• Geophysics and Geophysical Exploration
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• v.14 no.4
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• pp.316-323
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• 2011

To test the applicability of resistivity survey methods for the archaeological prospection of a large-scale tumulus, a three-dimensional resistivity survey was conducted at the $3^{rd}$ tumulus at Bokam-ri, in Naju city, South Korea. Since accurate topographic relief of the tumulus and electrode locations are required to obtain a high resolution image of the subsurface, electrodes were installed after making grids by threads, which is commonly used in the archaeological investigation. In the data acquisition, data were measured using a 2 m electrode spacing with the line spacing of 1 m and each survey line was shifted 1 m to form an effective grid of 1 m ${\times}$ 1 m. Though the 3-D inversion of data, we could obtain the 3-D image of the tumulus, where we could identify the brilliant signature of buried tombs made of stones. The results were compared with the previous excavation results and we could convince that a 3-D resistivity imaging method is very useful to investigate a large-scale tumulus.

• Geophysics and Geophysical Exploration
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• v.12 no.1
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• pp.85-98
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• 2009

The tau-p inversion algorithm is widely employed to generate starting models with most computer programs, which implement refraction tomography. This algorithm emphasises the vertical resolution of many layers, and as a result, it frequently fails to detect even large lateral variations in seismic velocities, such as the decreases which are indicative of shear zones. This study demonstrates the failure of the tau-p inversion algorithm to detect or define a major shear zone which is 50m or 10 stations wide. Furthermore, the majority of refraction tomography programs parameterise the seismic velocities within each layer with vertical velocity gradients. By contrast, the Generalized Reciprocal Method (GRM) inversion algorithms emphasise the lateral resolution of individual layers. This study demonstrates the successful detection and definition of the 50m wide shear zone with the GRM inversion algorithms. The existence of the shear zone is confirmed by a 2D analysis of the head wave amplitudes and by numerous closely spaced orthogonal seismic profiles carried out as part of a later 3D refraction investigation. Furthermore, an analysis of the shot record amplitudes indicates that a reversal in the seismic velocities, rather than vertical velocity gradients, occurs in the weathered layers. The major conclusion reached in this study is that while all seismic refraction operations should aim to provide as accurate depth estimates as is practical, those which emphasise the lateral resolution of individual layers generate more useful results for geotechnical and environmental applications. The advantages of the improved lateral resolution are obtained with 2D traverses in which the structural features can be recognised from the magnitudes of the variations in the seismic velocities. Furthermore, the spatial patterns obtained with 3D investigations facilitate the recognition of structural features such as faults which do not display any intrinsic variation or 'signature' in seismic velocities.

• Geophysics and Geophysical Exploration
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• v.20 no.2
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• pp.61-71
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• 2017

Recently, ground-penetrating radar (GPR) surveys have been actively carried out for precise subsurface void investigation because of the rapid increase of subsidence in urban areas. However, since the interpretation of GPR data was conducted based on the interpreter's subjective decision after applying only the basic data processing, it can result in reliability problems. In this research, to solve these problems, we analyzed the difference between the events generated from subsurface voids and those of strong diffraction sources such as the buried pipeline by applying the edge detection technique, which is one of image processing technologies. For the analysis, we applied the image processing technology to the GRP field data containing events generated from the cavity or buried pipeline. As a result, the main events by the subsurface void or diffraction source were effectively separated using the edge detection technique. In addition, since subsurface voids associated with the subsidence has a relatively wide scale, it is recorded as a gentle slope event unlike the event caused by the strong diffraction source recorded with a sharp slope. Therefore, the directional analysis of amplitude variation in the image enabled us to effectively separate the events by the subsurface void from those by the diffraction source. Interpretation based on these kinds of objective analysis can improve the reliability. Moreover, if suggested techniques are verified to various GPR field data sets, these approaches can contribute to semiautomatic interpretation of large amount of GPR data.

• Geophysics and Geophysical Exploration
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• v.10 no.3
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• pp.163-172
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• 2007

A seafloor curvature measurement method was developed to extract redundant topographic features from the multi-beam bathymetry data, and then applied to the data of abyssal plain area in the Pacific. Any seafloor might be modeled to a quadratic surface determined in a linear least squares sense, and its curvature could be derived from the eigen values related with quadratic model parameters. The curvature's magnitude as well as polarity showed distinct relationship with geometric characteristics of the seafloor like as ridge and valley. From the investigation of curvature's variation with the number of data in the quadratic surface, the optimal size of data aperture could be applied to real bathymetry data. The application to real data also required the determination of the accompanying threshold values to cope with corresponding topographic features. The calculation method of previous studies were reported to be sensitive to the background noise. The improved curvature measurement method, incorporating the sum of eigen values has reduced unwanted artifacts and enhanced ability to extract lineament features along strike direction. The result of application shows that the curvature measurement method is effective tool for the estimation of a possible mining area in the seamount free abyssal hill area.

