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Train traffic has recently been realized as a potential seismic source for imaging and monitoring shallow subsurface structures. High-speed trains usually move on viaducts and generate seismic wavefields through bridge piers. This kind of source is not randomly distributed in space and time and thus indicates the characteristic of self-correlation. We find that correlated sources of one high-speed train running over piers make time-delayed spurious signals in the crosscorrelation functions. The direct-wave interferometry with correlated sources is proposed and demonstrates that stacking of the interferometric responses from high-speed trains with different speeds may reduce the spurious imprint of source self-correlations, but it cannot remediate the problem. The influence of the source wavelet can be eliminated by using cross coherence. Stationary-phase segment selection and stacking can reduce the bias generated by trains moving out of the stationary-phase zone of station pairs. The validity is demonstrated by using synthetic data with inline and out-of-line linear arrays. We apply the proposed scheme to field data with nine high-speed train events. Multimodal Rayleigh waves were retrieved and shallow shear-wave velocities were inverted from multimodal dispersion data in a range of 4–25 Hz. The results bring a novel approach for the imaging and monitoring of the shallow subsurface using high-speed-train-induced vibrations.

Syncontractional extension is prominent in present-day Tibet, but its origin remains vigorously debated. Several deep-seated geodynamic processes (e.g., Indian underthrusting, horizontal flow, and mantle upwelling) have been linked to Tibetan rifting. Indian underthrusting is a good candidate because it can well explain why surface rifts are more prominent south of the Bangong–Nujiang suture; however, how Indian underthrusting causes extension is not well understood and lacks observational constraints. Seismic anisotropy, measured by exploiting the birefringence effect of shear waves, can be indicative of the deformation styles within the crust. Here, we unveil the dominant convergence-parallel alignment of anisotropic fabrics in the deep crust of the southern Tibetan rifts using seismic recordings collected from our recently deployed and existing seismic stations. This finding suggests that the strong north-directed shearing exerted by the underthrusting Indian plate is key to enabling present-day extension in southern Tibet.

Based on the recordings of 42 permanent seismic stations in Northern Jiangsu Basin (NJB) and its surrounding areas, we obtained both the sediment and crustal thickness in the region, using the nearest-neighbor algorithm and H–κ stacking method of receiver functions. We proposed a solution to use the sediment thickness to correct the depth of actual Moho discontinuity beneath the basin areas. Our results indicate that the sediment thickness in the northwest of the NJB is

Seismicity in the Three Gorges Reservoir (TGR) region increased noticeably as the water level of the reservoir rises, since the Three Gorges Dam (TGD) was built in 2003. Here, we determined moment tensors of six earthquakes in the 2014 Zigui earthquake sequence (ZGS) in the TGR region using local and regional broadband seismic waveform data. We also determined the focal depth of the mainshock using its teleseismic waveform data and then relocated the epicenter using its travel times at local stations. High-precision locations of 64 events in the sequence were obtained by combining the double-difference relative location result and the mainshock’s absolute location. The event locations and moment tensor solutions indicate that the ZGS occurred between depth 5 and 9 km on a previously unknown fault striking southwest and dipping ∼80° to the northwest. The event depth distribution and coulomb stress change estimation suggest that the ZGS were not induced directly by the reservoir water but triggered by the stress change from the annual reservoir water level variation. We estimated that the newly found fault has the potential for a magnitude 5.7 earthquake for which ground motion has a 16% probability to exceed the designed maximum intensity level at the TGD, though it would take more than 100 yr to accumulate the needed amount of slip.

SUMMARYGeophysical inverse problems are commonly ill-posed and require proper regularization to gain acceptable solutions. Adopting constraints on the smoothness and/or specified structures of an inverted geophysical model requires the implementation of regularization terms when either structured or unstructured meshes are used. Spatial gradients of the model parameters along axial or arbitrary directions are thus required. However, the calculation of spatial gradients on unstructured meshes is not straightforward since the interfaces between adjacent model cells (i.e. common edges or common faces) are orientated individually and usually are not perpendicular to the axial directions. Depending on the algorithm used, an uneven performance of the regularization is observed on unstructured meshes. To enforce effective and robust regularization terms for geophysical inversions on the unstructured meshes, we propose algorithms for constructing the smoothness and structural similarity operators that take advantage of the inherent merits of the unstructured meshes. Following a detailed introduction of the general inversion formula that we adopted, the smoothness and reference model constraints on triangular and tetrahedral meshes are proposed based on the neighbouring relationships between different model cells within the meshes. Particularly, a quasi-cross-gradient formulation is derived for triangular meshes suitable for the joint inversion of different kinds of geophysical data. Compared to existing algorithms, the new smoothness operator presents an equal or better performance for constraining the model roughness. In addition, the operator exploits the preferred elongation directions of the underground structures by performing varied constraints in different directions. Furthermore, the other new operator could effectively measure structural information of the inverted model even if the algorithms have incorporated sophisticated constraints from other geophysical or geological data. Demonstrated with the applications on synthetic examples, the new algorithms provide advanced regularization techniques for conducting geophysical inversions using unstructured meshes.

