Abstract
GEOCHEMISTRY GEOPHYSICS GEOSYSTEMS,
VOL. 9,
Q07S07,
10 PP., 2008
doi:10.1029/2008GC002013 [Citation]
Potential of 3-D vertical seismic profiles to characterize seismogenic fault zones
Department of Geology, University of California, Davis, Davis, California 95616, USA
IFM-GEOMAR and SFB 574, Wischhofstrasse 1-3, D-24148 Kiel, Germany
IFM-GEOMAR and SFB 574, Wischhofstrasse 1-3, D-24148 Kiel, Germany
IFM-GEOMAR and SFB 574, Wischhofstrasse 1-3, D-24148 Kiel, Germany
The potential of a 3-D vertical seismic profile (VSP) to improve resolution of seismogenic plate interfaces was explored with synthetic modeling. The 3-D VSP modeled is at a proposed site for a 1 to 1.5 km deep open hole that provides background for riser drilling. Three-dimensional VSP images could resolve 30–60 m spaced reflective horizons in a Costa Rican subduction zone. It can record a great amount of high-fidelity S wave data to invert for physical properties, directions of strain, and pore pressure above and below the plate interface fault. A 6 km × 12 km grid of shots with a surface ship will illuminate a ∼4 km × 7 km area of the plate interface fault zone with a high data density. Acquisition adds 5 to 9 days to drill ship time on site and a shooting ship. Seismic image resolution falls between that of borehole information and 3-D surface ship seismic images. A multiple-kilometer 3-D volume of high-fidelity S wave data is an exceptional addition not available with other techniques.
Received 29 February 2008; accepted 9 June 2008; published 19 July 2008.
Citation: (2008), Potential of 3-D vertical seismic profiles to characterize seismogenic fault zones, Geochem. Geophys. Geosyst., 9, Q07S07, doi:10.1029/2008GC002013.
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