High-resolution seismic reflection profiling across the Senya fault at Hanaoka, northern Honshu, Japan: Data acquisition and processing

Abstract

The Senya fault, northern Honshu, Japan, which generated the Rikuu earthquake (Mj 7.2) 1896, is a typical intra-arc active thrust. Subsurface geometry provides essential information for better understanding strong ground motions and crustal deformation processes. A high-resolution seismic reflection survey was conducted along the 63km long seismic line across the toe of the thrust to reveal the subsurface geometry. The seismic source was a Mini-vibrator truck and the receiver interval was 10 m. The seismic data were processed by the standard common mid-point method. The Senya fault is clearly identified as a boundary between horizontal reflectors of the basin fill in the Yokote basin and moderately dipping reflectors beneath the Senya hills. The thrust occurred in late Miocene mudstone, and shows a flat and ramp geometry. The emergent thrust dips 30 degrees down to 500m, and changes its dip to subhorizontal following the distribution of the mudstone