Surface geophysical investigations of landslide at the Wiri area in southeastern Korea

A geophysical survey was undertaken at Wiri area of the Andong in southeastern Korea to delineate subsurface structure and to detect the fault zone, which affected the 1997 mountain–hill subsidence and subsequent road heaving initiated by the intense rainfall. Electrical resistivity methods of dipole–dipole array profiling and Schlumberger array sounding and seismic methods of refraction and reflection profiling were used to map a clay zone, which was regarded as the major factor for the landslide. The clay zone was identified in electrical resistivity and seismic sections as having low electrical resistivity (<100 Ωm) and low seismic velocity (<400 m/s), respectively. The clay zone detected by using geophysical methods is well correlated with its distribution from the trench and drill-core data. The results of the electrical and seismic surveys showed that slope subsidence was associated with the sliding of saturated clay along a fault plane trending NNW–SSE and dipping 10°–20° SW. However, the road heaving was caused by the slope movement of the saturated clay along a sub-vertical NNE-trending fault.     

Transient electromagnetic study of basin fill sediments in the Upper San Pedro Basin,Mexico

The Upper San Pedro River Basin in Mexico and the United States is an important riparian corridor that is coming under increasing pressure from growing populations and the associated increase in groundwater withdrawal. Several studies have produced three-dimensional maps of the basin fill sediments in the US portion of the basin but little work has been done in the Mexican portion of the basin. Here, the results of a ground-based transient electromagnetic (TEM) survey in the Upper San Pedro Basin, Mexico are presented. These basin fill sediments are characterized by a 10–40 m deep unsaturated surficial zone which is composed primarily of sands and gravels. In the central portion of the basin this unsaturated zone is usually underlain by a shallow clay layer 20–50 m thick. Beneath this may be more clay, as is usually the case near the San Pedro River, or interbedded sand, silt, and clay to a depth of 200–250 m. As you move away from the river, the upper clay layer disappears and the amount of sand in the sediments increases. At 1–2 km away from the river, sands can occupy up to 50% of the upper 200–250 m of the sediment fill. Below this, clays are always present except where bedrock highs are observed. This lower clay layer begins at a depth of about 200 m in the central portion of the basin (250 m or more at distances greater than 1–2 km from the river) and extends to the bottom of most profiles to depths of 400 m. While the depth of the top of this lower clay layer is probably accurate, its thickness observed in the models may be overestimated due to the relatively low magnetic moment of the TEM system used in this study. The inversion routine used for interpretation is based on a one-dimensional geologic model. This is a layer based model that is isotropic in both the x and y directions. Several survey soundings did not meet this requirement which invalidates the inversion process and the resulting interpretation at these locations. The results from these locations were rejected.     

Electrical imaging of the groundwater aquifer at Banting,Selangor, Malaysia

A geophysical study was carried out in the Banting area of Malaysia to delineate groundwater aquifer and marine clay layer of the alluvial Quaternary deposits of Beruas and Gula Formations. The Beruas Formation is formed by peat and clayey materials as well as silt and sands, whereas the Gula Formation consists of clay, silt, sand and gravels. Both Formations were deposited on top of the Carboniferous shale of the Kenny Hill Formation. A 2-D geoelectrical resistivity technique was used. Resistivity measurement was carried out using an ABEM SAS 4000 Terrameter. The 2-D resistivity data of subsurface material for each survey line was calculated through inverse modelling and then compared with borehole data. The resistivity images of all the subsurface material below the survey lines show similar pattern of continuous structure of layering or layers with some lenses with resistivity ranging from 0.1 to 50 Ωm. The upper layer shows resistivity values ranging from 0.1 to 10 Ωm, representing a clay horizon with a thickness up to 45 m. The second layer with depth varies from 45 to 70 m below surface and has resistivity values ranging from 10 to 30 Ωm. Borehole data indicate coarse sand with some gravels for this layer, which is also the groundwater aquifer in the study area. The lowermost layer at a depth of 70 m below ground level shows resistivity values ranging from 30–50 Ωm and can be correlated with metasedimentary rocks consisting of shale and metaquartzite.     

