Investigating the Depth and the Geometry of the Quarzitic Panafrican Basement Using Near-Surface 3D Seismic Refraction Tomography: Case Study of the Locality of Bakel (Senegal)

Seismic refraction investigations have been carried out in Bakel, Eastern Senegal. The purpose was to map geometrical relationship between the existing rock types and the Panafrican quarzitic basement, which is valuable information for the project of the Bakel fluviatile port construction. Four seismic refraction profiles were acquired. The obtained data have been processed by inversion. The obtained four seismic P-wave velocity profiles have been integrated to obtain a 3D model. By comparing the outcropping geological formations with the observed seismic data at the surface, it was possible to identify the lithology corresponding to each measured range of seismic velocity for the alluvium, the weathered bed rock, and the fresh rock. The results showed that the depth of the fresh rock of the basement varies from 0 to 18 meters above the sea level, with a deepening toward the Senegal River and toward the Northern part of the studied area. The presence of alluviums and their thickness are linked to the existence of bays and gulfs. The results of this study give valuable information for the river bed dredging cost assessment prior to the port construction phase.

Soil and Subsurface Sediment Microzonation Using with Seismic Refraction Tomography for Site Assessment (Case Study: IKIA Airport, Iran)

The site effects relating to the amplification of ground motion under earthquake loading are strongly influenced by both the subsurface soil condition and the geologic structure. In this study, for site characterization at the Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKIA) area in south of Tehran, in-situ seismic refraction tomography were carried out as a part of site investigations project, in addition geologic setting, borehole drilling, ground waters information and measurements. Based on seismic refraction studies, three layers are separable which with increasing in depth the S and P wave velocity is increased and this indicates increasing in compaction of soil and geologic materials. In the second and third separated layers, the zones with low and high seismic shear wave velocity is approximately equal, and northeast and southwest of the airport site has the low velocities, in addition to containing loose soils, highly weathered stones, and low depth to groundwater. In terms of Poisson’s ratio, the most important and key installations of airport site are located in suitable positions. According to Iranian Seismic Code, most of the lands around the airport are in class 2 and 3. It seems that a fault or a discontinuity is passed from northwest to the southeast of the study area. This site, according to geological, subsurface geophysical, and geotechnical boreholes studies, is high risk-earthquake prone.

Direct and real-time sub-wavelength resolution photoacoustic imaging method based on acoustic lens with negative refractive index

The signal processing technology based on material with negative refractive index provides researchers with the latest ideas. As a new nondestructive bio-photonic technology, photoacoustic tomography is a kind of imaging method based on the differences of optical absorption within the biological organization However, photoacoustic tomography by the scanning sensor or by the sensors array at present has its inherent disadvantages that may lead to poor real-time performance and high cost in the imaging process. The characteristics of acoustic lens with negative refractive index such as focusing, filtering and directional control on acoustic wave, are very suitable for solving the problem in photoacoustic tomography. With an analysis on the nega-tive quality response of acoustic lens and the advantages of negative refractive imaging, we proposed an approach using the lens to change the current photoacoustic imaging methods. The experiment showed that the imaging effectiveness of photoacoustic tomography by the designed lens is very impressive that the pressure distribution of the absorber is basically consistent with the image of the absorber. In addition, the result of 0. 6 times wavelength in the experimental image is demonstrated on sub-wave-length photoacoustic imaging through the lens designed in this work.

Seismic Tomography and Surface Wave Analysis Based Methodologies on Evaluation of Geotechnical Properties of Volcanic Rocks: A Case Study

Economic development, industrialization and dense population in Trabzon City have caused residential construction to increase by 300% in the last decade. The settlement area is moun- tainous and covered with heavy vegetation. Thus, the steep-sided topography and heavy precipita- tion means floods and landslides are common and in areas with little flat land. Since the mass movements in some parts of city create an enormous danger for buildings, site selection for residen- tial areas becomes increasingly important. This paper describes geotechnical and seismic properties of Tertiary volcanic rock and establishes the link between these units and construction. In this study, refraction tomography and multichannel analysis surface wave methods were applied in order to seek the best construction site in the residential area. The results of the geophysical study were com- pared with the borehole applications. A series of geomechnical tests were carried out on the core samples. Following that, statistical correlations were conducted by regression analysis to evaluate re- lationships between measured parameters. Rock Quality Designation and weathering degree were also determined. The methodology defined in this investigation proves to be an appropriate ap- proach to determine geotechnical properties of the foundation rocks and soils and a proper guide on future geotechnical studies for other cities.