Articles | Volume 13, issue 1
https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-13-81-2025
© Author(s) 2025. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-13-81-2025
© Author(s) 2025. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Research article
| 
22 Jan 2025
Research article |
| 22 Jan 2025
| 22 Jan 2025
Identifying fracture-controlled resonance modes for structural health monitoring: insights from Hunter Canyon Arch (Utah, USA)
Guglielmo Grechi
CORRESPONDING AUTHOR
Department of Geology and Geophysics, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, 84112 Utah, USA
Department of Earth Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, 00185, Italy
Jeffrey R. Moore
Department of Geology and Geophysics, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, 84112 Utah, USA
Molly E. McCreary
Department of Geology and Geophysics, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, 84112 Utah, USA
Erin K. Jensen
Department of Geology and Geophysics, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, 84112 Utah, USA
Salvatore Martino
Department of Earth Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, 00185, Italy
Related authors
No articles found.
Matthew C. Morriss, Benjamin Lehmann, Benjamin Campforts, George Brencher, Brianna Rick, Leif S. Anderson, Alexander L. Handwerger, Irina Overeem, and Jeffrey Moore
Earth Surf. Dynam., 11, 1251–1274, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-11-1251-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-11-1251-2023, 2023
Short summary
Short summary
In this paper, we investigate the 28 June 2022 collapse of the Chaos Canyon landslide in Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado, USA. We find that the landslide was moving prior to its collapse and took place at peak spring snowmelt; temperature modeling indicates the potential presence of permafrost. We hypothesize that this landslide could be part of the broader landscape evolution changes to alpine terrain caused by a warming climate, leading to thawing alpine permafrost.
Riley Finnegan, Jeffrey R. Moore, and Paul R. Geimer
Earth Surf. Dynam., 9, 1459–1479, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-9-1459-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-9-1459-2021, 2021
Short summary
Short summary
We performed controlled helicopter flights near seven rock arches and towers in Utah, USA, and recorded how their natural vibrations changed as the helicopter performed different maneuvers. We found that arches and towers vibrate up to 1000 times faster during these flights compared to time periods just before the helicopter's approach. Our study provides data that can be used to predict long-term damage to culturally significant rock features from sustained helicopter flights over time.
Mauro Häusler, Paul Richmond Geimer, Riley Finnegan, Donat Fäh, and Jeffrey Ralston Moore
Earth Surf. Dynam., 9, 1441–1457, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-9-1441-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-9-1441-2021, 2021
Short summary
Short summary
Natural rock arches are valued landmarks worldwide. As ongoing erosion can lead to rockfall and collapse, it is important to monitor the structural integrity of these landforms. One suitable technique involves measurements of resonance, produced when mainly natural sources, such as wind, vibrate the spans. Here we explore the use of two advanced processing techniques to accurately measure the resonant frequencies, damping ratios, and deflection patterns of several rock arches in Utah, USA.
Joseph P. Verdian, Leonard S. Sklar, Clifford S. Riebe, and Jeffrey R. Moore
Earth Surf. Dynam., 9, 1073–1090, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-9-1073-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-9-1073-2021, 2021
Short summary
Short summary
River behavior depends on the size of rocks they carry. Rocks are born on hillslopes where erosion removes fragments from solid bedrock. To understand what controls the size of rock fragments, we measured the spacing between cracks exposed in 15 bare-rock cliffs and the size of rocks on the ground below. We found that, for each site, the average rock size could be predicted from the average distance between cracks, which varied with rock type. This shows how rock type can influence rivers.
Michele Delchiaro, Marta Della Seta, Salvatore Martino, Maryam Dehbozorgi, and Reza Nozaem
Earth Surf. Dynam., 7, 929–947, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-7-929-2019, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-7-929-2019, 2019
Short summary
Short summary
This study provides insights into the causes and effects of the largest landslide and related damming that occurred on the emerged Earth surface. Understanding the hazard conditions is important for refining risk mitigation strategies for extreme landslide scenarios. We mapped and dated lacustrine and fluvial terrace sediments constraining the evolutionary model of the valley, thus providing the basis for future studies on the possible seismic trigger for such an extreme case study.
Gisela Domej, Céline Bourdeau, Luca Lenti, and Salvatore Martino
Nat. Hazards Earth Syst. Sci. Discuss., https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-2019-240, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-2019-240, 2019
Preprint withdrawn
Short summary
Short summary
For assessing landslides, it is of particular interest to delineate their volume. For example, numerical models, as well as GIS procedures, rely on exact delineations to characterize hazard potentials. This work presents parameters describing the dimensions and shapes of landslides. Via stable relations among each other and their relations to initial rupture volumes of landslides, it becomes possible to deduce parameters from each other and to infer volume estimates from given parameters.
