"Evaluating Landslide Geometry Through Seismic Refraction Tomography”
Key points
Location
Tectonic activity
Geological data
What was done
Previous Geophysical Study
Objective
Introduction
The research site is situated in the central region of Aceh Province, situated alongside
the dynamic Great Sumatran Fault (GSF), known for its significant tectonic movements.
GayoLues - Babahrot road segment, has experienced substantial damage due to landslides.
This road serves as the sole connection between the Southwest Aceh Regency and GayoLues
Regency. An analysis of available data indicates that the region is prone to potential
disasters.
Tectonic activity in the form of a subduction zone, where the Indo-Australian and
Eurasian plates converge in the southern region of Sumatra, has led to the formation of local
faults. This tectonic activity is a significant factor contributing to landslides in West Sumatra .
Geological activity plays a crucial role in shaping the landscape, characterized by steep
slopes of approximately ±45° and a variety of rock types, including granodiorite and rhyolite,
distributed throughout the area. The prevalence of alluvial sediments further increases the
susceptibility to landslides.
Research involving seismic refraction has indicated that P-wave parameters exhibit
sensitivity to lithological characteristics characterized by high porosity and fluid content. In
contrast, S-wave parameters do not yield a substantial distinction between the porosity of
water-saturated and dry rock. Therefore, this research use P-wave parameters to define the
landslide geometry in the Blangkejeren area of Gayo Lues districts.
Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT) stands out as a widely used geophysical
method for imaging subsurface structures. It helps us gain insights into geological
formations, determine the depth to bedrock, estimate overburden thickness, and assess
water content based on resistivity differences.
P-wave velocities distribution is generally relatively low in the near-surface area and
relatively high at deeper depths. The seismic refraction tomography method is used to
provide fast and effective results. So that it is possible to be used to understand the
mechanism of landslide disaster.
Data and method
Data:
Seismic refraction data
Seismic Refraction Tomography (SRT)
Geological map of the research area
Seismic Refraction Tomography (SRT) is used to describe differences in material elasticity
within a landslide system by analysing the propagation of subsurface waves. A control source
generates mechanical waves that travel through the subsurface and return to the surface
with critical refraction, revealing impedance differences between different materials.
Seismic refraction data is collected using the Seismograph PASI 16S24-P, with 24
geophones placed 2 meters apart, resulting in a 92-meter SRT profile length. Data is
analysed using ZondST2D software to pick wave arrivals and remove noise. Data processing
involves horizontal speed variations based on coarse topography, resulting in an initial
velocity model through time-term inversion.
Figure 1. Geological map of the research area
The map describes the area dominated by sedimentary rocks and the geological
setting complex. there are igneous rocks with granite, granodiorite, and rhyolite distributed
around the area. Conditions that are dominated by alluvium sediments increase the
potential for landslides.
Method:
seismic refraction tomography method
Regularization for this method
Figure 2. Measurement design of the seismic refraction tomography method
The SRT data modelling can provide a P-wave propagation acceleration model that
contrasts with the density of subsurface rocks. Besides, the model becomes a reference in
the interpretation of the geometric characteristics of landslides.
Data processing involves horizontal speed variations based on coarse topography,
resulting in an initial velocity model through time-term inversion. Regularization works by
increasing the stability of the solution and producing a smoother speed distribution model.
References
