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Diffraction imaging can help better understand small‐scale geological structures. Due to their often‐weak signal, in order to image them, it is necessary to separate diffraction signals from the rest of the wavefield. Many different methods have been developed for diffraction wavefield separation, and the newest trend includes the application of artificial neural networks and deep learning. Available case studies with a deep‐learning approach for diffraction separation show good results when applied to synthetic and sedimentary setting datasets where diffraction signals are either strong or have pronounced characteristics. Examples, however, are missing from crystalline or hardrock geological settings where the signal‐to‐noise ratio is by far lower and diffraction signals are usually within a complex reflectivity medium, have steep tails and are usually incomplete. In this study, we showcase the application of a deep semantic segmentation model on synthetic seismic, real ground‐penetrating radar, and hardrock seismic datasets. Synthetic seismic sections were generated using different random noise levels and coherent noise resembling a complex reflectivity pattern interfering with diffraction tails. For the real GPR dataset, diffraction signals were successfully delineated, although in some locations reflections were picked up because of their similar pixel values as the apex of the diffractions. As for the real seismic dataset, through a number of approaches, we were able to completely delineate a single diffraction within several inlines that was generated from a massive sulphide body. The algorithm also enabled us to recognize an incomplete diffraction, at the edge of the seismic cube, which was never labelled. This diffraction originated from outside of the seismic volume and may be a target for future mineral exploration programmes, thanks to the deep semantic segmentation algorithm providing this possibility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An approximately 40‐km long high‐resolution reflection seismic profile (P3) was acquired in the metropolitan area of Seoul in South Korea for the purpose of fault system imaging in a highly noisy and challenging urban environment. Two 12t seismic vibrators (mini‐vibs) were used as the seismic source. Data were recorded using a dual element seismic spread; 20 m spaced 421 wireless seismic recorders connected to 10 Hz geophones and 20 micro‐electro‐mechanical‐based landstreamer sensors (2 m sensor spacing) attached to one of the vibrators. The purpose of the dual spread employed was to delineate both near‐surface and deep structures. The processing results show good quality and the processing work was complemented by different analysis to further constraints the geological interpretation. The survey results provide evidence for the 3D geometry of three fault systems, including Chugaryeong, Pocheon, and Wangsukcheon faults. A gently westerly dipping set of reflectivity underlying a dome‐shaped package of reflectivity is interpreted as a fault, and could project to the known surface position of the Pocheon fault. The dome‐shaped reflectivity is interpreted as folded and faulted dyke or sill systems. Downward continuation of the interpreted fault intersects the sub‐vertical Chugaryeong fault in a zone where the current seismicity is observed, suggesting that these two major fault systems may have jointly evolved in the form of splay faults. Reflections from the Wangsukcheon fault are also present in the data and interpreted to dip approximately 60° to the east, in an opposite direction to the two other faults. Plain Language Summary: An approximately 40‐km long high‐resolution reflection seismic profile was acquired in the metropolitan area of Seoul in South Korea for the purpose of in‐depth fault system imaging in a highly noisy and challenging urban environment. Two different types of receivers were used simultaneously to achieve good results from both shallow and deep structures. Processing results have good quality and are complemented with different analysis to further constraints the geological interpretation. The survey results provide evidence for the 3D geometry of three fault systems, including Chugaryeong, Pocheon, and Wangsukcheon faults. A gently westerly dipping structure underlying a dome‐shaped structure is interpreted as a fault, and could project to the known surface position of the Pocheon fault. A dome‐shaped reflectivity is interpreted as folded and faulted dyke or sill systems. Downward continuation of the interpreted fault intersects the sub‐vertical Chugaryeong fault in a zone where the current seismicity is observed, suggesting that these two major fault systems may be connected and jointly evolved. Results from the Wangsukcheon fault are also present in the data and it is interpreted to approximately dip 60° to the east, in an opposite direction to the two other faults. Key Points: Reflection seismic imaging of fault systems in Seoul metropolitan areaSuggested dependency of the regional seismicity from Chugaryeong fault systemDeep geometry reconstruction of three regional fault systems [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract An approximately 40‐km long high‐resolution reflection seismic profile (P3) was acquired in the metropolitan area of Seoul in South Korea for the purpose of fault system imaging in a highly noisy and challenging urban environment. Two 12t seismic vibrators (mini‐vibs) were used as the seismic source. Data were recorded using a dual element seismic spread; 20 m spaced 421 wireless seismic recorders connected to 10 Hz geophones and 20 micro‐electro‐mechanical‐based landstreamer sensors (2 m sensor spacing) attached to one of the vibrators. The purpose of the dual spread employed was to delineate both near‐surface and deep structures. The processing results show good quality and the processing work was complemented by different analysis to further constraints the geological interpretation. The survey results provide evidence for the 3D geometry of three fault systems, including Chugaryeong, Pocheon, and Wangsukcheon faults. A gently westerly dipping set of reflectivity underlying a dome‐shaped package of reflectivity is interpreted as a fault, and could project to the known surface position of the Pocheon fault. The dome‐shaped reflectivity is interpreted as folded and faulted dyke or sill systems. Downward continuation of the interpreted fault intersects the sub‐vertical Chugaryeong fault in a zone where the current seismicity is observed, suggesting that these two major fault systems may have jointly evolved in the form of splay faults. Reflections from the Wangsukcheon fault are also present in the data and interpreted to dip approximately 60° to the east, in an opposite direction to the two other faults.

