Basement and Crustal Structure Across the Appalachian Basin Using Seismic Reflection Data and the Joint Inversion of P-wave Receiver Functions and Surface Wave Dispersion
Abstract
Induced seismicity as a result of hydraulic fracturing and wastewater disposal process has been a concern in recent years within the Appalachian Basin. Although typically small magnitude events, the induced earthquakes can reach magnitudes large enough to cause damage to nearby structures. The majority of induced seismic events have occurred along basement faults below the target formation. Using 3074 kms of 2D industry seismic reflection data, well logs, and 1D shear wave velocity profiles obtained by jointly inverting high-frequency receiver functions and Rayleigh wave group velocities for 2 to 120 periods, this study aims to map, in unprecedented detail, depth to basement across the Pennsylvania portion of the Appalachian Basin, and more broadly across other parts of the basin. Data for the joint inversion comes from 240 broadband seismic stations distributed across the basin. The 1D shear models also reveal details of deeper crustal structure, including Moho depth. A better understanding of the basement and crustal structure across the basin will allow identification of areas that may be of high risk for induced seismicity. Preliminary results consist of a detailed depth-to-basement map across Pennsylvania and indicate the use of high frequency receiver functions with dispersion measurements can image basement structure in the Appalachian Basin.
- Publication:
-
AGU Fall Meeting Abstracts
- Pub Date:
- December 2020
- Bibcode:
- 2020AGUFMT039.0002H
- Keywords:
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- 8011 Kinematics of crustal and mantle deformation;
- STRUCTURAL GEOLOGY;
- 8108 Continental tectonics: compressional;
- TECTONOPHYSICS;
- 8149 Planetary tectonics;
- TECTONOPHYSICS;
- 8169 Sedimentary basin processes;
- TECTONOPHYSICS