Active-source Seismic Survey Research Articles

Teleseismic virtual-source reverse time migration of upper crustal structures in the Three Gorges region, China

Summary The Three Gorges (TG) in central China is an earthquake prone region that lacks active-source seismic surveys, hence requiring high-resolution passive seismic imaging to reveal crustal structures in detail. While teleseismic virtual-source reflection (TVR) profiling is effective for imaging gently dipping upper crustal structures, it is unsuitable for mapping steep structures beneath rugged topography in the TG region. Here we develop a teleseismic virtual-source reverse time migration (TV-RTM) to improve the imaging of steep structures. Synthetic tests are conducted to demonstrate the validity and resolution of the TV-RTM method. To mitigate the imaging inaccuracy due to sparse station spacing, we interpolate direct-arrival waveforms to achieve a doubling of the minimally required station spacing from 2 km to 4 km. The TV-RTM images of the upper crustal structure beneath a 2D array in the TG region reveal significant fold and thrust structures that correlate well with the surface geology and tectonic framework. The resolution of the images is assessed using 2D and 3D synthetic models with the station and source geometry of field data. The TV-RTM method provides a new passive seismic solution for studying upper crustal structures in regions that lack active-source seismic data.

2D Sedimentary structures at the southeast margin of the Tarim Basin, China, constrained by love wave ambient noise tomography

Summary Imaging the detailed structure of sedimentary basins is crucial for natural resource exploration and essential for better analysis and correction of sediment responses when studying deeper interior earth structures using seismic data. In the Tarim Basin, previous studies on the sedimentary structures are mostly obtained by active-source seismic surveys, which can provide high-resolution underground interface information but are highly costly or environmentally unfriendly. In this paper, ambient noise tomography, an efficient and economical method based on background vibration, is employed to construct the sedimentary velocity structure at the southeast margin of the Tarim Basin. Based on ambient noise data collected from a linear dense short-period seismic array, we extract Love wave signals from T-T component cross-correlation functions (CCFs) and measure Love wave dispersion curves at a period band of ∼0.3–11.5 s. Then, we utilize a one-step direct surface wave tomography method to image a fine 2D sedimentary shear wave velocity structure with a depth reaching 10 km. Our results reveal a clear layered sedimentary structure, the paleo Tadong uplift, and the thrust Cherchen fault. Our study provides reference sedimentary velocity models for the southeastern Tarim Basin, focusing on depths shallower than 10 km. This model is intended to serve as crucial input for studies requiring detailed shallow sedimentary velocity data. Moreover, our research demonstrates that the application of the ambient noise tomography method with dense arrays has great potential for enhancing resource exploration efforts in sedimentary basins.

Characterization of anisotropy in basin-scale subsurface using teleseismic receiver function analysis

Teleseismic receiver function (RF) analysis offers a passive-source analogue to detect impedance boundaries using the converted body waves generated by earthquakes. While the technique traditionally has targeted deep earth structures such as the Moho and transition zones, there is growing interest in assessing its applicability in basin-scale seismic characterization, ultimately aimed for onshore commercial integration as a cost-effective complement to existing active-source seismic surveys. Specifically, the conventional broadband seismometers used in global observational seismic experiments are not only logistically simple in terms of data acquisition, but they also record ground motions in three mutually orthogonal time series, enabling effective detection of shear waves and directional variations of observed signals. Here, we perform teleseismic RF analysis to detect shear-wave anisotropy and related symmetry axes orientations in a basin setting, using open-source seismic data recorded at 55 closely spaced seismic stations in the LaBarge Passive Seismic Experiment deployed in Wyoming between November 2008 and June 2009. We find that the strengths and geometry of the observed anisotropy are variable along the array. Significantly, not only can anisotropy effectively delineate subsurface fault interfaces, it can also substantiate and reveal additional interpretable signals that are otherwise disregarded. The estimated fast axes orientations compare favorably with the complex fracture systems documented in the region. Finally, we show that P-to-S amplitude variations with P incidence are systematic and modelable using existing computational tools, offering an opportunity to develop an analysis technique similar to amplitude variation with offset with the products of RF analysis.