The initiation and evolution of compressional intracontinental orogens are favored by rheologically weak lithosphere underneath; however, how this weakened lithosphere responds to the regional stress regime remains vigorously debated. The Tien Shan mountains in central Asia provide the best example to illustrate the deep deformational responses to intracontinental orogenesis. We present new constraints on the nature of seismic anisotropy in the crust and upper mantle of the central Tien Shan through shear-wave splitting analyses. Our results reveal a sharp change in the orientations of crustal anisotropic fabrics on two sides of the mountains. The convergence-parallel fast orientations in the northern segment are closely related to the lower-crustal simple-shear deformation caused by the underthrusting of the Kazakh Shield, whereas the depth-independent orogen-parallel fast orientations in the southern segment suggest vertically coherent pure-shear thickening of the Tien Shan lithosphere in response to the northward indentation of the Tarim Basin. The thickened lithosphere has partly foundered into the deep mantle, contributing to the accelerated shortening deformation in the late Cenozoic. Our observations demonstrate the complex tectonic processes in the Tien Shan and suggest that the rheological properties of bounding blocks can play a significant role in shaping the lithospheric structures of intracontinental orogens.

The recycling of oceanic lithosphere into the deep mantle at subduction zones is one of the most fundamental geodynamic processes on Earth. During the closure of an ocean, ancient oceanic slabs are thought to be consumed entirely in subduction zones due to their negative buoyancy. Yet, it is recently suggested that small pieces of oceanic slabs could be trapped along paleo-subduction zones. What remains far more enigmatic is whether significant portions of paleo-oceanic lithosphere could eventually avoid the fate of subduction and be accreted to continental lithosphere, thus contributing to continental growth through time. We present seismic evidence for a preserved paleo-oceanic lithosphere beneath the Junggar region in northwestern China. We show that unsubducted oceanic lithosphere in the West Junggar has been preserved beneath the Junggar Basin, becoming a piece of the Eurasian continent. This scenario is likely to have occurred in other continents throughout Earth’s history, providing an additional and commonly underestimated contribution to the growth of continental lithosphere.

Scientists investigating the coupling between the lithosphere, atmosphere, and ionosphere (LAI) require multiple instruments installed on and near the Earth’s surface and aboard satellites orbiting the Earth. However, challenges always occur owing to a lack of observation data from other monitoring instruments and/or the distance between distinct instruments. A novel system for monitoring vibrations and perturbations in the LAI (MVP–LAI) was established in the countryside of Leshan City, Sichuan Province, China, in June 2021. Twelve different types of instruments with 18 devices were set within an area of 50 m × 50 m. The other two were installed approximately 20 km away to avoid interference. These instruments routinely monitor the changes in at least 14 geophysical parameters with short sampling intervals, available for capturing waves propagating from the subsurface to the ionosphere. Once the observations retrieved from the China Seismo-Electromagnetic Satellite and the radio occultation are integrated, the monitoring of vibrations and perturbations can reach ~ 800 km above the Earth’s surface. The system is mainly operated by the China University of Geoscience (Wuhan), China and will officially start functioning in September 2021. All the efforts benefit the investigation of the causal mechanisms of LAI coupling and expose the potential sources of vibrations and perturbations, incorporating observations from other spheres.

