Seismic Monitoring System Reconstructs Moment Tensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing seismic detection systems face challenges in accurately locating and determining the precise location and mechanism of seismic events, such as earthquakes, due to difficulties in interpreting data from seismic detectors.
Innovation Solution
A seismic monitoring system that translates waveforms from seismic detectors into the frequency domain using the Laplace-Fourier transformation, generates three-dimensional wave fields in a geological model, and applies the reciprocity theorem to determine the source parameters and location of seismic events by minimizing residual errors between recorded and simulated waveforms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional seismic detection systems are used to locate and determine the mechanism of seismic events, then the system structure remains simple, but the measurement precision and reliability of earthquake source location and mechanism determination deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a seismic monitoring system that acts as an intermediary between seismic detectors and analysis. This system includes a computer that receives detector data, performs Laplace-Fourier transformations, generates wave fields in 3D geological models, and applies the reciprocity theorem. The intermediary system transforms raw seismic data into precise moment tensor reconstructions, resolving the contradiction by accepting increased system complexity to achieve superior measurement precision in earthquake source characterization
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical/physical analysis methods with mathematical and computational approaches. Specifically, it substitutes direct physical measurement with Laplace-Fourier transformations to convert time-domain seismic data into frequency-domain representations. The mechanical interpretation of seismic waves is replaced by generating synthetic wave fields through numerical modeling and comparing them with observed data through the reciprocity theorem, achieving precise moment tensor determination without physical intervention
2Measurement precision
If complex mathematical transformations and three-dimensional modeling are applied to seismic data, then the measurement precision improves, but the difficulty of detecting and measuring increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-processing seismic detector data through Laplace-Fourier transformations before detailed analysis. The system预先 converts time-domain waveforms into frequency-domain representations, preparing the data in an optimal format for subsequent moment tensor reconstruction. This preliminary transformation simplifies the subsequent analytical steps and enables more efficient application of the reciprocity theorem and 3D wave field generation, reducing the overall difficulty of the measurement process while maintaining high precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent fundamentally changes the parameters of seismic data representation by transforming from the time domain to the frequency domain using Laplace-Fourier methods. This parameter transformation allows the system to work with frequency-domain wavefields that are more amenable to moment tensor analysis. The change in domain parameters enables the application of the reciprocity theorem and facilitates the generation of 3D wave fields for comparison, thereby improving measurement precision while making the analysis more tractable through appropriate parameter selection
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
Enables precise estimation of earthquake source locations and mechanisms, improving the accuracy of seismic event analysis and providing valuable insights for the energy industry and seismological research.
Implementation Method 1
The seismic monitoring system may translate waveforms received from the seismic detectors to the frequency domain using the Laplace-Fourier transformation
Implementation Method 2
The seismic monitoring system may generate wave fields in a three dimensional seismic attribute model by applying the recorded waveforms as source inputs to a location of the seismic detectors in the three dimensional geological model
Implementation Method 3
The seismic monitoring system may apply the reciprocity theorem to generate the source parameters based on the integral relation between the source parameters and the wave fields generated by the simulated sources from the observed data
Data Source
AI summary
A seismic monitoring system includes a plurality of seismic monitors and a processing device operatively coupled to the plurality of seismic monitors. The processing device receives recordings of waveforms of motion detected at the plurality of seismic detectors in a geographic area. The processing device applies the respective recordings to corresponding positions of the seismic detectors in a three-dimensional geological model that describes its elastic attributes and tests a plurality of moment tensors at a plurality of locations. Based on the testing, the processing device determines a globally convergent source location and moment tensor in the three-dimensional model based on the testing.