energy as well. These scales nicely explain the much smaller size of a PL, as compared to a TC, and the total kinetic energy of a TC is of the order 1018 - 1019 J. It will be shown that wind of 33 m s^-1 is produced when the total enthalpy fluxes between the ocean and the atmosphere are about 700 W m-2 for a TC and 1700 W m-2 for a PL, in association with the much larger role of the latent heat in the first case and the stricter geostrophic constraints and larger static stability in the second case. This replaces the mystical role of 26℃ as a criterion for TC origin. The buoyancy flux, a product of the reduced gravity and the wind speed, together with the atmospheric static stability, determines the rate of the penetrating convection. It is known from the observations that the formation time for a PL reaching an altitude of 5-6 km can be only a few hours, and a day, or even half a day, for a TC reaching 15-18 km. These two facts allow us to construct curves on the plane of Ts and ΔT = Ts - Ta to determine possibilities for forming an intense vortex. Here, Ta is the atmospheric temperature at the height z = 10 m. A PL should have AT 〉 20℃ in accordance with the observations and nmnerical simulations. The conditions for a TC are not so straightforward but our diagram shows that the temperature difference of a few degrees, or possibly even a fraction of a degree, might be sufficient for TC development for a range of static stabilities and development times.

Effect of SACMA and QMW Test Methods on Compressive Properties of Composite Laminates after Low Velocity Impact

Experimental studies on the compressive behavior of composite laminates after low velocity impact was carried out with two test methods.One is SACMA Standard,and the other is a small dimensional specimen test method.Impact damage distributions,compressive failure process after impact,quasi static indentation and compression of laminates with a hole were brought into comparison between these two test methods.The results showed that there is a great difference between these two test methods.Compressive behavior of laminates after impact varies with different test methods.Residual compressive strength of laminates after low velocity impact measured with SACMA Standard can reflect stiffness properties of composite resins more wholely than that measured with the other method can do.Small dimensional specimen test method should be improved on as an experimental standard of compressive strength after impact.

2-D P-wave velocity structure in the mideast segment of Zhangjiakou-Bohai tectonic zone: Anxin-Xianghe-Kuancheng DSS profile

In order to get the 3-D fine velocity structure in the Capital-circle area of China, 6 explosions, ranging from 1800 to 2500 kg, were conducted and recorded by an array of 240 seismographs. A reflection/refraction survey was carried out along the profile extending from Anxin county, Hebei Province northeastward to Yanshan Mountains, crossing the Zhangjiakou-Bohai tectonic zone. The 2-D velocity structure of P wave was imaging along the profile. The results show that abnormality exists in the deep structure of the Zhangjiakou-Bohai tectonic zone: The base- ment is significantly depressed, the interfaces and Moho are uplifted, and a strong velocity gradient layer is existed above the Moho that may be dislocated by deep fault. The crust of Huabei basin is thin and low velocity body ex- ists in the crust. The Yanshan Mountains′ crust is thick, the layers in the crust are quite clear and the velocity in the layer is homogeneous. Huabei basin differs from Yanshan Mountains in structure.

A multi-scale 3-D crust velocity model in the Hefei-Chao Lake area around the southern segment of Tanlu Fault Zone

Regional high-precision velocity models of the crust are an important foundation for examining seismic activity,seismogenic environments,and disaster distribution characteristics.The Hefei-Chao Lake area contains the main geological units of Hefei Basin,with thick sediments and the Chao Lake depression.Several major concealed faults of the southern NNE-trending Tanlu Fault Zone cross this area.To further explore the underground distribution characteristics of the faults and their tectonic evolutionary relationship with adjacent tectonic units,this study used ambient noise data recorded by a seismic array deployed in Hefei City and Chao Lake,constructing a 3-D velocity model at the depth of 1–8 km.Then a multi-scale high-resolution 3-D velocity model of this area was constructed by this new upper crustal velocity model with the previous middle and lower crustal model.The new model reveals that a high-velocity belt is highly consistent with the strike of the Tanlu Fault Zone,and a low-velocity sedimentary characteristic is consistent with the Hefei Basin and Chao Lake depression.The distribution morphology of high and low velocity bodies shows that the sedimentary pattern of Hefei-Chao Lake area is closely related to the tectonic evolution of the Tanlu Fault Zone since the Mesozoic.This study also identifies multiple low-velocity anomalies in the southeastern Hefei City.We speculate that strong ground motion during the 2009 Feidong earthquake(magnitude of 3.5)was related to amplification by the thick sediments in the Hefei Basin.We also discuss further applications of multi-scale high-resolution models of the shallow layer to strong ground motion simulations in cities and for earthquake disaster assessments.

