AP- and SH-wave Seismic Reflection Investigation of the Kentucky Bend Scarp in the New Madrid Seismic Zone

Abstract

Other| March 01, 1996 AP- and SH-wave Seismic Reflection Investigation of the Kentucky Bend Scarp in the New Madrid Seismic Zone Edward W. Woolery; Edward W. Woolery Kentucky Geological Survey and Dept. of Geological Sciences University of Kentucky Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Zhenming Wang; Zhenming Wang Center for Computational Sciences and Dept. of Geological Sciences University of Kentucky Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Ron L. Street; Ron L. Street Kentucky Geological Survey and Dept. of Geological Sciences University of Kentucky Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar James B. Harris James B. Harris Dept. of Geology Millsaps College Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Author and Article Information Edward W. Woolery Kentucky Geological Survey and Dept. of Geological Sciences University of Kentucky Zhenming Wang Center for Computational Sciences and Dept. of Geological Sciences University of Kentucky Ron L. Street Kentucky Geological Survey and Dept. of Geological Sciences University of Kentucky James B. Harris Dept. of Geology Millsaps College Publisher: Seismological Society of America First Online: 09 Mar 2017 Online Issn: 1938-2057 Print Issn: 0895-0695 © 1996 by the Seismological Society of America Seismological Research Letters (1996) 67 (2): 67–74. https://doi.org/10.1785/gssrl.67.2.67 Article history First Online: 09 Mar 2017 Cite View This Citation Add to Citation Manager Share Icon Share Facebook Twitter LinkedIn MailTo Tools Icon Tools Get Permissions Search Site Citation Edward W. Woolery, Zhenming Wang, Ron L. Street, James B. Harris; AP- and SH-wave Seismic Reflection Investigation of the Kentucky Bend Scarp in the New Madrid Seismic Zone. Seismological Research Letters 1996;; 67 (2): 67–74. doi: https://doi.org/10.1785/gssrl.67.2.67 Download citation file: Ris (Zotero) Refmanager EasyBib Bookends Mendeley Papers EndNote RefWorks BibTex toolbar search Search Dropdown Menu toolbar search search input Search input auto suggest filter your search All ContentBy SocietySeismological Research Letters Search Advanced Search Abstract An on-going high-resolution seismic reflection investigation, integrating P- and SH-wave reflection techniques, is being conducted in the central New Madrid seismic zone to describe the geometry and style of the geologic structure associated with a NW-SE fault at the Kentucky Bend scarp (KBFS). To date, approximately 1.9 km of P-wave data and 0.9 km of SH-wave data have been collected. Two perpendicular six-fold P-wave reflection surveys have been performed obliquely to the axis of the KBFS to image the style and azimuth of structure associated with the deeper Cretaceous (427 m) and Paleozoic (533 m) reflection horizons. The P-wave data also served as reconnaissance for siting the target areas imaged by the near-surface SH-wave technique. A high-angle reverse fault has been successfully imaged 540 m in front (northeast) of the present scarp topography using P- and SH-wave techniques, indicating a broad zone of near-surface deformation. The fault, along with north-dipping reflectors, has been traced from the top of the Paleozoic bedrock into the water-saturated, unconsolidated sand and gravel of the Quaternary alluvium. It is interpreted to be a northeast-vergent fault, striking approximately N30°W. This interpretation is consistent with the surface expression of the scarp and the nature of the contemporary seismicity. The fault is also spatially consistent with historic reports of the two waterfalls created in the Mississippi River after the great 1811–1812 earthquakes, suggesting that the KBFS represents part of the surface rupture associated with the events. This content is PDF only. Please click on the PDF icon to access. First Page Preview Close Modal You do not have access to this content, please speak to your institutional administrator if you feel you should have access.