Dynamic failure mode and energy-based identification method for a counter-bedding rock slope with weak intercalated layers

The dynamic failure mode and energybased identification method for a counter-bedding rock slope with weak intercalated layers are discussed in this paper using large scale shaking table test and the Hilbert-Huang Transform(HHT) marginal spectrum.The results show that variations in the peak values of marginal spectra can clearly indicate the process of dynamic damage development inside the model slope.The identification results of marginal spectra closely coincide with the monitoring results of slope face displacement in the test.When subjected to the earthquake excitation with 0.1 g and 0.2 g amplitudes,no seismic damage is observed in the model slope,while the peak values of marginal spectra increase linearly with increasing slope height.In the case of 0.3 g seismic excitation,dynamic damage occurs near the slope crest and some rock blocks fall off the slope crest.When the seismic excitation reaches 0.4 g,the dynamic damage inside the model slope extends to the part with relative height of 0.295-0.6,and minor horizontal cracks occur in the middle part of the model slope.When the seismic excitation reaches 0.6 g,the damage further extends to the slope toe,and the damage inside the model slope extends to the part with relative height below 0.295,and the upper part(near the relative height of 0.8) slides outwards.Longitudinal fissures appear in the slope face,which connect with horizontal cracks,the weak intercalated layers at middle slope height are extruded out and the slope crest breaks up.The marginal spectrum identification results demonstrate that the dynamic damage near the slope face is minor as compared with that inside the model slope.The dynamic failure mode of counter-bedding rock slope with weak intercalated layers is extrusion and sliding at the middle rock strata.The research results of this paper are meaningful for the further understanding of the dynamic failure mode of counter-bedding rock slope with weak intercalated layers.

Application of deep-towed multichannel seismic system for gas hydrate on mid-slope of northern Cascadia margin

The Deep-towed Acoustics and Geophysics System (DTAGS) is a high frequency (220-820 Hz) multichannel seismic system towed about 300 m above seafloor.Compared to the conventional surface-towed seismic system,the DTAGS system is characterized by its shorter wavelength (<6 m),smaller Fresnel zone,and greater sampling in wavenumber space,so it has unique advantages in distinguishing fine sedimentary layers and geological structures.Given the near-bottom configuration and wide high-frequency bandwidth,the precise source and hydrophone positioning is the basement of subsequent seismic imaging and velocity analysis,and thus the quality of array geometry inversion is the key of DTAGS data processing.In the application of exploration for marine gas hydrate on mid-slope of northern Cascadia margin,the DTAGS system has shown high vertical and lateral resolution images of the sedimentary and structural features of the Cucumber Ridge (a carbonate mound) and Bullseye Vent (a cold vent),and provided abundant information for the evaluation of gas hydrate concentration and the mechanism of fluid flow that controls the formation and distribution of gas hydrate.