Equivalent Elastic Thickness Distribution for Crustal Structure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for obtaining geological information about less explored areas of the Earth, such as identifying structural features like faults and tectonic interactions, are limited by the assumption of constant Young's modulus and rigidity, which does not accurately represent the varying elastic properties of the Earth's crust.
Innovation Solution
A method that calculates a distribution of Young's modulus and flexural rigidity, modifying the flexural rigidity distribution to obtain an equivalent elastic thickness distribution, which better represents the structural features by using seismic data and gravitational measurements to determine the best fit flexural Moho geometry.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a constant Young's modulus is assumed in the ASEP model, then the model is simpler to implement and compute, but the accuracy of structural feature prediction deteriorates because it does not represent the varying elastic properties of the Earth's crust
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by transitioning from a constant Young's modulus assumption to a spatially varying Young's modulus distribution. The modified ASEP model incorporates location-specific elastic properties that reflect the heterogeneous nature of the Earth's crust, allowing different regions to be modeled with their appropriate mechanical characteristics. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining model simplicity through systematic parameterization while improving prediction accuracy through localized property variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by modifying the Young's modulus from a constant parameter to a variable parameter that changes across the modeled region. The method introduces a distribution of Young's modulus values that can be adjusted to match observed geological structures, thereby improving the model's ability to predict faults, sutures, and ridges while maintaining computational feasibility through structured parameterization.
2Measurement precision
If the Young's modulus distribution is obtained from seismic data, then the accuracy of elastic thickness calculation improves, but the complexity of data processing and model integration increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the ASEP model as an intermediary framework that integrates seismic data with gravitational measurements. The model serves as a mediator that combines multiple data sources (seismic velocity data for Young's modulus, gravitational data for load information) into a unified elastic thickness distribution. This approach manages complexity by providing a systematic integration framework rather than processing each data type separately.
Solution Approach 2:
The modified ASEP model achieves multi-functionality by simultaneously processing seismic data to derive Young's modulus distribution, integrating gravitational measurements for load calculations, and producing elastic thickness maps. This universal approach handles multiple data types and analytical tasks within a single framework, reducing overall complexity compared to separate processing methods.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach provides a more accurate prediction of structural features, improving local and regional studies by correlating with known tectonic elements and revealing previously unresolved structures, such as tectonic features and suture zones.
Implementation Method 1
Thin crustal plates can be considered to respond elastically, on a geological timescale, to gravitational and other large-scale forces
Implementation Method 2
The Young's modulus distribution may be obtained from measured or derived seismic primary wave velocities
Implementation Method 3
modifying the flexural rigidity distribution with the Young's modulus distribution to obtain an equivalent elastic thickness distribution of the region
Data Source
AI summary
A method is provided for processing measured data to provide information on the structure of a region of the earth. The method comprises providing a flexural rigidity distribution of the region, providing a Young's modulus distribution of the region, and modifying the flexural rigidity distribution with the Young's modulus distribution to obtain an equivalent elastic thickness distribution of the region indicative of the structure thereof.