Experimental and texture-derived P-wave anisotropy of principal rocks from the TRANSALP traverse: An aid for the interpretation of seismic field data

A representative suite of deformed, metamorphic rocks from the TRANSALP reflection seismic traverse in the Eastern Alps was studied in the laboratory with respect to elastic properties and whole-rock texture. Compressional wave (P-wave) velocities and their anisotropies were measured at various experimental conditions (dry, wet, confining pressure), and compared to the texture-related component of anisotropy. Here ‘texture’ refers to crystallographic preferred orientations (CPOs), which were determined by neutron texture goniometry. In gneisses and schists P-wave anisotropies are mainly controlled by the microcrack fabric. In marbles and amphibolites CPO contributes very significantly to anisotropy. At 200 MPa confining pressure the degree of anisotropy is between 5% and 15%, depending on rock composition and/or CPO intensity. Special emphasis was also put on discussing possible effects of fluids on seismic velocity and anisotropy. Distributions of water-filled microcracks and pores are distinctly anisotropic, with maximum contribution to bulk rock velocity mostly parallel to the foliation pole. Decreasing P-wave velocity and increasing anisotropy of immersed samples may be explained by crack-induced changes of the elastic moduli of bulk rock. The main conclusion regarding interpretation of TRANSALP data is that strong reflections in the deep Alpine crust are probably due to marble–gneiss and metabasite–gneiss contacts, although P-wave anisotropy and boundaries between zones of ‘dry’ or ‘wet’ series may contribute to reflectivity to some extent.     

Fabric symmetry of low anisotropic rocks inferred from ultrasonic sounding: Implications for the geomechanical models

The geomechanical models were established based on the absence or presence of certain rock fabric elements — texture (crystallographic preferred orientation), microstructure (shape preferred orientation) and microcracks (flat voids). The proposed models include both (i) the ideal material showing random texture and structure but no microcracks, i.e. the material which is hardly to be found in nature, and (ii) the materials possessing various combinations of fabric elements that show different spatial arrangements. The mutual relationship between those parameters and seismic and geomechanical properties are discussed.Selected models were experimentally verified during laboratory experiments. These consist of measurement of P-wave velocities in 132 independent directions under several confining pressures in the range 0.1–400 MPa. From measured data 3D P-wave patterns can be constructed and the influence of microcracks and of texture and structure on the rock seismic anisotropy can be determined. The seismic anisotropy established at different levels of confining pressure can be used for the interpretation of rock fabric symmetry of rocks showing low anisotropy in macroscale and for the selection of directions in which the geomechanical test can be performed. The measured P-wave velocities were then mathematically processed by using a fitting function which reflects contribution of P-wave velocity in the mineral skeleton of an ideal sample without microcracks extrapolated to the atmospheric pressure level from high confining pressure interval (ca. 200–400 MPa) (v₀), linear compressibility of the samples (k_v), and confining pressure during which most of the cracks are closed (P₀). These parameters improve the understanding of the response of various rock fabric elements on increasing confinement and corresponding changes in elasticity.The observed seismic and geomechanical anisotropies reflect intensity of the fabric of rock-forming minerals and microcracks. The magnitude of seismic anisotropy measured at atmospheric pressure corresponds to the anisotropy of static elastic modulus and is governed by the spatial arrangement of microcracks. The magnitude of strength anisotropy (uniaxial compressive strength) correlates more likely to the seismic anisotropy determined at high confining pressure and is connected to the preferred orientations (either CPO or SPO or both) of rock-forming minerals.     

