The effect of grain-size distribution on shear wave velocity in methane hydrate-bearing sands

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ID: 320843
2026
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Abstract
Summary Accurately characterizing shear wave velocity (${V}_S$) in unconsolidated granular sediments is critical for a wide range of applications such as subsurface resource characterization (e.g. natural gas hydrate) and geohazard assessment. Grain-size distribution (GSD) of the sediment strongly affects grain-contact mechanics, such as frictional behavior, yet the underlying mechanism and its influence on ${V}_S$ remain poorly understood. In this study, we performed a series of laboratory experiments to investigate the influence of GSD and of hydrate saturation on ${V}_S$. Despite similar mineralogy, porosity, and effective pressure, the samples exhibited significant ${V}_S$ variation due to differences in GSD. Our analysis indicates that the large ${V}_S$ variations result from differences in interparticle friction, which are controlled by grain gradation. Sediments with a continuous GSD (i.e. well-graded) exhibit high friction and high ${V}_S$, as interlocking among multiple grain-size fractions suppresses grain rotation and sliding. Conversely, discontinuous GSD leads to weaker frictional resistance and lower ${V}_S$, resulting from either sparse grain contacts in poorly-graded sediments or the ball-bearing effect of fine grains in gap-graded sediments. By incorporating these findings, we propose a modified effective medium model that accounts for frictional effects. These results illustrate the significant influence that GSD can have on ${V}_S$, and provide insights into grain-scale controls on friction that offer improved ${V}_S$ constraints not only in methane hydrate-bearing sediments but also in other granular sediments.
Reference Key
openalex_W7168127702 Use this key to autocite in the manuscript while using SciMatic Manuscript Manager or Thesis Manager
Authors Tao Liu, Junguang Nie, Jiqiang Ma, Jianhua Geng
Journal geophysical journal international
Year 2026
DOI
10.1093/gji/ggag278
URL
https://doi.org/10.1093/gji/ggag278
Keywords Keywords not found

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