Interpretation in statu nascendi of seismic wide-angle reflections based on EUGENO-S data

Abstract

In a new interpretation approach seismic wide-angle data are analysed in statu nascendi, i.e. in the state where the interpretational characteristics of the signals are `born'. The approach is complementary to other interpretation methods such as kinematic interpretation of velocity models. Seismogram sections are qualitatively compared and classified in order to perform the analysis as close as possible to the seismic wavefield. Correlation of seismic phases and selection of representative reflection characteristics of the phases are required for the analysis. The approach has been tested on the methodologically homogeneous EUGENO-S data set from the Danish and surrounding areas together with other data. The classifications of intra-crustal and P MP reflections show clear regionalizations which correlate with the main geological, tectonic and orogenic units. The reflection characteristics of the thin crust below the deep basins in Denmark (the Tornquist Fan) are different from the thick crust of the Baltic Shield and the Ringkøbing–Fyn High: the character of Moho reflections is `ringing' in the basin area as opposed to `sharp' in the latter areas, and intra-crustal reflections are stronger and more consistent in the basin area than in the latter areas.