David M. Worley

Shallow subsurface structure of the Wasatch fault, Provo segment, Utah, from integrated compressional and shear-wave seismic reflection profiles with implications for fault structure and development

Integrated vibroseis compressional and experimental hammer-source, shear-wave, seismic reflection profiles across the Provo segment of the Wasatch fault zone in Utah reveal near-surface and shallow bedrock structures caused by geologically recent deformation. Combining information from the seismic surveys, geologic mapping, terrain analysis, and previous seismic first-arrival modeling provides a well-constrained cross section of the upper ∼500 m of the subsurface. Faults are mapped from the surface, through shallow, poorly consolidated deltaic sediments, and cutting through a rigid bedrock surface. The new seismic data are used to test hypotheses on changing fault orientation with depth, the number of subsidiary faults within the fault zone and the width of the fault zone, and the utility of integrating separate elastic methods to provide information on a complex structural zone. Although previous surface mapping has indicated only a few faults, the seismic section shows a wider and more complex deformation zone with both synthetic and antithetic normal faults. Our study demonstrates the usefulness of a combined shallow and deeper penetrating geophysical survey, integrated with detailed geologic mapping to constrain subsurface fault structure. Due to the complexity of the fault zone, accurate seismic velocity information is essential and was obtained from a first-break tomography model. The new constraints on fault geometry can be used to refine estimates of vertical versus lateral tectonic movements and to improve seismic hazard assessment along the Wasatch fault through an urban area. We suggest that earthquake-hazard assessments made without seismic reflection imaging may be biased by the previous mapping of too few faults.

High-resolution seismic reflection surveys and modeling across an area of high damage from the 1994 Northridge earthquake, Sherman Oaks, California

Approximately 3.6 km of P -wave seismic-reflection data were acquired along two orthogonal profiles in Sherman Oaks, California to determine whether shallow (less than 1-km depth) geologic structures contributed to the dramatic localized damage resulting from the 1994 Northridge earthquake. Both lines, one along Matilija Avenue and one along Milbank Street, crossed areas of both high and low damage. We believe these data reveal a geologic structure in the upper 600 m that contributed to the increased earthquake ground shaking in the high-damage areas south of and along the Los Angeles River. Of interest in these data is a reflection interpreted to be from bedrock that can be traced to the north along the Matilija Avenue profile. This reflecting interface, dipping northward at 15°–22°, may be an important impedance boundary because it is the lower boundary of a wedge of overlying low-velocity sediments. The wedge thins and terminates in the area where we interpret down-warped reflections as evidence of a shallow subbasin. The low-velocity subbasin sediments ( V s of 200 m/sec V p of 500 m/sec) may be up to 150 m thick beneath the channelized Los Angeles River. The area across the subbasin experienced greater earthquake damage from possible geometric focusing effects. Three-dimensional basin effects may be responsible for the variable damage pattern, but from these seismic profiles it is not possible to determine the regional structural trends. Two-dimensional elastic and SH -mode finite-difference modeling of the imaged structural geometry along Matilija Avenue suggests that a peak horizontal-velocity amplification factor of two-and-over can be explained in the high-damage area above the shallow subbasin and sediment wedge. Amplification factors up to 5 were previously observed in aftershock data, at frequencies of 2 to 6 Hz. Amplification in the elastic simulation at the Santa Monica Mountains range-front on the southern end of the Matilija profile, with the geologic layering and geometry interpreted from the seismic data, is also consistent with aftershock observations.

Reconnaissance shallow seismic investigation of depth-to-bedrock and possible methane-bearing coalbeds, Galena, Alaska

A reconnaissance shallow seismic reflection/refraction investigation in and around the city of Galena, Alaska suggests that Tertiary and/or Cretaceous bedrock, and possible coalbeds within the Cretaceous, is at least as deep as 550 feet in the immediate vicinity of town. Rock could be deeper than 1000 feet under alternate interpretations. Reflections recorded in these data are believed to be from the sediment/bedrock interface. Analysis of these reflections and associated refractions indicates that this interface, interpreted at most of the six profile locations, has a high seismic velocity, possibly indicating nonsedimentary rock (e.g. volcanic or igneous). INTRODUCTION The City of Galena, Alaska, has interest in obtaining a local methane gas supply to supplement their heating and electrical needs. It has been proposed that Cretaceous coalbeds, observed in outcrop at Hartnet Island, roughly 12 miles east of Galena and roughly 20 to 30 miles west of Galena near Koyukuk and Nulato, might provide a source of methane gas. However, the depth of these possible coalbeds beneath the city is critical to determine their viability as an economic methane source. Without knowing the total thickness of the late-Tertiary (?) to Quaternary section, the total depth to Cretaceous strata and thus a drilling method cannot be determined. To help estimate the possible drilling depth to Cretaceous and older rock, we acquired high-resolut ion seismic reflection/refraction data at six sites in and near the city of Galena (Figure 1). These data provide information on depths to reflecting geologic boundaries that may be the sediment/bedrock boundary.