南海北部陆缘OBS2018-H2测线地壳结构初步结果*

南海北部陆缘洋陆转换带实施的OBS2018-H2测线的地壳速度结构, 将为探讨南海张裂-破裂机制提供重要证据。文章介绍了OBS2018-H2测线前期数据处理流程, 包括多道反射地震数据处理、海底地震仪OBS (Ocean Bottom Seismometer)数据格式转换、炮点和OBS位置校正, 以及OBS震相的初步识别, 并对地壳结构进行了初步分析。结果表明: 炮点和OBS位置校正效果良好; 多道反射地震数据为建立初始速度模型提供了良好约束; OBS综合地震剖面识别了多组清晰的P波震相, 包括Pw、Pg、PmP和Pn震相。根据测线西侧OBS36、OBS37两台站的震相分布特征初步估算台站下方地壳厚度约为6~7km, 与根据多道地震剖面LW3的双程走时估算的厚度6~9km大致相符。     

Crustal velocity structure off SW Taiwan in the northernmost South China Sea imaged from TAIGER OBS and MCS data

During TAiwan Integrated GEodynamics Research of 2009, we investigated data from thirty-seven ocean-bottom seismometers (OBS) and three multi-channel seismic (MCS) profiles across the deformation front in the northernmost South China Sea (SCS) off SW Taiwan. Initial velocity-interface models were built from horizon velocity analysis and pre-stack depth migration of MCS data. Subsequently, we used refracted, head-wave and reflected arrivals from OBS data to forward model and then invert the velocity-interface structures layer-by-layer. Based on OBS velocity models west of the deformation front, possible Mesozoic sedimentary rocks, revealed by large variation of the lateral velocity (3.1–4.8 km/s) and the thickness (5.0–10.0 km), below the rift-onset unconformity and above the continental crust extended southward to the NW limit of the continent–ocean boundary (COB). The interpreted Mesozoic sedimentary rocks NW of the COB and the oceanic layer 2 SE of the COB imaged from OBS and gravity data were incorporated into the overriding wedge below the deformation front because the transitional crust subducted beneath the overriding wedge of the southern Taiwan. East of the deformation front, the thickness of the overriding wedge (1.7–5.0 km/s) from the sea floor to the décollement decreases toward the WSW direction from 20.0 km off SW Taiwan to 8.0 km at the deformation front. In particular, near a turn in the orientation of the deformation front, the crustal thickness (7.0–12.0 km) is abruptly thinner and the free-air (?20 to 10 mGal) and Bouguer (30–50 mGal) gravity anomalies are relatively low due to plate warping from an ongoing transition from subduction to collision. West of the deformation front, intra-crustal interfaces dipping landward were observed owing to subduction of the extended continent toward the deformation front. However, the intra-crustal interface near the turn in the orientation of the deformation front dipping seaward caused by the transition from subduction to collision. SE of the COB, the oceanic crust, with a crustal thickness of about 10.0–17.0 km, was thickened due to late magmatic underplating or partially serpentinized mantle after SCS seafloor spreading. The thick oceanic crust may have subducted beneath the overriding wedge observed from the low anomalies of the free-air (?50 to ?20 mGal) and Bouguer (40–80 mGal) gravities across the deformation front.     

基于OBS和MCS数据的水合物地层速度特征

天然气水合物是一种新型的清洁能源, 南海北部神狐海域的地质条件有利于水合物的形成和储藏。传统的多道地震(MCS)数据难以得到精确的速度信息, 并且只能从时间域上判断地质体纵向分布。海底地震仪(OBS)是一种常用的主动源地震仪器, 可以接收到更清晰的气枪信号。相比于MCS, OBS剖面上的折射震相可以揭示较深部的地层速度信息。文章结合MCS和OBS的优势, 识别水平叠加剖面上的反射层位, 并得到初始模型; 将OBS剖面和水平叠加剖面拼合, 从而判断OBS剖面上反射震相所对应层位; 拾取OBS台站上的反射和折射震相, 使用RayInvr软件正演模拟得到水合物存在区域的二维速度模型, 解决了MCS中较为困难的时深转换问题。最终模型显示了水合物、游离气区域的埋深、厚度和速度, 以及似海底反射(BSR)下方更深部界面的深度和速度特征。     

