High-resolution seismic imaging of shallow structure at proposed IODP drilling sites, Kane oceanic core complex, Mid-Atlantic Ridge

Abstract

Two 500-m-deep holes are proposed to be drilled at the Kane oceanic core complex (OCC), one aimed at a serpentinized peridotite massif and the other at a gabbroic body. Ocean drilling is vital to validate lithological interpretation derived from seismic structures. Utilizing a long marine streamer, seismic imaging can effectively delineate the dominant lithologies within the OCCs. This study applied a suite of techniques, including downward-continued multi-channel seismic data, full waveform inversion, and reverse time migration, to obtain detailed fine-scale shallow structures beneath the Kane OCC. Through the downward continuation method, refracted seismic data at near offsets were utilized, thus doubling the resolution at shallow depths. Compared to previous findings, our results greatly enhance the understanding of shallow subseafloor structures, revealing a more precise morphology of the gabbroic bodies and well-imaged very shallow low velocities caused by seawater percolation in the shallow fissure due to footwall rotation extension. We present reference drilling hole velocities and link them to the likely composition, considering potential alteration processes such as serpentinization of mantle peridotite. Our investigation suggests that the lower crustal melt fluxes of the Kane OCC represent a transitional phase from low to medium accretion, providing valuable insights for future scientific ocean drilling projects in this region.

Keywords

• Oceanic core complex
• Multichannel seismic
• Downward continuation
• Full waveform inversion
• Ocean drilling