Thesis Abstract

Abstract
Seismic wave attenuation in fractured rock formations plays a crucial role in various geophysical applications, including hydrocarbon exploration, geotechnical engineering, and seismic hazard assessment. Understanding the mechanisms governing seismic wave attenuation in fractured rocks is essential for accurately interpreting seismic data and predicting subsurface properties. This study focuses on investigating seismic wave attenuation in fractured rock formations through a combination of laboratory experiments and field measurements. The research begins with a comprehensive review of the literature on seismic wave attenuation, emphasizing the influence of fractures on wave propagation characteristics. Various factors affecting seismic attenuation in fractured rocks, such as fracture density, orientation, and fluid content, are discussed to provide a theoretical background for the study. The methodology section details the experimental setup for laboratory measurements and the field data collection techniques employed in this research. Laboratory experiments involve the characterization of fractured rock samples using ultrasonic testing to quantify seismic wave attenuation properties under controlled conditions. Field measurements include seismic surveys conducted in fractured rock formations to validate laboratory findings and investigate attenuation behavior in real-world scenarios. The findings of this study reveal significant insights into the relationship between seismic wave attenuation and fracture characteristics. Laboratory results demonstrate that seismic attenuation is strongly influenced by fracture density and orientation, with higher attenuation observed in highly fractured samples. Field measurements confirm the laboratory findings and provide valuable data on attenuation patterns in natural fractured rock formations. The discussion section analyzes the implications of the study results for geophysical exploration and subsurface imaging. The influence of fractures on seismic wave attenuation is discussed in the context of reservoir characterization, seismic monitoring, and earthquake hazard assessment. Practical implications for mitigating seismic risks in fractured rock environments are also addressed. In conclusion, this thesis presents a comprehensive investigation of seismic wave attenuation in fractured rock formations using a combination of laboratory and field measurements. The findings contribute to the understanding of seismic attenuation mechanisms in fractured rocks and have practical implications for various geophysical applications. Future research directions are suggested to further enhance the knowledge and application of seismic wave attenuation in fractured rock formations. Keywords seismic wave attenuation, fractured rock formations, laboratory experiments, field measurements, geophysical applications.

Thesis Overview

This research project aims to investigate the phenomenon of seismic wave attenuation in fractured rock formations by utilizing both laboratory experiments and field measurements. Seismic wave attenuation, which refers to the decrease in amplitude and energy of seismic waves as they propagate through a medium, is a crucial factor in understanding the seismic behavior of rock formations. Fractured rock formations are particularly complex due to the presence of fractures and discontinuities, which can significantly influence the attenuation of seismic waves. The study will begin with an in-depth literature review to provide a comprehensive understanding of the existing research on seismic wave attenuation in fractured rock formations. This review will cover various theories, models, and methodologies used in previous studies to investigate and quantify seismic wave attenuation in similar geological settings. Following the literature review, the research methodology will be outlined, detailing the approach for conducting laboratory experiments and field measurements to study seismic wave attenuation in fractured rock formations. The laboratory experiments will involve the simulation of seismic wave propagation through fractured rock samples under controlled conditions, while the field measurements will focus on collecting seismic data from natural rock formations with known fracture characteristics. The data collected from the laboratory experiments and field measurements will be analyzed to quantify the attenuation of seismic waves in fractured rock formations. This analysis will involve the interpretation of seismic wave signals, the characterization of fracture properties, and the correlation between fracture density, orientation, and seismic wave attenuation. The research findings will be discussed in detail, highlighting the key observations, trends, and insights obtained from the laboratory and field experiments. The discussion will also explore the implications of the findings on the understanding of seismic wave attenuation in fractured rock formations and its relevance to geophysical studies, seismic hazard assessment, and rock engineering practices. In conclusion, this research project will contribute to advancing the knowledge of seismic wave attenuation in fractured rock formations through a comprehensive investigation combining laboratory experiments and field measurements. By enhancing our understanding of how fractures influence seismic wave propagation, the findings of this study will have implications for improving seismic risk assessment, geophysical modeling, and engineering design in rock environments.