韧性剪切带中片麻岩和超高压榴辉岩变形特征及其与地震波速各向异性的关系：来自中国大陆科学钻探（CCSD）680～1200米岩心的证据

中国大陆科学钻探(CCSD)680-1200米区段发育了多个韧性剪切带,带中主要岩石类型包括片麻岩和超高压榴辉岩。片麻岩中的变形石英、面理化榴辉岩中的拉长石榴石和绿辉石的应变轴比都表现为X>Y>Z,Flinn系数分别为0.11-0.27、0.22-0.23和0.23-0.24。随着糜棱岩化作用的增强,变形石英的C轴组构由Z轴极密逐渐向Y轴极密和叶理面上的大圆环带转变。在常温常压下测试了样品的波速,计算出片麻岩Vp和Vs的各向异性分别为30.17％-60.97％和11.52％-35.79％,榴辉岩Vp和Vs的各向异性分别为0.17％-11.19％和2.41％-6.70％。影响各向异性的主要因素有岩石的结构构造、矿物的晶格优选方位(LPO)、形态优选方位(SPO)和定向微裂隙。随着糜棱岩化作用的增强,岩石的P波各向异性逐 渐升高。变形岩石中的黑云母、石英、绿辉石的LPO和SPO是地震波各向异性的主要控制因素。饱水后的片麻岩样品的P波各向异性明显低于干燥片麻岩样品。在东海钻井中的强反射带主要是由于不同岩层之间的波阻抗差异而造成的,榴辉岩/强退变榴辉岩和黑云斜长片麻岩之间的接触界面会产生较强的地震深反射。此外,与LPO相关的地震波各向异性会增强地震波的反射,所以韧性剪切带中的糜棱岩化片麻岩可能是地震反射的良好载体。韧性剪切带中岩石弹性波速度的强各向     

Fabric analysis of quartzites with negative magnetic susceptibility – Does AMS provide information of SPO or CPO of quartz?

We ask the question whether petrofabric data from anisotropy of magnetic susceptibility (AMS) analysis of deformed quartzites gives information about shape preferred orientation (SPO) or crystallographic preferred orientation (CPO) of quartz. Since quartz is diamagnetic and has a negative magnetic susceptibility, 11 samples of nearly pure quartzites with a negative magnetic susceptibility were chosen for this study. After performing AMS analysis, electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) analysis was done in thin sections prepared parallel to the K₁K₃ plane of the AMS ellipsoid. Results show that in all the samples quartz SPO is sub-parallel to the orientation of the magnetic foliation. However, in most samples no clear correspondance is observed between quartz CPO and K₁ (magnetic lineation) direction. This is contrary to the parallelism observed between K₁ direction and orientation of quartz c-axis in the case of undeformed single quartz crystal. Pole figures of quartz indicate that quartz c-axis tends to be parallel to K₁ direction only in the case where intracrystalline deformation of quartz is accommodated by prism <c> slip. It is therefore established that AMS investigation of quartz from deformed rocks gives information of SPO. Thus, it is concluded that petrofabric information of quartzite obtained from AMS is a manifestation of its shape anisotropy and not crystallographic preferred orientation.     

Geochemistry, petrofabrics and seismic properties of eclogites from the Chinese Continental Scientific Drilling boreholes in the Sulu UHP terrane, eastern China