SUMMARY The separation of regional-residual anomalies plays an important role in the processing of potential field anomalies for obtaining better understandings of the nature of the underground sources. Many methods have been developed to achieve the separation of anomalies that are of distinct wavelengths. On the other hand, fewer studies have addressed the separation of local anomalies from the observed potential field anomalies. In this paper, we introduce a new process for separating localized anomalies from the observations under the Cartesian and spherical coordinates. The separation is achieved using the equivalent source technique and an iterative inversion process which is to refine and finalize the separated local anomalies. Additionally, we introduce an inversion method for determining the equivalent sources that are of varying dimensions, as well as a quantitative measurement to assess the accuracy of the separation process. Verified with synthetic examples, the proposed method could extract arbitrary shaped local anomalies from the rest with low error levels. Subsequently, we apply the method to the construction of a 3-D model of the mantle uplift beneath the Von Kármán crater (VKC) on the Moon. The VKC is the landing site of the Chinese lunar exploration mission Chang'e 4, which lies in the northwestern portion of the South-Pole Aitken (SPA) basin on the far side of the Moon. Multiple generations of mare basalts are identified within the VKC, which indicates a complex geological history of the basin. Insights into the evolutionary history of this region can be obtained by investigating the deep crustal structure of the VKC using topographic and gravity data. Processed with the proposed method, the 3-D structure we obtain provides evidence for separated mantle uplifting events triggered by the two impact events that created the VKC and the Von Kármán M crater, respectively.

SUMMARY Rotation of coil-type magnetometers caused by seismic waves can change the magnetic flux of the earth's magnetic field through the coils and thereby give rise to rotation-induced magnetic fields (RIMFs), which have contribution to so-called coseismic magnetic disturbances during earthquake events. In this study, we present a method to numerically calculate the rotational motion and RIMFs excited by a seismic source in a horizontally layered model. Like computing synthetic seismograms, this method allows calculating the full response of magnetic disturbances during an earthquake event. Numerical examples are conducted to investigate characters of the magnetic fields under excitation of different kinds of sources. The results show that the P-SV-mode waves mainly contribute to radial and vertical magnetic disturbances, while the SH-mode waves dominate tangential magnetic disturbances. We also apply this method to the 2017 Jiuzhaigou earthquake. The synthetic magnetic signals explain well the observed data, suggesting that the coseismic magnetic fields observed during this earthquake are mainly caused by the rotation of the magnetometers.

A new efficient random search algorithm is introduced for solving inversion problems in geophysical studies. The proposed algorithm is inherently a stochastic optimization method which is built on the concept of gradient descending and Levy flights. Therefore, the algorithm is referred to as the Levy gradient descent (L-GD). In which, the Levy flights is a special class of random walk which consists of many short steps along with a few large steps. Such movements are observed in a varying range of fields, including animals’ foraging patterns, fluid dynamics, transport of light and so on. Meanwhile, the Levy flights typically shows much higher speed in searching for sparsely located targets compared to the well-known Brownian walks, which make them preferable to drive random search algorithms. As shown in the paper, besides optimal solutions of the inverse problems, the L-GD algorithm could also produce estimations on the error distributions of the resultant model parameters. Following a detailed introduction of the methodology, parameter settings of the algorithm are discussed in length through statistical experiments. Subsequently, the proposed algorithm is evaluated using numeric tests and shows attracting properties of the global convergence and significant higher searching efficiency compared to commonly adopted stochastic optimization techniques in geophysical inversions. Moreover, the L-GD algorithm is applied to the inversions of gravity and seismic travel time data and has achieved the same accuracy as gradient-based optimization methods. Meanwhile, though error estimations generated by L-GD algorithm are essentially qualitative, they could still provide valuable information to help evaluating the resultant model parameters, which is of great importance for practical geophysical inversions.

The dominant driving forces for the east-west extension of the Tibetan Plateau since the mid-late Miocene remain vigorously debated. Proposed hypotheses encounter difficulties in reconciling the geological observations of more developed north-trending rifts in southern Tibet as well as the discrepant extension magnitudes among them. With seismic recordings collected from our recently deployed and existing seismic arrays, we locate a mid-crustal simple shear zone characterized by convergence parallel anisotropy beneath the southern plateau, which is likely caused by the underthrusting of the Indian Plate. Furthermore, a zone of reduced S-wave velocity is also resolved between the two rifts with highest extension rate, indicative of the convective removal of the lower Indian mantle lithosphere. Taken together, our results suggest that the enhanced extension occurring in southern Tibet are controlled by both the shear tractions induced by the advancing Indian Plate and the increased buoyancy due to asthenospheric upwelling.

