Seismic velocity inversion for patchy and homogeneous fluid distribution conditions in shallow, unconsolidated sands
ABSTRACTKnowledge of homogeneous and heterogeneous fluid distribution conditions in unconsolidated sediments is important for the selection of remediation techniques for groundwater contamination. However, for unconsolidated sediments, fluid distribution conditions from laboratory tests on core samples may not be representative of in situ conditions. We have developed a seismic inversion method to determine in situ fluid distribution conditions that involves inverting experimental seismic P and S wave velocities using Hertz Mindlin and Biot Gassmann models with different averaging methods (Wood and Hill averages) and different fluid distribution condition assumptions. This method can determine whether seismic velocity versus depth profiles are better explained assuming heterogeneous or homogeneous saturation conditions in shallow <1 m depth) unconsolidated sands. During the imbibition and drainage of shallow unconsolidated sands, we have observed nonmonotonic relationships between P wave velocity and w.