Crustal thinning beneath the Rwenzori region, Albertine rift, Uganda, from receiver-function analysis

The Rwenzori mountains in western Uganda, with a maximum elevation of more than 5,000 m, are located within the Albertine rift valley. We have deployed a temporary seismic network on the Ugandan side of the mountain range to study the seismic velocity structure of the crust and upper mantle beneath this section of the rift. We present results from a receiver-function study revealing a simple crustal structure along the eastern rift flank with a more or less uniform crustal thickness of about 30 km. The complexity of inner-crustal structures increases drastically within the Rwenzori block. We apply different inversion techniques to obtain reliable results for the thickness of the crust. The observations expose a significantly thinner crust beneath the Rwenzori range with thickness values ranging from about 20–28 km beneath northern and central parts of the mountains. Our study therefore indicates the absence of a crustal root beneath the Rwenzori block. Beneath the Lake Edward and Lake George basins we detect the top of a layer of significantly reduced S-wave velocity at 15 km depth. This low-velocity layer may be attributed to the presence of partial melt beneath a region of recent volcanic activity.     

Identification of cross-valley faults in the Maynardville Limestone,Oak Ridge Reservation,Tennessee, using seismic refraction tomography

First arrival times from P-wave refraction and reflection seismic surveys along Bear Creek Valley on the Oak Ridge Reservation, Tennessee, were inverted to produce refraction tomographic velocity images showing seismic velocity variations within thinly mantled karstic bedrock to a depth of approximately 20 m. Inverted velocities are consistent with two distinct bedrock groups: the Nolichucky Shale (2,730–5,150 m/s) and Maynardville Limestone (3,940–7,575 m/s). Low-velocity zones (2,700–4,000 m/s) in the tomographic images correspond to previously inferred cross-valley strike-slip faults; in places, these faults create permeability barriers that offset or block groundwater flowing along Bear Creek Valley. These faults may also force groundwater contaminants, such as dense non-aqueous phase liquids, to migrate laterally or downward, spreading contamination throughout the groundwater system. Other, previously unmapped cross-valley faults may also be visible in the tomographic images. Borehole logs suggest the low-velocity values are caused by low rigidity fractured and vuggy rock, water zones, cavities and collapse features. Surface streams, including Bear Creek, tend to lie directly above these low-velocity zones, suggesting fault and fracture control of surface drainage, in addition to the subsurface flow system. In some cases, fault zones are also associated with bedrock depressions and thicker accumulations of unconsolidated sediment.     

Seismic evidence for thick and underplated late Archaean crust of eastern Dharwar craton

The deep crustal structure of eastern Dharwar craton has been investigated through τ-p extremal inversion of P-wave travel times from a network of seismographs recording quarry blasts. Travel times have been observed in the distance range 30–250 km in a laterally homogeneous lithospheric segment Main features of the inferred velocity-depth relationship include: (a) 29 km thick combined upper and middle crust velocity varying from 6 km/s to 7 km/s, with no observable velocity discontinuity in this depth range; (b) a lower crust (∼ 29–41 km) with velocity increasing from 7.0 to 7.3 km/s; (c) an average upper mantle velocity of 8.1 km/s; and (d) presence of a 12 km thick high velocity crustal layer (7.4 – 7.8 km/s) in the depth range 41–53 km, with a distinct velocity gradient marking a velocity increase of 0.4 km/s. The anomalous 53 km thick crust is viewed as a consequence of magmatic underplating at the base of the crust in the process of cratonization of the eastern Dharwar craton during late Archaean. The underplated material reflects here with the velocity of 7–3 to 7–8 km/s below the depth of 40 km. Our proposition of magmatic underplating is also supported by the presence of large scale I-granitoid, a product of partial melting of the upper mantle material.     

On the origin of mixed-layered clay minerals from the San Andreas Fault at 2.5–3 km vertical depth (SAFOD drillhole at Parkfield,California)

A detailed mineralogical study is presented of the matrix of mudrocks sampled from spot coring at three key locations along the San Andreas Fault Observatory at depth (SAFOD) drill hole. The characteristics of authigenic illite–smectite (I–S) and chlorite–smectite (C–S) mixed-layer mineral clays indicate a deep diagenetic origin. A randomly ordered I–S mineral with ca. 20–25% smectite layers is one of the dominant authigenic clay species across the San Andreas Fault zone (sampled at 3,066 and 3,436 m measured depths/MD), whereas an authigenic illite with ca. 2–5% smectite layers is the dominant phase beneath the fault (sampled at 3,992 m MD). The most smectite-rich mixed-layered assemblage with the highest water content occurs in the actively deforming creep zone at ca. 3,300–3,353 m (true vertical depth of ca. 2.7 km), with I–S (70:30) and C–S (50:50). The matrix of all mudrock samples show extensive quartz and feldspar (both plagioclase and K-feldspar) dissolution associated with the crystallization of pore-filling clay minerals. However, the effect of rock deformation in the matrix appears only minor, with weak flattening fabrics defined largely by kinked and fractured mica grains. Adopting available kinetic models for the crystallization of I–S in burial sedimentary environments and the current borehole depths and thermal structure, the conditions and timing of I–S growth can be evaluated. Assuming a typical K⁺ concentration of 100–200 ppm for sedimentary brines, a present-day geothermal gradient of 35°C/km and a borehole temperature of ca. 112°C for the sampled depths, most of the I–S minerals can be predicted to have formed over the last 4–11 Ma and are probably still in equilibrium with circulating fluids. The exception to this simple burial pattern is the occurrence of the mixed layered phases with higher smectite content than predicted by the burial model. These minerals, which characterize the actively creeping section of the fault and local thin film clay coating on polished brittle slip surfaces, can be explained by the influence of either cooler fluids circulating along this segment of the fault or the flow of K⁺-depleted brines.     

