Seismic reflection surveys of the Krško basin structure: implications for earthquake hazard at the Krško nuclear power plant, southeast Slovenia

Abstract

To improve the geologic model and test the approach, high-resolution seismic reflection methods were used in a re-evaluation study of earthquake hazard assessment at the Krško nuclear power plant (NPP) site. In a 13-km long profile recorded across the eastern part of the Krško basin (20-km long and 10-km wide), which is filled with up to 2 km of Neogene to Quaternary molasse sediments, the most prominent reflection was obtained from the top of the Badenian limestone, whereas the Mesozoic basement was less reflective. A syncline–anticline was interpreted that indicates a compressional tectonic style contrary to the prevailing hypothesis of a graben structure with normal border faults. In addition, very high-resolution shallow reflection profiling was performed at two locations close to the NPP for the detection of near-surface faults. Portable engineering seismic equipment was used for data acquisition to reduce costs and enable measurements in areas with difficult access. Geophone arrays were necessary for the suppression of strong ground roll and guided waves generated in the thick layer of dry gravel. Serious spatial aliasing of ground-coupled air-waves precludes f-k filtering, necessitating the application of an internal mute. Two new subvertical normal faults with displacements of 50 and 80 m at the middle/upper Miocene interface were interpreted in the central part of the basin, while other faults, suggested by surface geological observations, were not confirmed. The further north of the two faults was traced in Pliocene–Quaternary deposits to a depth of 250 m. Reinterpretation of old analogue oil-exploration seismic profiles and gravity modelling has allowed the extension of results to a wider area. In the very high-resolution profile, recorded 0.5-km east of the NPP site, some discontinuities in reflections were established that were interpreted as faults. The possible vertical displacement at the sand (Pl, Q)/marl (Pl) interface is 7 m. The new structural-tectonic data obtained in the vicinity of the NPP requires essential changes to the model for earthquake hazard assessment.