Active and Passive-Source Underground Seismic Data Acquisition

As part of the European research project Seismic Imaging Techniques for Mineral Exploration (SIT4ME), in-mine seismic active-source and continuous noise measurements were performed within an underground mine gallery of a former radioactive waste repository – the Asse II salt mine (Lower Saxony, Germany) to investigate its geological conditions. Inspired by recent underground active-seismic surveys in the Cote Blanche salt mine and former In-seam seismic surveys in the German hard-coal district of the Ruhr area, we apply conventional exploration and processing methods to an image of the subsurface. Among others, these include data sorting, bandpass filtering, normal moveout correction, static correction and depth (distance) conversion. To process the passive seismic data, we perform an illumination diagnosis for the retrieval of body-wave arrivals and apply passive-source seismic interferometry by cross-correlation (PSICC) on noise data dominated by S-waves. We show that active-source seismic measurements can be used from underground mine galleries for the identification of geological structures. Furthermore, we demonstrate that PSICC can be used to produce virtual-source underground seismic surveys resembling an active-source seismic survey.

Near-surface imaging from traffic-induced surface waves with dense linear arrays: An application in the urban area of Hangzhou, China

Accurate understanding of near-surface structures of the solid earth is challenging, especially in urban areas where active source seismic surveys are constrained and difficult to perform. The analysis of anthropogenic seismic noise provides an alternative way to image the shallow subsurface in urban environments. We have developed an application of using traffic noise with seismic interferometry to investigate near-surface structures in Hangzhou City, Eastern China. Noise data were recorded by dense linear arrays with approximately 5 m spacing deployed along two crossing roads. We analyze the characteristics of traffic-induced noise using 36 h continuous recordings. Coherent Rayleigh surface waves between 2 and 20 Hz are retrieved based on crosscorrelations within 1 h time windows. Robust phase-velocity dispersion curves are extracted from virtual shot gathers using multichannel analysis of surface waves and coincide with the results from active seismic data, noise beamforming analysis, and measurements with the spatial autocorrelation method. S-wave velocity profiles are derived for the top 100 m of the subsurface at the array locations. The estimated S-wave velocities from traffic noise correspond to the velocities estimated from logging data. The 2D S-wave velocity maps reveal different soil deposits and bedrock structures in the estuarine sedimentary area. The results demonstrate the accuracy and efficiency of delineating near-surface structures from traffic-induced noise, which has great potential for monitoring subsurface changes in urban areas.

Using ambient noise tomography and MAPS for high resolution stratigraphic identification in Hangzhou urban area

Near-surface (<200 m) stratigraphic identification is of scientific and engineering significance to urban sustainable development and expansion. Complex urbanized environments, however, limit the application of traditional active-source seismic surveys. Passive seismic surveys provide an alternative for investigating near-surface structures by utilizing abundant traffic noise. We presented a case study of fine-scale shear-wave velocity (Vs) structure imaging in the Hangzhou urban area (eastern China) and compared inversion results of ambient noise tomography and multichannel analysis of passive surface wave (MAPS). Noise data were recorded within one day by a dense seismic network (130 m × 120 m). The average adjacent station interval is about 10 m. Our goal is to investigate the top 100 m of the subsurface at the survey area. The two inverted Vs models by tomography and MAPS are similar and they both tally with the logging data. The subsurface geology structures are analyzed based on tomography inversion results and borehole data. The bedrock surface is determined at about 60 m depth and a high-velocity layer is found at around 45– 50 m depth. The sedimentary formation and bedrock in the survey area are further stratified under the control of borehole data.

Seismic detection and characterization of a man-made karst analog — A feasibility study

At the site of a water drainage shaft on the campus of Qatar University that serves as a man-made karst analog, two seismic imaging techniques were adapted to use resonant scattered waves recorded during active-source seismic surveys and during passive ambient-noise surveys. Data acquisition included two seismic transmission surveys that encompassed the shaft and a passive ambient-noise survey that extended across the top of the shaft. Seismic imaging of band-pass-filtered resonance waves correctly estimated the location and dimension of the shaft. Furthermore, the method detected the presence and the location of a horizontal drainage pipe and gravel bed connecting neighboring water shafts. Ambient-noise data were analyzed by computing amplitude values of the seismic records in spectral passbands. The results indicated an amplification of seismic amplitudes above the shaft for low-frequency passbands and a sharp decrease in amplitude values for high-frequency passbands. The high- and low-amplitude values displayed as a function of the receiver position allowed for accurate detection and location of the shaft in space. Ground truthing of the imaging results confirmed the accuracy of the seismic techniques, whereas numerical modeling supported the interpretation of the ambient-noise data. The techniques used do not require knowledge of the seismic velocities in the subsurface, but they depend on a priori information about the approximate location of the target.