Delineation of contamination plume around oxidation sewage-ponds in Southwestern Nigeria

Integrated surface electrical resistivity and electromagnetic (EM) surveys were conducted in a hard-rock terrain of Southwestern Nigeria in the vicinity of active oxidation sewage treatment ponds. The aim was to detect soil contamination due to the spread of sewage effluent, locate possible leachate plumes and conductive lithologic layers, and access the risk of groundwater pollution in the vicinity of the sewage-ponds. Dipole–dipole resistivity profiling and very low frequency (VLF) data were acquired at 10-m intervals along five 200-m long east-west geophysical traverses. Resistivity sections obtained revealed four subsurface geologic layers comprised of lateritic clay, clayey sand/sand, weathered/fractured bedrock, and competent bedrock. A distinct low resistivity zone corresponding to the contamination plume (labeled B) was delineated from all the resistivity sections. This low zone extends into the weathered bedrock and possibly suggests contamination of this layer. The filtered real component of the processed VLF data detected three distinct anomaly zones that are representative of fractured zones filled with conductive fluids and/or lithologic boundaries that possibly serve as conduits for the movement of contaminated effluents. The results obtained from the two methods suggest possible contamination of the subsurface soil layers and groundwater in the vicinity of the sewage-ponds. The existence of this contaminated plume poses a serious threat to the ecosystem and health of the people living in the vicinity of the sewage-ponds.     

Elasto-plastic Behavior of Raghadan Tunnel Based on RMR and Hoek–Brown Classifications

Lining contact pressure and ground deformation of Raghadan transportation tunnel (Amman, Jordan) were investigated. The tunnel is 1.1 km in length and 13.5 m in diameter. This study was intended to integrate useful relations among the widely used rock classification system (RMR: rock mass rating), Hoek–Brown classification, and lining-ground interaction. The materials encountered along the tunnel alignment were limestone, dolomatic limestone, marly limestone, dolomite, and sillicified limestone. The ground conditions along the tunnel alignment including bedding planes, joint sets and joint conditions, rock quality, water flow, and rock strength were evaluated based on the drilled boreholes and rock exposures. Elasto-plastic finite element analyses were conducted to study the effect of rock mass conditions and tunnel face advance on the behavior of lining-ground interaction. The results of the analyses showed that lining contact pressure decreases linearly with the increase in RMR value. Also the results showed that tunnel lining contact pressure and crown inward displacement decreases with the increase in the unsupported distance (distance between tunnel face and the end of the erected lining). Ground displacement above the tunnel crown was found to be increases in an increasing rate with the decrease in the depth above the crown. This displacement was also found to be affected by the RMR value and the unsupported distance.     

Liquefaction Hazard Assessment of Earth Quake Prone Area: a Study Based on Shear Wave Velocity by Multichannel Analysis of Surface Waves (MASW)

The shear wave velocity (V_S) profile based on the dispersive characteristics of fundamental mode of Rayleigh type surface waves indicate underground stiffness change with depth as well as near surface stiffness. The most important utility of shear wave velocity (V_S) is to estimate the liquefaction hazard potential of an area particularly in seismically active region. Rayleigh type surface waves were utilized to estimate the velocity (V_S) of shallow subsurface covering a depth range of 30–50 m employing multichannel analysis of surface waves. The liquefaction hazard map predicts an approximate percentage of an area that will have surface manifestation of liquefaction during an earth quake. The surface wave data acquired in an earth quake prone region of Jabalpur (Seismic zone III), India, yields a velocity (V_S) range of 200–750 m/s corresponding to the subsurface depth of 30–35 m. The results were analyzed for possible liquefaction hazard in the study area and presented here besides the N values.     

