[S-SS07] Environmental Seismology: from deep earth to surface process

[SSS07-02] Using coda wave interferometry to monitor changes of groundwater, glacier and rivers

*Hejun Zhu¹, Shuo Zhang², Bingxu Luo³, David Lumley⁴ (1.Southern University of Science and Technology, 2.University of Texas at Austin, 3.University of Arizona , 4.University of Texas at Dallas )

In this presentation, we will demonstrate the applications of coda wave interferometry in exploring the dynamic response of the Earth to various environmental processes. The focus will be on measuring relative seismic velocity changes, indicative of near-surface fluctuations influenced by factors such as temperature, pore space, water saturation, fractures, and faults. Three case studies will be used to show the potential of utilizing seismometers for monitoring environmental phenomena. The first case study examines spatial and temporal variations in seismic velocity, providing valuable insights to groundwater recharge/discharge cycles. Central Oklahoma and West Texas will be used as examples to illustrate the relation between groundwater fluctuation and near surface seismic velocity changes. The second case study involves the usage of long-term seismometers in Greenland to investigate seasonal and long-term changes in seismic velocity, which enhances our understanding of how the Earth's crust responds to loading and unloading cycles associated with ice sheet melting. The final case study explores the potential of utilizing near-surface seismic velocity changes to study baseflow of rivers, illustrated by an example from twelve-year dv/v observation in a watershed of the Yellowstone National Park, which offers valuable implications for river monitoring and mitigation strategies. These case studies show the potential of turning thousands of seismometers to monitor environmental changes.