A surface wave inversion method incorporating interface constraints and its application in the assessment of ground vibrations caused by mining-induced seismicity

Authors

LI Cheng, State Key Laboratory of Digital Intelligent Technology for Unmanned Coal Mining, Anhui University of Science & Technology, Huainan 232001, China; School of Earth and Space Scienses, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, ChinaFollow
QIAN Changbao, State Key Laboratory of Digital Intelligent Technology for Unmanned Coal Mining, Anhui University of Science & Technology, Huainan 232001, China
LIU Ying, School of Earth and Space Scienses, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China; Mengcheng National Geophysical Observatory, Bozhou 233500, China
CHENG Yi, Anhui Intelligent Mining Engineering Design Institute Co., Ltd., Hefei 230031, China
NI Shengjun, Anhui Huizhou Geology Security Institute Co., Ltd., Hefei 230031, China
YAO Huajian, School of Earth and Space Scienses, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China; Mengcheng National Geophysical Observatory, Bozhou 233500, China

Abstract

Objective In mining areas of western China, underlying interfaces with significant fluctuations affect seismic exploration accuracy while also posing challenges to the assessment of ground vibrations triggered by dynamic hazards such as mining-induced seismicity. To enhance the characterization of shallow velocity structures and to provide support for dynamic hazard prevention and control in mining areas, this study developed an inversion method incorporating prior information about geological interfaces.Methods A dense array consisting of 489 single-component and 108 three-component seismometers was deployed within a mining area in Longkou Town, Junggar Banner, Inner Mongolia. Accordingly, continuous ambient noise data for about one month were collected. Subsequently, the thicknesses of the Quaternary sedimentary layers (Q₄ interfaces) were inverted using the horizontal-to-vertical spectral ratio (HVSR) method. Surface wave dispersion curves were extracted from both the cross-correlation functions of ambient noise and time-frequency analysis. Then, constrained inversion was conducted by integrating prior information about the Q₄ and coal seam interfaces. As a result, the 3D S-wave velocity structures under undulating interfaces were established. Finally, numerical simulations were performed using the spectral element method (SEM) and the SPECFEM3D (SEM3D) software to compare the seismic wavefield responses of the homogeneous, unconstrained, and proposed constrained models.Results Compared to unconstrained inversion, the surface wave inversion method incorporating interface constraints exhibited a decrease of approximately 40% in travel time residual and faster convergence speeds. Furthermore, the proposed method effectively suppressed path distortions caused by interface undulations and significantly enhanced the imaging accuracy of shallow velocity structures. Numerical simulation results indicate that the sedimentary layers and intermontane basins strongly influence the distribution and attenuation of seismic wave energy, with the basin areas producing more prominent amplification effects on wavefields than the sedimentary layers.Conclusions The proposed inversion method that incorporates interface constraints provides a technical approach for the fine-scale modeling of shallow velocity structures in mining areas with undulating interfaces. The findings of this study offer methodological and model support for the assessment, prevention, and control of ground vibrations triggered by dynamic hazards such as mining-induced seismicity.

Keywords

ambient noise tomography (ANT), direct surface wave inversion, interfaces constraint, mining-induced seismic simulation, seismic wave field

DOI

10.12363/issn.1001-1986.25.07.0531

Recommended Citation

LI Cheng, QIAN Changbao, LIU Ying, et al. (2026) "A surface wave inversion method incorporating interface constraints and its application in the assessment of ground vibrations caused by mining-induced seismicity," Coal Geology & Exploration: Vol. 54: Iss. 3, Article 21.
DOI: 10.12363/issn.1001-1986.25.07.0531
Available at: https://cge.researchcommons.org/journal/vol54/iss3/21

Reference

[1] 杨城增,金东民,梁殿文,等. 长波长静校正问题的识别与解决方法:以鄂尔多斯黄土塬地震资料为例[J]. 地球物理学进展,2016,31(5):2212−2218