S-wave velocity structure of the crust and upper mantle under southeastern China by surface wave dispersion analysis

Group velocity dispersion data of fundamental-mode Rayleigh and Love waves for 12 wave paths within southeastern China have been measured by applying the multiple-filter technique to the properly rotated three-component digital seismograms from two Seismic Research Observatory stations, TATO and CHTO. The generalized surface wave inversion technique was applied to these group velocity dispersion data to determine the S-wave velocity structures of the crust and upper mantle for various regions of southeastern China. The results clearly demonstrate that the crust and upper mantle under southeastern China are laterally heterogeneous. The southern China region south of 25°N and the eastern China region both have a crustal thickness of 30 km. The eastern Tibet plateau along the 100°E meridian has a crustal thickness of 60 km. Central China, consisting mainly of the Yangtze and Sino-Korean platforms, has a crustal thickness of 40 km. A distinct S-wave low-velocity layer at 10–20 km depth in the middle crust was found under wave paths in southeastern China. On the other hand, no such crustal low-velocity layer is evident under the eastern Tibet plateau. This low-velocity layer in the middle crust appears to reflect the presence of a sialic low-velocity layer perhaps consisting of intruded granitic laccoliths, or possibly the remnant of the source zone of widespread magmatic activities known to have taken place in these regions since the late Carboniferous.     

Geotechnical modeling of fractures and cavities that are associated with geotechnical engineering problems in Kuala Lumpur limestone,Malaysia

This study presents a modified geotechnical model of subsurface cavities and fractures that are associated with foundation and pilling problems. The topographical model was used to automatically extract minimum surface curvature, slope, and pits. The image processing shows that more than fourteen regional faults, trending NE, SW, and WNW affect the Kuala Lumpur limestone bedrock and the surface topography from South to North. These fractures often show higher probability of piling and constructions problems. The faults are tensional, low lying, and wrench of length 10–20 km. Opencast ex-mining pond floors (bathymetry) are good indicators of subsurface fractures and cavities that affect the limestone bedrock. The LANDSAT image (band one) shows that the fractures of opencast ex-mining pond floors have the same trend as the regional faults. These techniques can help geotechnical engineers to predict subsurface fractures and cavities, especially in areas adjacent to ex-mining ponds. In brief, most of the subsurface cavities and ex-mining ponds, for example the Phong Fatt pond, are located on and along fault zones.     

Crustal velocity inhomogeneities along the Hirapur–Mandla profile, central India and its tectonic implications

Wide-angle seismic and gravity data across the Narmada-Son lineament (NSL) in central India are analyzed to determine crustal structure, velocity inhomogeneities and hence constrain the tectonics of the lineament. We present the 2-D crustal velocity structure from deep wide-angle reflection data by using a ray-trace inverse approach. The main result of the study is the delineation of fault-bounded horst raised to a subsurface depth (1.5 km) and the Moho upwarp beneath the NSL. The crust below the basement consists of three layers with velocities of 6.45–6.7, 6.2–6.5 and 6.7–6.95 km/s and interface depths of about 5.5–8.7, 14–17 and 18–23 km along the profile. The low-velocity (6.2–6.5 km/s) layer goes up to a depth of 5 km and becomes the thickest part (13 km), while the overlying high-velocity (6.45–6.7 km/s) layer becomes the thinnest (3 km) and upper boundary lies at a depth of 1.5 km beneath the NSL. The overall uncertainties of various velocity and boundary nodes are of the order of ±0.12 km/s and ±1.40 km, respectively. The up-lifted crustal block and the up-warping Moho beneath the NSL indicate that the north and south faults bounding the NSL are deeply penetrated through which mafic materials from upper mantle have been intruded into the upper crust. Gravity modeling was also undertaken to assess the seismically derived crustal features and to fill the seismic data gap. The lateral and vertical heterogeneous nature of the structure and velocity inhomogeneities in the crust cause instability to the crustal blocks and played an important role in reactivation of the Narmada south fault during the 1997 Jabalpur earthquake.     

