Ocean and Earth Science, National Oceanography Centre Southampton

Research project: Mapping physical properties using reflection coefficients, a global approach

Currently Active:: Yes

Objective: To create a globally standardised true amplitude analysis method (Dean et al. 2010) that can be used to rapidly assess variations in physical properties at undrilled subduction margins such as Sumatra and Hikurangi.

Project Overview

What controls fault properties and earthquake behaviour at subduction zones?

Patterns of past seismogenesis at global subduction zones show that they are segmented, with seismic rupture often only occurring along part of the plate boundary fault during any one event. This segmentation must be driven by variations in fault properties, caused by along-strike changes in input parameters and/or tectonic driving forces.

Analyses

Core-log-seismic data integration to determine empirical relationships between physical properties and reflection amplitudes (e.g. Moore et al. 1998).
Mapping along-strike variations to understand the variable nature of the plate boundary fault and its seismogenic potential in relation to input parameters.