The discovery and characterization of layered intrusions around the globe have been predicated to a large degree on the imaging capabilities of the reflection seismic method. The ability of this tool to detect mineralization zones and structural controls such as faults and folds has been critical in unlocking the economic potential of igneous complexes, most notably the Bushveld Complex in South Africa. In this study, we present novel seismic constraints on the lesser-known Trompsburg Complex in South Africa. Two yet-unpublished seismic profiles were conducted end-to-end in the early 1990s, with a southwest-to-northeast trend through the centre of the ∼2,400 km2 Trompsberg potential field anomaly in South Africa, attributed to a 1915 ± 6 Ma buried layered intrusion complex. The complex was first detected by magnetic and gravity measurements near the town of Trompsburg in 1939 and was subsequently confirmed as a layered intrusion by borehole cores drilled thereafter. The combined length of the two profiles is 108 km. Both profiles have been reprocessed and interpreted to further constrain the subsurface expanse of the Trompsberg Complex along the seismic traverse. Processing and interpretation of the seismic profiles were aided by a handful of studies found in the literature: stratigraphy and physical property measurements of borehole cores that were drilled into the complex in the 1940s; pre-Karoo (∼317 Ma) lithological maps that were constructed based on boreholes in and around the investigation area; and potential field maps of the intrusion area near the town of Trompsburg. Most of the seismic reflection energy is concentrated within the top 1 km in both profiles, where localized reflectors with strong amplitudes are observed, due likely to the dolerite sills that permeate the Karoo cover. These sills obstruct seismic illumination of underlying structures due to their high acoustic impedance contrast with the surrounding soft rock sediments, rendering underlying reflections challenging to identify and enhance. The base of the Karoo is confidently identified to be at an average depth of 1.5 km and several reflection packages have been identified thereunder. These are linked to Proterozoic supracrustals associated with the Witwatersrand, Ventersdorp, Transvaal/Griqualand West, and Kheis Supergroups, as well as the Trompsburg Complex that intruded into them. The geometry of the Trompsburg Complex along the seismic traverse has been constrained with a moderate degree of confidence. It comprises a series of 30° northeasterly dipping reflectors near its southwestern boundary, flat reflectors near its centre at the town of Trompsburg, and 45° southwesterly dipping reflectors near its northeastern boundary. The lateral sub-Karoo extent of the complex is 60 km and its total thickness is difficult to constrain due to lack of deep reflections, but is likely between 6.6 and 7.5 km. The complex subcrops against the Karoo cover except near the southwestern region, where it is overlaid by Waterberg Group sediments.

Abstract The present study demonstrates a GIS-based spatial evaluation of fluoride contamination (FC) in groundwater vis-a-vis geology and geomorphology of the area using analytical hierarchy process and weighted sum method in Palamu district of Jharkhand. The integration and analyses of the various thematic databases along with the field sampled fluoride data proved useful in delineating the FC zones. The FC index ranged between 141 and 707, and was classified into four zones, viz., low, moderate, high, and very high zones of FC. The FC index map showed that a total of 49.75% of the study area lies between high to very high FC zone. The very high FC zone is found in the moderately weathered plateau with granitic terrain, whereas the high and moderately FC zones covering 49.31 and 36.41% of the study area are dominated by plateau weathered shallow, pediment–inselberg complex, pediplain moderately weathered, pediplain shallow weathered, and inselberg which have high fluoride. The lowest FC zone covers an area of 193.27 sq. km (13.84%). The spatial analysis of geology with fluoride showed that groundwater within granitic gneiss exhibits high FC followed by granitoid gneiss and alluvium. Geomorphologically highest FC was recorded in plateau weathered moderate (91.67%) followed by plateau weathered shallow (71.43%), flood plain (41.76%), inselberg (27.27%), and pediment (25%). The spatial analysis of groundwater yield with fluoride showed that regions having good yield exhibit maximum FC thereby accelerating the vulnerability of the population to fluorosis.

The present study demonstrates a GIS-based spatial evaluation of fluoride contamination (FC) in groundwater vis-a-vis geology and geomorphology of the area using analytical hierarchy process and weighted sum method in Palamu district of Jharkhand. The integration and analyses of the various thematic databases along with the field sampled fluoride data proved useful in delineating the FC zones. The FC index ranged between 141 and 707, and was classified into four zones, viz., low, moderate, high, and very high zones of FC. The FC index map showed that a total of 49.75% of the study area lies between high to very high FC zone. The very high FC zone is found in the moderately weathered plateau with granitic terrain, whereas the high and moderately FC zones covering 49.31 and 36.41% of the study area are dominated by plateau weathered shallow, pediment-inselberg complex, pediplain moderately weathered, pediplain shallow weathered, and inselberg which have high fluoride. The lowest FC zone covers an area of 193.27 sq. km (13.84%). The spatial analysis of geology with fluoride showed that groundwater within granitic gneiss exhibits high FC followed by granitoid gneiss and alluvium. Geomorphologically highest FC was recorded in plateau weathered moderate (91.67%) followed by plateau weathered shallow (71.43%), flood plain (41.76%), inselberg (27.27%), and pediment (25%). The spatial analysis of groundwater yield with fluoride showed that regions having good yield exhibit maximum FC thereby accelerating the vulnerability of the population to fluorosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]