A Novel method for processing noisy magnetotelluric data based on independence of signal sources and continuity of response functions

Ogawa, Hiroki; Asamori, Koichi; Negi, Tateyuki*; Ueda, Takumi*

Journal of Applied Geophysics, 213, p.105012_1 - 105012_17, 2023/06

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jappgeo.2023.105012

A number of schemes for processing magnetotelluric (MT) data have been reported aiming at suppressing the strong effect of artificial electromagnetic noise, especially coherent noise that is correlated between electric and magnetic time series. Many of the recent denoising schemes are based on decomposing MT data into the responses of the natural signal and noise. Meanwhile, it is crucial to distinguish the natural signal from noise stably without depending on any empirical choice of parameter setting. In addition, improper subtraction of values from the separated signal can lead to the loss of useful values of the natural signal or missing noise-affected values, which may result in failure in deriving the true MT responses. We propose a novel data-processing method that applies frequency-domain independent component analysis (FDICA) to both the local MT data and the reference magnetic data. Among the separated signal, the proposed method can quantitatively distinguish the natural signal from the noise-affected components by calculating the ratio of cross-power spectrum with the reference data to the auto-power spectrum for each component. When determining which values to subtract from the separated signal, we introduce an evaluation index with respect to two characteristics of the MT response function: stationary in the time domain and smoothness in the frequency domain. We conduct the experiments both with MT time series severely contaminated by synthetic coherent noises and with MT field data interfered with DC (direct current) railways. Consequently, we confirm the superiority of the proposed method in the noise-suppression performance over the conventional methods of MT data processing.

A Proposal of optimum calculation settings of continuous wavelet transform in magnetotelluric data processing

Ogawa, Hiroki; Hama, Yuki*; Asamori, Koichi; Ueda, Takumi*

Butsuri Tansa, 75, p.38 - 55, 2022/00

https://doi.org/10.3124/segj.75.38

In the magnetotelluric (MT) method, so as to identify the subsurface resistivity structure, the apparent resistivity and phase profiles are calculated by transforming time-series data into spectral data. The continuous wavelet transform (CWT) is well known as a new method of time-frequency analysis instead of the short-time Fourier transform. The CWT is superior in processing non-stationary wideband signals like the MT signal by adjusting the size of the wavelet according to the value of frequency. However, the calculation settings of the CWT, such as the type of basis function and the wavelet parameter, are often determined empirically because of the arbitrariness of the shape of the wavelet. Although there might be differences between the calculated MT responses and the true responses due to improper settings of the CWT, there are no detailed studies considering the effect of numerical errors derived from spectral transforms on MT data. In this study, focusing on the frequency band between 0.001 Hz and 1 Hz, we examined the optimum calculation settings of the CWT in processing MT data in terms of suppressing the numerical errors caused by the spectral transform of time-series data. We also show the validity of the proposed calculation settings by applying the CWT to MT survey data of different types. Superiority of the CWT with proposed settings is suggested especially when the signal-to-noise ratio of observed data is low. Consequently, the proposed calculation settings were confirmed to strike a balance between the resolutions of the time and frequency domains well and will therefore be effective in obtaining reliable MT responses.

Annual report for research on geosphere stability for long-term isolation of radioactive waste in fiscal year 2019

Ishimaru, Tsuneari; Ogata, Nobuhisa; Kokubu, Yoko; Shimada, Koji; Hanamuro, Takahiro; Shimada, Akiomi; Niwa, Masakazu; Asamori, Koichi; Watanabe, Takahiro; Sueoka, Shigeru; et al.

JAEA-Research 2020-011, 67 Pages, 2020/10

JAEA-Research-2020-011.pdf:3.87MB

This annual report documents the progress of research and development (R&D) in the 5th fiscal year during the JAEA 3rd Mid- and Long-term Plan (fiscal years 2015-2021) to provide the scientific base for assessing geosphere stability for long-term isolation of the high-level radioactive waste. The planned framework is structured into the following categories: (1) Development and systematization of investigation techniques, (2) Development of models for long-term estimation and effective assessment, (3) Development of dating techniques. The current status of R&D activities with previous scientific and technological progress is summarized.

