BrainMap

Mr. ANDREI BALA

Dr.

PhD Senior research geophysicist, CS I - INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA PAMANTULUI - INCDFP RA

Researcher | Scientific reviewer | Consultant

Curriculum Vitae (06/02/2024)

Expertise & keywords

INTEGRATED SEISMIC HAZARD INFORMATION PLATFORM FOR VRANCEA ZONE SURVEILLANCE THROUGH ADVANCED GEOSPATIAL AND IN-SITU METHODOLOGIES Call name: Joint Applied Research Projects - PCCA 2013 - call
PN-II-PT-PCCA-2013-4-0036 2014 - 2017

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU OPTOELECTRONICA INOE 2000 INCD

Project partners: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU OPTOELECTRONICA INOE 2000 INCD (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA PAMANTULUI - INCDFP RA (RO); UNIVERSITATEA TEHNICA DE CONSTRUCTII BUCURESTI (RO); TEHNOGIS GRUP SRL (RO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA PAMANTULUI - INCDFP RA (RO)

Project website: http://vrageo.inoe.ro

Abstract:

VRAGEO is a service proposed in response to Partnerships Program – Applied Research Projects - Competition 2013, Priority area 3- Environment, Research direction 3.4.6. Natural and technological hazards; researches on risk assessment and impact studies. The main objective of VRAGEO is to enable free and open access to seismic hazard information in Romania due to Vrancea source in support of GMES (Global Monitoring of Environment and Security) through the development of an operational framework, a set of supporting tools and advanced geospatial surveillance methodologies of Vrancea tectonic active region.VRAGEO takes a closer look at geophysical activity anomalies in Vrancea and its surroundings, providing timely information to limitate negative impacts. Through the development of a strong geodata base of in-situ and geospatial data, new methods and indicators for improving seismic hazard assessment in Romania, VRAGEO will demonstrate to which extent a systematic integration of several independent observations can improve medium and short-term earthquake prediction. For monitoring of the geophysical parameters having precursory character in Vrancea area time-series geospatial data will be used in three distinct directions: 1)Preseismic crustal deformation with millimeters-centimeters precision order through GPS, LEVELLING network and radar satellite interferometry (TerraSAR-X,ALOS, Sentinels); 2)Geomagnetic and Ionospheric anomalies, short term or immediate seismic precursors over strong earthquakes areals expressed through Total Electron Content TEC provided by GPS permanent network stations or from real-time IPS - WDC for Solar-Terrestrial Science data; 3)Possible thermal surface anomalies inferred through surface latent heat flux (SLHF) and Land Surface Temperature (LST) changes from time-series satellite data in IR regions (NOAA-AVHRR, Terra/Aqua-MODIS, Landsat TM/ETM, ENVISAT, Sentinels). Will be quantified long-, medium-,short- and immediate- term of geophysical parameters and radon concentration variations, sensitive to seismic events. Information derived from time-series satellite data will be used in synergy with in-situ monitoring data provided by geophysical, geodetic, geodynamic, electromagnetic, solar, seismic, meteorological monitoring networks of Romania. Will be adapted and developed Lithosphere-Atmosphere-Ionosphere and Plate Kinematic Models applied for crustal movements and seismicity in Vrancea area for location and increasing geophysical activity in Vrancea zone will be cross-validate with in-situ and geospatial data. VRAGEO will improve the seismic hazard assessment in Vrancea zone through providing of different levels of experimental seismic hazard services for users:Seismic Hazard Mapping Service, Geophysical Parameters Service Mapping and Geophysical Parameters Anomalies Detection Mapping Service. For analysis of geophysical processes at the ground-to-air and ground-to-water interfaces responsible for seismic presignals generation, will be refined existing methodologies and developed new different advanced monitoring and surveillance methodologie, will be modeled the geodynamical processes and will be cross-validated with in-situ data. In order to mitigate-improve the preparedness of strong Vrancea earthquake in Romania,VRAGEO promotes applied inter- and multi-disciplinary approach by the development of a research dissemination Seismic Hazard Information Platform at all society levels to support spatial and policy planning in the context of global change and societal advance.VRAGEO will develop of a novel seismic hazard assessment strategy, combining high-resolution remote sensing with a numerical modeling approach and will generate intelligent knowledge to deliver new and more innovative products, processes and services for Vrancea seismic area. The VRAGEO is set to develop state-of-the-art service capabilities for enhanced seismic hazard and risk services, especially addressing national needs

3D DISTRIBUTION OF SEISMIC WAVE VELOCITIES IN THE UPPER LITHOSPHERE OF THE TRANSYLVANIAN DEPRESSION AND PANNONIAN BASIN IN ROMANIA Call name: Joint Applied Research Projects - PCCA 2013 - call
PN-II-PT-PCCA-2013-4-1812 2014 - 2017

Role in this project: Partner team leader

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA BUCURESTI

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA BUCURESTI (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA PAMANTULUI - INCDFP RA (RO); PROSPECTIUNI S.A. (RO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA PAMANTULUI - INCDFP RA (RO)

Project website: http://www.geodynamics.ro/trapawa.htm

Abstract:

