Analysis of microtremors within the Provadia region near a salt leaching mine

By analysis of microtremors recorded with digital seismological monitoring equipment near the Provadia salt diapir (Bulgaria), two groups of events showing different characteristics have been detected in the vicinity of the salt production area. The first group of events has low magnitudes and is located at a distance of about 1 km from the top of the salt diapir. These events show low stress drops. The second group of tremors is located outside the salt diapir. The corresponding magnitudes and stress drops are larger. The first class of events seems to be related to processes at the contour of the salt leaching caverns, whereas the origin of the second group seems to be connected with stress redistribution processes around the salt body. Based on this analysis, the tectonic model of the Provadia salt diapir has been modified.