Open AccessPotential of 3‐D vertical seismic profiles to characterize seismogenic fault zones
Author(s) -
von Huene Roland,
Klaeschen Dirk,
Papenberg Cord
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
geochemistry, geophysics, geosystems
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.928
H-Index - 136
ISSN - 1525-2027
DOI - 10.1029/2008gc002013
Subject(s) - geology , seismology , borehole , fault (geology) , drilling , vertical seismic profile , subduction , geophysical imaging , tectonics , geotechnical engineering , mechanical engineering , engineering
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.