Waveform inversion of the S reflector west of Spain: fine structure of a detachment fault.

Abstract

The S reflection west of Iberia has been interpreted as a low-angle detachment fault separating crustal fault blocks from partially serpentinized mantle. We apply full waveform inversion to investigate the fine structure of S. Our results confirm that S is largely a step increase in velocity (and density), probably from crustal rocks to partially serpentinized mantle peridotites. A ~50 m thick low velocity zone above S might represent a main fault zone of highly serpentinized peridotites or hydrofractured and altered crustal rocks above the main fault zone. Both interpretations imply focused fluid flow along S, raising the possibility that low-angle movement along S was aided by the development of local, transient high fluid pressures