YANG Chengzeng,JIN Dongmin,LIANG Dianwen,et al. Method of identification and solution about long–wavelength static correction:A case study from the seismic data in Ordos Loess Plateau[J]. Progress in Geophysics,2016,31(5):2212−2218

[2] 居兴国,余青露. 黄土塬地区井控约束长波长静校正技术研究及应用[J]. 地球物理学进展,2017,32(3):1149−1153

JU Xingguo,YU Qinglu. Research and application of the long wavelength static correction technology with well control in the Loess Plateau area[J]. Progress in Geophysics,2017,32(3):1149−1153

[3] 韩令贺,孙章庆,胡自多,等. 三维复杂黄土塬区变加密不等距网格初至走时计算与特征分析[J]. 地球物理学报,2022,65(8):3108−3122

HAN Linghe,SUN Zhangqing,HU Ziduo,et al. Travel–time calculation and characteristic analysis for first arrival in 3D complex Loess Plateau area using variable density and unequal distance grid[J]. Chinese Journal of Geophysics,2022,65(8):3108−3122

[4] 霍嘉华. 沁水煤田Z矿区地震资料静校正技术研究[D]. 西安：西安石油大学，2023.

HUO Jiahua. Study on seismic data static correction technology of Z mining area in Qinshui Coalfield[D]. Xi’an：Xi’an Shiyou University，2023.

[5] 李俊平,管婷婷,冯嘉禹,等. 矿震与冲击地压防治研究进展[J]. 中国安全科学学报,2024,34(1):85−93

LI Junping,GUAN Tingting,FENG Jiayu,et al. Research progress on prevention and control of mine earthquake and rock burst[J]. China Safety Science Journal,2024,34(1):85−93

[6] 潘一山,李忠华,章梦涛. 我国冲击地压分布、类型、机理及防治研究[J]. 岩石力学与工程学报,2003,22(11):1844−1851

PAN Yishan,LI Zhonghua,ZHANG Mengtao. Distribution,type,mechanism and prevention of rockbrust in China[J]. Chinese Journal of Rock Mechanics and Engineering,2003,22(11):1844−1851

[7] SIMSER B P. Rockburst management in Canadian hard rock mines[J]. Journal of Rock Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering,2019,11(5):1036−1043.

[8] WASILEWSKI S. Gas–dynamic phenomena caused by rock mass tremors and rock bursts[J]. International Journal of Mining Science and Technology,2020,30(3):413−420.

[9] 曹安业,窦林名,白贤栖,等. 我国煤矿矿震发生机理及治理现状与难题[J]. 煤炭学报,2023,48(5):1894−1918

CAO Anye,DOU Linming,BAI Xianxi,et al. State–of–the–art occurrence mechanism and hazard control of mining tremors and their challenges in Chinese coal mines[J]. Journal of China Coal Society,2023,48(5):1894−1918

[10] 崔亚仲,任艳艳,白明亮. 神东矿区煤炭智能化建设实践[J]. 煤炭科学技术,2022,50(增刊1):218−226

CUI Yazhong,REN Yanyan,BAI Mingliang. Practice of intelligent construction of Shendong coal mine[J]. Coal Science and Technology,2022,50(Sup.1):218−226

[11] 滕吉文. 高精度地球物理学是创新未来的必然发展轨迹[J]. 地球物理学报,2021,64(4):1131−1144

TENG Jiwen. High–precision geophysics:The inevitable development track of the innovative future[J]. Chinese Journal of Geophysics,2021,64(4):1131−1144

[12] 彭苏萍,赵惊涛,盛同杰,等. 煤田绕射地震勘探现状与进展[J]. 煤田地质与勘探,2023,51(1):1−20

PENG Suping,ZHAO Jingtao,SHENG Tongjie,et al. Status and advance of seismic diffraction exploration in coalfield[J]. Coal Geology & Exploration,2023,51(1):1−20

