The Hatton Bank continental margin—I. Shallow structure from two-ship expanding spread seismic profiles |
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| Authors: | G D Spence R S White G K Westbrook S R Fowler |
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| Institution: | Department of Earth Sciences, Bullard Laboratories, Cambridge University, Madingley Road, Cambridge CB3 0E2TT, UK;Department of Geological Sciences, Birmingham University, P.O. Box 363 Birmingham B15 2TT, UK |
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| Abstract: | Summary. The Hatton Bank passive continental margin exhibits thick seaward dipping reflector sequences which consist of basalts extruded during rifting between Greenland and Rockall Plateau. Multichannel seismic reflection profiling across the margin reveals three reflector wedges with a maximum thickness near 7 km, extending from beneath the upper continental slope to the deep ocean basin. We present results of the velocity structure within the dipping reflector sequences at eight locations across the margin, interpreted by synthetic seismogram modelling a set of multichannel expanding spread profiles parallel to the margin. At the top of some reflector sequences, we observe a series of 100 m thick high- and low-velocity zones, which are interpreted as basalt flows alternating with sediments or weathered and rubble layers. At the profile locations, the base of the dipping reflectors correlates with P -wave velocities near 6.5 km s?1. However, elsewhere the reflectors appear to extend significantly deeper than the inferred 6.5 km s?1 velocity contour, indicating that the velocity structure may not be controlled solely by lithological boundaries but also by metamorphic effects. Shear-waves were observed on two lines, permitting the calculation of Poisson's ratio. The decrease in Poisson's ratio from 0.28 to near 0.25 in the upper 5 km of crust may also indicate the effect of metamorphism on seismic properties, or alternatively may be explained by crack closure under load. |
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| Keywords: | continental margin dipping reflectors expanding spread profiles Hatton Bank seismic structure |
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