This breakthrough book is the first to examine the rotational effects in earthquakes, a revolutionary concept in seismology. Existing models do no yet explain the significant rotational and twisting motions that occur during an earthquake and cause the failure of structures. The rotation and twist effects are investigated and described, and their consequences for designing tall buildings and other important structures are presented. This book will change the way the world views earthquakes.

This book provides a guide to understanding of seismograms for graduate students, researchers, professionals in academia and the petroleum industry.

The study of the seismic cycle has many applications, from the study of faulting to the estimation of seismic hazards. It must be considered at different timescales, from that of an earthquake, the co-seismic phase (a few seconds), the post seismic phase (from months to dozens of years) and the inter-seismic phase (from dozens to hundreds of years), up to cumulative deformations due to several seismic cycles (from a few thousand to hundreds of thousands of years). The Seismic Cycle uses many different tools to approach its subject matter, from short-term geodesic, such as GPS and InSAR, and seismological observations to long-term tectonic, geomorphological, morphotectonic observations, including those related to paleoseismology. Various modeling tools such as analog experiences, experimental approaches and mechanical modeling are also examined. Different tectonic contexts are considered when engaging with the seismic cycle, from continental strike-slip faults to subduction zones such as the Chilean, Mexican and Ecuadorian zones. The interactions between the seismic cycle and magmatism in rifts and interactions with erosion in mountain chains are also discussed.

AVO (SEG Investigations in Geophysics No. 16) by Satinder Chopra and John Castagna begins with a brief discussion on the basics of seismic-wave propagation as it relates to AVO, followed by a discussion of the rock-physics foundation for AVO analysis including the use of Gassmann’s equations and fluid substitution. Then, the early seismic observations and how they led to the birth of AVO analysis are presented. The various approximations for the Zoeppritz equations are examined, and the assumptions and limitations of each approximation are clearly identified. A section on the factors that affect seismic amplitudes and a discussion of the processing considerations important for AVO analysis are included. A subsequent section explores the various techniques used in AVO interpretation. Finally, topics including the influence of anisotropy in AVO analysis, the use of AVO inversion, estimation of uncertainty in AVO analysis, converted-wave AVO, and the future of the AVO method are discussed. Equally helpful to new entrants into the field as well as to seasoned workers, AVO will provide readers with the most up-to-date knowledge on amplitude variation with offset.

Addresses the methodology of an amplitude interpretation and the subsequent benefits and limitations expected in rock-property settings. Included are relationships between rock properties and geophysical observations, practical problems, field examples, general rules, and case histories.