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U.S. Department of Energy
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Method for obtaining confidence-limit values for seismic velocities calculated from Vibroseis data

Technical Report ·
OSTI ID:5086799

An equation is derived to calculate the confidence-limit values associated with seismic velocities calculated from time and distance data obtained using the Vibroseis method. This derived equation is a function of the uncertainty in the time measurement. Sources of timing uncertainty in the Vibroseis method are examined and estimates of the timing uncertainty are made. These estimates of the uncertainty in the time measurement are used to calculate the confidence-limit values associated with calculated velocities. A nomograph has been constructed to provide quick approximation of these confidence-limit values. The Vibroseis method is used in the nuclear weapons testing program to determine seismic velocities in various areas at the Nevada Test Site. These seismic velocities are used as parameters in ground motion and cavity growth models and as indicators of possible high acoustic-impedance boundaries. It is important to have some estimate of the uncertainty associated with these seismic velocities.

Research Organization:
Geological Survey, Denver, Colo. (USA)
DOE Contract Number:
EY-76-A-08-0474
OSTI ID:
5086799
Report Number(s):
USGS-474-255
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English