S. Martino and P. Mazzanti
Nat. Hazards Earth Syst. Sci., 14, 831–848, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-14-831-2014, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-14-831-2014, 2014
S. Martino, A. Prestininzi, and R. W. Romeo
Nat. Hazards Earth Syst. Sci., 14, 799–814, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-14-799-2014, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-14-799-2014, 2014
P. Alfaro, J. Delgado, F. J. García-Tortosa, J. J. Giner, L. Lenti, C. López-Casado, S. Martino, and G. Scarascia Mugnozza
Nat. Hazards Earth Syst. Sci., 12, 3631–3643, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-12-3631-2012, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-12-3631-2012, 2012
Related subject area
Physical: Geophysics
3D shear wave velocity imaging of the subsurface structure of granite rocks in the arid climate of Pan de Azúcar, Chile, revealed by Bayesian inversion of HVSR curves
Machine learning prediction of the mass and the velocity of controlled single-block rockfalls from the seismic waves they generate
Subaerial and subglacial seismic characteristics of the largest measured jökulhlaup from the eastern Skaftá cauldron, Iceland
Short communication: Potential of Sentinel-1 interferometric synthetic aperture radar (InSAR) and offset tracking in monitoring post-cyclonic landslide activities on Réunion
Automated classification of seismic signals recorded on the Åknes rock slope, Western Norway, using a convolutional neural network
Short communication: A tool for determining multiscale bedform characteristics from bed elevation data
Probabilistic estimation of depth-resolved profiles of soil thermal diffusivity from temperature time series
Vibration of natural rock arches and towers excited by helicopter-sourced infrasound
An update on techniques to assess normal-mode behavior of rock arches by ambient vibrations
Precise water level measurements using low-cost GNSS antenna arrays
Locating rock slope failures along highways and understanding their physical processes using seismic signals
Reconstructing the dynamics of the highly similar May 2016 and June 2019 Iliamna Volcano (Alaska) ice–rock avalanches from seismoacoustic data
Seismo-acoustic energy partitioning of a powder snow avalanche
Comment on “Dynamics of the Askja caldera July 2014 landslide, Iceland, from seismic signal analysis: precursor, motion and aftermath” by Schöpa et al. (2018)
Seismic location and tracking of snow avalanches and slush flows on Mt. Fuji, Japan
Acoustic wave propagation in rivers: an experimental study
Automatic detection of avalanches combining array classification and localization
Potentials and pitfalls of permafrost active layer monitoring using the HVSR method: a case study in Svalbard
Short Communication: Monitoring rockfalls with the Raspberry Shake
Towards a standard typology of endogenous landslide seismic sources
Seismic detection of rockslides at regional scale: examples from the Eastern Alps and feasibility of kurtosis-based event location
Characterizing the complexity of microseismic signals at slow-moving clay-rich debris slides: the Super-Sauze (southeastern France) and Pechgraben (Upper Austria) case studies
Glacial isostatic adjustment modelling: historical perspectives, recent advances, and future directions
Single-block rockfall dynamics inferred from seismic signal analysis
Rahmantara Trichandi, Klaus Bauer, Trond Ryberg, Benjamin Heit, Jaime Araya Vargas, Friedhelm von Blanckenburg, and Charlotte M. Krawczyk
Earth Surf. Dynam., 12, 747–763, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-12-747-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-12-747-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
This study investigates subsurface weathering zones, revealing their structure through shear wave velocity variations. The research focuses on the arid climate of Pan de Azúcar National Park, Chile, using seismic ambient noise recordings to construct pseudo-3D models. The resulting models show the subsurface structure, including granite gradients and mafic dike intrusions. Comparison with other sites emphasizes the intricate relationship between climate, geology, and weathering depth.
Clément Hibert, François Noël, David Toe, Miloud Talib, Mathilde Desrues, Emmanuel Wyser, Ombeline Brenguier, Franck Bourrier, Renaud Toussaint, Jean-Philippe Malet, and Michel Jaboyedoff
Earth Surf. Dynam., 12, 641–656, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-12-641-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-12-641-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
Natural disasters such as landslides and rockfalls are mostly difficult to study because of the impossibility of making in situ measurements due to their destructive nature and spontaneous occurrence. Seismology is able to record the occurrence of such events from a distance and in real time. In this study, we show that, by using a machine learning approach, the mass and velocity of rockfalls can be estimated from the seismic signal they generate.
Eva P. S. Eibl, Kristin S. Vogfjörd, Benedikt G. Ófeigsson, Matthew J. Roberts, Christopher J. Bean, Morgan T. Jones, Bergur H. Bergsson, Sebastian Heimann, and Thoralf Dietrich
Earth Surf. Dynam., 11, 933–959, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-11-933-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-11-933-2023, 2023
Short summary
Short summary
Floods draining beneath an ice cap are hazardous events that generate six different short- or long-lasting types of seismic signals. We use these signals to see the collapse of the ice once the water has left the lake, the propagation of the flood front to the terminus, hydrothermal explosions and boiling in the bedrock beneath the drained lake, and increased water flow at rapids in the glacial river. We can thus track the flood and assess the associated hazards better in future flooding events.
