Sedimentary Structure Characteristics and Spatial Distribution Pattern of the Zhaoji Salt Mine Derived from Dense Array Ambient Noise Tomography

Abstract

Due to the lack of the three-dimensional structure of the Zhaoji Salt Basin, the salt mining enterprises have obvious clustering when choosing sites. Production capacity declines rapidly as mining deepens, and the enterprises are entering a stage of stagnation in production. In this study, a dense seismic array of 125 short-period stations was deployed around the core mining area and its vicinity of the salt mine industry, we used the ambient noise tomography (ANT) method to image the three-dimensional shear wave velocity structure at the depth shallower than 3 km. The results indicate: (1) The overall shear wave velocity in the study area is relatively lower, ranging from 0.8 to 1.8 km/s, which could be related to the loose and thick deposition of the Zhaoji sub-depression. (2) The three-dimensional shear wave velocity structure reveals that the sedimentary thickness of the Zhaoji sub-depression is deeper in the southeast and shallower in the northwest, with the sedimentary center located around Heping Town and Dahuangzhuang Town. (3) The Zhaoji salt mine is a low-velocity anomalous zone in the shear wave velocity structure with an inverse ‘C’ character spreading along Nanchenji Town and Zhaoji Town, with a depth ranging from approximately 1.2 to 2.8 km, it may be caused by the development of rock fissures due to water extraction and injection. The surrounding rock exhibits relatively high velocity, which reflects the morphological characteristics of the Zhaoji Salt Basin. The three-dimensional shear wave velocity model obtained in this study provides scientific guidance for the industrial exploitation of the Zhaoji salt mine and reference for salt exploration of the Hongze Salt Basin. It also provides an important basis for the seismic risk assessment of the salt basins. Simultaneously, it holds significant implications for exploring the application of ambient noise tomography method in spatial detection of salt mine belt.

Keywords

ambient noise tomography / Zhaoji salt mine / group velocity / velocity structure / sedimentary structure / distribution pattern / sedimentology / mineral deposits

References

[1] Bem T S, Yao H J, Luo S. et al.. High-Resolution 3-D Crustal Shear-Wave Velocity Model Reveals Structural and Seismicity Segmentation of the Central-Southern Tanlu Fault Zone, Eastern China. Tectonophysics, 2020, 778: 228372.

[2] Bensen G D, Ritzwoller M H, Barmin M P. et al.. Processing Seismic Ambient Noise Data to Obtain Reliable Broad-Band Surface Wave Dispersion Measurements. Geophysical Journal International, 2007, 169(3): 1239-1260.

[3] Brocher T M. Empirical Relations between Elastic Wavespeeds and Density in the Earth’s Crust. Bulletin of the Seismological Society of America, 2005, 95(6): 2081-2092.

[4] Duan Y H, Liu B J, Zhao J R. et al.. 2-D P-Wave Velocity Structure of Lithosphere in the North China Tectonic Zone: Constraints from the Yancheng-Baotou Deep Seismic Profile. Science China (Earth Sciences), 2015, 58(9): 1577-1591. in Chinese with English Abstract)

[5] Fan W K, Du X D. Oil and Gas Geological Features and Next Step Exploration Domain in Hongze Depression in Subei Basin. Petroleum Geology & Oilfield Development in Daqing, 2006, 25(3): 31-35(in Chinese with English Abstract)

[6] Fan YThree-Dimensional Electrical Structure and Seismogenic Environment of Hefei-Suqian Segment of the Tanlu Fault Zone, Eastern China, 2022BeijingInstitute of Geology, China Earthquake Administration

[7] Fang H J, Yao H J, Zhang H J. et al.. Direct Inversion of Surface Wave Dispersion for Three-Dimensional Shallow Crustal Structure Based on Ray Tracing: Methodology and Application. Geophysical Journal International, 2015, 201(3): 1251-1263.

[8] Fang L H, Wu J P. Measurement of Rayleigh Wave Dispersion from Ambient Seismic Noise and Its Application in North China. Acta Seismologica Sinica, 2009, 31(5): 544-554

[9] Fu X B. The Structure-Sedimentation Model and Reservoir Forming of Little Half-Graben Basin: A Case Study of Guanzhen Subsag in Northern Jiangsu Basin. Geological Science and Technology Information, 2009, 28(2): 77-80(in Chinese with English Abstract)

[10] Gu Q P, Ding Z F, Kang Q Q. et al.. Group Velocity Tomography of Rayleigh Wave in the Middle-Southern Segment of the Tan-Lu Fault Zone and Adjacent Regions Using Ambient Seismic Noise. Chinese Journal of Geophysics, 2020, 63(3): 1505-1522(in Chinese with English Abstract)

[11] Guo Z, Gao X, Yao H J. et al.. Depth Variations of Azimuthal Anisotropy beneath the Tian Shan Mt Range (NW China) from Ambient Noise Tomography. Journal of Asian Earth Sciences, 2017, 138: 161-172.

