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...     

A seismic refraction study of cretaceous oceanic lithosphere in the Northwest Pacific Basin

A seismic refraction study on old (110 Myr) lithosphere in the northwest Pacific Basin has placed constraints on crustal and uppermantle seismic structure of old oceanic lithosphere, and lithospheric aging processes. No significant lateral variation in structure other than azimuthally anisotropic mantle velocities was found, allowing the application of powerful amplitude modeling techniques. The anisotropy observed is in an opposite sense to that expected, suggesting the tectonic setting of the area may be more complex than originally thought. Upper crustal velocities are generally larger than for younger crust, supporting current theories of decreased porosity with crustal aging. However, there is no evidence for significant thickening of the oceanic crust with age, nor is there any evidence of a lower crustal layer of high or low velocity relative to the velocity of the rest of Layer 3. The compressional and shear wave velocities rule out a large component of serpentinization of mantle materials. The only evidence for a basal crustal layer of olivine gabbro cumulates is a 1.5 km thick Moho transition zone. In the slow direction of anisotropy, upper mantle velocities increase from 8.0 km s^-1 to 8.35 km s^-1 in the upper 15 km below the Moho. This increase is inconsistent with an homogeneous upper mantle and suggests that compositinal or phase changes occur near the Moho.     

Møre Margin: Crustal structure from analysis of Expanded Spread Profiles

Analysis in both the x—t and —p domains of high-quality Expanded Spread Profiles across the Møre Margin show that many arrivals may be enhanced be selective ray tracing and velocity filtering combined with conventional data reduction techniques. In terms of crustal structure the margin can be divided into four main areas: 1) a thicker than normal oceanic crust in the eastern Norway Basin; 2) expanded crust with a Moho depth of 22 km beneath the huge extrusive complex constructed during early Tertiary breakup; 3) the Møre Basin where up to 13–14 km of sediments overlie a strongly extended outer part with a Moho depth at 20 km west of the Ona High; and 4) a region with a 25–27 km Moho depth between the high and the Norwegian coast. The velocity data restricts the continent-ocean boundary to a 15–30 km wide zone beneath the seaward dipping reflector wedges. The crust west of the landward edge of the inner flow is classified as transitional. This region as well as the adjacent oceanic crust is soled by a 7.2–7.4 km s^–1 lower crustal body which may extend beneath the entire region that experienced early Tertiary crustal extension. At the landward end of the transect a 8.5 km s^–1 layer near the base of the crust is recognized. A possible relationship with large positive gravity anomalies and early Tertiary alkaline intrusions is noted.     

The deep structure of the Iceland-Faeroe Ridge

Two long seismic refraction lines along the crest of the Iceland-Faeroe Ridge reveal a layered crust resembling the crust beneath Iceland but differing from normal continental or oceanic crust. The Moho was recognised at the south-eastern end of the lines at an apparent depth of 16–18 km. A refraction line in deeper water west of the ridge and south of Iceland indicates a thin oceanic type crust underlain by a 7.1 km/s layer which may be anomalous upper mantle.An extensive gravity survey of the ridge shows that it is in approximate isostatic equilibrium; the steep gravity gradient between the Norwegian Sea and the ridge indicates that the ridge is supported by a crust thickened to about 20 km rather than by anomalous low density rocks in the underlying upper mantle, in agreement with the seismic results. An increase in Bouguer anomaly of about 140 mgal between the centre of Iceland and the ridge is attributed to lateral variation in upper mantle density from an anomalous low value beneath Iceland to a more normal value beneath the ridge. Local gravity anomalies of medium amplitude which are characteristic of the ridge are caused by sediment troughs and by lateral variations in the upper crust beneath the sediments. A steep drop in Bouguer anomaly of about 80 mgal between the ridge and the Faeroe block is attributed partly to lateral change in crustal density and partly to slight thickening of the crust towards the Faeroe Islands; this crustal boundary may represent an anomalous type of continental margin formed when Greenland started to separate from the Faeroe Islands about 60 million years ago.We conclude that the Iceland-Faeroe Ridge formed during ocean floor spreading by an anomalous hot spot type of differentiation from the upper mantle such as is still active beneath Iceland. This suggests that the ridge may have stood some 2 km higher than at present when it was being formed in the early Tertiary, and that it has subsequently subsided as the spreading centre moved away and the underlying mantle became more normal; this interpretation is supported by recognition of a V-shaped sediment filled trough across the south-eastern end of the ridge, which may be a swamped sub-aerial valley.     

