Reflection Image Spectroscopy across the Andean subduction zone

Abstract

This paper presents new insights into the South American subduction zone from reprocessed seismic images. We applied a 3D Kirchhoff prestack depth migration scheme to data sets containing different narrow frequency ranges in order to extract additional details from seismic reflection images. This approach accounts for the effects of scattering on the seismic image, especially for structures below a heterogeneous overburden. The reflection image in such environments will differ significantly when focusing on different frequency ranges due to the frequency dependence of scattering that is likely to be present. The narrow frequency range images uncover reflectors in one frequency range that are masked in another range. Furthermore, the images enable for instance the characterization of the medium in terms of scatterer concentration and thus improve the structural interpretation. The analysis of these images might help to distinguish between small-scale structures in the high-frequency band and large-scale structures in the low-frequency band. We call this imaging approach Reflection Image Spectroscopy (RIS). We applied the RIS approach to the ANCORP'96 data set, an onshore deep seismic reflection profile across the South American Central Andes. The narrow frequency range images revealed additional details that we interpret as features directly linked to fluid migration processes in the subduction zone. Furthermore, structural details of the oceanic crust and the overlying mantle and crust are revealed. From the narrow-frequency range images we interpret that the top of the so called Nazca reflector at 70 km depth marks the upper limit of the hydrated mantle wedge, whereas the bottom of the reflector represents the top of the subducted oceanic crust. The compilation of our results with local earthquake data confirms this interpretation. Similar features observed in another deep seismic profile (PRECORP'95) support this interpretation, too. Furthermore, the RIS images show a highly reflective heterogeneous zone between the Nazca reflector at 70 km depth and a prominent mid-crustal Bright Spot (Quebrada Blanca Bright Spot) at about 30 km depth. We associate this zone with a complex network of ascending fluids or partial melts, initiated by ascending fluids released from the subducted oceanic plate. This observation links the Quebrada Bright Spot directly to the dehydrating oceanic plate.