Status: this preprint is open for discussion and under review for Geoscientific Instrumentation, Methods and Data Systems (GI).
Research on a microseismic signal picking algorithm based on GTOA clustering
Hongjie Zheng,Yongqing Wang,Qisheng Zhang,Zewen Li,and Lin Chao
Abstract. Clustering is one of the challenging problems in machine learning. Adopting clustering methods for the picking of microseismic signals has emerged as a new approach. However, due to the low separation of signals generated by microseismic events in real environments and the presence of noise data, existing clustering methods often struggle to achieve satisfactory results. To address these challenges, this paper proposes a clustering method based on the Group Theory Optimization Algorithm (GTOA), combined with the Akaike Information Criterion(AIC) to form an innovative microseismic signal picking algorithm. The GTOA clustering method overcomes the shortcomings of traditional mean clustering algorithms, which are easily influenced by the initial positions of centroids, thus improving the quality of clustering results and enhancing the accuracy of microseismic signal picking. Experiments evaluate the clustering effects using three performance metrics, statistically analyzing the computational results of the GTOA clustering algorithm against six other clustering methods based on evolutionary algorithms across four datasets. The comparative results indicate that the GTOA clustering method outperforms other algorithms in terms of solution quality and exhibits good robustness. Finally, using the GTOA clustering method as the foundation for the designed microseismic signal picking algorithm, experiments comparing it with traditional signal picking methods on low signal-to-noise ratio time series data show that the GTOA-based microseismic signal picking algorithm designed in this paper achieves good picking accuracy.
Received: 18 Jun 2025 – Discussion started: 14 Jul 2025
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This manuscript proposes a microseismic signal picking algorithm based on Group Theory Optimization Algorithm (GTOA) clustering combined with the Akaike Information Criterion (AIC), aiming to address the insufficient performance of traditional methods under low signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) conditions. However, the manuscript exhibits significant flaws in terms of methodological innovation, completeness of experimental design, depth of result analysis, and accuracy of content presentation. It fails to fully demonstrate the superiority and reliability of the proposed algorithm, which does not meet the publication requirements of the journal. Therefore, a decision of rejection is recommended.
Questionable Rationality of Algorithm Fusion Design: The algorithm combines the signal interval filtered by GTOA clustering with AIC to achieve accurate signal picking. Nevertheless, it provides no explanation for why AIC was selected over other high-precision picking methods (e.g., deep learning-based picking algorithms). Additionally, there is no demonstration of the synergistic enhancement mechanism between the GTOA clustering-filtered interval and AIC. The current design merely represents a simple combination rather than an innovatively integrated framework, making it difficult to reflect the unique value of the proposed method.
Obvious Deficiencies in Experimental Design and Doubtful Result Credibility: In the performance testing of GTOA clustering, UCI datasets such as Seeds and Glass Identification were employed. However, the manuscript does not clarify the relevance between the characteristics of these datasets (e.g., sample size, dimensionality, noise level) and those of microseismic signal data. Microseismic signals possess unique properties, including nonlinearity, short duration, and low SNR. Verifying the clustering algorithm using general-purpose datasets cannot effectively prove its applicability in microseismic signal processing scenarios, resulting in a disconnect between the experimental design and the research objectives.
Insufficient Demonstration of Result Stability: Although the manuscript mentions that "all experiments were independently run 30 times," it does not analyze the statistical significance of the results (e.g., whether t-tests or analysis of variance were used to verify the significance of performance differences between GTOA and other algorithms). Meanwhile, there is no discussion on the algorithm’s sensitivity to initial populations or random seeds, which prevents the demonstration of result stability. This raises concerns that the observed optimal results may be accidental due to random factors.
Numerous Formatting Issues: The manuscript contains multiple formatting inconsistencies, which affect its readability and adherence to the journal’s submission guidelines.
Our research has developed a new algorithm to improve microseismic signal picking in oil and gas exploration. We use a group theory-based optimization algorithm (GTOA) for signal clustering, combined with the Akaike Information Criterion (AIC) for precise signal picking. Experiments demonstrate that the GTOA algorithm shows better clustering performance across multiple datasets, and the designed algorithm achieves more accurate signal picking under low signal-to-noise ratio conditions.
Our research has developed a new algorithm to improve microseismic signal picking in oil and gas...
Reviewer Comments for Manuscript Rejection