Characteristics of Gas Hydrate and Free Gas Offshore Southwestern Taiwan from a Combined MCS/OBS Data Analysis

In this study, we present the results of the combined analyses of ocean bottom seismometer and multi-channel seismic reflection data collection offshore southwestern Taiwan, with respect to the presence of gas hydrates and free gas within the accretionary wedge sediments. Estimates of the compressional velocities along EW9509-33 seismic reflection profile are obtained by a series of pre-stack depth migrations in a layer stripping streamlined Deregowski loop. Strong BSR is imaged over most of the reflection profile while low velocity zones are imaged below BSR at several locations. Amplitude versus angle analysis that are performed within the pre-stack depth migration processes reveal strong negative P-impedance near the bottom of the hydrate stability zone, commonly underlain by sharp positive P impedance layers associated with negative pseudo-Poisson attribute areas, indicating the presence of free gas below the BSR. Ray tracing of the acoustic arrivals with a model derived from the migration velocities generally fits the vertical and hydrophone records of the four ocean-bottom seismographs (OBS). In order to estimate the Poisson’s ratios in the shallow sediments at the vicinity of the OBSs, we analyze the mode-converted arrivals in the wide-angle horizontal component. P-S mode converted reflections are dominant, while upward P-S transmissions are observed at large offsets. We observe significant compressional velocity and Poisson’s ratio pull-down in the sediment below the BSR likely to bear free gas. When compared to Poisson’s ratio predicted by mechanical models, the values proposed for the OBSs yield rough estimates of gas hydrate saturation in the range of 0–10% in the layers above the BSR and of free gas saturation in the range of 0–2% just below the BSR.     

Large aperture seismic imaging at a convergent margin: Techniques and results from the Costa Rica seismogenic zone

In March and April 1995 a cooperative German, Costa Rican, and United States research team recorded onshore-offshore seismic data sets along the Pacific margin of Costa Rica using the R/V Ewing. Off the Nicoya Peninsula we used a linear array of ocean bottom seismometers and hydrophones (OBS/H) with onshore seismometers extending across much of the isthmus. In the central area we deployed an OBS/H areal array consisting of 30 instruments over a 9 km by 35-km area and had land stations on the Nicoya Peninsula adjacent to this marine array and also extending northeast on the main Costa Rican landmass. Our goal in these experiments was to determine the crustal velocity structure along different portions of this convergent margin and to use the dense instrument deployments to create migrated reflection images of the plate boundary zone and the subducting Cocos Plate. Our specific goal in the central area was to determine whether a subducted seamount is present at the location of the 1990, M 7 earthquake off the Nicoya Peninsula and can thus be linked to its nucleation. Subsequently we have processed the data to improve reflection signals, used the data to calculate crustal velocity models, and developed several wide-aperture migration techniques, based on a Kirchhoff algorithm, to produce reflection images. Along the northern transect we used the ocean bottom data to construct a detailed crustal velocity model, but reflections from the plate boundary and top and bottom of the subducting Cocos plate are difficult to identify and have so far produced poor images. In contrast, the land stations along this same transect recorded clear reflections from the top of the subducting plate or plate boundary, within the seismogenic zone, and we have constructed a clear image from this reflector beneath the Nicoya shelf. Data from the 3-D seismic experiment suffer from high-amplitude, coherent noise (arrivals other than reflections), and we have tried many techniques to enhance the signal to noise ratio of reflected arrivals. Due to the noise, an apparent lack of strong reflections from the plate boundary zone, and probable structural complexity, the resulting 3-D images only poorly resolve the top of the subducting Cocos Plate. The images are not able to provide compelling evidence of whether there is a subducting seamount at the 1990 earthquake hypocenter. Our results do show that OBS surveys are capable of creating images of the plate boundary zone and the subducting plate well into the seismogenic zone if coherent reflections are recorded at 1.8 km instrument spacing (2-D) and 5 km inline by 1 km crossline spacing for 3-D acquisition. However, due to typical high amplitude coherent noise, imaging results may be poorer than expected, especially in unfavorable geologic settings such as our 3-D survey area. More effective noise reduction in acquisition, possibly with the use of vertical hydrophone arrays, and in processing, with advanced multiple removal and possibly depth filtering, is required to achieve the desired detailed images of the seismogenic plate boundary zone.     