[13] 刘伊克,常旭,王辉,等. 三维复杂地形近地表速度估算及地震层析静校正[J]. 地球物理学报,2001,44(2):272−278

LIU Yike,CHANG Xu,WANG Hui,et al. Estimation of near–surface velocity and seismic tomographic static corrections[J]. Chinese Journal of Geophysics,2001,44(2):272−278

[14] 任政勇,王祥,汤井田,等. 融合复杂地质信息的地球物理模型建模技术[J]. 地球物理学报,2022,65(10):3986−3996

REN Zhengyong,WANG Xiang,TANG Jingtian,et al. A technique for constructing geophysical model from complex geological information[J]. Chinese Journal of Geophysics,2022,65(10):3986−3996

[15] 李佳欣,王赟,杨春. 盆地沉积结构对地震波初至走时的影响[J]. 地球物理学报,2022,65(9):3554−3568

LI Jiaxin,WANG Yun,YANG Chun. Influence of the basin sedimentary structure on first–arrival traveltime for seismic wave[J]. Chinese Journal of Geophysics,2022,65(9):3554−3568

[16] 王伟君,陈棋福,齐诚,等. 利用噪声HVSR方法探测近地表结构的可能性和局限性:以保定地区为例[J]. 地球物理学报,2011,54(7):1783−1797

WANG Weijun,CHEN Qifu,QI Cheng,et al. The feasibilities and limitations to explore the near–surface structure with microtremor HVSR method:A case in Baoding area of Hebei Province,China[J]. Chinese Journal of Geophysics,2011,54(7):1783−1797

[17] VIRIEUX J,OPERTO S. An overview of full–waveform inversion in exploration geophysics[J]. Geophysics,2009,74(6):WCC1−WCC26.

[18] BUTCHIBABU B,KHAN P K,JHA P C. Geophysical investigations for stability and safety mitigation of regional crude–oil pipeline near abandoned coal mines[J]. Journal of Geophysics and Engineering,2021,18(1):145−162.

[19] LEE S C H,NOH K A M,ZAKARIAH M N A. High–resolution electrical resistivity tomography and seismic refraction for groundwater exploration in fracture hard rocks:A case study in Kanthan,Perak,Malaysia[J]. Journal of Asian Earth Sciences,2021,218:104880.

[20] DÖRING M F,JULIÀ J,EVAIN M. Joint inversion of receiver functions and surface wave dispersion in the Recôncavo–Tucano Basin of NE Brazil:Implications for basin formation[J]. Geophysical Journal International,2022,230(1):317−333.

[21] KACEVAS M R,ASSUMPÇÃO M,BETTUCCI L S,et al. Crustal thicknesses in Uruguay from joint inversion of receiver functions and surface wave dispersion[J]. Journal of South American Earth Sciences,2024,146:105062.

[22] WANG Feiyi,SONG Xiaodong,LI Jiangtao. Joint inversion of surface–wave dispersions and receiver functions based on deep learning[J]. Seismological Research Letters,2024,95(5):3008−3020.

[23] SHAPIRO N M,CAMPILLO M,STEHLY L,et al. High–resolution surface–wave tomography from ambient seismic noise[J]. Science,2005,307(5715):1615−1618.

[24] LIN Fanchi,MOSCHETTI M P,RITZWOLLER M H. Surface wave tomography of the western United States from ambient seismic noise:Rayleigh and Love wave phase velocity maps[J]. Geophysical Journal International,2008,173(1):281−298.

[25] WEAVER R，LOBKIS O. On the emergence of the Green’s function in the correlations of a diffuse field：Pulse–echo using thermal phonons[J]. Ultrasonics，2002，40(1/2/3/4/5/6/7/8)：435–439.

[26] HUANG Y C，YAO Huajian，HUANG B S，et al. Phase velocity variation at periods of 0. 5–3 seconds in the Taipei Basin of Taiwan from correlation of ambient seismic noise[J]. Bulletin of the Seismological Society of America，2010，100(5A)：2250–2263.

