Detecting near-surface objects with seismic waveform tomography

Abstract

Abstract Three shallow, high-velocity, rubble-filled targets are imaged using waveform tomography in an engineering-scale clay embankment at Seven Sisters Falls, Manitoba, Canada, to locate targets buried at approximately 7 as a blind test of geophysical imaging methods. Previous studies use near-offset reflection methods to image the targets; however, this test uses waveform tomography of the long-offset, refracted arrivals to image P-velocity and seismic attenuation. The targets are invisible to standard traveltime tomography. Using weight-drop data, with frequencies of 20–150 Hz, the subwavelength targets are resolved in the velocity images and complementary images of seismic Q are produced. The interpreted target locations are consistent with limited survey information from the embankment construction. Multiple quality-control efforts, paired with a very good fit between model and observed data, indicate the reliability of the results.