High-resolution mechanics of a microearthquake sequence

Unique data from microseismic (MS) and acoustic emission (AE) systems monitoring a common rock volume have been analyzed from the Underground Research Laboratory in Canada. The two 16 sensor systems were installed to investigate stress-induced microcracking around clay and concrete bulkheads as part of the Tunnel Sealing Experiment. Single and double MS events are found to be spatially associated with clusters of between 19-86 higher frequency AE events. Each AE cluster is elongated with the longest axis between 15 and 50 cm. The AE events occurring before the associated MS event are termed foreshocks, and for two of the three analyzed AE clusters an acceleration in the AE frequency and cumulative magnitude occurs upto the time of the MS event, however with one AE cluster very few foreshocks are recorded, possibly indicating a more homogeneous failure plane. Time independent moment tensors were determined with the MS events showing significant deviatoric sources. The majority of the AE events have deviatoric mechanisms with a few crack opening and crack closure type events also determined. This study highlights the benefits of using small-scale seismic systems to investigate the temporal fracture mechanics of microcrack formation, and allows comparisons with larger more damaging seismicity.