• Geophysics and Geophysical Exploration
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• v.5 no.4
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• pp.250-256
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• 2002

Resistivity tomography has become an important tool to image underground resistivity distribution. This method has been widely applied to site investigation for engineering and environmental purpose. In resistivity tomography, various electrode arrays can be used and each array has both merits and demerits. For example, the pole-pole array has high signal to noise ratio (S/N ratio), but its resolution is too low. The dipole-dipole array has low S/N ratio, but its resolution is very high. The Pole-dipole may has intermediate Snf ratio and resolution. The modified Pole-dipole array, recently proposed, shows reasonable S/N ratio and resolution, which are comparable to the pole-dipole array. These electrode arrays except the pole-pole array, however, have the problem that the apparent resistivity can diverge at some special electrode Positions. Also, the Pole-Pole array may not reflect the doe resistivity of an anomalous body. In this study, we propose a new electrode array, mixed array, where pole-dipole and modified pole-dipole ways are selectively used with the relative positions of current and potential electrodes. The mixed array has the same level of S/N ratio and resolution as the pole-dipole array and the apparent resistivity does not diverge in the receiver hole. Furthermore, the apparent resistivity using the array can reflect the true resistivity of the anomalous body.

• Geophysics and Geophysical Exploration
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• v.17 no.2
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• pp.49-57
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• 2014

3D magnetic inversion, based on the assemblage of 2D forward modeling and inversion as a practical technique to reflect the a priori information, was conducted to investigate the spatial distribution features of black-shale related and pyrometamorphic uranium deposit and several lithological units of Ogcheon Super Group in an area of Geumsan. By using the 3D visualization technique with suitable susceptibility interval and horizontal slice map, the spatial distribution of magnetic susceptibility corresponded to the black shale related uranium bearing lithological units, Black Slate member was well coincided with a information of uranium deposit. Also, even though it is indirect indicator for the detetction of uranium deposits interbedded in Gray Hornfels member, spatial susceptibility distribution which shows the south-east magnetic linearment corresponding to the Majeon-ri formation and Dark Gray Slate were matched well. From this investigation, we inferred that maximum depth extension which Black Slate member can be separately recognized with respect to adjacent Dark Gray Slate with strong magnetic susceptibility anomaly is about 150m with reference elevation level of 306m. In addition, Majeon-ri formation located south of Black Slate member revels relatively high magnetic susceptibility range but shows high spatial susceptibility fluctation. And, as an intrusive rocks, Jurassic Biotite Granite shows relatively low magnetic susceptibility characteristics. On the contrary, Cretaceous granite distributed in soutthern part of the study area shows the relatively high susceptibility distribution.

• Journal of the Korean Geophysical Society
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• v.4 no.1
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• pp.57-69
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• 2001

We have carried out a nondestructive close examination for the purpose of the structural safety diagnosis of the Three-Story Pagoda(Seokga Pagoda) in Bulkuk temple in the city of Kyungju, Kyungbuk, Korea. Ultrasonic wave velocities were measured at 456 points of the pagoda comprising 44 blocks to estimate the mechanical properties of rock blocks constituting the pagoda. The measured velocities have the range of 1217 to 4403 m/sec with the average of 3227 m/sec. The empirical relationship between the ultrasonic velocity and the uniaxial compressive strength yielded the estimation of strength of each block, ranging from 134 to 844 kg/cm^2 and averaging 463 kg/cm^2. With an assumption that the strength of each block is described as a random variables having a normal distribution, we calculated the probability of failure of rock blocks of the pagoda. Our investigation revealed that the probability of the structural failure due to the weight of higher blocks is very low. However, the probability of partial failure around contact area is substantial, which is consistent with the appearance that edges and the corners of some blocks were broken off. The platform under the body of the pagoda appeared to be structurally weak as the probability of tensile failure of the lower platform is up to 18%, and diagonal fractures are shown where the probability of failure is high.