Marcello de Michele, Daniel Raucoules, Claire Rault, Bertrand Aunay, and Michael Foumelis
Earth Surf. Dynam., 11, 451–460, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-11-451-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-11-451-2023, 2023
Short summary
Short summary
Landslide processes are causes of major concern to population and infrastructures on Réunion. In this study, we used data from the Copernicus Sentinel-1 satellite to map ground motion in Cirque de Salazie. We concentrate on the cyclonic season 2017–2018. Our results show ground motion in the Hell-Bourg, Ilet à Vidot,
Grand-Ilet, Camp Pierrot, and Le Bélier landslides. Moreover, we show an unknown pattern of ground motion situated in a non-instrumented, uninhabited area on the ground.
Nadège Langet and Fred Marcus John Silverberg
Earth Surf. Dynam., 11, 89–115, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-11-89-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-11-89-2023, 2023
Short summary
Short summary
Microseismic events recorded on the Åknes rock slope in Norway during the past 15 years are automatically divided into eight classes. The results are analysed and compared to meteorological data, showing a strong increase in the microseismic activity in spring mainly due to freezing and thawing processes.
Judith Y. Zomer, Suleyman Naqshband, and Antonius J. F. Hoitink
Earth Surf. Dynam., 10, 865–874, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-10-865-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-10-865-2022, 2022
Short summary
Short summary
Riverbeds are often composed of different scales of dunes, whose sizes and shapes are highly variable over time and space. Characterization of these dunes is important in many research studies focused on fluvial processes. A tool is presented here that aims to identify different scales of dunes from riverbed elevation maps. A first step is to separate two scales of bedforms without smoothing steep slopes of the larger dunes. In a second step, dunes are identified and properties are computed.
Carlotta Brunetti, John Lamb, Stijn Wielandt, Sebastian Uhlemann, Ian Shirley, Patrick McClure, and Baptiste Dafflon
Earth Surf. Dynam., 10, 687–704, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-10-687-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-10-687-2022, 2022
Short summary
Short summary
This paper proposes a method to estimate thermal diffusivity and its uncertainty over time, at numerous locations and at an unprecedented vertical spatial resolution from soil temperature time series. We validate and apply this method to synthetic and field case studies. The improved quantification of soil thermal properties is a cornerstone for advancing the indirect estimation of the fraction of soil components needed to predict subsurface storage and fluxes of water, carbon, and nutrients.
Riley Finnegan, Jeffrey R. Moore, and Paul R. Geimer
Earth Surf. Dynam., 9, 1459–1479, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-9-1459-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-9-1459-2021, 2021
Short summary
Short summary
We performed controlled helicopter flights near seven rock arches and towers in Utah, USA, and recorded how their natural vibrations changed as the helicopter performed different maneuvers. We found that arches and towers vibrate up to 1000 times faster during these flights compared to time periods just before the helicopter's approach. Our study provides data that can be used to predict long-term damage to culturally significant rock features from sustained helicopter flights over time.
Mauro Häusler, Paul Richmond Geimer, Riley Finnegan, Donat Fäh, and Jeffrey Ralston Moore
Earth Surf. Dynam., 9, 1441–1457, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-9-1441-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-9-1441-2021, 2021
Short summary
Short summary
Natural rock arches are valued landmarks worldwide. As ongoing erosion can lead to rockfall and collapse, it is important to monitor the structural integrity of these landforms. One suitable technique involves measurements of resonance, produced when mainly natural sources, such as wind, vibrate the spans. Here we explore the use of two advanced processing techniques to accurately measure the resonant frequencies, damping ratios, and deflection patterns of several rock arches in Utah, USA.
David J. Purnell, Natalya Gomez, William Minarik, David Porter, and Gregory Langston
Earth Surf. Dynam., 9, 673–685, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-9-673-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-9-673-2021, 2021
Short summary
Short summary
We present a new technique for precisely monitoring water levels (e.g. sea level, rivers or lakes) using low-cost equipment (approximately USD 100–200) that is simple to build and install. The technique builds on previous work using antennas that were designed for navigation purposes. Multiple antennas in the same location are used to obtain more precise measurements than those obtained when using a single antenna. Software for analysis is provided with the article.
Jui-Ming Chang, Wei-An Chao, Hongey Chen, Yu-Ting Kuo, and Che-Ming Yang
Earth Surf. Dynam., 9, 505–517, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-9-505-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-9-505-2021, 2021
Short summary
Short summary
Seismic techniques applied in rock slope failure research do not provide rapid notifications, as for earthquakes, due to the lack of connections between seismic signals and events. We studied 10 known events in Taiwan and developed a GeoLoc scheme to locate rock slope failures, estimate the event volume, and understand their physical process using available videos. With real-time seismic data transmission, a rapid report can be created for the public within several minutes of the event.
Liam Toney, David Fee, Kate E. Allstadt, Matthew M. Haney, and Robin S. Matoza
Earth Surf. Dynam., 9, 271–293, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-9-271-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-9-271-2021, 2021
Short summary
Short summary
Large avalanches composed of ice and rock are a serious hazard to mountain communities and backcountry travellers. These processes shake the Earth and disturb the atmosphere, generating seismic waves and sound waves which can travel for hundreds of kilometers. In this study, we use the seismic waves and sound waves produced by two massive avalanches on a volcano in Alaska to reconstruct how the avalanches failed. Our method may assist with rapid emergency response to these global hazards.