We present an integrated study of geochemistry, petrofabrics and seismic properties of strongly sheared eclogites from the Chinese Continental Scientific Drilling (CCSD) project in the Sulu ultrahigh-pressure (UHP) metamorphic terrane, eastern China. First, geochemical data characterize diverse protoliths of the studied eclogites. The positive Eu- and Sr-anomalies, negative Nb anomaly and flat portion of heavy rare earth elements in coarse-grained rutile eclogites (samples B270 and B295) suggest a cumulate origin in the continental crust, whereas the negative Nb anomaly and enrichment of light rare earth elements in retrograde eclogites (samples B504, B15 and B19) imply an origin of continental basalts or island arc basalts. Second, P-wave velocities (V_p) of three typical eclogite samples were measured under confining pressures up to 500 MPa and temperatures to 700 °C. At 500 MPa and room temperature, the mean V_p reaches 8.50-8.53 km/s in samples B270 and B295 but drops to 7.86 km/s in sample B504, and the P-wave anisotropy changes from 1.7-2.7% to 5.5%, respectively. The pressure and temperature derivatives of V_p are larger in the retrograde eclogite than in fresh ones. Third, the electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) measurements of the eclogites reveal random crystal preferred orientation (CPO) of garnet and pronounced CPO of omphacite, which is characterized by a strong concentration of [001]-axes sub-parallel to the lineation and of (010)-poles perpendicular to the foliation. The asymmetric CPO of omphacite in sample B270 recorded a top-to-the-south shear event during subduction of the Yangtze plate. The calculated fastest V_p is generally sub-parallel to the lineation, but a different deformation environment during exhumation could form second-order variations in omphacite CPO and affect the V_p distribution in eclogites (e.g., the fastest V_p is at ~ 35° from the foliation in sample B295). Comparison between measured and calculated seismic properties indicates that the CPO of omphacite controls the seismic anisotropy of eclogites at high pressure, and compositional layering and retrograde minerals will increase the anisotropy. Calculated P-wave velocities agree well with velocities measured at 500 MPa and room temperature for fresh eclogites, but much higher than those of retrograde eclogite. As a case study, the laboratory-derived V_p-P and V_p-T relationships were used to estimate P-wave velocities of eclogites and peridotites beneath the Western Superior Province, Canada. The results indicate that besides the fabric-induced anisotropy, the direction dependence of pressure and temperature derivatives of V_p can significantly increase seismic anisotropy of eclogites with depth, which results in eclogites being an important candidate for the seismic anisotropy in the upper mantle. Due to their very high density and velocity, garnet-rich eclogites within peridotite could be detected in seismic reflections in subduction zones.     

Mineralogical and seismic properties of serpentinite of Ait Ahmane fault zone of Bou Azzer ophiolite,central Anti-Atlas of Morocco

This paper presents the first seismic measurements of serpentinite of Bou Azzer ophiolite, central Anti-Atlas of Morocco, including seismic velocities and anisotropy. Two serpentinite samples collected from the Ait Ahmane fault zone were analyzed in order to define the mineralogical and seismic features of the natural serpentinite of the Bou Azzer ophiolite. The mineralogical features were investigated using microscopic observation and Raman spectroscopy, while the seismic features were performed using an Electron Backscatter Diffraction (EBSD) instrument. Microscopy and spectroscopy analyses confirmed that the investigated serpentinite suffers from a variable degree of serpentinization, and the antigorite is the dominant variety of serpentine minerals in the study area. The crystal preferred orientation (CPO) results show that the axis [001] of the antigorite deformation is aligned subnormal to the foliation, while the axis [010] is mostly aligned subparallel to the lineation. The seismic anisotropy results are depending on serpentine amount in the rock samples. The sample with a low serpentine amount (30%) shows lowest P- and S-wave anisotropy (Vp = 7.2% and AVs = 6.55%), while the sample with a high amount of serpentine (85%) presents highest P-wave and S-wave anisotropy (Vp = 8.6% and AVs = 11.06%). Consequently, the results indicate that seismic anisotropy increases when increasing the antigorite amount.     