Using overlapping sonobuoy data from the Ross Sea to construct a 2D deep crustal velocity model

Sonobuoys provide an alternative to using long streamers while conducting multi-channel seismic (MCS) studies, in order to provide deeper velocity control. We present analysis and modeling techniques for interpreting the sonobuoy data and illustrate the method with ten overlapping sonobuoys collected in the Ross Sea, offshore from Antarctica. We demonstrate the importance of using the MCS data to correct for ocean currents and changes in ship navigation, which is required before using standard methods for obtaining a 1D velocity profile from each sonobuoy. We verify our 1D velocity models using acoustic finite-difference (FD) modeling and by performing depth migration on the data, and demonstrate the usefulness of FD modeling for tying interval velocities to the shallow crust imaged using MCS data. Finally, we show how overlapping sonobuoys along an MCS line can be used to construct a 2D velocity model of the crust. The velocity model reveals a thin crust (5.5 ± 0.4 km) at the boundary between the Adare and Northern Basins, and implies that the crustal structure of the Northern Basin may be more similar to that of the oceanic crust in the Adare Basin than to the stretched continental crust further south in the Ross Sea.     

Kirchhoff向下延拓法在海洋合成多道地震走时反演中的应用*

海洋多道地震数据建模和成像是获取洋壳速度和构造信息的重要手段。海水层的存在使得多道地震拖缆接收到的折射波走时信息仅仅存在于较远的炮检距, 近炮检距被强振幅海底反射波覆盖, 制约了走时数据拾取和反演效果。本文基于波动方程的Kirchhoff积分法, 成功实现了多道地震数据向下延拓, 获取到了更大炮检距区间的初至折射波走时拾取, 并将其应用于洋中脊新生洋壳2A/2B层的合成多道地震数据走时反演。比较向下延拓前后的走时拾取范围及走时反演结果表明, 向下延拓法能够保持地震波场的运动学和动力学特征不变, 在共炮集数据的更大炮检距范围内进行初至折射走时拾取, 从而增加反演的数据选择和浅层射线覆盖, 反演结果能更加准确地分辨出洋壳2A/2B层界面, 并得到更高的分辨率和更准确的速度结构剖面。     

Multiple attenuation in crustal-scale imaging: examples from the TAIGER marine reflection data set

During summer of 2009, multi-channel marine seismic reflection data and wide-angle refraction data were acquired as part of the joint NSF and Taiwanese-funded TAIGER program with the goal of understanding the dynamics of arc-continent collision in Taiwan. One of the principle difficulties of crustal-scale imaging with marine reflection data such as these is the prevalent multiple contamination that obscures many of the deep crustal targets. Without effective treatment of multiples, many of the objectives of the TAIGER active source program may not be achieved. We present three profiles, one from each acquisition leg, that demonstrate the effectiveness of 2D surface-related multiple elimination (SRME) and radon filtering in attenuating much of this unwanted energy in broad ranges of water depths, seafloor topographies and lithologies. Two profiles from south of Taiwan image 3–4 km of sedimentary strata overlying moderately extended continental crust along the Eurasia continental shelf and a 5–6 km thick sedimentary section overlying thin crust consisting of faulted blocks and volcanic bodies along the continental slope. Our multiple attenuation efforts also reveal a seaward-dipping normal fault that penetrates into the upper mantle and separates thick crust of the continental shelf from thin crust of the continental slope. A profile from east of Taiwan reveals thin ocean crust of the Philippine Sea plate subducting beneath the Ryukyu trench that may be traced beneath the accretionary prism and Ryukyu forearc. These profiles demonstrate the success of our imaging strategy in the range of imaging environments spanned by the TAIGER marine reflection seismic data.     