Background: Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is the most widespread and life-threatening nosocomial infection in intensive care units (ICUs). The duration of antibiotic use is a good predictor of prognosis in patients with VAP, but the ideal duration of antibiotic therapy for VAP in critically ill patients has not been confirmed. Research is therefore needed into the optimal duration of antibiotic use and its impact on VAP.Methods: The Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care database included 1,609 patients with VAP. Chi-square or Student’s t-tests were used to compare groups, and Cox regression analysis was used to investigate the factors influencing the prognoses of patients with VAP. Nonlinear tests were performed on antibiotic use lasting 10 days. Significant factors were included in the model for sensitivity analysis. For the subgroup analyses, the body mass indexes (BMIs) of patients were separated into BMI p < 0.05. Restricted cubic splines were used to analyze the relationship between antibiotic use duration and mortality risk in patients with VAP.Results: In patients with VAP, the effects of antibiotic use duration on the outcomes were nonlinear. Antibiotic use for 7–10 days in models 1–3 increased the risk of antibiotic use by 2.6020-, 2.1642-, and 2.3263-fold relative to for >10 days, respectively. The risks in models 1–3 for 10 days of antibiotic use, respectively. These results were robust across the analyses.Conclusions: The duration of antibiotic treatment had a nonlinear effect on the prognosis of patients with VAP. Antibiotic use durations of

BackgroundRheumatic heart disease (RHD) accounts for a large proportion of Intensive Care Unit (ICU) deaths. Early prediction of RHD can help with timely and appropriate treatment to improve survival outcomes, and the XGBoost machine learning technology can be used to identify predictive factors; however, its use has been limited in the past. We compared the performance of logistic regression and XGBoost in predicting hospital mortality among patients with RHD from the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care IV (MIMIC-IV) database.MethodsThe patients with RHD in the MIMIC-IV database were divided into two groups retrospectively according to the availability of data and its clinical significance based on whether they survived or died. Backward stepwise regression was used to analyze the independent factors influencing patients with RHD, and to compare the differences between the two groups. The XGBoost algorithm and logistic regression were used to establish two prediction models, and the areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves (AUCs) and decision-curve analysis (DCA) were used to test and compare the models. Finally, DCA and the clinical impact curve (CIC) were used to validate the model.ResultsData on 1,634 patients with RHD were analyzed, comprising 207 who died during hospitalization and 1,427 survived. According to estimated results for the two models using AUCs [0.838 (95% confidence interval = 0.786–0.891) and 0.815 (95% confidence interval = 0.765–0.865)] and DCA, the logistic regression model performed better. DCA and CIC verified that the logistic regression model had convincing predictive value.ConclusionsWe used logistic regression analysis to establish a more meaningful prediction model for the final outcome of patients with RHD. This model might be clinically useful for patients with RHD and help clinicians to provide detailed treatments and precise management.

SUMMARY The Tuareg Shield was assembled by oceanic closures and horizontal movements along mega-shear zones between approximately 20 terranes during the Pan-African Orogeny (750–550 Ma). Although there is an ongoing debate about its origin, the exhumation of the Tuareg Shield is assumed to be related to Cenozoic intraplate volcanism. The Gour Oumelalen is a key region of the Tuareg Shield and is located in the northeastern part of the Egéré-Aleksod terrane, corresponding to the eastern boundary of the Archean–Palaeoproterozoic microcontinent LATEA (Central Hoggar). The eastern boundary of the study area corresponds to a Neoproterozoic suture zone separating two old microcontinents, LATEA and the Orosirian Stripe. We deployed two magnetotelluric (MT) profiles consisting of 33 broad-band MT stations and combined these with aeromagnetic data, aiming to define the crustal structure in detail. The resistivity cross-sections obtained from the 3-D inversion of full impedance tensor and tipper data from stations along the profiles, confirm the main Precambrian faults, some of which are covered by Quaternary sediments and hence, have not yet been deciphered. The cross-sections also highlight the Cretaceous–Quaternary sedimentary basins represented by low resistivities. The upper crust is typically cratonic with a high electrical resistivity. On the contrary, the lower crust shows a drastic drop in resistivity (

