Constraints on fluid flow processes in the Hellenic Accretionary Complex (eastern Mediterranean Sea) from numerical modeling

Abstract

The dynamics of accretionary convergent margins are severely influenced by intense deformation and fluid expulsion. To quantify the fluid pressure and fluid flow velocities in the Hellenic subduction system, we set up 2‐D hydrogeological numerical models following two seismic reflection lines across the Mediterranean Ridge. These profiles bracket the along‐strike variation in wedge geometry: moderate compression and a >4 km thick underthrust sequence in the west versus enhanced compression and <1 km of downgoing sediment in the center. Input parameters were obtained from preexisting geophysical data, drill cores, and new geotechnical laboratory experiments. A permeability‐porosity relationship was determined by a sensitivity analysis, indicating that porosity and intrinsic permeability are small. This hampers the expulsion of fluids and leads to the build up of fluid overpressure in the deeper portion of the wedge and in the underthrust sediment. The loci of maximum fluid pressure are mainly controlled by the compactional fluid source, which generally decreases toward the backstop. However, pore pressure is still high at the decollement level at distances <100 km from the deformation front, either by the incorporation of low permeability evaporites or additional compaction of the wedge sediments in the two profiles. In the west, however, formation of a wide accretionary complex is facilitated by high pore pressure zones. When compared to other large accretionary complexes such as Nankai or Barbados, our results not only show broad similarities but also that near‐lithostatic pore pressures may be easier to maintain in the Hellenic Arc because of accentuated collision, some underthrust evaporates, and a thicker underthrust sequence.