Crustal structure and deformation associated with seamount subduction at the north Manila Trench represented by analog and gravity modeling

We investigated the deformation in the accretionary wedge associated with subducted seamounts in the northern Manila Trench by combining observations from seismic profiles and results from laboratory sandbox experiments. From three seismic reflection profiles oriented approximately perpendicular to the trench, we observed apparent variations in structural deformation along the trench. A number of back-thrust faults were formed in the accretionary wedge where subducted seamounts were identified. In contrast, observable back-thrusts were quite rare along the profile without seamounts, indicating that seamount subduction played an important role in deformation of the accretionary wedge. We then conducted laboratory sandbox experiments to investigate the effects of subducted seamounts on the structural deformation of the accretionary wedge. From the analog modeling results we found that seamount subduction could cause well-developed back-thrusts, gravitational collapse, and micro-fractures in the wedge. We also found that a seamount may induce normal faults in the wedge and that normal faults may be eroded by subsequent seamount subduction. In addition, we constrained the crustal structure of the South China Sea plate from modeling free-air gravity data. The dip angle of the subducting plate, which was constrained by hypocenters of available earthquakes, increased from south to north in the northern Manila Trench. We found a laterally heterogeneous density distribution of the oceanic crust according to the gravity data. The density of subducted crust is ~2.92 g/cm³, larger than that of the South China Sea crust (2.88 g/cm³).     

Seismic phases from the Moho and its implication on the ultraslow spreading ridge

The Moho interface provides critical evidence for crustal thickness and the mode of oceanic crust accretion. The seismic Moho interface has not been identified yet at the magma-rich segments （46°-52°E） of the ultra- slow spreading Southwestern Indian Ridge （SWIR）. This paper firstly deduces the characteristics and do- mains of seismic phases based on a theoretical oceanic crust model. Then, topographic correction is carried out for the OBS record sections along Profile Y3Y4 using the latest OBS data acquired from the detailed 3D seismic survey at the SWIR in 2010. Seismic phases are identified and analyzed, especially for the reflected and refracted seismic phases from the Moho. A 2D crustal model is finally established using the ray tracing and travel-time simulation method. The presence of reflected seismic phases at Segment 28 shows that the crustal rocks have been separated from the mantle by cooling and the Moho interface has already formed at zero age. The 2D seismic velocity structure across the axis of Segment 28 indicates that detachment faults play a key role during the processes of asymmetric oceanic crust accretion.     

Tectonic implications of the subduction of the Kyushu-Palau Ridge beneath the Kyushu,southwest Japan

The Kyushu-Palau Ridge(KPR), a remnant arc on the Philippine Sea Plate(PSP), is subducting beneath the Kyushu, southwest Japan. Influenced by the subducting KPR, the Kyushu subduction zone corresponding to the KPR is significantly different from Shikoku subduction zone in terms of gravity anomalies, seismicity, the stress state, and the subducting slab morphology. Significant negative free-air and Bouguer gravity anomalies are observed in a prolonged area of KPR, southeast of the Miyazaki Plain, indicating that this is where KPR overlaps the overriding plate. The gravity anomaly in this area is much lower than that in other areas where the inferred KPR extends, suggesting that the subduction of the buoyant KPR may cause the lower mantle density to decrease.More earthquakes have occurred in Hyuga-nada region where the KPR subducts than in Shikoku forearc and other areas in the Kyushu forearc, indicating that the subduction of the KPR enhances the local coupling between the subducting and overriding plates. The centroid moment tensor(CMT) mechanism of earthquakes shows that stress is concentrated in the accumulated crust beneath the Kyushu forearc corresponding to the KPR, and the shallow thrusting events in the obducting plate are caused by the KPR subduction. The buoyant KPR, with a large volume of low-density sediments, was responsible for the differences of the subduction depth and dip angle of the subducting Philippine Sea(PS) slab between northern Kyushu and Shikoku. The seismic gaps and the sudden change of the dipping angle of the subducting PS slab indicate that slab tear may have occurred along the west side of the KPR beneath southwest Kyushu. A two-tear model was proposed, and the subduction of the buoyant KPR was believed to play an important role in the slab tear.     

