A method to analyze and verify deep crustal reflections offshore Costa Rica

Abstract

A multichannel seismic reflection profile across the oceanic crust seaward of the Middle America Trench off the Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica, shows discontinuous, low‐frequency events at 6.5 to 7.0 s. These events might first be interpreted as reflections from the Moho. However, careful analysis of the seismic data suggests that these events represent three‐dimensional (3-D) scattered energy from the rough basaltic basement. Velocity analysis indicates that root‐mean‐square (rms) velocities for these deep “reflection events” are too low to emanate from the Moho. Also, the ghost separation caused by the streamer depth decreases for increasing record time, suggesting that incident angle for these “reflections” increases with time. Furthermore, these events are approximately 13 dB stronger than would be expected for a Moho reflection. Common‐depth‐point (CDP) stacking and velocity filtering were used to attenuate the scattered noise and sideswipe from the basalt. The results show a 21 dB total reduction of scattered energy. However, Moho reflections still cannot be discerned. The results suggest (1) ambient noise after processing is 20 dB below the expected Moho level and is not a factor in detection of the Moho; (2) Moho reflectivity may be smaller than 0.1 (reflectivity is calculated from assumed velocities and densities) and could be as small as 0.05 (the detection threshold); (3) the Moho may not be a discrete reflector and may therefore represent a transition zone; and (4) Moho events may be disorganized by transmission through rough basalt so the CDP stacking process is not effective.