Attenuation of Seismic Waves in Partially Saturated Berea Sandstone as a Function of Frequency and Confining Pressure

Frequency-dependent attenuation (1/Q) should be used as a seismic attribute to improve the accuracy of methods and imaging subsurface. In rocks, 1/Q is highly sensitive presence saturating fluids. Thus, could crucial monitor volcanic hydrothermal domains explore hydrocarbon water reservoirs. The experimental determination teleseismic (i.e., for frequencies < 100 Hz) challenging, consequence, still uncertain broad range lithologies conditions. Moreover, physics elastic energy absorption 1/Q) often poorly constrained understood. Here, we provide series measurements wave dynamic Young’s modulus dry partially saturated Berea sandstone in 1–100 Hz bandwidth confining pressure ranging between 0 20 MPa. We present systematic relationships frequency-dependent liquid saturation, pressure. Data are compared phenomenological models, ultrasonic properties theoretical models wave-induced-fluid-flow squirt-flow patchy-saturation). analysis suggests that observed caused by but also behind this mechanism not yet fully determined. show, predicted theories, strongly dependent on Our results can help interpret data near-surface geophysics