[12] Herrmann R B, Ammon C JSurface Waves Receiver Functions and Crustal Structure. Computer Programs in Seismology, Version 3.30, 2004Saint LouisSaint Louis University

[13] Li C, Yao H J, Yang Y. et al.. 3-D Shear Wave Velocity Structure in the Shallow Crust of the Tanlu Fault Zone in Lujiang, Anhui, and Adjacent Areas, and Its Tectonic Implications. Earth and Planetary Physics, 2020, 4(2): 1-12.

[14] Li H H, Tian Y, Zhao D P. et al.. Shear-Wave Tomography of the Changbai Volcanic Area in NE China Derived from Ambient Noise and Seismic Surface Waves. Journal of Asian Earth Sciences, 2023, 258: 105482.

[15] Li X M, Jiang Q Q, Zhu W Q. et al.. Analysis on the Ledge Comparison and the Distribution Characteristics of the Salt Mine on the Zhaoji Mining Area, Hongze Sag. China Well and Rock Salt, 2018, 49(5): 16-19(in Chinese with English Abstract)

[16] Li Y H, Gao M T, Wu Q J. Crustal Thickness Map of the Chinese Mainland from Teleseismic Receiver Functions. Tectonophysics, 2014, 611: 51-60.

[17] Lin F C, Tsai V C. Seismic Interferometry with Antipodal Station Pairs. Geophysical Research Letters, 2013, 40(17): 4609-4613.

[18] Liu Q X, Zhou M, Tian X F. et al.. High-Resolution ShearWave Velocity Structure of the 2019 Ms6.0 Changning Earthquake Region and Its Implication for Induced Seismicity. Seismological Research Letters, 2023, 4(3): 1392-1404

[19] Liu Q H, Lu L Y, Wang K M. Review on the Active and Passive Surface Wave Exploration Method for the Near-Surface Structure. Progress in Geophysics, 2015, 30(6): 2906-2922(in Chinese with English Abstract)

[20] Liu Z C, Meng F W, Zhou S R. et al.. Paleoenvironment during Paleocene in Hongze Depression, North Jiangsu Basin: Evidence from Evaporites. Journal of Salt Lake Research, 2021, 29(4): 22-29(in Chinese with English Abstract)

[21] Luo S, Yao H J. Multistage Tectonic Evolution of the Tanlu Fault: Insights from Upper Crustal Azimuthal Anisotropy of the Chao Lake Segment. Tectonophysics, 2021, 806: 228795.

[22] Luo S, Yao H J, Li Q S. et al.. High-Resolution 3D crustal S-Wave Velocity Structure of the Middle - Lower Yangtze River Metallogenic Belt and Implications for Its Deep Geodynamic Setting. Science China Earth Sciences, 2019, 62(9): 1361-1378. in Chinese with English Abstract)

[23] Luo Y, Ni S D, Zeng X F. et al.. The M5.0 Suining-Tongnan (China) Earthquake of 31 January 2010: A Destructive Earthquake Occurring in Sedimentary Cover. Chinese Science Bulletin, 2011, 56(6): 521-525.

[24] Mei L F, Dai S W, Shen C B. et al.. Formation and Disintegration of Mesozoic-Cenozoic Intra-Continental Ramp Zone in Middle and Lower Yangtze Region. Geological Science and Technology Information, 2008, 27(4): 1-714

[25] Meng Y F, Yao H J, Wang X Z. et al.. Crustal Velocity Structure and Deformation Features in the Central-Southern Segment of Tanlu Fault Zone and Its Adjacent Area from Ambient Noise Tomography. Chinese Journal of Geophysics, 2019, 62(7): 2490-2509(in Chinese with English Abstract)

[26] Paul H, Singh B, Mandal P. 3D Shear-Wave Velocity Structure of the Eastern Indian Shield from Ambient Noise Tomography: Ultramafic Lower Crust underneath the Singhbhum Craton. Journal of Asian Earth Sciences, 2024, 260: 105954.

[27] Shapiro N M, Campillo M, Stehly L. et al.. High-Resolution Surface-Wave Tomography from Ambient Seismic Noise. Science, 2005, 307(5715): 1615-1618.

[28] Shearer P MIntroduction to Seismology, 20092nd ed.CambridgeCambridge University Press.

[29] Shen W S, Ritzwoller M H, Kang D. et al.. A Seismic Reference Model for the Crust and Uppermost Mantle beneath China from Surface Wave Dispersion. Geophysical Journal International, 2016, 206(2): 954-979.

[30] Shu F M. Sedimentary Characteristics and Origin of Salt Rock of Member 4 of Funing Formation in Zhaoji Sub-Sag of Hongze Sag. Geology of Anhui, 2004, 14(2): 81-85(in Chinese with English Abstract)

[31] Sun W J, Kennett B L N. Receiver Structure from Teleseisms: Autocorrelation and Cross Correlation. Geophysical Research Letters, 2016, 43(12): 6234-6242.

