Image credits: Raspberry Shake and Dr Lina Gao
Lead Researcher // Professor Xin LIU, Assistant Professor of the Department of Earth SciencesCollaborators: Stanford University, Key Laboratory of Intraplate Volcanoes and Earthquakes (China University of Geosciences, Beijing), Ministry of Education
An international team, spearheaded by our geologist, has pioneered an advanced geophysical technique termed ‘ambient noise differential adjoint tomography.’ Using seismometers, the researchers delved into the Earth's subsurface. Deploying 42 instruments across the Los Angeles Basin, they discovered significant fluid-filled rock formations near earthquake fault lines. These fluids act as natural lubricants, decreasing friction between rock blocks and possibly influencing minor seismic events.
Their discoveries enable clearer visualisation of fluid-containing rocks, paving the way for breakthroughs in identifying water and oil reservoirs. This research also holds promise for enhancing urban geologic hazard assessments, early warning systems for tsunamis, and deepening our comprehension of the water cycle.
研究團隊研發⼀種有效視化地下含有流體的岩⽯的嶄新⽅法，有助於⽔和油等地下流體資源的開發，可應⽤於建構城市地質災害和海嘯早期預警系統，以及增進⼈們對⽔循環過程的了解。
Journal paper: Ambient noise differential adjoint tomography reveals fluid-bearing rocks near active faults in Los Angeles (published in Nature Communications, 2023)
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