Joint land-sea seismic survey and research on the deep structures of the Bohai Sea areas

This paper presents the survey and research work of two land-sea profiles in the Bohai Sea, China, carried out in 2010-2011, including the seismic sources on land and in the sea, the ocean bottom seismographs （OBS） and their recovery, the coupling of OBS and the environment noise in sea area, the data quality of OBSs, and the result of data analysis. We focused on the investigation of crustal structures revealed by the two NE／EW-trending joint land-sea profiles. In combination with the Pn-velocity distribution and gravity- magnetic inversion results in the North China Craton, we propose that the undulation of the Moho interface in the Bohai and surrounding areas is not strong, and the lithospheric thinning is mainly caused by the thinning of its mantle part. The research result indicates that obvious lateral variations of Moho depth and seismic velocity appear nearby all the large-scale faults in Bohai Sea, and there is evidence of underplating and reforming of the lower crust by mantle material in the Bohai area. However, geophysical evidence does not appear to support the ＂mantle plume＂ or ＂delamination＂ model for the North China Craton destruction. The crustal structure of the Bohai Sea revealed ＂a relatively normal crust and obviously thinned mantle lid＂, local velocity anomalies and instability phenomena in the crust. These features may represent a combined effect of North China-Yangtze collision at an early stage and the remote action of Pacific plate subduction at a late stage.     

Combination of Least Square and Monte Carlo Methods for OBS Relocation in 3D Seismic Survey Near Bashi Channel

Abstract

The relocation of ocean bottom seismometers (OBSs) is a key step in analyzing the three-dimensional seismic tomographic structure of crust and mantle. In order to get the accurate location of OBSs on the seafloor, we analyze the travel times of direct water waves emitted by air-guns. The Monte Carlo and least square methods have been adopted to calculate the true OBS location. The secondary time correction is necessary if the arrivals of direct water waves show overall time drift during relocation which maybe originates from remnant of linear clock drift correction and average errors of travel time picking, mean water velocity assumption, and experiment geometry. We have improved the original OBS relocation procedure which we used previously for other experiments by deliberateness of a secondary time correction and automatically approaching the really mean water velocity. A series of synthetic tests are carried out firstly to document the feasibility of our procedure and then it is applied on a real experiment. In here, we relocate 28 OBSs in total were relocated in 3D seismic survey near Bashi Channel. Relocation results show that the drifting distances for the 28 OBSs range from 65 to 1136 m between the deployed and relocated locations deduced by relocation results. The Pearson correlation coefficient between OBS drifting direction and sea current direction is 0.79, indicating that the two sets of data are highly linearly related and further manifest the sea current as the most possible driving force for OBS drifting during landing on the seafloor but its detailed influence mechanism is unclear by now. This research is necessary and critical for velocity structure modeling, and the optimal relocation program provides valuable experiences for 3D seismic survey in other area.     

Crustal structure of the ultra-slow spreading Knipovich Ridge,North Atlantic,along a presumed amagmatic portion of oceanic crustal formation