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.     

Seismic study of the Ulleung Basin crust and its implications for the opening of the East Sea (Japan Sea)

The Ulleung Basin (Tsushima Basin) in the southwestern East Sea (Japan Sea) is floored by a crust whose affinity is not known whether oceanic or thinned continental. This ambiguity resulted in unconstrained mechanisms of basin evolution. The present work attempts to define the nature of the crust of the Ulleung Basin and its tectonic evolution using seismic wide-angle reflection and refraction data recorded on ocean bottom seismometers (OBSs). Although the thickness of (10 km) of the crust is greater than typical oceanic crust, tau-p analysis of OBS data and forward modeling by 2-D ray tracing suggest that it is oceanic in character: (1) the crust consists of laterally consistent upper and lower layers that are typical of oceanic layers 2 and 3 in seismic velocity and gradient distribution and (2) layer 2C, the transition between layer 2 and layer 3 in oceanic crust, is manifested by a continuous velocity increase from 5.7 to 6.3 km/s over the thickness interval of about 1 km between the upper and lower layers. Therefore it is not likely that the Ulleung Basin was formed by the crustal extension of the southwestern Japan Arc where crustal structure is typically continental. Instead, the thickness of the crust and its velocity structure suggest that the Ulleung Basin was formed by seafloor spreading in a region of hotter than normal mantle surrounding a distant mantle plume, not directly above the core of the plume. It seems that the mantle plume was located in northeast China. This suggestion is consistent with geochemical data that indicate the influence of a mantle plume on the production of volcanic rocks in and around the Ulleung Basin. Thus we propose that the opening models of the southwestern East Sea should incorporate seafloor spreading and the influence of a mantle plume rather than the extension of the crust of the Japan Arc.     

南海北部地球物理特征及地壳结构

为了研究南海地壳结构，中国和日本合作在南海北部首次进行了以炸药为震源的综合地球物理调查。经初步分析其地壳结构主要特征为：南海北部地壳分为沉积层、上地壳层、中地壳层及下地壳层。大陆架及上陆坡地壳厚度大、稳定。下陆坡地壳厚度除中地壳外，其他壳层厚度减薄且不稳定。深海盆地壳分３层，厚度虽薄但相对稳定，其底部缺失７．３ｋｍ·ｓ－１的高速层。测区内地壳总厚度：陆壳２６—３０ｋｍ，过渡壳１３—２２ｋｍ，洋壳为８ｋｍ。     

Towards a more detailed seismic picture of the oceanic crust and mantle

A review is presented of current interpretation techniques in marine refraction seismology with particular emphasis on those features which are most useful in structural studies using ocean bottom seismometers. Travel time analysis techniques are discussed for both refraction and variable angle reflection profiles and are compared with systematic travel time inversion methods. Amplitude and waveform analysis techniques allow a more detailed velocity depth profile to be determined, and are illustrated for both surface and bottom receivers. The study of anisotropy and lateral variations in crustal structure may be usefully combined using delay time function methods but a detailed structural model also requires velocity-depth information. Signal processing techniques which are particularly useful for shear wave and long range propagation studies are also metioned. Structural studies using OBS' should lead to detailed knowledge of the oceanic crust and the P wave velocity distribution in the upper mantle.     

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.     

Accurate Modelling of Sonobuoy Refraction Data to Determine Velocity Variations in Oceanic Crust

Modern disposable sonobuoys can provide a simple and cost-effective alternative to ocean bottom seismometers for marine refraction experiments over oceanic crust. Unfortunately, the fact that they are free to drift with the prevailing ocean currents can introduce significant travel-time errors into the modelling process if the seafloor topography is large. For sonobuoys recorded during and after turns the drift rate and direction can be uniquely determined by inversion of the shot-receiver ranges derived from the water-wave arrival. The same method can be used to determine a best fitting average drift vector for the whole dataset. A modification to conventional two-dimensional travel-time modelling techniques has been developed to account for this drift. Each sonobuoy profile is divided into several subsets, typically of 100 shots each, and each subset is then modelled as a separate common receiver gather, significantly reducing the errors in the calculated travel-times. For re alistic bathymetry, the magnitude of these travel-time errors is up to 200 ms, significantly larger than the estimated picking uncertainty. Real data from a typical sonobuoy refraction experiment on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge were modelled with and without the drift correction applied. Much of the lateral variation in the velocity structure was removed when the drift correction was applied, indicating that this structure was due to variations in the travel-times caused by sonobuoy drift.     