Fabric and seismic properties of carrara marble mylonite

Shear deformation in calcite-rich rocks can produce strong lattice preferred orientations (LPO), which result in a high anisotropy of bulk seismic properties because of the high elastic anisotropy of calcite (32% Vp anisotropy). Deformed rocks often show also strong shape preferred orientations (SPO). Theories for averaging the elastic properties have not yet satisfactorily predicted the contribution to the seismic anisotropy caused by the SPO alone.A calcite mylonite from Carrara (Italy) was investigated, which is characterised by a strong SPO and a weak LPO. It was composed of about 80% calcite, then white mica, quartz and hematite. Flattening of mica and of calcite grains defined the mylonitic foliation, and elongation of calcite grains defined the lineation. On average calcite grains have aspect ratios of about 2.5:1.6:1, and grain sizes of about 10 μm. At 400 MPa confining pressure, the measured Vp (km/s) parallel to the lineation (X direction) was highest (6.63), lower in the intermediate Y direction (6.47); the Vp normal to the foliation (Z direction) was lowest (6.30). This yielded a Vp anisotropy of 5%. The LPO, determined by automated electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD), was very weak (texture index 1.1), with intensities between 0.6 and 1.6 m.r.d. in the c-axis pole figure. Extrapolation of the texture index to an infinite number of orientation measurements indicated that the observed variations were mostly random noise in the orientation distributions and that the bulk rock texture was random. The Vp anisotropy of the Voigt, Reuss and Hill averages calculated from this calcite LPO is predicted to be close to zero. Adding 5% of muscovite with (001) perfectly aligned parallel to the foliation, we calculated a total anisotropy of 2.8%. The anisotropy calculated for the special directions X, Y and Z remained at 2.6% only.It was concluded that the measured seismic anisotropy cannot be explained by the LPO of calcite and by 5% of mica alone. It is also attributed to the strong SPO and to further grain boundary effects.     

Effect of fabric anisotropy on compressional-wave propagation in various metamorphic rocks for the range 20–700°C at 2 kbars

In all rocks investigated (peridotite, amphibolite, serpentinite, marble) the observed seismic anisotropy is primarily a consequence of preferred orientation of minerals and of the elastic anisotropy of the constituent minerals of the rocks. Generally the compressional-wave velocity decreases with temperature. The amount of velocity decrease, however, is different in the various rock types and even for different directions in the same anisotropic media. Fabric-induced seismic anisotropy is not drastically reduced with temperature. In the amphibolite, and especially in the serpentinite seismic anisotropy even increases with temperature. It is expected that the preferred orientation of minerals may have an effect on wave propagation even at great depths in the earth's crust and in the upper mantle.     

不同温压下岩石弹性波速度、衰减及各向异性与组构的关系

结合岩石组构分析 ,阐述了岩石弹性波传播速度和衰减以及它们的各向异性与岩石组构之间的关系。在不同温压条件下对具有很强晶格优选方位的岩石样品的研究表明 ,随着围压的增加 ,波速和Q值均增大 ,但是在相互正交的 3个方向上 (垂直或平行于层理面及线理方向 )增大的速度并不相同 ,这与微裂隙的逐渐闭合密切相关。观测到的波速和Q值的各向异性具有不同的形成机理 ,波速各向异性主要与定向分布的微裂隙和主要矿物的晶格优选方位等构造因素有关 ;高围压下Q值各向异性与速度各向异性正好相反 ,可能是由于定向排列的矿物晶体沿不同方向其边界之间接触程度不同造成的。对岩石组构的研究不仅可以揭示岩体的变形机制、变形的动力学过程及其有关的热力学信息 ,还可以对宏观岩石的各种物理性质 ,尤其是力学特性 ,从微观机理上加以解释。文中特别强调了岩石组构分析对研究岩石物理性质的各向异性具有十分重要的意义。     

Subduction related antigorite CPO patterns from forearc mantle in the Sanbagawa belt,southwest Japan

Antigorite (Atg) is stable throughout large parts of the wedge mantle of most subduction zones. Atg shows strong acoustic anisotropy and crystallographic preferred orientation (CPO) patterns of this mineral may contribute significantly to seismic anisotropy in convergent margins. Atg CPO patterns from the Higashi-Akaishi (HA) forearc mantle body of southwest Japan adds to the data set suggesting the most common Atg CPO pattern has a c-axis perpendicular to the foliation and a b-axis parallel to the stretching lineation. Statistical analysis using the eigenvector method of Atg CPO from two mutually perpendicular directions in the same sample (YZ-section and XZ-section) shows no significant differences implying sample preparation has no significant affect on the resulting Atg CPO. Reuss (uniform stress) averages of anisotropy for the Higashi-Akaishi samples are approximately treble the values for Voigt (uniform strain) averages. When comparing calculated anisotropy of hydrated mantle peridotite samples—such as the Higashi-Akaishi unit—with observed S-wave delay times in convergent margins, the appropriate averaging method needs to be considered.     