Thin sandstone is a widely used building material; however, its compressive behavior is not well understood. Four groups of cylinders were manufactured in a factory to investigate the uniaxial compressive behavior of red sandstone. Uniaxial compression tests were performed to determine the compressive behavior and failure mode of the specimens. The geometry of the stress–strain diagram varied among the four groups. The critical strain generally increased with a decrease in the height of the cylinder, whereas the compressive strength exhibited an inverse trend. The experimental diagrams were normalized with the peak stress and corresponding critical strain to represent the stress–strain diagram of each group of cylinders. A formula consisting of two parabolas was employed for regression to obtain a representative mathematical expression of the diagram. The correlations between porosity, compressive strength, and elastic modulus were evaluated based on empirical expressions. Normalized strength was employed to evaluate the size effect on the diameter and length–diameter ratio (L/D) of the cylinder; the latter provided a better prediction of the experimental results than the former. A new expression in terms of L/D was proposed based on the regression analysis of the experimental results. This study is beneficial for the engineering application of sandstone as a construction material.

Geophysical, petrological and geochemical studies have shown that the lithospheric mantle is highly heterogeneous in its physical properties and chemical compositions. They provide critical information on the evolution of the lithosphere-asthenosphere boundary (LAB). Considerable efforts by geophysical approaches have demonstrated that LAB is characterized by profound changes in physical properties such as seismic velocities and electrical resistivity at an average depth of ~70 km in the oceanic areas. In the continental regions, however, the variations in the physical properties at LABs are not that significant and their depths vary greatly with tectonic environments (e.g., orogens vs. cratons). Mid-lithospheric discontinuities (MLDs; ~60 to 120 km depths) have been equally well documented by various techniques, including deep seismic reflections and refractions, receiver functions analyses of teleseismic Ps and Sp phases, teleseismic and ambient-noise based surface-waves tomography. Except in some regional cases, MLDs are usually featured by reduced velocities (i.e., negative velocity gradients). It appears that MLDs are statistically correlated with the low-resistivity layers, as imaged for the European continent. Many hypotheses have been proposed to explain the origin of MLDs, including the accumulation of volatile-bearing assemblages due to metasomatism of magmas/fluids and/or metamorphism; the change of deformation patterns of rocks in the lithospheric mantle and finally a “frozen” LAB. Here we review the related advances and try to reconcile available data and models. We first provide a brief introduction about the discovery of MLDs, by summarizing their velocity, radial and azimuthal anisotropies as well as their internal structures across Australian, North American and Euro-Asian continents. Then we discuss the possible origin of MLDs, by considering mantle heterogeneities in mineralogy and petrology and in particular the potential role of volatile-rich minerals such as phlogopite, amphibole and carbonates. Finally, we conclude that MLDs may be frozen LABs. It sheds light on the potential importance of MLDs in Earth’s evolution and especially the global tectonic and the changes over time. We present a working hypothesis using a dynamically-evolved LAB model. MLDs began as oceanic LABs, with their depths increasing gradually from the mid-ocean ridges to subduction zones due to change in temperature and age. During continental accretion, the “inherited” oceanic LAB merged with the continental lithosphere and became deepened along with the cooling of the new continental lithosphere. In brief, the old LAB was “frozen” into the continental lithosphere and produced MLDs. Several possible mechanisms supporting this hypothesis are proposed, and the conditions that are tenable from recent results of geodynamic modeling studies in Africa are presented. The advantages of this hypothesis are highlighted. Its potential in explanation of scientific puzzles of solid earth is evaluated.

We present a magnetotelluric study of the Lei-Hu-Ling volcanic system in the Haikou Volcanic Zone, Hainan, China. Data acquired from 111 broadband magnetotelluric sites was used to construct a 3D resistivity model of the magmatic system. The 3D inversion shows that a well-developed shallow low-resistivity zone in the southwest of the Changliu-Xiangou Fault corresponds to the Fushan depression, and a large conductor presents in the depths of 4–10 km underlying the Lei-Hu-Ling volcanic system. The deep conductor displays a N–S lineation oblique to the Changliu-Xiangou Fault, indicating that the fault does not control the deeper magmas path. We prefer to attribute the deep conductor to accumulation of high-salinity fluids in the storage zone with porosity of 1% to 1.6%, which was associated with the transportation of magmatic fluids and volatiles supplied by a partial melting zone at greater depths.