Oceanic crustal structure and tectonic origin of the southern Kyushu-Palau Ridge in the Philippine Sea

A new high-resolution velocity model of the southern Kyushu-Palau Ridge(KPR) was derived from an activesource wide-angle seismic reflection/refraction profile. The result shows that the KPR crust can be divided into the upper crust with the P-wave velocity less than 6.1 m/s, and lower crust with P-wave velocity between 6.1 km/s and 7.2 km/s. The crustal thickness of the KPR reaches 12.0 km in the center, which gradually decreases to 5.0–6.0 km at sides. The velocity structure of the KPR is simil...     

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。     

Crustal seismic structure beneath the West Philippine Sea, 17°–18° North

Crustal seismic structures beneath the West Philippine Sea are determined by using explosive sources (0.5–108.6 kg) and ocean bottom seismometers to measure refracted compressional waves. Total crustal thicknesses are shown to be thinner in the eastern part of the ocean basin, approaching only 3.5 km. Crustal thinning toward the east is consistent with the Palau Kyushu Ridge being a remnant transform fault connecting the Central Basin Ridge and the Kula Pacific Ridge in the past. A velocity-depth inversion from the westernmost refraction profile indicates the upper transitional crust layer to have strong velocity gradients which gradually decrease with depth; the lower crust is characterized by a nearly constant velocity gradient. The western part of the ocean basin is also shown to have more typical oceanic thicknesses, as is found in deep ocean basins of the Pacific. Spectral energy models using WKBJ synthetic seismograms suggest that there is a sharp seismic discontinuity between the crust and moho in the western part of the basin. Predicted water depths for the West Philippine Basin using an age-depth relation and corrected for an isostatic response to the measured crustal thicknesses, are still 300 meters shallower than observed depths. The depth anomaly can not be fully reconciled by thinner crust in the eastern part of the basin. This observation implies that a deeper seated anomaly is present beneath the West Philippine Basin.     

Structure of oceanic crust adjacent to a transform margin segment: the Côte d’Ivoire–Ghana transform margin

The structure of the oceanic crust adjacent to the Côte d’Ivoire–Ghana transform margin is deduced from multichannel seismic reflection and seismic wide-angle data, showing crustal heterogeneities within oceanic basement; the oceanic crust adjacent to the transform margin is half as thick as standard Atlantic oceanic crust. Refraction data indicate a gradual velocity transition towards typical mantle velocities. Such an abnormal oceanic crustal structure appears quite similar to crustal structures known along transform faults. This crustal thinning may be related to thermal effects of the nearby continental crust, on the oceanic accretion processes. We did not find geophysical evidence for oceanic crust contamination by continental lithosphere.     

跨南海西南次海盆OBS、多道地震与重力联合调查

对跨南海西南次海盆及两侧陆缘的一条1050km长的、包括海底地震(OBS)、长排列多道地震和重磁在内的综合地球物理探测剖面(CFT)进行了构造成像和研究。在多道地震成像基础上建立了CFT剖面初始速度模型, 进而通过初至波层析成像方法反演了CFT剖面的速度结构模型, 在重力异常资料的约束下建立了CFT剖面的综合地壳结构模型。讨论了沿CFT剖面出现的下地壳高速体、龙门海山的低密度物质等地质问题。结果表明, 下地壳高速层在北部陆坡、西南海盆和南部南沙地块均有分布, 厚度在0~4km之间, 可能与陆缘下地壳物质和地幔物质熔融混合, 以及深海盆海底扩张期间构造拉伸导致地幔蛇纹岩化有关。     

Crustal low-velocity zone south of Shatsky Rise,northwest Pacific Ocean

The detailed seismic refraction investigation of the oceanic crust south of Shatsky Rise in the Northwestern Pacific revealed a low velocity zone (LVZ) with an average compressional wave velocity of 6.3 km/s within layer 3. This conclusion is based on the shadow zone for refractions on the travel time curves in their first arrivals from the M discontinuity. The LVZ may be composed of oceanic plagiogranites because serpentinization of peridotites would probably lead to an increase in crustal block volume with a concomitent decrease in density and thereby thickening and upwelling at the place of now “overdeepened” ocean would be expected.     