[32] Tao K C, Lei L, Duan L M. Application of Well Logging Technique in Salt Mine in Huai’ an Area. Journal of Oil and Gas Technology, 2013, 35(8): 96-99(in Chinese with English Abstract)

[33] Wang W F, Zhang M. Study on Deep Water Resedimented Origin of Saline Sediments of E₁f₄ in Zhaoji Sag, Hongze Depression, Northern Jiangsu Basin. Acta Sedimentologica Sinica, 2015, 65(7): 2518-2531(in Chinese with English Abstract)

[34] Wang Y S, Hu X Z. Analysis and Management of Water Surge in the Zhaoji Rock Salt Mine, Huai’an. Journal of Geology, 2019, 43(4): 690-695(in Chinese with English Abstract)

[35] Wei W, Zhao D. Intraplate Volcanism And Mantle Dynamics of Mainland China: New Constraints from Shear-Wave Tomography. Journal of Asian Earth Sciences, 2020, 188: 104103.

[36] Wu P P, Ding Z F, Ma X J. et al.. Rayleigh Wave Group Velocity Tomography beneath Dabie-Sulu and Its Adjacent Areas from Ambient Seismic Noise. Acta Seismologica Sinica, 2015, 37(2): 218-229(in Chinese with English Abstract)

[37] Xu Z P, Liu Q X, Duan Y H. et al.. Three-Dimensional Shear-Wave Velocity Structure in the Shallow Stratum of the Hongze Lake, with a Short-Period Dense Seismic Array. Progress in Geophysics, 2023, 38(3): 1035-1046(in Chinese with English Abstract)

[38] Yang X, Yao H J, Huang B S. Crustal Footprint of Mantle Upwelling and Plate Amalgamation Revealed by Ambient Noise Tomography in Northern Vietnam and the Northern South China Sea. Journal of Geophysical Research: Solid Earth, 2021, 126(2): e2020jb020593.

[39] Yang Y B, Hou W S, Shen X Z. et al.. Imaging HighResolution 3D Shallow Crustal Structure by Ambient Noise Method in the Shiziyang Waterway Area, Guangzhou, South China. Journal of Asian Earth Sciences, 2024, 261: 105978.

[40] Yao H J, Beghein C, van der Hilst R D. Surface Wave Array Tomography in SE Tibet from Ambient Seismic Noise and Two-Station Analysis-II. Crustal and Upper-Mantle Structure. Geophysical Journal International, 2008, 173(1): 205-219.

[41] Yao H J, Gouédard P, Collins J A. et al.. Structure of Young East Pacific Rise Lithosphere from Ambient Noise Correlation Analysis of Fundamental- and Higher-Mode Scholte-Rayleigh Waves. Comptes Rendus Geoscience, 2011, 343(8/9): 571-583.

[42] Yao H J, van der Hilst R D. Analysis of Ambient Noise Energy Distribution and Phase Velocity Bias in Ambient Noise Tomography, with Application to SE Tibet. Geophysical Journal International, 2009, 179(2): 1113-1132.

[43] Yao H J, van der Hilst R D, de Hoop M V. Surface-Wave Array Tomography in SE Tibet from Ambient Seismic Noise and Two-Station Analysis-I. Phase Velocity Maps. Geophysical Journal International, 2006, 166(2): 732-744.

[44] Young M K, Rawlinson N, Arroucau P. et al.. High-Frequency Ambient Noise Tomography of Southeast Australia: New Constraints on Tasmania’s Tectonic Past. Geophysical Research Letters, 2011, 38(13): L13313.

[45] Zhang MStudy on the Origin and Distribution of Saline Sediments of E₁f₄ in Zhaoji Sag, Hongze Depression, Northern Jiangsu Basin, 2014DongyingChina University of Petroleum (East China)

[46] Zhang Y Y, Yao H J, Yang H Y. et al.. 3-D Crustal ShearWave Velocity Structure of the Taiwan Strait and Fujian, SE China, Revealed by Ambient Noise Tomography. Journal of Geophysical Research: Solid Earth, 2018, 123(9): 8016-8031.

[47] Zhao D P, Liu X, Wang Z W. et al.. Seismic Anisotropy Tomography and Mantle Dynamics. Surveys in Geophysics, 2023, 44(4): 947-982.

[48] Zhao J R, Liu B J. et al.. High Resolution Velocity Structure of the North China Craton Basement by Explosion Seismic Sounding-Results from Dafeng-Baotou Refraction profile. Chinese Journal of Geophysics, 2017, 60(7): 2628-2640(in Chinese with English Abstract)

[49] Zheng K F, Peng X L. The Geological Characteristics and Potential Geological Disaster of the Rock Salt Mining Area in Zhaoji. Complex Hydrocarbon Reservoirs, 2012, 5(3): 14-18(in Chinese with English Abstract)

[50] Zhou S R, Li X M, Liu Z C. Fine Contrast of CZ Block in Northern Zhaoji Mining Area of Hongze Salt Basin. China Well and Rock Salt, 2022, 53(6): 6-9(in Chinese with English Abstract)

RIGHTS & PERMISSIONS

China University of Geosciences (Wuhan) and Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, Part of Springer Nature