[27] YAO Huajian,BEGHEIN C,VAN DER HILST R D. Surface wave array tomography in SE Tibet from ambient seismic noise and two–station analysis–II. Crustal and upper–mantle structure[J]. Geophysical Journal International,2008,173(1):205−219.

[28] YAO Huajian,VAN DER HILST R D. Analysis of ambient noise energy distribution and phase velocity bias in ambient noise tomography,with application to SE Tibet[J]. Geophysical Journal International,2009,179(2):1113−1132.

[29] YOUNG M K,RAWLINSON N,ARROUCAU P,et al. High–frequency ambient noise tomography of Southeast Australia:New constraints on Tasmania’s tectonic past[J]. Geophysical Research Letters,2011,38:L13313.

[30] 赵建忠,李志伟,林建民,等. 南海地区地震背景噪声成像与壳幔深部结构[J]. 地球物理学报,2019,62(6):2070−2087

ZHAO Jianzhong,LI Zhiwei,LIN Jianmin,et al. Ambient noise tomography and deep structure in the crust and mantle of the South China Sea[J]. Chinese Journal of Geophysics,2019,62(6):2070−2087

[31] SHAPIRO N M,CAMPILLO M. Emergence of broadband Rayleigh waves from correlations of the ambient seismic noise[J]. Geophysical Research Letters,2004,31(7):L07614.

[32] 姚华建,徐果明,肖翔,等. 基于图像分析的双台面波相速度频散曲线快速提取方法[J]. 地震地磁观测与研究,2004,25(1):1−8

YAO Huajian,XU Guoming,XIAO Xiang,et al. A quick tracing method based on image analysis technique for the determination of dual stations phase velocities dispersion curve of surface wave[J]. Seismological and Geomagnetic Observation and Research,2004,25(1):1−8

[33] YAO Huajian,VAN DER HILST R D,DE HOOP M V. Surface–wave array tomography in SE Tibet from ambient seismic noise and two–station analysis–I. Phase velocity maps[J]. Geophysical Journal International,2006,166(2):732−744.

[34] 张明辉,武振波,马立雪,等. 短周期密集台阵被动源地震探测技术研究进展[J]. 地球物理学进展,2020,35(2):495−511

ZHANG Minghui,WU Zhenbo,MA Lixue,et al. Research progress of passive source detection technology based on short–period dense seismic array[J]. Progress in Geophysics,2020,35(2):495−511

[35] QIAO Lei,YAO Huajian,LAI Yachuan,et al. Crustal structure of Southwest China and Northern Vietnam from ambient noise tomography:Implication for the large–scale material transport model in SE Tibet[J]. Tectonics,2018,37(5):1492−1506.

[36] 罗松,姚华建,李秋生,等. 长江中下游成矿带高分辨地壳三维横波速度结构及其形成的深部动力学背景[J]. 中国科学:地球科学,2019,49(9):1394−1412

LUO Song,YAO Huajian,LI Qiusheng,et al. High–resolution 3D crustal S–wave velocity structure of the middle–lower Yangtze River Metallogenic Belt and implications for its deep geodynamic setting[J]. Science China:Earth Sciences,2019,49(9):1394−1412

[37] FANG Hongjian,YAO Huajian,ZHANG Haijiang,et al. Direct inversion of surface wave dispersion for three–dimensional shallow crustal structure based on ray tracing:Methodology and application[J]. Geophysical Journal International,2015,201(3):1251−1263.

[38] LI Cheng,YAO Huajian,FANG Hongjian,et al. 3D near–surface shear–wave velocity structure from ambient–noise tomography and borehole data in the Hefei urban area,China[J]. Seismological Research Letters,2016,87(4):882−892.

[39] MORDRET A,LANDÈS M,SHAPIRO N M,et al. Near–surface study at the Valhall oil field from ambient noise surface wave tomography[J]. Geophysical Journal International,2013,193(3):1627−1643.

[40] LIU Ying,ZHANG Haijiang,FANG Hongjian,et al. Ambient noise tomography of three–dimensional near–surface shear–wave velocity structure around the hydraulic fracturing site using surface microseismic monitoring array[J]. Journal of Applied Geophysics,2018,159:209−217.