Deep Crustal Structure of the Continental Margin off the Explora Escarpment and in the Lazarev Sea, East Antarctica

This study presents the results of a seismic refraction experiment that was carried out off Dronning Maud Land (East Antarctica) along the Explora Escarpment (14° W–12° W) and close to Astrid Ridge (6°E). Oceanic crust of about 10 km thickness is observed northwest of the Explora Escarpment. Stretched continental crust, observed southeast of the escarpment, is most likely intruded by volcanic material at all crustal levels. Seismic velocities of 7.0–7.4 km/s are modelled for the lower crust. The northern boundary of this high velocity body coincides approximately with the Explora Escarpment. The upper crystalline crust is overlain by a 4-km thick and 70-km wide wedge of volcanic material: the Explora Wedge. Seismic velocities for the oceanic crust north of the Explora Escarpment are in good agreement with global studies. The oceanic crust in the region of the Lazarev Sea is also up to 10-km thick. The lower crystalline crust shows seismic velocities of up to 7.4 km/s. This, together with the larger crustal thickness might point to higher mantle temperatures during the formation of the oceanic crust. The more southerly rifted continental crust is up to 25-km thick, and also has seismic velocities of 7.4 km/s in the lower crystalline crust. This section is interpreted to consist of stretched continental crust, which is heavily intruded by volcanic material up to approximately 8-km depth. Multichannel seismic data indicate that, in this region, two volcanic wedges are present. The wedges are interpreted to have evolved during different time/rift periods. The wedges have a total width of at least 180 km in the Lazarev Sea. Our results support previous findings that the continental margin off Dronning Maud Land between ≈2°E and ≈13°E had a complex and long-lived rift history. Both continental margins can be classified as rifted volcanic continental margins that were formed during break-up of Gondwana.     

Seismic crustal structure in the Gulf of Cadiz (SW Iberian Peninsula)

The sedimentary structure in the Gulf of Cadiz has been extensively studied by oil exploration companies. However, up to now little is known about its deep crustal structure. Moreover, the total thickness of the sedimentary layers remains unknown in large areas. The purpose of this paper is the crustal-scale interpretation of deep seismic near-vertical reflection and refraction/wide-angle reflection data obtained during the IAM (Iberian Atlantic Margins) project, carried out in 1993. Our results indicate that a continental type crust is underlying the entire Gulf of Cadiz, with progressive thinning from east to west. The sedimentary cover shows a great thickness, reaching 8 km in the center of the Gulf. Three main sedimentary units can be recognized: Jurassic-Cretaceous calcareous rocks, continuation of Algarve outcrops; the Allochthonous Units of Guadalquivir/Gulf of Cadiz, the offshore continuation of the inland Carmona nappe; and sub-horizontal post-Miocene marine sediments. The crystalline crust is divided into three main layers: the upper crust is characterized by P-wave velocity values of 5.7–6.1 km/s; the middle crust shows values of 6.3–6.4 km/s; the lower crust has a mean vertical velocity gradient of 0.02 km/s/km, with velocities between 6.9 to 7.1 km/s. The total crustal thickness varies from 27 km for the eastern part of the studied area, to 20 km for the westernmost part. The crustal thinning is more pronounced in a N-S direction than in an E-W direction. No major structures related with a defined Iberia-Africa plate boundary could be found. This revised version was published online in November 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Geology of the Continental Margin of Enderby and Mac. Robertson Lands, East Antarctica: Insights from a Regional Data Set