Emanuele Marchetti, Alec van Herwijnen, Marc Christen, Maria Cristina Silengo, and Giulia Barfucci
Earth Surf. Dynam., 8, 399–411, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-8-399-2020, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-8-399-2020, 2020
Short summary
Short summary
We present infrasonic and seismic array data of a powder snow avalanche, that was released on 5 February 2016, in the Dischma valley nearby Davos, Switzerland. Combining information derived from both arrays, we show how infrasound and seismic energy are radiated from different sources acting along the path. Moreover, infrasound transmits to the ground and affects the recorded seismic signal. Results highlight the benefits of combined seismo-acoustic array analyses for monitoring and research.
Tómas Jóhannesson, Jón Kristinn Helgason, and Sigríður Sif Gylfadóttir
Earth Surf. Dynam., 8, 173–175, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-8-173-2020, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-8-173-2020, 2020
Cristina Pérez-Guillén, Kae Tsunematsu, Kouichi Nishimura, and Dieter Issler
Earth Surf. Dynam., 7, 989–1007, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-7-989-2019, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-7-989-2019, 2019
Short summary
Short summary
Avalanches and slush flows from Mt. Fuji are a major natural hazard as they may attain run-out distances of up to 4 km and destroy parts of the forest and infrastructure. We located and tracked them for the first time using seismic data. Numerical simulations were conducted to assess the precision of the seismic tracking. We also inferred dynamical properties characterizing these hazardous mass movements. This information is indispensable for assessing avalanche risk in the Mt. Fuji region.
Thomas Geay, Ludovic Michel, Sébastien Zanker, and James Robert Rigby
Earth Surf. Dynam., 7, 537–548, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-7-537-2019, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-7-537-2019, 2019
Short summary
Short summary
This research has been conducted to develop the use of passive acoustic monitoring (PAM) for bedload monitoring in rivers. Monitored bedload acoustic signals depend on bedload characteristics (e.g., grain size distribution, fluxes) but are also affected by the environment in which the acoustic waves are propagated. This study focuses on the determination of propagation effects in rivers. An experimental approach has been conducted in several streams to estimate acoustic propagation laws.
Matthias Heck, Alec van Herwijnen, Conny Hammer, Manuel Hobiger, Jürg Schweizer, and Donat Fäh
Earth Surf. Dynam., 7, 491–503, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-7-491-2019, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-7-491-2019, 2019
Short summary
Short summary
We used continuous seismic data from two small aperture geophone arrays deployed in the region above Davos in the eastern Swiss Alps to develop a machine learning workflow to automatically identify signals generated by snow avalanches. Our results suggest that the method presented could be used to identify major avalanche periods and highlight the importance of array processing techniques for the automatic classification of avalanches in seismic data.
Andreas Köhler and Christian Weidle
Earth Surf. Dynam., 7, 1–16, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-7-1-2019, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-7-1-2019, 2019
Short summary
Short summary
The uppermost part of permanently frozen ground can thaw during summer and refreeze during winter. We use a method based on naturally generated seismic waves to continuously monitor these changes close to the research settlement of Ny-Ålesund in Svalbard between April and August 2016. Our results reveal some potential pitfalls when interpreting temporal variations in the data. However, we show that a careful data analysis makes this method a very useful tool for long-term permafrost monitoring.
Andrea Manconi, Velio Coviello, Maud Galletti, and Reto Seifert
Earth Surf. Dynam., 6, 1219–1227, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-6-1219-2018, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-6-1219-2018, 2018
Short summary
Short summary
We evaluated the performance of the low-cost seismic Raspberry Shake (RS) sensors to identify and monitor rockfall activity in alpine environments. The sensors have been tested for a 1-year period in a high alpine environment, recording numerous rock failure events as well as local and distant earthquakes. This study demonstrates that the RS instruments provide a good option to build low seismic monitoring networks to monitor different kinds of geophysical phenomena.
Floriane Provost, Jean-Philippe Malet, Clément Hibert, Agnès Helmstetter, Mathilde Radiguet, David Amitrano, Nadège Langet, Eric Larose, Clàudia Abancó, Marcel Hürlimann, Thomas Lebourg, Clara Levy, Gaëlle Le Roy, Patrice Ulrich, Maurin Vidal, and Benjamin Vial
Earth Surf. Dynam., 6, 1059–1088, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-6-1059-2018, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-6-1059-2018, 2018
Short summary
Short summary
Seismic sources generated by the deformation of unstable slopes are diverse in terms of signal properties and mechanisms. Standardized catalogues of landslide endogenous seismicity can help understanding the physical processes controlling slope dynamics. We propose a generic typology of seismic sources based on the analysis of signals recorded at various instrumented slopes. We demonstrate that the seismic signals present similar features at different sites and discuss their mechanical sources.