Seismic anisotropy of the crystalline crust: what does it tell us?

The study of the directional dependence of seismic velocities (seismic anisotropy) promises more refined insight into mineral composition and physical properties of the crystalline crust than conventional deep seismic refraction or reflection profiles providing average values of P-and S-wave velocities. The alignment of specific minerals by ductile rock deformation, for instance, causes specific types of seismic anisotropy which can be identified by appropriate field measurements.
Vice versa , the determination of anisotropy can help to discriminate between different rock candidates in the deep crust. Seismic field measurements at the Continental Deep Drilling Site (KTB, S Germany) are shown as an example that anisotropy has to be considered in crustal studies. At the KTB, the dependence of seismic velocity on the direction of wave propagation in situ was found to be compatible with the texture, composition and fracture density of drilled crustal rocks.     

组构数值模拟的原理及其在地学中的应用

组构是指由岩石塑性变形导致多晶体的结晶学优势取向现象。组构的存在会增加岩石的各向异性,进而可能影响到岩石的后续变形。岩石组构包含了变形类型、运动学、变形环境、流变学特征等信息,因而成为显微构造学的重要内容。组构数值模拟是近年来得到重视的一种组构研究方法,它以晶体塑性理论为基础,利用计算机技术定量地模拟多晶岩石中组构的形成和演化。在晶体塑性理论中,晶体的塑性变形是由滑移系的剪切滑动导致的,由单晶塑性本构关系表征。多晶均匀化模型包括Sachs模型、Taylor模型、自洽模型和有限元模型,它们从不同角度描述了由单晶变形组成的多晶体变形。极图、反极图和取向分布函数被用来显示多晶体中各晶粒的空间取向。目前组构数值模拟在地学中的应用主要体现在各种单相和多相岩石的组构形成、重结晶作用下的组构形成、组构对地幔和地核地震波波速各向异性的影响等方面。     

P-wave anisotropy in eclogites and relationship to the omphacite crystallographic fabric

Measurements of P-wave velocity at room temperature and confining pressures up to 500 MPa were carried out on three eclogite mylonites collected from a shear zone in the Monviso area (Western Alps). P-wave velocities at a pressure of 400 MPa range from 7.7 km/s to 7.9 km/s, yielding to a maximum anisotropy of 6%. From the CPO of omphacite we estimated a maximum contribution of omphacite to the P-wave anisotropy of only 1.3%. These results suggest that primarily the compositional layering and secondary the fabric of minor constituent minerals significantly contribute to the seismic anisotropy. Because of the anisotropy, the seismic reflectivity of subduction zones may vary with the direction of observation.     

Seismische Anisotropie des oberen Erdmantels und Intraplatten-Tektonik

Specially planned explosion seismic measurements in the oceans provided conclusive evidence that the velocity of P_n-waves depends on the azimuths of the direction of propagation through the upper mantle. The orientation of this azimuthal anisotropy suggests a close connection with the generation of the oceanic lithosphere: in the Pacific the maximum and minimum velocities are measured in a perpendicular and parallel direction to the axis of the oceanic ridges respectively. The observed anisotropy is so strong that a number of models for the generation of anisotropy can be discarded. The most likely cause is a preferred orientation of minerals. The generation of the anisotropy can be simulated in the laboratory under P-T-conditions of the upper mantle. The influence of the rate of deformation can be studied as well. A recent analysis of explosion seismic data in Southern Germany suggests that the continental upper mantle possesses also a velocity anisotropy dependent on azimuth.     

