Methods like our seismic tomography in Arizona are imaging techniques that generate three-dimensional computer-generated images of the Earth’s interior. These images are generated by measuring and recording seismic waves caused by earthquakes and explosions deep within the earth. Seismologists measure the speeds that seismic waves arrive at different seismic stations to deduce velocity variations within the earth to form a picture. Late arrival times may indicate what seismologists call an “anomaly.” By analyzing the speed at which seismic waves travel through different materials, seismologists can determine the composition of anomalies which can be regions of water, steam, magma, ore, and many more.
These three-dimensional images are essential for the geothermal industry, locating groundwater reservoirs, finding ore bodies, and detecting fractured bedrock.
Seismic research obtained through seismic tomography is also used to monitor the movement of the Earth’s crust and predict earthquakes, serving as an early warning system for communities in hotspots like the countries that border the Pacific Ring of Fire.
For more information about seismic tomography and seismic monitoring in Berkeley, California, you can call Geothermal Seismology Group at 928-899-1875.
Our programs and services include seismic research, earthquake recording, earthquake analysis, seismic tomography, and seismic recording in California.
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