Analysis and Simulation of Far-Field Seismic Data from the Source Physics Experiment

Abstract

The SPE-N is a series of chemical explosions intended to enhance our physical understanding and ability to quantitatively model seismic signals from explosions at the NNSS with the goal of improving our nuclear test monitoring capabilities (Brunish et al., 2010). The main objective is to develop comprehensive three-dimensional high fidelity modeling capabilities to enable a transition from the current empirically-based explosion monitoring approach, where accuracy hinges on the availability of calibration data, to a physics-based predictive approach, where seismic observables are correlated to both non-linear physical processes in the near source region, and wave propagation scattering away from the source. To address these issues, we are developing an end-to-end three-dimensional (3D) simulation methodology to model the data collected, including non-linear (shock) motions and linear anelastic motions in the solid earth. We seek to understand the partitioning of energy excited by underground explosions and its propagation in complex 3D geological structure to far-field seismic monitoring stations. The data obtained during the SPE series will be used to validate and calibrate these numerical modeling techniques. Although the entire wavefield will be modeled, particular focus is on the generation of shear waves.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Sep 01, 2012
Accession Number
ADA569948

Entities

People

  • Anders Petersson
  • Arben Pitarka
  • Arthur J. Rodgers
  • Jeffery L. Wagoner
  • Michael Pasyanos
  • Oleg Y. Vorobiev
  • Phillip E. Harben
  • Robert J. Mellors
  • Sean R. Ford
  • William R. Walter

Organizations

  • Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Sensors

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Force Research Laboratories
  • Computer Programs
  • Doppler Effect
  • Explosions
  • Far Field
  • Frequency
  • Ground Based
  • National Security
  • Nuclear Explosions
  • Scattering
  • Secondary Waves
  • Seismic Waves
  • Simulations
  • Three Dimensional
  • Wave Propagation
  • Waveforms
  • Waves

Fields of Study

  • Environmental science
  • Physics

Readers

  • Ocean-Atmosphere Mesoscale Modeling, Data Assimilation, and Flux Boundary Layers
  • Seismology