[41] 俞贵平,徐涛,刘俊彤,等. 胶东地区晚中生代伸展构造与金成矿:短周期密集台阵背景噪声成像的启示[J]. 地球物理学报,2020,63(5):1878−1893

YU Guiping,XU Tao,LIU Juntong,et al. Late Mesozoic extensional structures and gold mineralization in Jiaodong Peninsula,eastern North China Craton:An inspiration from ambient noise tomography on data from a dense seismic array[J]. Chinese Journal of Geophysics,2020,63(5):1878−1893

[42] 曾求,储日升,盛敏汉,等. 基于地震背景噪声的四川威远地区浅层速度结构成像研究[J]. 地球物理学报,2020,63(3):944−955

ZENG Qiu,CHU Risheng,SHENG Minhan,et al. Seismic ambient noise tomography for shallow velocity structures beneath Weiyuan,Sichuan[J]. Chinese Journal of Geophysics,2020,63(3):944−955

[43] ZHANG Zhou,DENG Yangfan,YAO Junming,et al. An array based seismic image on the Dahutang deposit,South China:Insight into the mineralization[J]. Physics of the Earth and Planetary Interiors,2021,310:106617.

[44] ZHENG Fan,XU Tao,AI Yinshuang,et al. Metallogenic potential of the Wulong goldfield,Liaodong Peninsula,China revealed by high–resolution ambient noise tomography[J]. Ore Geology Reviews,2022,142:104704.

[45] DENG Bao,LI Junlun,LIU Jiangshan,et al. The extended range phase shift method for broadband surface wave dispersion measurement from ambient noise and its application in ore deposit characterization[J]. Geophysics,2022,87(3):JM29−JM40.

[46] 黄宇奇,查华胜,高级,等. 基于密集台阵地震背景噪声成像预测煤矿瓦斯分布[J]. 地球物理学报,2021,64(11):3997−4011

HUANG Yuqi,ZHA Huasheng,GAO Ji,et al. Predicting the distribution of coalbed methane by ambient noise tomography with a dense seismic array[J]. Chinese Journal of Geophysics,2021,64(11):3997−4011

[47] LACHET C D,BARD P Y. Numerical and theoretical investigations on the possibilities and limitations of Nakamura’s technique[J]. Journal of Physics of the Earth,1994,42(5):377−397.

[48] FIELD E,JACOB K. The theoretical response of sedimentary layers to ambient seismic noise[J]. Geophysical Research Letters,1993,20(24):2925−2928.

[49] NAKAMURA Y. A modified estimation method for amplification factor of ground and structures using the H/V spectral ratio[J]. Proc. of the 2^nd Workshop on Dynamic Interaction of Soil and Structure’12，L’Aquila，Italy，2012：273–284.

[50] IBS–VON SEHT M,WOHLENBERG J. Microtremor measurements used to map thickness of soft sediments[J]. Bulletin of the Seismological Society of America,1999,89(1):250−259.

[51] BENSEN G D,RITZWOLLER M H,BARMIN M P,et al. Processing seismic ambient noise data to obtain reliable broad–band surface wave dispersion measurements[J]. Geophysical Journal International,2007,169(3):1239−1260.

[52] ROUX P,SABRA K G,KUPERMAN W A,et al. Ambient noise cross correlation in free space:Theoretical approach[J]. The Journal of the Acoustical Society of America,2005,117(1):79−84.

[53] YAO Huajian,GOUÉDARD P,COLLINS J A,et al. Structure of young East Pacific Rise lithosphere from ambient noise correlation analysis of fundamental– and higher–mode Scholte–Rayleigh waves[J]. Comptes Rendus Geoscience,2011,343(8/9):571−583.

[54] RAWLINSON N,SAMBRIDGE M. Wave front evolution in strongly heterogeneous layered media using the fast marching method[J]. Geophysical Journal International,2004,156(3):631−647.