A rotary-shear low to high-velocity friction apparatus in Beijing to study rock friction at plate to seismic slip rates

This paper reviews 19 apparatuses having highvelocity capabilities,describes a rotary-shear low to highvelocity friction apparatus installed at Institute of Geology,China Earthquake Administration,and reports results from velocity-jump tests on Pingxi fault gouge to illustrate technical problems in conducting velocity-stepping tests at high velocities.The apparatus is capable of producing plate to seismic velocities（44 mm/a to 2.1 m/s for specimens of 40 mm in diameter）,using a 22 kW servomotor with a gear/belt system having three velocity ranges.A speed range can be changed by 103 or 106by using five electromagnetic clutches without stopping the motor.Two cam clutches allow fivefold velocity steps,and the motor speed can be increased from zero to 1,500 rpm in 0.1-0.2 s by changing the controlling voltage.A unique feature of the apparatus is a large specimen chamber where different specimen assemblies can be installed easily.In addition to a standard specimen assembly for friction experiments,two pressure vessels were made for pore pressures to 70 MPa;one at room temperature and the other at temperatures to 500 °C.Velocity step tests are needed to see if the framework of rate-and-state friction is applicable or not at high velocities.We report results from velocity jump tests from 1.4 mm/s to 1.4 m/s on yellowish gouge from a Pingxi fault zone,located at the northeastern part of the Longmenshan fault system that caused the 2008 Wenchuan earthquake.An instantaneous increase in friction followed by dramatic slip weakening was observed for the yellowish gouge with smooth sliding surfaces of host rock,but no instantaneous response was recognized for the same gouge with roughened sliding surfaces.Instantaneous and transient frictional properties upon velocity steps cannot be separated easily at high velocities,and technical improvements for velocity step tests are suggested.

LOW VELOCITY RESPONSE CHARACTERISTICS OF COMPOSITE PLATE WITH EMBEDDED SHAPE MEMORY ALLOY

This paper analyzes the characteristics of utilizing shape memory e?ect (SME) of shape memory alloy (SMA) in improving the low velocity impact resistance performance of com- posite plate by using ?nite element method. The constitutive relation for SMA hybrid composite plates is presented. The analytic model of ?nite element for SMA composite plate subjected to low velocity impact is established. The modi?ed Hertz’s contact law is used to determine the impact contact force. The computing procedures for solving the ?nite element equation using Newmark direct integration method are given. The numerical modelling results show that the SMA can e?ectively improve the low velocity impact resistance performance of composite plate.

Nonlinear progressive damage model for composite laminates used for low-velocity impact

In order to effectively describe the progressively intralaminar and interlam- inar damage for composite laminates, a three dimensional progressive damage model for composite laminates to be used for low-velocity impact is presented. Being applied to three-dimensional （3D） solid elements and cohesive elements, the nonlinear damage model can be used to analyze the dynamic performance of composite structure and its failure be- havior. For the intralaminar damage, as a function of the energy release rate, the damage model in an exponential function can describe progressive development of the damage. For the interlaminar damage, the damage evolution is described by the framework of the continuum mechanics through cohesive elements. Coding the user subroutine VUMAT of the finite element software ABAQUS/Explicit, the model is applied to an example, i.e., carbon fiber reinforced epoxy composite laminates under low-velocity impact. It is shown that the prediction of damage and deformation agrees well with the experimental results.

Internal structures and high-velocity frictional properties of Longmenshan fault zone at Shenxigou activated during the 2008 Wenchuan earthquake

This paper reports internal structures of a wide fault zone at Shenxigou,Dujiangyan,Sichuan province,China,and high-velocity frictional properties of the fault gouge collected near the coseismic slip zone during the 2008 Wenchuan earthquake.Vertical offset and horizontal displacement at the trench site were 2.8 m（NW side up）and 4.8 m（right-lateral）,respectively.The fault zone formed in Triassic sandstone,siltstone,and shale about 500 m away from the Yingxiu-Beichuan fault,a major fault in the Longmenshan fault system.A trench survey across the coseismic fault,and observations of outcrops and drill cores down to a depth of 57 m revealed that the fault zone consists of fault gouge and fault breccia of about0.5 and 250-300 m in widths,respectively,and that the fault strikes N62°E and dips 68° to NW.Quaternary conglomerates were recovered beneath the fault in the drilling,so that the fault moved at least 55 m along the coseismic slip zone,experiencing about 18 events of similar sizes.The fault core is composed of grayish gouge（GG） and blackish gouge（BG） with very complex slip-zone structures.BG contains low-crystalline graphite of about 30 %.High-velocity friction experiments were conducted at normal stresses of 0.6-2.1 MPa and slip rates of 0.1-2.1 m/s.Both GG and BG exhibit dramatic slip weakening at constant high slip rates that can be described as an exponential decay from peak friction coefficient lpto steadystate friction coefficient lssover a slip-weakening distance Dc.Deformation of GG and BG is characterized by overlapped slip-zone structures and development of sharp slickenside surfaces,respectively.Comparison of our data with those reported for other outcrops indicates that the high-velocity frictional properties of the Longmenshan fault zones are quite uniform and the high-velocity weakening must have promoted dynamic rupture propagation during the Wenchuan earthquake.

Crustal S-wave velocity structure of the Yellowstone region using a seismic ambient noise method

The Yellowstone volcano is one of the largest active volcanoes in the world, and its potential hazards demand detailed seismological and geodetic studies. Previous studies with travel time tomography and receiver functions have revealed a low-velocity layer in the crust beneath the Yellowstone volcano, suggesting the presence of a magma chamber at depth. We use ambient seismic noise from regional seismic stations to retrieve short-period surface waves and then study the shallow shear velocity structure of the Yellowstone region by surface wave dispersion analysis. We first obtained a crustal model of the area outside of the Yellowstone volcano and then constructed an absolute shear wave velocity structure in combination with receiver function results for the crust beneath the Yellowstone volcano. The velocity model shows a low-velocity layer with shear velocity at around 1.3 km/s, suggesting that a large-scale magma chamber exists at shallow levels within the crust of the Yellowstone volcanic region.