Numerical and laboratory studies of seismic properties and elements of rock fabric from the microscale to the macroscale

Abstract: Physical properties of rocks studied in the laboratory are useful to provide constraints on the dynamics of Earth?s interior. This may include direct constraints on in-situ seismic properties, such as elastic wave velocity measurements that can be compared to seismological data, or petrofabric indicators such as anisotropy of magnetic susceptibility (AMS). Another approach that provides predictive insight into the physical properties of Earth?s interior are computer models. Numerical modelling, in particular, can be used to investigate the dynamic propagation of elastic waves or the flow of a material to generate a fabric or texture (i.e., petrofabric in rocks). This thesis focuses on an integrative approach, utilizing both laboratory measurements and numerical modelling, to understand physical properties and petrofabric development in rocks originating in Earth?s crust. The physical properties of rocks are affected by both intrinsic sources (e.g., inherent to crystals) and extrinsic sources (e.g., layering, microcracks, shape preferred orientation of crystals, grain size, presence of geological fluids). A versatile numerical elastic wave propagation model is constructed with COMSOL Multiphysics