Florian Fuchs, Wolfgang Lenhardt, Götz Bokelmann, and the AlpArray Working Group
Earth Surf. Dynam., 6, 955–970, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-6-955-2018, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-6-955-2018, 2018
Short summary
Short summary
The work demonstrates how seismic networks installed in the Alps can be used for country-wide real-time monitoring of rockslide activity. We suggest simple methods that allow us to detect, locate, and characterize rockslides using the seismic signals they generate. We developed an automatic procedure to locate rockslides with kilometer accuracy over hundreds of kilometers of distance. Our findings highlight how seismic networks can help us to understand the triggering of rockslides.
Naomi Vouillamoz, Sabrina Rothmund, and Manfred Joswig
Earth Surf. Dynam., 6, 525–550, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-6-525-2018, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-6-525-2018, 2018
Short summary
Short summary
Seismic monitoring of active landslides enables the detection of microseismic signals generated by slope activity. We propose a classification of
microseismic signals observed at two active clay-rich debris slides and a simple method to constrain their source origin and their size
based on their signal amplitudes. A better understanding of landslide-induced microseismicity is crucial for the development of early warning systems
based on landslide-induced microseismic signal precursors.
Pippa L. Whitehouse
Earth Surf. Dynam., 6, 401–429, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-6-401-2018, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-6-401-2018, 2018
Short summary
Short summary
This article is a contribution to a special issue on
Two centuries of modelling across scales. It describes the historical observations, evolving hypotheses, and early calculations that led to the development of the field of glacial isostatic sdjustment (GIA) modelling, which seeks to understand feedbacks between ice-sheet change, sea-level change, and solid Earth deformation. Recent and future advances are discussed. Future progress will likely involve an interdisciplinary approach.
Clément Hibert, Jean-Philippe Malet, Franck Bourrier, Floriane Provost, Frédéric Berger, Pierrick Bornemann, Pascal Tardif, and Eric Mermin
Earth Surf. Dynam., 5, 283–292, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-5-283-2017, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-5-283-2017, 2017
Cited articles
Aenlle, M., Juul, M., and Brincker, R.: Corrigendum to “Modal Mass and Length of Mode Shapes in Structural Dynamics”, Shock Vib., 2021, 9821852, https://doi.org/10.1155/2021/9821852, 2021.
Alaei, A., Hejazi, M., Vintzileou, E., Miltiadou-Fezans, A., and Skłodowski, M.: Effect of damage and repair on the dynamic properties of Persian brick masonry arches, The European Physical Journal Plus, 138, 231, https://doi.org/10.1140/epjp/s13360-023-03781-0, 2023.
Azzara, R. M., Girardi, M., Iafolla, V., Padovani, C., and Pellegrini, D.: Long-Term Dynamic Monitoring of Medieval Masonry Towers, Frontiers in Built Environment, 6, 9, https://doi.org/10.3389/fbuil.2020.00009, 2020.
Bandis, S. C., Lumsden, A. C., and Barton, N. R.: Fundamentals of rock joint deformation, Int. J. Rock Mech. Min., 20, 249–268, https://doi.org/10.1016/0148-9062(83)90595-8, 1983.
Bensen, G. D., Ritzwoller, M. H., Barmin, M. P., Levshin, A. L., Lin, F., Moschetti, M. P., Shapiro, N. M., and Yang, Y.: Processing seismic ambient noise data to obtain reliable broad-band surface wave dispersion measurements, Geophys. J. Int., 169, 1239–1260, https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-246X.2007.03374.x, 2007.
Bessette-Kirton, E. K., Moore, J. R., Geimer, P. R., Finnegan, R., Häusler, M., and Dzubay, A.: Structural Characterization of a Toppling Rock Slab From Array-Based Ambient Vibration Measurements and Numerical Modal Analysis, J. Geophys. Res.-Earth, 127, e2022JF006679, https://doi.org/10.1029/2022JF006679, 2022.
Blair Jr., R. W.: Development of natural sandstone arches in south-eastern Utah, International geomorphology 1986, Proc. 1st Conference, Manchester, UK, 15–21 September 1985, Vol. 2, 597–604, 1987.
Bottelin, P. and Baillet, L.: Original Insights Into Rock Slope Damage Processes Until Collapse From Passive Seismic Monitoring, Geophys. Res. Lett., 51, e2024GL109139, https://doi.org/10.1029/2024GL109139, 2024.
Bottelin, P., Lévy, C., Baillet, L., Jongmans, D., and Guéguen, P.: Modal and thermal analysis of les arches unstable rock column (vercors massif, french alps), Geophys. J. Int., 194, 849–858, https://doi.org/10.1093/gji/ggt046, 2013a.
Bottelin, P., Jongmans, D., Baillet, L., Lebourg, T., Hantz, D., Levy, C., Le Roux, O., Cadet, H., Lorier, L., Rouiller, J.-D., Turpin, J., and Darras, L.: Spectral Analysis of Prone-to-fall Rock Compartments using Ambient Vibrations, J. Environ. Eng. Geoph., 18, 205–217, https://doi.org/10.2113/JEEG18.4.205, 2013b.
