Collaborative Research: Imaging plate boundary processes within the Cascadia subduction zone offshore central Washington with open-access marine seismic data

对最近获得的多道地震(MCS)数据的分析将涉及一系列与岩石圈结构和卡斯卡迪亚俯冲带中部Wa部分的边缘演化有关的主题，以及这些主题与当前地震活动模式的关系。对MCS数据的高级处理预计将确定板块边界的深度和特征，并将评估目前被俯冲的沉淀量。沉积楔形体内的地层变形将被绘制成地图，以跟踪板块相互作用的长期演化。地壳水合作用的估计将从假定的地震速度-孔隙度关系和沿界面的反射率获得。将绘制显示该地区甲烷水合物分布的地图。结果将为卡斯卡迪亚其他地球科学研究提供一个框架，包括地震过程和构造演化，并可能对危险评估产生影响。虽然这个俯冲带目前的地震活动比世界上其他地区要少，但陆上证据清楚地表明，巨型逆冲事件反复发生，因此，重要的是要了解该俯冲带的历史，以及沿断层的流体可能在多大程度上导致“润滑”的缓慢释放。

Analysis of the recently-acquired multi-channel seismic (MCS) data will address a series of topics that relate to the structure of the lithosphere and the margin evolution along the central WA portion of Cascadia subduction zone, and how these relate to current seismicity patterns. Advanced processing of the MCS data is expected to identify the depth and character of the plate boundary and the amount of sediment currently being subducted will be assessed. Deformation of strata within the accretionary wedge will be mapped to track longer-term evolution of the plate interactions. Estimates of crustal hydration will be obtained from assumed seismic velocity-porosity relationships and, along interfaces, reflectivity. Maps showing the distribution of methane hydrates in the region will be produced.Results will provide a framework within which other Cascadia geoscientific studies are conducted, both for seismic processes and tectonic evolution, and are likely to have implications for hazard assessment. While this subduction zone currently has less earthquake activity than other zones around the world, onshore evidence of repeated megathrust events is clear, so it is important to understand the history of of stress buildup (strata deformation) and the extent to which fluids along faults might enable periods of 'lubricated', slow release.