Uplifting mechanisms for the Tien Shan, an active intracontinental orogenic belt, have been under debate for decades, a key issue being how the convergence has been accommodated at depth. Here we investigate the Moho structure across the central Tien Shan by common-conversion-point imaging and H-k-c stacking of receiver functions from a dense array. The observed Moho exhibits distinct characteristics among sub-blocks. Southward-dipping diffuse Moho is imaged in the Southern Tien Shan (STS), in contrast with the relatively flat and sharp Moho beneath the Tarim Basin. This feature along with the large Moho offset beneath the South-Boundary Fault suggests that the shortening and thickening of Tien Shan crust rather than the underthrusting of the Tarim Basin are responsible for the uplift of the STS. In the Northern Tien Shan, however, the imaged Moho doublet provides direct evidence for the underthrusting of the Kazakh Shield accommodating the convergence there.

The mechanism and rupture process of the giant 2011 Tohoku-oki earthquake (Mw 9.0) are still poorly understood due to lack of permanent near-field observations. Using seismic arrival times recorded by dense seismograph networks on land and at ocean floor, we determine a detailed seismic tomography model of the megathrust zone beneath the Tohoku forearc. Our results show that the coseismic slip of the 2011 Tohoku-oki earthquake initiated at a boundary between a down-dip high-velocity anomaly and an up-dip low-velocity anomaly. The slow anomaly at shallow depths near the Japan trench may reflect low-rigidity materials that are close to the free surface, resulting in large slip and weak high-frequency radiation. Our new tomographic model can account for not only large slip near the trench but also weak high-frequency radiation from the shallow rupture areas., Using data recorded by a new seafloor seismic network, the authors reveal the detailed 3D structure of the source zone of the great 2011 Tohoku-oki earthquake, which sheds new light on the mechanism of the great earthquake and tsunami.

The role of the Tarim Block in the reconstruction of the Neoproterozoic supercontinent Rodinia remains contentious. Here we report a suite of high–Mg gabbroic dykes from the Yingfeng area in northwestern Quanji Massif, which is considered as a fragment of the Tarim Block in NW China. Magmatic zircons from these dykes yield to have a weighted mean 206Pb/238U age of 822.2 ± 5.3 Ma, recording the timing of their emplacement. The gabbros have high MgO (9.91–13.09 wt%), Mg numbers (69.89–75.73) and CaO (8.41–13.55 wt%), medium FeOt (8.50–9.67 wt%) and TiO2 (0.67–0.93 wt%), variable Al2O3 (13.04–16.07 wt%), and high Cr (346.14–675.25 ppm), but relatively low Ni (138.72–212.94 ppm), suggestive of derivation from a primary magma. The rocks display chondrite-normalized LREE patterns with weak fractionation but flat HREE patterns relative to those of the N-MORB. Their primitive mantle normalized trace elemental patterns show positive Rb, Ba and U but negative Th, Nb, Ti and Zr anomalies, carrying characteristics of both mid-ocean ridge basalts and arc basalts. The eHf(t) values of the zircons from these rocks vary from +4.7 to +13.5 with depleted mantle model ages (TDM) of 1.23–0.85 Ga, and the youngest value nearly approaching that for the coeval depleted mantle, suggesting significant addition of juvenile materials. Our data suggest that the strongly depleted basaltic magma was probably sourced from a depleted mantle source that had undergone metasomatism by subduction–related components in a back-arc setting. Accordingly we postulate that a subduction–related tectonic regime possibly prevailed at ∼0.8 Ga along the southeastern margin of the Tarim Block. Combining with available information from the northern Tarim Block, we propose an opposite verging double–sided subduction model for coeval subduction of the oceanic crust beneath both the southern and northern margins of the Tarim Block during early Neoproterozoic.

The marine controlled-source electromagnetic (CSEM) method is of increasing importance as a powerful geophysical tool in hydrocarbon exploration. Related to this, three-dimensional (3-D) forward modeling provides an effective method for marine CSEM survey planning and sensitivity analysis (Frechet derivative). To further evaluate the feasibility of this measurement system as well as its resolution capabilities, we carried out a 3-D sensitivity distribution experiment. The sensitivity calculation used in this work is based on reciprocity theorem and directly affects the accuracy and efficiency of the inversion computation process. This is also a key problem in Gauss-Newton type inversion algorithms. Thus, we analyze the sensitivity distribution of the electric field for both a homogeneous half-space and resistors embedded in conductive sediments. To illustrate the potential of this approach in a 3-D survey, we then adopt a series of simple numerical models to simulate hydrocarbon reservoirs in real situations across a typical suite of configurations. We show that the sensitivity simulation can enhance our understanding of sensitivity characteristics. Indeed, via comparisons and the analysis of sensitivity distributions, we demonstrate the feasibility of this approach for the detection of hydrocarbon reservoirs, and provide additional information for planning and designing marine CSEM surveys.