Delineation of saltwater intrusion into the freshwater aquifer of Lekki Peninsula,Lagos, Nigeria

Recently, the deterioration of water quality in the coastal zones of Lekki Peninsula area of Lagos due to saltwater infiltration into the freshwater aquifer has become a major concern. With the aim of providing valuable information on the hydrogeologic system of the aquifers, the subsurface lithology and delineating the groundwater salinity, vertical electrical resistivity (VES) sounding survey was carried out utilizing surface Schlumberger electrode arrays, and electrode spacing varying between 1 and 150 m. The DC resistivity surveys revealed significant variations in subsurface resistivity. Also, the VES resistivity curves showed a dominant trend of decreasing resistivity with depth (thus increasing salinity). In general, the presence of four distinct resistivity zones were delineated viz.: the unconsolidated dry sand (A) having resistivity values ranging between 125 and 1,028 Ωm represent the first layer; the fresh water-saturated soil (zone B) having resistivity values which correspond to 32–256 Ωm is the second layer; the third layer (zone C) is interpreted as the mixing (transition) zone of fresh with brackish groundwater. The resistivity of this layer ranges from 4 to 32 Ωm; while layer four (zone D) is characterized with resistivities values generally below 4 Ωm reflecting an aquifer possibly containing brine. The rock matrix, salinity and water saturation are the major factors controlling the resistivity of the formation. Moreover, this investigation shows that saline water intrusion into the aquifers can be accurately mapped using surface DC resistivity method.     

Formation of chlorite during thrust fault reactivation. Record of fluid origin and P–T conditions in the Monte Perdido thrust fault (southern Pyrenees)

The chemical and isotopic compositions of clay minerals such as illite and chlorite are commonly used to quantify diagenetic and low-grade metamorphic conditions, an approach that is also used in the present study of the Monte Perdido thrust fault from the South Pyrenean fold-and-thrust belt. The Monte Perdido thrust fault is a shallow thrust juxtaposing upper Cretaceous–Paleocene platform carbonates and Lower Eocene marls and turbidites from the Jaca basin. The core zone of the fault, about 6 m thick, consists of intensely deformed clay-bearing rocks bounded by major shear surfaces. Illite and chlorite are the main hydrous minerals in the fault zone. Illite is oriented along cleavage planes while chlorite formed along shear veins (<50 μm in thickness). Authigenic chlorite provides essential information about the origin of fluids and their temperature. δ¹⁸O and δD values of newly formed chlorite support equilibration with sedimentary interstitial water, directly derived from the local hanging wall and footwall during deformation. Given the absence of large-scale fluid flow, the mineralization observed in the thrust faults records the P–T conditions of thrust activity. Temperatures of chlorite formation of about 240°C are obtained via two independent methods: chlorite compositional thermometers and oxygen isotope fractionation between cogenetic chlorite and quartz. Burial depth conditions of 7 km are determined for the Monte Perdido thrust reactivation, coupling calculated temperature and fluid inclusion isochores. The present study demonstrates that both isotopic and thermodynamic methods applied to clay minerals formed in thrust fault are useful to help constrain diagenetic and low-grade metamorphic conditions.     

Study of the Engineering Geological Problems of the Havasan Dam,with Emphasis on Clay-Filled Joints in the Right Abutment

Havasan dam site is located in northwest of Iran. The planned concrete dam is to be built on Cretaceous limestone. Faulted and fractured limestone is exposed at the dam abutments and in the reservoir area. Rock mass properties including the deformation modulus and uniaxial compressive strength were calculated using different rock mass classification systems (RMR, Q, GSI and DMR). Laboratory tests indicate that joint filling materials contain clay with low to high plasticity (CL to CH) and low to medium potential swelling pressures. X-ray diffraction analysis confirms that the reason for potential swelling of joint fillings is the existence of clay minerals (such as illite and montmorillonite). The study results about the shear strength of clay-filled joints show that under JRC–JCS condition (laboratory scale), JRC _n –JCS _n (large scale) and normal stress equal to 0.25–4 MPa, the range of shear strength of clay-filled joints will be equal to 0.2–2.17 and 0.14–1.72 MPa. In some areas dissolution along the joints results in high permeability, especially in the right abutment. Three dominant joint sets occur in the exploration galleries which have been excavated in the right abutment. The maximum aperture of these joints varies from 7 to 9 cm, and the joints are typically filled with clay. Preliminary analysis shows that the presence of open joints which will cause seepage of water, combined with the impact of the clay-filled joints and forces acting on the slopes, could lead to slope failures and rock falls. In addition, the assessment of slope stability results in abutments using limited equilibrium method and Swedge software under dynamic and static conditions shows that two wedges formed on the slopes of the abutment by the natural joints are potentially unstable. The rock wedge on the left abutment is smaller but presents higher sliding potential. In addition, there is no probability of planar failure due to the geological condition of the dam abutments. This paper summarizes the site investigation and subsequent analysis, which resulted in a recommendation not to construct this site. We offer some potential mitigation plans to consider if a dam were to be built at this site.     