In 2001 and 2002, Australia acquired an integrated geophysical data set over the deep-water continental margin of East Antarctica from west of Enderby Land to offshore from Prydz Bay. The data include approximately 7700 km of high-quality, deep-seismic data with coincident gravity, magnetic and bathymetry data, and 37 non-reversed refraction stations using expendable sonobuoys. Integration of these data with similar quality data recorded by Japan in 1999 allows a new regional interpretation of this sector of the Antarctic margin. This part of the Antarctic continental margin formed during the breakup of the eastern margin of India and East Antarctica, which culminated with the onset of seafloor spreading in the Valanginian. The geology of the Antarctic margin and the adjacent oceanic crust can be divided into distinct east and west sectors by an interpreted crustal boundary at approximately 58° E. Across this boundary, the continent–ocean boundary (COB), defined as the inboard edge of unequivocal oceanic crust, steps outboard from west to east by about 100 km. Structure in the sector west of 58° E is largely controlled by the mixed rift-transform setting. The edge of the onshore Archaean–Proterozoic Napier Complex is downfaulted oceanwards near the shelf edge by at least 6 km and these rocks are interpreted to underlie a rift basin beneath the continental slope. The thickness of rift and pre-rift rocks cannot be accurately determined with the available data, but they appear to be relatively thin. The margin is overlain by a blanket of post-rift sedimentary rocks that are up to 6 km thick beneath the lower continental slope. The COB in this sector is interpreted from the seismic reflection data and potential field modelling to coincide with the base of a basement depression at 8.0–8.5 s two-way time, approximately 170 km oceanwards of the shelf-edge bounding fault system. Oceanic crust in this sector is highly variable in character, from rugged with a relief of more than 1 km over distances of 10–20 km, to rugose with low-amplitude relief set on a long-wavelength undulating basement. The crustal velocity profile appears unusual, with velocities of 7.6–7.95 km s⁻¹ being recorded at several stations at a depth that gives a thickness of crust of only 4 km. If these velocities are from mantle, then the thin crust may be due to the presence of fracture zones. Alternatively, the velocities may be coming from a lower crust that has been heavily altered by the intrusion of mantle rocks. The sector east of 58° E has formed in a normal rifted margin setting, with complexities in the east from the underlying structure of the N–S trending Palaeozoic Lambert Graben. The Napier Complex is downfaulted to depths of 8–10 km beneath the upper continental slope, and the margin rift basin is more than 300 km wide. As in the western sector, the rift-stage rocks are probably relatively thin. This part of the margin is blanketed by post-rift sediments that are up to about 8 km thick. The interpreted COB in the eastern sector is the most prominent boundary in deep water, and typically coincides with a prominent oceanwards step-up in the basement level of up to 1 km. As in the west, the interpretation of this boundary is supported by potential field modelling. The oceanic crust adjacent to the COB in this sector has a highly distinctive character, commonly with (1) a smooth upper surface underlain by short, seaward-dipping flows; (2) a transparent upper crustal layer; (3) a lower crust dominated by dipping high-amplitude reflections that probably reflect intruded or altered shears; (4) a strong reflection Moho, confirmed by seismic refraction modelling; and (5) prominent landward-dipping upper mantle reflections on several adjacent lines. A similar style of oceanic crust is also found in contemporaneous ocean basins that developed between Greater India and Australia–Antarctica west of Bruce Rise on the Antarctic margin, and along the Cuvier margin of northwest Australia.     

An integrated geophysical study of Vestbakken Volcanic Province, western Barents Sea continental margin, and adjacent oceanic crust

This paper describes results from a geophysical study in the Vestbakken Volcanic Province, located on the central parts of the western Barents Sea continental margin, and adjacent oceanic crust in the Norwegian-Greenland Sea. The results are derived mainly from interpretation and modeling of multichannel seismic, ocean bottom seismometer and land station data along a regional seismic profile. The resulting model shows oceanic crust in the western parts of the profile. This crust is buried by a thick Cenozoic sedimentary package. Low velocities in the bottom of this package indicate overpressure. The igneous oceanic crust shows an average thickness of 7.2 km with the thinnest crust (5–6 km) in the southwest and the thickest crust (8–9 km) close to the continent-ocean boundary (COB). The thick oceanic crust is probably related to high mantle temperatures formed by brittle weakening and shear heating along a shear system prior to continental breakup. The COB is interpreted in the central parts of the profile where the velocity structure and Bouguer anomalies change significantly. East of the COB Moho depths increase while the vertical velocity gradient decreases. Below the assumed center for Early Eocene volcanic activity the model shows increased velocities in the crust. These increased crustal velocities are interpreted to represent Early Eocene mafic feeder dykes. East of the zone of volcanoes velocities in the crust decrease and sedimentary velocities are observed at depths of more than 10 km. The amount of crustal intrusions is much lower in this area than farther west. East of the Kn?legga Fault crystalline basement velocities are brought close to the seabed. This fault marks the eastern limit of thick Cenozoic and Mesozoic packages on central parts of the western Barents Sea continental margin.