Recent geological, geochemical and geophysical data have inclined to support the presence of a remnant Paleozoic oceanic lithosphere beneath the Western Junggar, southwestern Chinese Altaids. However, regional high-resolution geophysical data have been rarely deployed to image its geometry, making it difficult to trace its evolution and final geodynamic setting. Presently, two magnetotelluric (MT) profiles are deployed across the northwest margin of the Junggar basin and the southern Darbut belt to image the electrical structure of the crust and lithospheric mantle. High-quality data at 102 sites and the quasi-2D indications of phase tensor skew angles and impedance phase ellipses for relatively short periods (up to 500 s) allow us to invert the two profile data by a 2-D scheme. The resistivity cross-section of a NW-SE striking LINE2 sheds light on a fossil intraoceanic subduction system, and reveals the Miaoergou intrusions as a bowl-like pluton, indicating that the multi-phase intrusions primarily formed in a post-collisional setting. The resistivity cross-section of striking NE-SW LINE1 reveals a possible oceanic slab with relatively lower resistivity underlying the low-resistivity sedimentary strata and high-resistivity melange. Given that the profile of LINE1 cuts the out-rise zone of a subducted slab developed during the late Paleozoic, the 2-D resistivity model may thus represent the zone that have experienced heterogeneous deformation, reflecting subduction with barrier variation parallel to the ancient trench. Moreover, as shown in previous results, the new MT data also illustrate that the Darbut Fault is a thin-skinned structure, which has been erased at depths during the subsequent magmatism.

The first tomographic images of P wave azimuthal and radial anisotropies in the crust and upper mantle beneath the Alps are determined by joint inversions of arrival time data of local earthquakes and teleseismic events. Our results show the south dipping European plate with a high-velocity (high-V) anomaly beneath the western central Alps and the north dipping Adriatic plate with a high-V anomaly beneath the Eastern Alps, indicating that the subduction polarity changes along the strike of the Alps. The P wave azimuthal anisotropy is characterized by mountain chain-parallel fast-velocity directions (FVDs) in the western central Alps and NE-SW FVDs in the Eastern Alps, which may be caused by mantle flow induced by the slab subductions. Our results reveal a negative radial anisotropy (i.e., Vph Vpv) in the low-velocity mantle wedge, which may reflect the subvertical plate subduction and its induced mantle flow. The results of anisotropic tomography provide important new information on the complex mantle structure and dynamics of the Alps and adjacent regions.

Knowledge of heat flow and associated variations of temperature with depth is crucial for understanding how the Earth functions. Here, we demonstrate possible heat shielding effects that result from the occurrence of mafic intrusions/layers (granulitic rocks) within a dominantly granitic middle crust and/or ultramafic intrusions/layers (peridotitic rocks) within a dominantly granulitic lower crust; heat shielding is a familiar phenomenon in heat engineering and thermal metamaterials. Simple one-dimensional calculations suggest that heat shielding due to the intercalation of granitic, granulitic and peridotitic rocks will increase Moho temperatures substantially. This study may lead to a rethinking of numerous proposed lower crustal processes.

An audio-frequency magnetotelluric (AMT) array was deployed here to map the resistivity structure of the Akebasitao intrusions and the surrounding area in Western Junggar, China. High quality AMT data were acquired at 463 sites that covered the whole Akebasitao intrusions. The latest 3D electromagnetic inversion system, ModEM, was employed to invert the AMT dataset. A high resolution resistivity model was recovered by using a nonlinear conjugate-gradient scheme. The Akebasitao intrusions, the most pronounced resistive features in the preferred model, are clearly imaged from shallow depths to more than 10 km, with some conductive zones and spots in and surrounding it. The shape of the Akebasitao pluton is asymmetrical mushroom-like, suggesting an extension stress environment at its forming age (the Late Carboniferous to the Early Permian) in Western Junggar. Our explanation is consistent with the subducting spreading ridge tectonic model for Western Junggar in the Late Carboniferous, with a paleo-Asia ocean plate subducting northwestward beneath Karamay arc, as former studies proposed. The upwelling channel of the Akebasitao pluton seems to be located at its center. The Darbut Fault has been clearly imaged as a subvertical narrow conductive zone extending from the surface to 3–5 km or deeper. The most prominent conductors are two elongate zones in depths deeper than 500 m. Other conductive zones can also be identified surrounding the boundaries of the Akebasitao pluton, which can be interpreted as pyrometasomatic metamorphism relating to magmatic activities. Because the ophiolitic rocks outcrop as some lens along these two boundaries, and as previous studies showed that the serpentine metamorphosed from peridotite with well-connected magnetite possessing high conductivity, the conductors may therefore also represent their sources in depth.