Propagation velocities, often associated with waves amplitude, are the basis of algorithms for seismic data processing and, also, structural and stratigraphic interpretations of the resulted models. Most of the primary information on detailed geological structures comes from seismic studies carried out for the oil industry and dedicated to upper / shallower formations of sedimentary basins. For deep structures, it is necessary to build models of seismic velocities in order to conduct seismological and tectonic studies. Velocity models, using direct or inverse methods on different transects all over the world, have been obtained from deep seismic refraction surveys. The resulted velocity values are averages or trends of linear increase with depth over well-defined intervals. For the sedimentary covers, details and resolution studies of the obtained velocity models can be tested by integrating previous data from industry seismic lines or boreholes that intersect or lie within the profiles. Until now, such studies have not been conducted in Romania in the Transylvanian Depression and Pannonian Basin. Consequently, the main objective of this project is to construct 2-D and 3-D models of P-waves velocity (Vp) distribution with depth, using as input seismic data from reflection or refraction lines (shallow or deep) available for the Transylvanian and Pannonian domains. Shallow P-wave velocities will be verified by seismo-acoustic well logging data, which are data measured along one direction, in depth. The refracted P-waves will be processed to obtain 2-D Vp distributions. The correlation of both types of velocities will result into a more accurate 2-D Vp model. Details about the P-wave velocities into the very shallow section of the subsurface can be obtained from the ambient noise. The processing of the ambient noise is done using the Seismic Interferometry, a method which retrieves P- and S-waves from the recorded noise. Shallow S-wave velocities will be obtained from ambient and coherent noise. Seismic Interferometry will be used to retrieve the surface waves from the ambient noise. The retrieved surface waves will be analyzed in the frequency domain and the 2-D velocity distributions will be determined after the inversion of the dispersion curves. Shallow S-wave velocity distributions on longer distances will be obtained from the analysis of the coherent noise seen on the seismic data recorded using the seismic reflection surveys performed for oil exploration. The analysis of the ambient noise will require the performing of passive seismic measurements. This type of measurements will be done at small and large scales, depending on the size of area covered with measurements.

In the final stage, all data will be integrated into a regional velocity model. The boundaries of major tectonic units will be outlined using horizontal velocity gradient and gravity measurements and analyses. The velocity distribution model obtained in this way will represent an invaluable tool for future processing of seismic lines and tectonic modeling for hydrocarbon investigation, having a direct, immediate and significant impact on faster, cheaper and much better quality data processing for the petroleum industry.

Bridging the gap between seismology and earthquake engineering: from the seismicity of Romania towards a refined implementation of Seismic Action EN1998-1 in earthquake resistant design of buildings Call name: Joint Applied Research Projects - PCCA-2011 call, Type 2
PN-II-PT-PCCA-2011-3.2-0788 2012 - 2016

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA PAMANTULUI - INCDFP RA

Project partners: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA PAMANTULUI - INCDFP RA (RO); UNIVERSITATEA TEHNICA DE CONSTRUCTII BUCURESTI (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE IN CONSTRUCTII, URBANISM SI DEZVOLTARE TERITORIALA DURABILA "URBAN-INCERC" (RO); AEDIFICIA CARPATI S.A. (RO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA PAMANTULUI - INCDFP RA (RO)

Project website: http://bigsees.infp.ro

Abstract:

Earthquakes are a serious threat for Romania. Seismic codes are important means for strengthening the resilience of our society against the negative consequences of major earthquakes and, therefore, should become central nodes of disaster mitigation.

The concept of BIGSEES project is „Innovation through standardization”, as a recommendation for closing the gap between R&D activities and standardization work. In the EU strategy, standardization is as a key instrument for improvement in order to foster innovation (Brussels, COM(2008)133 final-Towards an increased contribution from standardization to innovation to Europe). There are some chapters in European Code (EC-8) which are not applicable at all to deep Vrancea earthquake (like effective design values for acceleration, velocities and displacements). Standardization has a dimension of public interest, in particular whenever issues of safety to crustal, strong and deep Vrancea earthquakes.

According to the provisions of EN 1998-1 Eurocode 8 (EC 8), the National Standard implementing EC 8 will comprise the full text of the Eurocode (including any annexes), as published by CEN, which may be preceded by a National title page and National foreword, and may be followed by a National Annex. The National Annex may only contain information on those parameters which are left open in the Eurocode 8 for national choice, known as Nationally Determined Parameters, to be used for the design of buildings and civil engineering works to be constructed in the country concerned. Now, civil engineers and seismologists are joining their efforts to better calibrate the Nationally Determined Parameters.

Romania, as a full EU member, has to calibrate the Nationally Determined Parameters to be included in the National Annex. A first attempt to develop a National Annex was performed in 2008 by smoothing the differences between the philosophy and provisions of EN 1998-1 and the seismic design practice and provisions of P100-1 Romanian Code for Seismic Design of Buildings. Nevertheless, the National Annex is not fully in line with the philosophy of EC 8. The seismic action, as it is defined in EC 8, requires more refined information on local ground conditions of the construction site. The proposed Project envisages to better calibrate the Nationally Determined Parameters for a refined definition of seismic action in line with the provisions of EC 8. The results of the Project will enable the full and reliable definition, in the Romanian National Annex, of the seismic action in line with the requirements of EN 1998-1.

Another major achievement of the BIGSEES Project will be to transform the results of this methodological research on earthquake risk reduction into effective application, that is „New Romanian Seismic Action”, as part of the European Code EC-8 for a refined implementation, in Romanian design practice.

The expected results of the BIGSEES project can play an important role in reducing the negative impact of catastrophic events on densely populated areas and, particularly, in mitigating the damage to strategic structures and lifelines.

FILE DESCRIPTION	DOCUMENT
List of research grants as project coordinator or partner team leader	Download (226.85 kb) 28/11/2019
Significant R&D projects for enterprises, as project manager
R&D activities in enterprises
Peer-review activity for international programs/projects