Seismic Waveform Inversion for Sinkhole Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current technologies for identifying sinkholes are limited in precision and reliability, often requiring initial data models and invasive techniques, and struggle to detect sinkholes of varying sizes and depths filled with different materials, leading to slow response times and inaccurate assessments.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the collection and analysis of full seismic wavefields using global and deterministic inversions, where impacts are applied to the ground surface to generate waveforms, and genetic algorithms are used to generate models of the subsurface without prior information, allowing for the identification of layering and material properties, and subsequent detection of anomalies like sinkholes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If current sinkhole detection technologies are used, then detection can be performed with existing methods, but precision and reliability are insufficient and invasive techniques are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces invasive mechanical probing methods with seismic wave analysis. By generating seismic waves through impacts on the ground surface and analyzing the resulting waveforms, the system detects subsurface anomalies non-invasively. The seismic waves propagate through the ground and their characteristics change when encountering sinkholes or voids, allowing detection without physical intrusion into the subsurface.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses seismic waves as an intermediary to detect subsurface conditions. Instead of directly probing the ground, the system introduces seismic energy that interacts with subsurface features and carries information back to surface receivers. This intermediary approach enables indirect observation of sinkholes through waveform analysis, achieving high precision without invasive techniques.
2Productivity
If initial data models are required for sinkhole detection, then detection framework is established, but response time increases and precision decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary characterization of the subsurface through seismic wave analysis before conducting detailed sinkhole detection. By first analyzing the overall wavefield to understand subsurface layering and properties, the system establishes a baseline model that accelerates subsequent anomaly detection. This preliminary action reduces the need for extensive initial data models while improving response time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs iterative waveform analysis where initial detection results provide feedback for refining the subsurface model. The system analyzes seismic waveforms, identifies anomalies, and uses this information to improve subsequent detections. This feedback mechanism allows the system to achieve high precision without requiring comprehensive initial data models, thereby reducing response time.
3Measurement precision
If comprehensive waveform analysis is performed, then detection accuracy improves, but computational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the seismic waveform analysis into distinct processing stages. First, the system analyzes the full wavefield to characterize subsurface layering and properties. Then, it focuses computational resources on identifying anomalies by comparing observed waveforms against the established model. This segmentation of the analysis process maintains high detection accuracy while reducing overall computational complexity through staged processing.
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 enables efficient and precise detection of subterranean properties and anomalies without invasive methods, providing accurate characterization of geological domains and reducing the need for initial models, thus improving the reliability and speed of sinkhole identification.
Implementation Method 1
subjecting a ground surface of the geological domain to one or more impacts for generating waveforms at and/or below the ground surface
Implementation Method 2
receiving and recording (e.g., using one or more receivers, such as geophones) waveform information resulting from the one or more impacts
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are provided for detecting subterranean properties associated with a geological domain. One example method may comprise obtaining waveform information corresponding to a geological domain. The method may further comprise performing a global inversion on the waveform information. Furthermore, the method may comprise performing a deterministic inversion on the waveform information. The method may also comprise determining one or more subterranean properties associated with the geological domain based at least in part on the global inversion and the deterministic inversion.