High-velocity-layer (HVL) and low-velocity-layer (LVL) models are two kinds of the most common irregular layered models in near-surface geophysical applications. When calculating dispersion curves of some extreme irregular models, current algorithms (e.g., Knopoff transfer matrix algorithm) should be modified. We computed the correct dispersion curves and analyzed their sensitivities due to several synthetic HVL and LVL models. The results show that phase-velocity dispersion curves of both Rayleigh and Love waves are sensitive to variations in S-wave velocity of an LVL, but insensitive to that of an HVL. In addition, they are both insensitive to those of layers beneath the HVL or LVL. With an increase in velocity contrast between the irregular layer and its neighboring layers, the sensitivity effects (high sensitivity for the LVL and low sensitivity for the HVL) will amplify. These characteristics may significantly influence the inversion stability, leading to an inverted result with a low level of confidence. To invert surface-wave phase velocities for a more accurate S-wave model with an HVL or LVL, priori knowledge may be required and an inversion algorithm should be treated with extra caution.

Inland crustal earthquakes usually occur in the brittle upper crust (0–20 km depths), but the 6 September 2018 Eastern Iburi earthquake (M 6.7) took place in southern Hokkaido with a focal depth of ~37 km, causing 41 fatalities and serious damage to the local infrastructure. The reason why this event was so deep and its causal mechanism are still unclear. In this work we study the three-dimensional P and S wave seismic attenuation (1/Q) structure in the source zone of the 2018 Iburi earthquake. Our results show that this event occurred at the boundary between the Sorachi-Yezo belt (low Q) and the dipping Northeastern (NE) Japan arc (high Q) that is descending beneath the Kuril arc. The collision between the NE Japan and Kuril arcs as well as fluids from dehydration of the subducting Pacific plate caused this big event and its unusual focal depth. Similar attenuation structures are revealed in source zones of the 1970 Hidaka earthquake (M 6.7) and the 1982 Urakawa-oki earthquake (M 7.1), suggesting that they were caused by similar processes. We think that large earthquakes will take place again on the active thrust faults in southern Hokkaido in the coming decades. Hence, we should pay much attention to the seismic risk and prepare for reduction of earthquake hazards there.

Controlled source audio-magnetotelluric (CSAMT) is an indirect and effective geophysical prospecting method in subsurface prospecting. Although CSAMT investigation tools are equipped with new techniques, it must be noted that the models obtained still do not automatically decipher the reality of groundwater in bedrock with very high resistivity contrasts. Our study proposed a new CSAMT data processing scheme, which combined the 2D modeling and 3D visualization for groundwater exploration in Tongkeng area, Hunan Province, China. To directly highlight exploitable groundwater, we used the open-source and the OCCAM2D inversion software, coupled with the geological information of the area to define the 3D imaging with emphasizing on the network of producing fractures. We deployed three CSAMT profiles with transverse magnetic (TM) mode recorded on 21 frequencies (8192 Hz to 8 Hz). The data were filtered, pre-processed and carefully analyzed from station to station. Analysis of the apparent resistivity and phase maps show the conductive zones ( 500 Ωm) separated by transition zones (150 to 500 Ωm). The 2D models and stacked sections show discontinuities of fractures marked by two major faults and a main fracture in the zone interconnected by minor fractures. A 3D geological map was obtained from the result of the best models of the different lines. The ITER2DAT function was used to export the data from OCCAM2D inversion and then display it to array and depth channels data for each station. Geological and borehole ZK01 data were used to build pseudo stratigraphic drillholes based on the range of very low ( 1500 Ωm). The 3D view shows stratigraphic discontinuity that is between carbonaceous formation and the metamorphic granites. The intruded Devonian limestone layer, which is the potential water tank, and the carbonate vein layer are constantly heated by the geothermal gradient of the area.