SEISMIC-WAVE PROPAGATION FROM SALT-DOME ENVIRONMENTS
Abstract
Buried explosions in salt domes generate seismic waves and fracture the medium in the region around the detonation. Results indicate that the mechanics and dynamics of fracturing are not quantitatively well known in detail. Seismic waves can be used to delineate the structural configuration of a salt dome. A continuous velocity log shows that the velocity in the salt is constant, while the velocity in the surrounding sediments varies with depth. It is suggested that the connection of salt domes with a single mother salt bed at depth may be tested by using the velocity contrast between the salt and sediments. Significant decoupling effects, obtained by detonating a chemical explosive in an underground spherical cavity, are examined. It is concluded that proper equations of motions are already known, and theoretical computed waveforms are in very good agreement with experimental results. The decoupling factor is a function of frequency. Information obtained from the chemical explosion indicates that similar favorable results seem possible for nuclear explosions.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 01, 1964
- Accession Number
- AD0444492
Entities
People
- Changsheng Wu
- G. C. Phillips
Organizations
- University of Michigan