Bottelin, P., Baillet, L., Larose, E., Jongmans, D., Hantz, D., Brenguier, O., Cadet, H., and Helmstetter, A.: Monitoring rock reinforcement works with ambient vibrations: La Bourne case study (Vercors, France), Eng. Geol., 226, 136–145, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enggeo.2017.06.002, 2017.
Brincker, R. and Ventura, C.: Introduction to operational modal analysis, John Wiley and Sons, Inc, Chichester, West Sussex, 1, https://doi.org/10.1002/9781118535141, 2015.
Brincker, R., Zhang, L., and Andersen, P.: Modal identification of output-only systems using frequency domain decomposition, Smart Mater. Struct., 10, 441–445, https://doi.org/10.1088/0964-1726/10/3/303, 2001.
Bruthans, J., Soukup, J., Vaculikova, J., Filippi, M., Schweigstillova, J., Mayo, A. L., Masin, D., Kletetschka, G., and Rihosek, J.: Sandstone landforms shaped by negative feedback between stress and erosion, Nat. Geosci., 7, 597–601, https://doi.org/10.1038/ngeo2209, 2014.
Burjánek, J., Gischig, V., Moore, J. R., and Fäh, D.: Ambient vibration characterization and monitoring of a rock slope close to collapse, Geophys. J. Int., 212, 297–310, https://doi.org/10.1093/gji/ggx424, 2018.
Burjánek, J., Kleinbrod, U., and Fäh, D.: Modeling the Seismic Response of Unstable Rock Mass With Deep Compliant Fractures, J. Geophys. Res.-Sol. Ea., 124, 13039–13059, https://doi.org/10.1029/2019JB018607, 2019.
Çelebi, M.: S2HM of Buildings in USA, Seismic Structural Health Monitoring: From Theory to Successful Applications, Springer, Cham., 3–30, https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-13976-6_1, 2019.
Ceravolo, R., Pistone, G., Fragonara, L. Z., Massetto, S., and Abbiati, G.: Vibration-Based Monitoring and Diagnosis of Cultural Heritage: A Methodological Discussion in Three Examples, Int. J. Archit. Herit., 10, 375–395, https://doi.org/10.1080/15583058.2013.850554, 2016.
Chopra, A. K.: Dynamics of structures: international edition, Pearson Education Limited, ISBN 0-273-77426-3, 2013.
Cimellaro, G. P. (Ed.): Seismic isolation, energy dissipation and active vibration control of structures, Vol. 2, Corrected publication, Springer, Cham, 492 pp., ISBN 978-3031211867, 2023.
Clinton, J. F., Bradford, S. C., Heaton, T. H., and Favela, J.: The observed wander of the natural frequencies in a structure, B. Seismol. Soc. Am., 96, 237–257, https://doi.org/10.1785/0120050052, 2006.
Colombero, C., Baillet, L., Comina, C., Jongmans, D., and Vinciguerra, S.: Characterization of the 3-D fracture setting of an unstable rock mass: From surface and seismic investigations to numerical modeling, J. Geophys. Res.-Sol. Ea., 122, 6346–6366, https://doi.org/10.1002/2017JB014111, 2017.
Colombero, C., Baillet, L., Comina, C., Jongmans, D., Larose, E., Valentin, J., and Vinciguerra, S.: Integration of ambient seismic noise monitoring, displacement and meteorological measurements to infer the temperature-controlled long-term evolution of a complex prone-to-fall cliff, Geophys. J. Int., 213, 1876–1897, https://doi.org/10.1093/gji/ggy090, 2018.
Colombero, C., Godio, A., and Jongmans, D.: Ambient Seismic Noise and Microseismicity Monitoring of a Prone-To-Fall Quartzite Tower (Ormea, NW Italy), Remote Sens., 13, 1664, https://doi.org/10.3390/rs13091664, 2021a.
Colombero, C., Jongmans, D., Fiolleau, S., Valentin, J., Baillet, L., and Bièvre, G.: Seismic Noise Parameters as Indicators of Reversible Modifications in Slope Stability: A Review, Springer Netherlands, 339–375 pp., https://doi.org/10.1007/s10712-021-09632-w, 2021b.
Conati Barbaro, C., Fiorucci, M., Grechi, G., Forti, L., Marmoni, G. M., and Martino, S.: Safeguarding archaeological excavations and preserving cultural heritage in cave environments through engineering geological and geophysical approaches, J. Archaeol. Sci. Reports, 60, 104868, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jasrep.2024.104868, 2024.
Cruikshank, K. M. and Aydin, A.: Role of fracture localization in arch formation, Arches National Park, Utah, Geol. Soc. Am. Bull., 106, 879–891, https://doi.org/10.1130/0016-7606(1994)106<0879:ROFLIA>2.3.CO;2, 1994.
Doebling, S. W., Farrar, C. R., Prime, M. B., and Shevitz, D. W.: Damage identification and health monitoring of structural and mechanical systems from changes in their vibration characteristics: A literature review, Los Alamos National Laboratories, https://doi.org/10.2172/249299, 1996.