[55] BROCHER T M. Empirical relations between elastic wavespeeds and density in the Earth’s crust[J]. Bulletin of the Seismological Society of America,2005,95(6):2081−2092.

[56] RICE J R,PAIGE C C,SAUNDERS M A. LSQR:An algorithm for sparse linear equations and sparse least squares[J]. ACM Transactions on Mathematical Software,1982,8(1):43−71.

[57] ANDERSON D L,HART R S. Q of the Earth[J]. Journal of Geophysical Research:Solid Earth,1978,83(B12):5869−5882.

[58] DZIEWONSKI A M,ANDERSON D L. Preliminary reference Earth model[J]. Physics of the Earth and Planetary Interiors,1981,25(4):297−356.

[59] KOMATITSCH D,TROMP J. Introduction to the spectral element method for three–dimensional seismic wave propagation[J]. Geophysical Journal International,1999,139(3):806−822.

[60] KOMATITSCH D,TROMP J. Spectral–element simulations of global seismic wave propagation–I. Validation[J]. Geophysical Journal International,2002,149(2):390−412.

[61] KOMATITSCH D,TROMP J. Spectral–element simulations of global seismic wave propagation–II. Three–dimensional models,oceans,rotation and self–gravitation[J]. Geophysical Journal International,2002,150(1):303−318.

[62] OLSEN K B,DAY S M,BRADLEY C R. Estimation of Q for long–period (>2 sec) waves in the Los Angeles Basin[J]. Bulletin of the Seismological Society of America,2003,93(2):627−638.

[63] TROMP J,KOMATITSCH D,LIU Qinya. Spectral–element and adjoint methods in seismology[J]. Communications in Computational Physics,2008,3(1):1−32.

[64] RIETMANN M,GROTE M,PETER D,et al. Newmark local time stepping on high–performance computing architectures[J]. Journal of Computational Physics,2017,334:308−326.

[65] 窦林名,曹晋荣,曹安业,等. 煤矿矿震类型及震动波传播规律研究[J]. 煤炭科学技术,2021,49(6):23−31

DOU Linming,CAO Jinrong,CAO Anye,et al. Research on types of coal mine tremor and propagation law of shock waves[J]. Coal Science and Technology,2021,49(6):23−31

[66] 田树人. 用李氏经验公式估算反Q滤波中的Q值[J]. 石油地球物理勘探，1990，25(3)：354–361

[67] ZHANG Wei,CHEN Xiaofei. Traction image method for irregular free surface boundaries in finite difference seismic wave simulation[J]. Geophysical Journal International,2006,167(1):337−353.

[68] 王伟君. 利用地震噪声调查华北平原场地作用和浅层结构[D]. 合肥：中国科学技术大学，2012.

WANG Weijun. The site effect and shallow structure investigations based on seismic noise analysis in North China plain[D]. Hefei：University of Science and Technology of China，2012.

[69] 朱耿尚. 有限差分方法在强地面运动模拟中的应用[D]. 合肥：中国科学技术大学，2013.

ZHU Gengshang. Strong ground motion simulation by finite difference method[D]. Hefei：University of Science and Technology of China，2013.

[70] 宋利伟,石颖,陈树民,等. 地下黏弹性介质波动方程及波场数值模拟[J]. 物理学报,2021,70(14):149102

SONG Liwei,SHI Ying,CHEN Shumin,et al. Wave equation for underground viscoelastic media and wavefield numerical simulation[J]. Acta Physica Sinica,2021,70(14):149102

[71] 刘中宪,王冬. 不同地层波速模型对沉积谷地地震响应规律的影响:FEM–IBIEM模拟研究[J]. 岩土工程学报,2014,36(7):1289−1301

LIU Zhongxian,WANG Dong. Effect of different wave velocity models on seismic response of alluvial valley based on FEM–IBIEM[J]. Chinese Journal of Geotechnical Engineering,2014,36(7):1289−1301