• Geophysics and Geophysical Exploration
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• v.8 no.1
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• pp.1-6
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• 2005

Analogue physical modelling using granular materials (i.e., sandbox experiments) has been applied with great success to a number of geological problems at various scales. Such physical experiments can also be simulated numerically with the Discrete Element Method (DEM). In this study, we apply the DEM simulation to the collision between the Indian subcontinent and the Eurasian Plate, one of the most significant current tectonic processes in the Earth. DEM simulation has been applied to various kinds of dynamic modelling, not only in structural geology but also in soil mechanics, rock mechanics, and the like. As the target of the investigation is assumed to be an assembly of many tiny particles, DEM simulation makes it possible to treat an object with large and discontinuous deformations. However, in DEM simulations, we often encounter difficulties when we examine the validity of the input parameters, since little is known about the relationship between the input parameters for each particle and the properties of the whole assembly. Therefore, in our previous studies (Yamada et al.,2002a,2002b,2002c), we were obliged to tune the input parameters by trial and error. To overcome these difficulties, we introduce a numerical biaxial test with the DEM simulation. Using the results of this numerical test, we examine the validity of the input parameters used in the collision model. The resulting collision model is quite similar to the real deformation observed in eastern Asia, and compares well with GPS data and in-situ stress data in eastern Asia.

• The Journal of Engineering Geology
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• v.31 no.4
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• pp.507-522
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• 2021

Specific survey objectives often cannot be met using only one geophysical method, as each method's results are influenced by the specific physical properties of subsurface materials. In particular, areas susceptible to geological hazards require investigation using more than one method in order to reduce risks to life and property. Instead of analyzing the results from each method separately, this work develops a four-quadrant criterion for classifying areas of levees as safe or weak. The assessment is based on statistically determined thresholds of seismic velocity (P-wave velocity from seismic refraction and S-wave velocity from multichannel analysis of surface waves) and electrical resistivity. Thresholds are determined by subtracting the standard deviation from the mean during performance testing of this correlation technique applied to model data of four horizontal and inclined fracture zones. Compared with results from the crossplot of resistivity and P-wave velocity, crossplot analysis using resistivity and S-wave velocity data provides more reliable information on the soil type, ground stiffness, and lithological characteristics of the levee system. A loose and sandy zone (represented by low S-wave velocity and high resistivity) falling within the second quadrant is interpreted to be a weak zone. This interpretation is well supported by the N values from standard penetrating test for the central core.

• The Korean Journal of Quaternary Research
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• v.14 no.1
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• pp.7-31
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• 2000

Quaternary Geological and geophysical investigation was performed at the Eurimji reservoir of Jaechon City in order to interprete depositional environment and genesis of lake sediments. For this purpose, echo sounding, bottom sampling and columnar sampling by drilling on board and GPR survey were employed for a proper field investigation. Laboratory tests cover grain size population analysis, pollen analysis and $^{14}C$ datings for the lake sediments. The some parts of lake bottom sediments anthropogenically tubated and filled several times to date, indicating several mounds on the bottom surface which is difficult to explain by bottom current. Majority of natural sediments were accumulated both as rolling and suspended loads during seasonal flooding regime, when flash flow and current flow are relatively strong not only at bridge area of the western part of Eurimji, connected to stream valley, but at the several conduit or sewage system surrounding the lake. Most of uniform suspend sediments are accumulated at the lake center and lower bank area. Some parts of bottom sediments indicate the existence of turbid flow and mudflow probably due to piezometric overflowing from the lake bottom, the existence of which are proved by CM patterns of the lake bottom sediments. The columnar samples of the lake sediments in ER-1 and ER-3-1 boreholes indicate good condition without any human tubation. The grain size character of borehole samples shows poorly sorted population, predominantly composed of fine sand and muds, varying skewness and kurtosis, which indicate multi-processed lake deposits, very similar to lake bottom sediments. Borehole columnar section, echo sounding and GPR survey profilings, as well as processed data, indicate that organic mud layers of Eurimji lake deposits are deeper and thicker towards lower bank area, especially west of profile line-9. In addition the columnar sediments indicate plant coverage of the Eurimji area were divided into two pollen zones. Arboreal pollen ( AP) is predominant in the lower pollen zone, whreas non-aboreal pollen(NAP) is rich in the upper pollen zone. Both of the pollen zones are related to the vegetation coverage frequently found in coniferous and deciduous broad-leaved trees(mixed forest) surrounded by mountains and hilly areas and prevailing by aquatic or aquatic margin under the wet temperate climate. The $^{14}C$ age of the dark gray organic muds, ER1-12 sample, is 950$\pm$40 years B.P. As the sediments are anthropogenetically undisturbed, it is assumed that the reliability of age is high. Three $^{14}C$ ages of the dark gray organic muds, including ER3-1-8, ER3-1-10, ER3-1-11 samples, are 600$\pm$30 years B.P., 650$\pm$30 years B.P., 800$\pm$40 years B.P. in the descending order of stratigraphic columnar section. Based on the interpretation of depositional environments and formation ages, it is proved that Eurimji reservoir were constructed at least 950$\pm$40 years B.P., the calibrated ages of which ranges from 827 years, B.P. to 866 years B.P. Ancient people utilize the natural environment of the stream valley to meet the need of water irrigation for agriculture in the local valley center and old alluvium fan area.