湖南道县辉长岩包体的组构与波速各向异性研究及其意义

辉长岩包体的主要造岩矿物斜长石、单斜辉石的组构测定结果表明 :条带状辉长岩的斜长石组构为结晶b轴的优选定向 ,推测其成因是在重力作用占主导并伴有低应力的情况下形成的。宏观呈块状的辉长岩 ,在微观组构上仍有定向线理存在。经由组构、岩石密度、矿物组成计算得到的理论波速各向异性与实测波速得到的一致 ,从而表明地震波的各向异性对矿物组构的强烈依赖性。推测道县辉长岩包体的波速各向异性反映了下地壳地震波的一般特征。其组构特征反映了该区中、新生代下地壳的变形特征。     

Physical properties of ultrahigh-pressure metamorphic rocks from the Sulu terrain, eastern central China: implications for the seismic structure at the Donghai (CCSD) drilling site

About 30 samples representing major lithologies of Sulu ultrahigh-pressure (UHP) metamorphic rocks were collected from surface exposures and exploration wells, and compressional (Vp) and shear wave (Vs) velocities and their directional dependence (anisotropy) were determined over a range of constant confining pressures up to 600 MPa and temperatures ranging from 20 to 600 °C. Samples range in composition from acidic to ultramafic. P- and S-wave velocities measured at 600 MPa vary from 5.08 to 8.64 km/s and 2.34 to 4.93 km/s, respectively. Densities are in the range from 2.60 to 3.68 g/cm³. To make a direct tie between seismic measurements (refraction and reflection) and subsurface lithologies, the experimental velocity data (corresponding to shallow depths) were used to calculate velocity profiles for the different lithologies and profiles of reflection coefficients at possible lithologic interfaces across the projected 5000-m Chinese Continental Scientific Drilling Program (CCSD) crustal segment. Comparison of calculated in situ velocities with respective intrinsic velocities suggests that the in situ velocities at shallow depths are lowered by an increased abundance of open microcracks. The strongly reflective zone beneath the Donghai drill site can be explained by the impedance contrasts between the different lithologies. Contacts between eclogite/peridotite and felsic rocks (gt-gneiss, granitic gneiss), in particular, may give rise to strong seismic reflections. In addition, shear-induced (lattice preferred orientation (LPO)-related) seismic anisotropy can increase reflectivity. For the explanation of the high velocity bodies (>6.4 km/s) around 1000 m and below 3200-m depth, large proportions of eclogite/peridotite (about 40 and 30 vol.%, respectively) are needed.     

Sound velocities and elasticity of cordierite and implications for deep crustal seismic anisotropy

The elastic properties of cordierite, a common volatile-bearing metamorphic mineral, were measured using Brillouin spectroscopy under ambient conditions. We obtain a bulk modulus of K_S =129(1) GPa, and a shear modulus of G=54.0(4) GPa. The bulk modulus of cordierite is much larger than those of other crustal framework silicates (e.g., quartz and feldspars), but is similar to K_S for denser upper mantle phases such as olivine. This is likely a result of the cordierite crystal structure, as suggested by a similarly high value of K_S for minerals with closely related structures. Cordierite has an unusually high K/G ratio of about 2.4, and a Poisson’s ratio of 0.31,which may be a diagnostic seismic properties of areas in which cordierite-rich metamorphic rocks occur. The overall velocity anisotropy of cordierite is relatively low (<14%) in comparison with many other metamorphic minerals. Calculated velocities for a representative lower crustal rock suggest that cordierite is not likely to explain the high seismic anisotropy observed in some lower crustal sections. Cordierite would have a strong influence on the bulk seismic anisotropy only in rocks where it is present in large concentrations and has a strong preferred orientation. Although such rocks are known to occur, they are uncommon. Received: 23 Deceber 1997/ Revised, accepted: 12 October 1998     

Origin and orientation of microporosity in eclogites of different microstructure studied by ultrasound and microfabric analysis