The ultra-slow, asymmetrically-spreading Knipovich Ridge is the northernmost part of the Mid Atlantic ridge system. In the autumn of 2002 a combined ocean-bottom seismometer multichannel seismic (OBS/MCS) and gravity survey along the spreading direction of the Knipovich Ridge was carried out. The main objective of the study was to gain an insight into the crustal structure and composition of what is assumed to be an amagmatic segment of oceanic crust. P-wave velocity and Vp/Vs models were built and complemented by a gravity model. The 190 km long transect reveals a much more complex crustal structure than anticipated. The magmatic crust is thinner than the global average of 7.1 ± 1.0 km. The young fractured portion of Oceanic Layer 2 has low seismic velocities while the older part has normal seismic velocities and is broken into several rotated fault blocks seen as thickness variations of Layer 2. The youngest part of Oceanic Layer 3 is also dominated by low velocities, indicative of fracturing, seawater circulation and thermal expansion. The remaining portion of Layer 3 exhibits inverse variations in thickness and seismic velocity. This is explained by a sequence of periods of faster spreading (estimated to be up to 8 mm/year from interpretation of magnetic anomalies) when more normal gabbroic crust was being generated and periods of slower spreading (5.5 mm/year) when amagmatic stretching and serpentinization of the upper mantle occurred, and crust composed of mixed gabbro and serpentinized mantle was generated. The volumetric changes and upward fluid migration, associated with the process of serpentinization in this part of the crust, caused disruption to the overlying sedimentary layers.     

南海IODP 367-368钻探区深地震探测的OBS站位设计分析

借助于国际大洋发现计划平台, 于2017年2月—6月间在南海实施第三次科学钻探(IODP 367-368航次)。海底地震仪(OBS)深地震探测和国际大洋发现计划(IODP)钻探成果相结合, 可以对南海北部洋陆转换带(COT)边界及地质属性的确定提供更好、更全面的深部地质过程解释。文章基于IODP 367-368钻探提出的三种可能设想(下地壳出露、最老洋壳出露、上地幔出露), 分别建立了三种初始速度模型。利用Rayinvr及Tomo2d软件, 对每一种初始模型分别开展了不同OBS间距的射线追踪和走时模拟测试对比, 以及模型的分辨率测试。测试结果表明: OBS间隔为7km比间隔为10km具有更好的射线路径与密度覆盖; 对于上地幔出露模型, 需要足够长的探测测线(>100km), 才能有效得到30km深处信息; 分辨率测试说明, OBS间距需要设置小于或等于7km时, 才能有效分辨20km速度异常体(即模糊带)。     

主动源海底地震仪横波模型的自动搜索与非唯一性分析*

主动源海底地震仪探测在海底结构的研究中发挥着重要作用, 其中转换横波数据模拟为研究海底构造和物质属性提供了精确依据。本文针对现行转换横波模拟技术存在的步骤繁琐、难以确保最优解和无法进行非唯一性分析等问题进行研究, 提出了基于模型解空间和目标函数的模拟技术, 形成了主动源转换横波数据模拟的新方法, 该方法可借助计算机程序实现结构模拟的自动化。在南海西北陆缘的西沙地块OBS2013-3测线上对该方法进行验证, 分别利用单台PPS震相和全体台站的PSS震相走时数据进行模拟试验。结果表明, 本文的方法能够提供对于最优模型的快速、准确搜索和非唯一性范围的估计。这一方法有助于提高主动源海底地震仪转换横波数据模拟的效率, 并为结果的可靠性和稳定性提供更好的保障。     

南海东部马尼拉俯冲带深部结构新认识*

2015—2018年, 国家自然科学基金重大研究计划“南海深海过程演变”的重点支持项目“南海东部马尼拉俯冲带深部结构探测与研究”以马尼拉俯冲带为研究重点, 从深部地球物理的角度探索南海形成演化史与运行规律。项目执行期间, 在国家基金委共享航次协助下, 先后开展和参与5次综合地球物理探测, 共投放海底地震仪(Ocean Bottom Seismometer, OBS)台站73台次, 海底电磁仪(Ocean Bottom ElectroMagnetometers, OBEM)仪器5台次, 累积放炮达13872炮, 成功获得了60台OBS数据和5台OBEM数据。同时, 取得了一系列创新性研究成果: (1)基于人工地震探测及天然地震层析成像结果, 确定南海东北部的地壳属性为受到张裂后期岩浆活动影响的减薄陆壳(12~15km), 划分了南海北部陆缘洋陆边界(Continent-Ocean Boundary, COB); (2)根据多道地震反射剖面, 划分了马尼拉俯冲带北部增生楔前缘的精细结构; (3)圈定了南海停止扩张时洋壳范围; (4)初步构建了南海与菲律宾海板块构造演化模型。本项目为重大研究计划“南海深海过程演变”核心科学问题(海底扩张的年代与过程)提供了实质性的证据, 同时为南海构造演化生命史的“骨架”提供了重要的基础数据, 具有深远的科学意义。     

