Sedimentary basins investigation using teleseismic P-wave time delays

Area of Science:

• Geophysics
• Seismology
• Earth Science

Background:

• Passive seismic methods effectively reveal large-scale sedimentary basin structures.
• Teleseismic P-wave arrival times and polarization are sensitive to basin properties.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a novel Bayesian methodology for determining seismic P-wave velocity in sedimentary basins.
• To estimate uncertainties associated with P-wave velocity measurements.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing time delays of teleseismic P-waves traveling through low-velocity basin infill.
• Employing synchronous recordings from a dense linear array of broadband seismic stations.
• Analyzing data from two teleseismic events with different incoming angles.

Main Results:

• The new methodology successfully determines P-wave velocities in sedimentary basins.
• Results are validated against classical cross-correlation measurements.
• Inferred basin properties include fault geometry and average P-wave velocity.

Conclusions:

• The developed Bayesian framework provides reliable seismic P-wave velocity estimates.
• This method enhances the understanding of sedimentary basin structure and properties.
• Accurate velocity data aids in characterizing basin-bounding faults.