This work contributes to the experimental investigations of the origin and 3-D orientation of micropores in low porosity crystalline rocks. The origin and spatial orientation of microporosity in two eclogites with different microstructures were studied by 1) quantitative and qualitative microstructural analysis of grains and grain boundaries, 2) measurement of lattice preferred orientation using the SEM-EBSD method and 3) experimental measurement of velocity of elastic P-waves in spherical samples in 132 directions under confining pressures up to 400 MPa. Results show good correlation between the elastic properties and the orientation of grain boundaries and cleavage planes in clinopyroxene. The magnitude and anisotropy of velocity change with pressure shows that microporosity in the fine-grained sample is relatively large and strongly preferentially oriented, whereas it is significantly lower and less preferentially oriented in the coarse-grained sample. Seeing that the lattice preferred orientation of clinopyroxene is similar in both samples we can deduce from velocity changes that the grain size of the rock forming minerals controls the amount of microporosity. Also, the orientation of microporosity depends mostly on preferred orientation of grain boundaries and somewhat less on the orientation of cleavage planes. Grain boundaries are therefore the most important contributors to the bulk microporosity in the studied rocks.     

Origin and deformation of intra-salt sulphate layers: an example from the Dutch Zechstein (Late Permian)

From salt mine galleries and well data it is known that thick rock salt layers can contain anhydrite and carbonate layers with thicknesses on the millimetre to tens of metre scale. The relatively thick Zechstein 3 anhydrite–carbonate layer in the northern Netherlands has been studied previously using 3-D seismic data. Observations from geophysical well logs in this study reveal the presence of thin sulphate layers on the sub-seismic scale imbedded in the Zechstein 2 (Z2) salt. Core samples, thin sections, seismic data and geochemical measurements were used to determine the mineralogy and origin of one of these Z2 sulphate layers. Bromine analyses show that they mark a freshening event in the Z2 salt, which can be correlated over large distances in the northern Netherlands. Their core-calibrated log signature indicates that the Z2 sulphate layers consist either of pure anhydrite or of anhydrite and polyhalite. The mineralogy and thickness of the sulphate layers are interpreted to vary between synsedimentary morphologic lows (thin anhydrite–polyhalite couplets) and highs (thicker anhydrite layers). Such a combination of core observations and well log analysis is a powerful tool to detect lateral trends in evaporite mineralogy and to reconstruct the environmental setting of their formation. Salt internal geometries can further be used to distinguish between different deformation mechanisms. In our study area, the distribution of sulphate layers within the Z2 salt indicates that subjacent salt dissolution was not the dominant process leading to salt-related deformation.     

Directional dependence of P- and S-wave propagation and polarization in foliated rocks from the Kola superdeep well: Evidence from laboratory measurements and calculations based on TOF neutron diffraction

We have measured P- and S-wave velocities on two amphibolite and two gneiss samples from the Kola superdeep borehole as a function of pressure (up to 600 MPa) and temperature (up to 600 °C). The velocity measurements include compressional (Vp) and shear wave velocities (Vs1, Vs2) propagating in three orthogonal directions which were in general not parallel to inherent rock symmetry axes or planes. The measurements are accompanied by 3D-velocities calculations based on lattice preferred orientation (LPO) obtained by TOF (Time Of Flight) neutron diffraction analysis which allows the investigation of bulk volumes up to several cubic centimetres due to the high penetration depth of neutrons. The LPO-based numerical velocity calculations give important information on the different contribution of the various rock-forming minerals to bulk elastic anisotropy and on the relations of seismic anisotropy, shear wave splitting, and shear wave polarization to the structural reference frame (foliation and lineation). Comparison with measured velocities obtained for the three propagation directions that were not in accordance with the structural frame of the rocks (foliation and lineation) demonstrate that for shear waves propagating through anisotropic rocks the vibration directions are as important as the propagation directions. The study demonstrates that proper measurement of shear wave splitting by means of two orthogonal polarized sending and receiving shear wave transducers is only possible when their propagation and polarization directions are parallel and normal to foliation and lineation, respectively.