Annual report for research on geosphere stability for long-term isolation of radioactive waste in fiscal year 2018

Ishimaru, Tsuneari; Ogata, Nobuhisa; Hanamuro, Takahiro; Shimada, Akiomi; Kokubu, Yoko; Asamori, Koichi; Niwa, Masakazu; Shimada, Koji; Watanabe, Takahiro; Saiga, Atsushi; et al.

JAEA-Research 2019-006, 66 Pages, 2019/11

JAEA-Research-2019-006.pdf:4.39MB

This annual report documents the progress of research and development (R&D) in the 4th fiscal year during the JAEA 3rd Mid- and Long-term Plan (fiscal years 2015-2021) to provide the scientific base for assessing geosphere stability for long-term isolation of the high-level radioactive waste. The planned framework is structured into the following categories: (1) Development and systematization of investigation techniques, (2) Development of models for long-term estimation and effective assessment, (3) Development of dating techniques. In this report, the current status of R&D activities with previous scientific and technological progress is summarized.

Annual report for research on geosphere stability for long-term isolation of radioactive waste in fiscal year 2017

Ishimaru, Tsuneari; Ogata, Nobuhisa; Shimada, Akiomi; Asamori, Koichi; Kokubu, Yoko; Niwa, Masakazu; Watanabe, Takahiro; Saiga, Atsushi; Sueoka, Shigeru; Komatsu, Tetsuya; et al.

JAEA-Research 2018-015, 89 Pages, 2019/03

JAEA-Research-2018-015.pdf:14.43MB

This annual report documents the progress of research and development (R&D) in the 3rd fiscal year during the JAEA 3rd Mid- and Long-term Plan (fiscal years 2015-2021) to provide the scientific base for assessing geosphere stability for long-term isolation of the high-level radioactive waste. The planned framework is structured into the following categories: (1) Development and systematization of investigation techniques, (2) Development of models for long-term estimation and effective assessment, (3) Development of dating techniques. In this report, the current status of R&D activities with previous scientific and technological progress is summarized.

Annual report for research on geosphere stability for long-term isolation of radioactive waste in fiscal year 2016

Ishimaru, Tsuneari; Yasue, Kenichi*; Asamori, Koichi; Kokubu, Yoko; Niwa, Masakazu; Watanabe, Takahiro; Yokoyama, Tatsunori; Fujita, Natsuko; Saiga, Atsushi; Shimizu, Mayuko; et al.

JAEA-Research 2018-008, 83 Pages, 2018/12

JAEA-Research-2018-008.pdf:11.43MB

This annual report documents the progress of research and development (R&D) in the 2nd fiscal year during the JAEA 3rd Mid- and Long-term Plan (fiscal years 2015-2021) to provide the scientific base for assessing geosphere stability for long-term isolation of the high-level radioactive waste. The planned framework is structured into the following categories: (1) Development and systematization of investigation techniques, (2) Development of models for long-term estimation and effective assessment, (3) Development of dating techniques. In this paper, the current status of R&D activities with previous scientific and technological progress is summarized.

Annual report for research on geosphere stability for long-term isolation of radioactive waste in fiscal year 2015

Ishimaru, Tsuneari; Umeda, Koji*; Yasue, Kenichi; Kokubu, Yoko; Niwa, Masakazu; Asamori, Koichi; Watanabe, Takahiro; Yokoyama, Tatsunori; Fujita, Natsuko; Shimizu, Mayuko; et al.