Dzubay, A., Moore, J. R., Finnegan, R., Jensen, E. K., Geimer, P. R., and Koper, K. D.: Rotational Components of Normal Modes Measured at a Natural Sandstone Tower (Kane Springs Canyon, Utah, U.S.A.), The Seismic Record, 2, 260–268, https://doi.org/10.1785/0320220035, 2022.
Farrar, C. R. and James III, G. H.: System identification from ambient vibration measurements on a bridge, J. Sound Vib., 205, 1–18, https://doi.org/10.1006/jsvi.1997.0977, 1997.
Finnegan, R., Moore, J. R., and Geimer, P. R.: Vibration of natural rock arches and towers excited by helicopter-sourced infrasound, Earth Surf. Dynam., 9, 1459–1479, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-9-1459-2021, 2021.
Finnegan, R., Moore, J. R., Geimer, P. R., Dzubay, A., Bessette-Kirton, E. K., Bodtker, J., and Vollinger, K.: Ambient Vibration Modal Analysis of Natural Rock Towers and Fins, Seismol. Res. Lett., 93, 1777–1786, https://doi.org/10.1785/0220210325, 2022.
Geimer, P. R., Finnegan, R., and Moore, J. R.: Sparse Ambient Resonance Measurements Reveal Dynamic Properties of Freestanding Rock Arches, Geophys. Res. Lett., 47, e2020GL087239, https://doi.org/10.1029/2020GL087239, 2020.
Geimer, P. R., Finnegan, R., and Moore, J. R.: Meteorological Controls on Reversible Resonance Changes in Natural Rock Arches, J. Geophys. Res.-Earth, 127, e2022JF006734, https://doi.org/10.1029/2022jf006734, 2022.
Goodman, R. E.: Introduction to rock mechanics, Wiley, New York, 478 pp., ISBN 0471041297, 1980.
Grechi, G., Moore, J. R., Jensen, E. K., McCreary, M. E., Czech, T. L., and Festin, M. M.: Modal Analysis of a Lava Tube Roof Complex: Tabernacle Hill, Utah, USA, Rock Mech. Rock Eng., 57, 1–10, https://doi.org/10.1007/s00603-024-03868-9, 2024.
Habaraduwa Peellage, W., Fatahi, B., and Rasekh, H.: Stiffness and damping characteristics of jointed rocks under cyclic triaxial loading subjected to prolonged cyclic loading, Int. J. Fatigue, 181, 108121, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijfatigue.2023.108121, 2024.
Häusler, M., Geimer, P. R., Finnegan, R., Fäh, D., and Moore, J. R.: An update on techniques to assess normal-mode behavior of rock arches by ambient vibrations, Earth Surf. Dynam., 9, 1441–1457, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-9-1441-2021, 2021a.
Häusler, M., Michel, C., Burjánek, J., and Fäh, D.: Monitoring the Preonzo Rock Slope Instability Using Resonance Mode Analysis, J. Geophys. Res.-Earth, 126, e2020JF005709, https://doi.org/10.1029/2020JF005709, 2021b.
Iannucci, R., Martino, S., Paciello, A., D'Amico, S., and Galea, P.: Investigation of cliff instability at Ghajn Hadid Tower (Selmun Promontory, Malta) by integrated passive seismic techniques, J. Seismol., 24, 897–916, https://doi.org/10.1007/s10950-019-09898-z, 2020.
Ibrahim, S. R.: Random Decrement Technique for Modal Identification of Structures, J. Spacecraft Rockets, 14, 696–700, https://doi.org/10.2514/3.57251, 1977.
Jensen, E. K. and Moore, J. R.: Coevolution of Rock Slope Instability Damage and Resonance Frequencies From Distinct‐Element Modeling, J. Geophys. Res.-Earth, 128, e2023JF007305, https://doi.org/10.1029/2023JF007305, 2023
Kleinbrod, U., Burjánek, J., and Fäh, D.: Ambient vibration classification of unstable rock slopes: A systematic approach, Eng. Geol., 249, 198–217, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enggeo.2018.12.012, 2019.
Koper, K. D. and Hawley, V. L.: Frequency dependent polarization analysis of ambient seismic noise recorded at a broadband seismometer in the central United States, Earthquake Science, 23, 439–447, https://doi.org/10.1007/s11589-010-0743-5, 2010.
Kulatilake, P. H. S. W., Shreedharan, S., Sherizadeh, T., Shu, B., Xing, Y., and He, P.: Laboratory Estimation of Rock Joint Stiffness and Frictional Parameters, Geotechnical and Geological Engineering, 34, 1723–1735, https://doi.org/10.1007/s10706-016-9984-y, 2016.
Lazan, B. J.: Damping of materials and members in structural mechanics, Elsevier Science and Technology, Vol. XIII, 317 pp., ISBN 0080029345, 1968.
Lévy, C., Baillet, L., Jongmans, D., Mourot, P., and Hantz, D.: Dynamic response of the Chamousset rock column (Western Alps, France), J. Geophys. Res.-Earth, 115, F04043, https://doi.org/10.1029/2009JF001606, 2010.