Deformation mechanisms of deeply buried and surface-piercing Late Pre-Cambrian to Early Cambrian Ara Salt from interior Oman

We compared microstructures of Late Pre-Cambrian to Early Cambrian Ara Salt diapirs from the deep subsurface (3.5–5 km) of the South Oman Salt Basin and from surface-piercing salt domes of the Ghaba Salt Basin. Laterally, these basins are approximately 500 km apart but belong to the same tectono-sedimentary system. The excellent data situation from both wells and outcrops allows a unique quantification of formation and deformation mechanisms, spanning from sedimentation to deep burial, and via re-activated diapir rise to surface piercement. Microstructures of gamma-irradiated and etched thin sections indicate dislocation creep and fluid-assisted grain boundary migration as the main deformation mechanisms operating in the deep subsurface. Microstructures from the surface are characterised by large ‘old’ subgrain-rich crystals. These ‘old’ grains are partly replaced by ‘new’ subgrain-free and subgrain-poor crystals, which show gamma irradiation-decorated growth bands and fibrous microstructures, indicative of pressure solution creep and static recrystallisation, most likely due to surface piercement and exposure. Using subgrain size piezometry, the maximum differential stresses for the subsurface salt is 1.7 MPa and those for the surface-piercing salt is 3.4 MPa, the latter value displaying the high stress conditions in the diapir ‘stem’ as the salt rises on its way to the surface.     

Effect of geological conditions on road construction in Jandagh Playa of Iran

The Jandagh–Moalleman road, which crosses the Great Kavir of Iran, was completed in 1999. Less than 1 year after completion, road subsidence problems began. In order to determine the causes of failure, field observations were taken along with surface and subsurface samples from road segments exhibiting typical problems. Laboratory experiments were conducted to determine their physical, chemical, and engineering properties. The results indicate that there are two typical layers in this playa: an upper, hard, salty crust layer composed of up to 46% soluble materials; and a lower, thick, muddy layer which is mostly composed of silt, clay minerals, gypsum, and halite. It was concluded that mineral dissolution of the upper salt crust layer and the sinking of road fill materials into the lower muddy layer, are the main causes of road settlement. An appropriate method to protect the road against the dissolution of its soluble materials is recommended.     

Landslides and residual strength in marl profiles in Israel

Many areas in northern Israel show evidence of old landslides in marly profiles, and new slides are often activated in these regions. Such a slide occurred in the town of Rechasim, near Haifa, during an exceptionally wet winter in 1992. The present paper analyzes the causes for this slide, and suggests that it was due to a combination of downslope flow in the overlying, severely cracked chalk–limestone layer, and mobilization of residual strength at the marl–chalk interface. The residual strength of Israeli marly soils has been studied, and it is shown that while many of these consist predominantly of clay-sized (< 2 μm) particles, and may, therefore, expect to have a very low residual friction angle, the amount of clay sized carbonate in the soil is of major influence on the residual friction angle. When the clay-sized material includes less than about 11% carbonate, the clay particles dominate the shearing mechanism and result in a residual friction angle of the order of 12°; this was the case at Rechasim. However, when more than about 30% of the clay-sized material is carbonate, the carbonates control the shearing mechanism, and residual friction angles can be as high as 30°. Results of a preliminary study of the change in residual strength with time are also presented.     

Impact of internal waves on the acoustic field at a coastal station off Paradeep,east coast of India

Internal Wave (IW) characteristics and the impact of IW on acoustic field have been studied utilizing the hourly time series of temperature and salinity data collected at a coastal site off Paradeep (north Bay of Bengal) during 24–25 October 2008. The IW characteristics, viz. period (t _per ), velocity (C _vel ), wavelength (L), and wave numbers (k), are found to be 2.133–34.72 h, 0.135 km h⁻¹, 0.37–6.2 km and 2.70–0.16 cycles km⁻¹, respectively. The semi-diurnal tidal forces are predominant than diurnal as well as at other frequencies and its contribution is about 64% towards the total potential energy (E ₀ = 3.34 J m⁻²). Sound velocity perturbations with space and time in the presence of IW field are examined from Garrettt-Munk (GM) model. Transmission loss anomaly for optimized source-receiver configuration at the depth of 53 m and range of 9 km has been computed from acoustic modelling. The loss in the acoustic transmission is found to be 38.4 dB in the presence of low-frequency IW field.