JAEA-Research 2016-023, 91 Pages, 2017/02

JAEA-Research-2016-023.pdf:13.33MB

This annual report documents the progress of research and development (R&D) in the 1st fiscal year during the JAEA 3rd Mid- and Long-term Plan (fiscal years 2015-2021) to provide the scientific base for assessing geosphere stability for long-term isolation of the high-level radioactive waste. The planned framework is structured into the following categories: (1) Development and systematization of investigation techniques, (2) Development of models for long-term estimation and effective assessment, (3) Development of dating techniques. In this paper, the current status of R&D activities with previous scientific and technological progress is summarized.

Synthesized research report in the second mid-term research phase, Mizunami Underground Research Laboratory Project, Horonobe Underground Research Laboratory Project and Geo-stability Project (Translated document)

Hama, Katsuhiro; Sasao, Eiji; Iwatsuki, Teruki; Onoe, Hironori; Sato, Toshinori; Fujita, Tomoo; Sasamoto, Hiroshi; Matsuoka, Toshiyuki; Takeda, Masaki; Aoyagi, Kazuhei; et al.

JAEA-Review 2016-014, 274 Pages, 2016/08

JAEA-Review-2016-014.pdf:44.45MB

We synthesized the research results from the Mizunami/Horonobe Underground Research Laboratories (URLs) and geo-stability projects in the second midterm research phase. This report can be used as a technical basis for the Nuclear Waste Management Organization of Japan/Regulator at each decision point from siting to beginning of disposal (Principal Investigation to Detailed Investigation Phase).

Teleseismic shear wave tomography of the Japan subduction zone

Asamori, Koichi; Zhao, D.*

Geophysical Journal International, 203(3), p.1752 - 1772, 2015/12

https://doi.org/10.1093/gji/ggv334

We present the first high-resolution S-wave tomography of the Japan subduction zone down to a depth of 700 km, which is determined by inverting a large number of high-quality S-wave arrival-time data from local, regional and teleseismic events. The subducting Pacific and Philippine Sea (PHS) slabs are revealed clearly as high-velocity (high-V) zones, whereas low-velocity (low-V) anomalies are revealed in the mantle wedge above the two slabs. The PHS slab has subducted aseismically down to a depth of 480 km under the Japan Sea and to a depth of 540 km under the Tsushima Strait. A window is revealed within the aseismic PHS slab, being consistent with P-wave tomography. Prominent low-V anomalies exist below the PHS slab and above the Pacific slab, which reflect hot and wet mantle upwelling caused by the joint effect of deep dehydration of the Pacific slab and convective circulation process in the mantle wedge above the Pacific slab. The hot and wet mantle upwelling has caused the complex geometry and structure of the PHS slab in SW Japan, and contributed to the Quaternary volcanism along the Japan Sea coast. In eastern Japan, low-V zones are revealed at depths of 200-700 km below the Pacific slab, which may reflect hot upwelling from the lower mantle or even the core-mantle boundary.

Research on geosphere stability for long-term isolation of radioactive waste; Scientific programme for fiscal years 2015-2021

Umeda, Koji; Yasue, Kenichi; Kokubu, Yoko; Niwa, Masakazu; Asamori, Koichi; Fujita, Natsuko; Shimizu, Mayuko; Shimada, Akiomi; Matsubara, Akihiro; Tamura, Hajimu; et al.

JAEA-Review 2015-012, 43 Pages, 2015/08

JAEA-Review-2015-012.pdf:1.24MB

The concept of geological disposal of high-level radioactive waste (HLW) in Japan is based on a multibarrier system which combines a stable geological environment with an engineered barrier system. Potential geological host formations and their surroundings are chosen, in particular, for their long-term stability, taking into account the fact that Japan is located in tectonically active zone. This report is to outline 7 years plan (fiscal years 2015-2021) of research and development (R&D) for geosphere stability for long-term isolation of the HLW in JAEA. Background of this research is clarified with the necessity and the significance, and the past progress in this report. The objectives, outline, contents and schedule during the next 7 years are described in detail. In addition, the plan framework is structured into the following categories: (1) Development and Systematization of investigation techniques, (2) Development of models for long-term estimation and effective assessment, (3) Development of dating techniques.