Lin, F. C., Li, D., Clayton, R. W., and Hollis, D.: High-resolution 3D shallow crustal structure in Long Beach, California: Application of ambient noise tomography on a dense seismic array, Geophysics, 78, Q45–Q56, https://doi.org/10.1190/geo2012-0453.1, 2013.
McNamara, D. E. and Buland, R. P.: Ambiente noise levels in the continental United States, B. Seismol. Soc. Am., 94, 1517–1527, https://doi.org/10.1785/012003001, 2004.
Mercerat, E. D., Payeur, J. B., Bertrand, E., Malascrabes, M., Pernoud, M., and Chamberland, Y.: Deciphering the dynamics of a heterogeneous sea cliff using ambient vibrations: Case study of the Sutta-Rocca overhang (southern Corsica, France), Geophys. J. Int., 224, 813–824, https://doi.org/10.1093/gji/ggaa465, 2021.
Moore, J.: Structural health monitoring of rock arches and towers, International Federation of Digital Seismograph Networks [data set], https://doi.org/10.7914/SN/5P_2013, 2013.
Moore, J. R. and Grechi, G.: Hunter Arch, Sketchfab [code], https://skfb.ly/oILIM, last access: 16 January 2025.
Moore, J. R., Geimer, P. R., Finnegan, R., and Thorne, M. S.: Use of Seismic Resonance Measurements to Determine the Elastic Modulus of Freestanding Rock Masses, Rock Mech. Rock Eng., 51, 3937–3944, https://doi.org/10.1007/s00603-018-1554-6, 2018.
Moore, J. R., Geimer, P. R., Finnegan, R., and Michel, C.: Dynamic Analysis of a Large Freestanding Rock Tower (Castleton Tower, Utah), B. Seismol. Soc. Am., 109, 2125–2131, https://doi.org/10.1785/0120190118, 2019.
Moore, J. R., Geimer, P. R., Finnegan, R., and Bodtker, J.: Between a beam and catenary: Influence of geometry on gravitational stresses and stability of natural rock arches, Geomorphology, 364, 107244, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.geomorph.2020.107244, 2020.
Müller, J. and Burjánek, J.: In situ estimation of effective rock elastic moduli by seismic ambient vibrations, Int. J. Rock Mech. Min., 170, 105459, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijrmms.2023.105459, 2023.
Ostanin, I., Safonov, A., and Oseledets, I.: Natural Erosion of Sandstone as Shape Optimisation, Sci. Rep., 7, 17301, https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-017-17777-1, 2017.
Pau, A. and Vestroni, F.: Vibration assessment and structural monitoring of the Basilica of Maxentius in Rome, Mech. Syst. Signal Pr., 41, 454–466, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ymssp.2013.05.009, 2013.
Řihošek, J., Slavík, M., Bruthans, J., and Filippi, M.: Evolution of natural rock arches: A realistic small-scale experiment, Geology, 47, 71–74, https://doi.org/10.1130/G45421.1, 2018.
Riquelme, A.: Discontinuity Set Extractor, GitHub [code], https://github.com/adririquelme/DSE (last access: 16 January 2025), 2015.
Riquelme, A. J., Abellán, A., Tomás, R., and Jaboyedoff, M.: A new approach for semi-automatic rock mass joints recognition from 3D point clouds, Comput. Geosci., 68, 38–52, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cageo.2014.03.014, 2014.
Starr, A. M., Moore, J. R., and Thorne, M. S.: Ambient resonance of Mesa Arch, Canyonlands National Park, Utah, Geophys. Res. Lett., 42, 6696–6702, https://doi.org/10.1002/2015GL064917, 2015.
Taruselli, M., Arosio, D., Longoni, L., Papini, M., and Zanzi, L.: Seismic noise monitoring of a small rock block collapse test, Geophys. J. Int., 224, 207–215, https://doi.org/10.1093/gji/ggaa447, 2021.
Van Overschee, P. and De Moor, B.: Subspace Identification for Linear Systems, Springer US, Boston, MA, https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4613-0465-4, 1996.
Welch, P.: The use of fast Fourier transform for the estimation of power spectra: A method based on time averaging over short, modified periodograms, IEEE T. Acoust. Speech, 15, 70–73, https://doi.org/10.1109/TAU.1967.1161901, 1967.
Zhang, W., Wang, J., Xu, P., Lou, J., Shan, B., Wang, F., Cao, C., Chen, X., and Que, J.: Stability evaluation and potential failure process of rock slopes characterized by non-persistent fractures, Nat. Hazards Earth Syst. Sci., 20, 2921–2935, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-20-2921-2020, 2020.
Short summary
We investigated the dynamic behavior of a rock arch to understand how fractures influence its stability. Using geophones, we measured its modes of vibration and used numerical modeling to replicate them. We found that higher-order resonance modes are the most sensitive to fractures, indicating their potential as early indicators of structural damage. Therefore, monitoring these higher-order modes could provide a more accurate tool to assess the structural integrity of natural rock landforms.
We investigated the dynamic behavior of a rock arch to understand how fractures influence its...