Crustal structure and variation along the southern part of the Kyushu-Palau Ridge

As an interoceanic arc, the Kyushu-Palau Ridge（KPR） is an exceptional place to study the subduction process and related magmatism through its interior velocity structure. However, the crustal structure and its nature of the KPR,especially the southern part with limited seismic data, are still in mystery. In order to unveil the crustal structure of the southern part of the KPR, this study uses deep reflection/refraction seismic data recorded by 24 ocean bottom seismometers to reconstruct a detail...     

High resolution velocity analysis of ocean bottom seismometer data by theτ-p method

A method of high resolution seismic velocity analysis for ocean bottom seismometer (OBS) records is applied to the study of the shallow oceanic crust, especially sedimentary and basement layers. This method is based on the direct-p mapping and the-sum inversion. We use data obtained from a 1989 airgun-OBS experiment in the northern Yamato Basin, Japan Sea and derive P- and S-wave velocity functions that can be compared with the seismic reflection profiles. Using split-spread profile records, we obtain interface dips and true interval velocities from the OBS data. These results show good agreement with the reflection profile records, the acoustic velocities of core samples, and sonic log profiles. We also present a method for estimating errors in the derived velocity functions by calculating covariance of the derived layers' thicknesses. The estimated depth errors are about 150 m at shallow depths, which is close to the seismic wavelength used. The high resolution of this method relies on accurate determination of shot positions by GPS, spatially dense seismic observations, and the use of unsaturated reflected waves arriving after the direct water wave that are observed on low-gain component records.     

Oblique subduction of the Gagua Ridge beneath the Ryukyu accretionary wedge system: Insights from marine observations and sandbox experiments

The Gagua Ridge, carried by the Philippine Sea Plate, is subducting obliquely beneath the southernmost Ryukyu Margin. Bathymetric swath-mapping, performed during the ACT survey (Active Collision in Taiwan), indicates that, due to the high obliquity of plate convergence, slip partitioning occurs within the Ryukyu accretionary wedge. A transcurrent fault, trending N95° E, is observed at the rear of the accretionary wedge. Evidence of right lateral motion along this shear zone, called the Yaeyama Fault, suggests that it accommodates part of the lateral component of the oblique convergence. The subduction of the ridge disturbs this tectonic setting and significantly deforms the Ryukyu Margin. The ridge strongly indents the front of the accretionary wedge and uplifts part of the forearc basin. In the frontal part of the margin, directly in the axis of the ridge, localized transpressive and transtensional structures can be observed superimposed on the uplifted accretionary complex. As shown by sandbox experiments, these N330° E to N30° E trending fractures result from the increasing compressional stress induced by the subduction of the ridge. Analog experiments have also shown that the reentrant associated with oblique ridge subduction exhibits a specific shape that can be correlated with the relative plate motion azimuth.These data, together with the study of the margin deformation, the uplift of the forearc basin and geodetic data, show that the subduction of the Gagua Ridge beneath the accretionary wedge occurs along an azimuth which is about 20° less oblique than the convergence between the PSP and the Ryukyu Arc. Taking into account the opening of the Okinawa backarc basin and partitioning at the rear of the accretionary wedge, convergence between the ridge and the overriding accretionary wedge appears to be close to N345° E and thus, occurs at a rate close to 9 cm yr^–1. As a result, we estimate that a motion of 3.7 cm yr^–1±0.7 cm should be absorbed along the transcurrent fault. Based on these assumptions, the plate tectonic reconstruction reveals that the subducted segment of the Gagua Ridge, associated with the observable margin deformations, could have started subducting less than 1 m.y. ago.