Abstract
The Alpine Fault zone in New Zealand marks a major transpressional plate boundary that is late in its typical earthquake cycle. Understanding the subsurface structures is crucial to understand the tectonic processes taking place. A unique seismic survey including 2D lines, a 3D array, and borehole recordings, has been performed in the Whataroa Valley and provides new insights into the Alpine Fault zone down to similar to 2 km depth at the location of the Deep Fault Drilling Project (DFDP)-2 drill site. Seismic images are obtained by focusing prestack depth migration approaches. Despite the challenging conditions for seismic imaging within a sediment filled glacial valley and steeply dipping valley flanks, several structures related to the valley itself as well as the tectonic fault system are imaged. A set of several reflectors dipping 40 degrees-56 degrees to the southeast are identified in a similar to 600 m wide zone that is interpreted to be the minimum extent of the damage zone. Different approaches image one distinct reflector dipping at similar to 40 degrees, which is interpreted to be the main Alpine Fault reflector located only similar to 100 m beneath the maximum drilled depth of the DFDP-2B borehole. At shallower depths (z < 0.5 km), additional reflectors are identified as fault segments with generally steeper dips up to 56 degrees. Additionally, a glacially over-deepened trough with nearly horizontally layered sediments and a major fault (z < 0.5 km) are identified 0.5-1 km south of the DFDP-2B borehole. Thus, a complex structural environment is seismically imaged and shows the complexity of the Alpine Fault at Whataroa.
Plain Language Summary The Alpine Fault in New Zealand is a major plate boundary, where a large earthquake will likely occur in the near future. Thus, it is important to understanding the detailed processes of how and where such an earthquake occurs. Many scientists are involved in this work, particularly in the attempt of drilling through the fault zone with a similar to 900 m deep borehole. We analyzed new seismic data from this area using sensors in the borehole and at the surface to record small ground movements caused by a vibrating surface source causing waves that travel through the ground. From these data, we obtained a detailed image of the structures in the subsurface, for the first time in 3D, by applying advanced analysis methods. Hence, we can better understand the shape of the glacial valley and of the fault zone, that is, the local structures of the continental plate boundary. We interpret at least 600 m wide zone of disturbed rocks and identify a potential major fractured plane down to about 1 km depth. Our studies may help to understand structures that host earthquakes in this area.