Deep Seismic Imaging of Active Continental Extension in the Gulf of Corinth

University Of Hawaii, Honolulu

Investigators

Abstract

Taylor 0099277 The gulf of Corinth is an active continental rift with high seismicity and extensional strain. The bunding faults are high angle where they are exposed at the margins of the Gulf, but become much more shallow dipping at depth. The mechanisms of faulting and extension are poorly understood, but are similar to that observed in other rifted margins. The primary deformation is focused beneath the Gulf making the use of marine seismic reflection profiling the best technique to directly image these features. The present project will use the RV Ewing to acquire 1o days of multi-channel seismic reflection data from the Gulf of Corinth rift. Primary analyses will be focused on determining the mode of deformation and how it varies along strike. The project will be an important step in determining how exposed deformation relates to evidence of deformation at depth, and hence the dynamics of the faults in this area. The project will be undertaken in cooperation with Greek and French scietists.