Seismic velocity structure of the Queen Charlotte terrace off western Canada in the region of the 2012 Haida Gwaii Mw 7.8 thrust earthquake

AbstractA well-recorded Mw 7.8 megathrust earthquake occurred on 27 October 2012 under the Queen Charlotte terrace off the west coast of Haida Gwaii, western Canada. In this study, we supplement limited earlier seismic refraction work on the offshore velocity structure off Haida Gwaii with data from ocean bottom seismometers (OBS) operating between 6 December 2012 and 5 January 2013. The OBS recorded a portion of the aftershock sequence, and an active-source seismic survey was conducted in January 2013 to acquire seismic refraction data in the region of the Haida Gwaii earthquake across the Queen Charlotte terrace. P-wave velocity analyses using first-arrival tomography showed relatively shallow (2.0–3.0 km below seafloor) high-velocity material with values up to 4.0 km/s beneath the terrace. At the one OBS station seaward of the deformation front on the abyssal plain, refraction velocities of ∼4.5 km/s indicated the top of the oceanic plate at ∼1–2 km below the seafloor. At several OBS stations, converted shear-wave velocities were determined within the sediment cover using reflected arrivals. The S-wave velocities ranged from 0.5 to 1.5 km/s, and the corresponding P/S velocity ratio was between 3.0 and 4.2. The new refraction data confirm earlier interpretations of high-velocity material in the shallow terrace that may indicate fractured oceanic crustal material lies significantly above the location where a subducted slab is thought to occur under the terrace. Transpressive deformation of the Pacific plate may explain these observations.

The Alaska Amphibious Community Seismic Experiment

AbstractThe Alaska Amphibious Community Seismic Experiment (AACSE) is a shoreline-crossing passive- and active-source seismic experiment that took place from May 2018 through August 2019 along an ∼700 km long section of the Aleutian subduction zone spanning Kodiak Island and the Alaska Peninsula. The experiment featured 105 broadband seismometers; 30 were deployed onshore, and 75 were deployed offshore in Ocean Bottom Seismometer (OBS) packages. Additional strong-motion instruments were also deployed at six onshore seismic sites. Offshore OBS stretched from the outer rise across the trench to the shelf. OBSs in shallow water (&amp;lt;262 m depth) were deployed with a trawl-resistant shield, and deeper OBSs were unshielded. Additionally, a number of OBS-mounted strong-motion instruments, differential and absolute pressure gauges, hydrophones, and temperature and salinity sensors were deployed. OBSs were deployed on two cruises of the R/V Sikuliaq in May and July 2018 and retrieved on two cruises aboard the R/V Sikuliaq and R/V Langseth in August–September 2019. A complementary 398-instrument nodal seismometer array was deployed on Kodiak Island for four weeks in May–June 2019, and an active-source seismic survey on the R/V Langseth was arranged in June 2019 to shoot into the AACSE broadband network and the nodes. Additional underway data from cruises include seafloor bathymetry and sub-bottom profiles, with extra data collected near the rupture zone of the 2018 Mw 7.9 offshore-Kodiak earthquake. The AACSE network was deployed simultaneously with the EarthScope Transportable Array (TA) in Alaska, effectively densifying and extending the TA offshore in the region of the Alaska Peninsula. AACSE is a community experiment, and all data were made available publicly as soon as feasible in appropriate repositories.

Imaging the active faults with ambient noise passive seismics and its application to characterize the Huangzhuang-Gaoliying fault in Beijing Area, northern China

Most serious geotechnical problems related to rock engineering are generated by the existence of faults. Detection of fault (especially active faults) is the first step to conduct any further in-depth studies in faulted rock mass or rock blocks. In this paper, we investigated the plausibility to image fault zones by passive seismic surveys using recorded ambient noise. The test site is in the north suburb of Beijing, northern China along the south bank of the northwest-southeast running Wenyuhe River, where the NNE-striking Huangzhuang-Gaoliying fault (HGF, active in the Holocene) is crossing. In general, the results are in good agreement with previous studies using active source seismics conducted in this area along the HGF and existing borehole drillings in the vicinity. Undoubtedly, Active source seismic reflection technique is the best technique to image fault in depth with high resolution. The drawback is its high cost and the necessity of using explosives, a practice usually prohibited in urban settings. In contrast, passive seismic surveys take the advantage of the ever-existing ambient noise source, and provide a low-cost technique, and fast deployment that can locate the fault effectively. Though the imaging resolution is lower compared to those obtained by active source seismic surveys, our passive seismic experiment at the Wenyuhe River site demonstrated that this approach is effective, especially for those faults with significant normal faulting component and the stratigraphy is significantly different on the two sides crossing the fault line.

Transition from continental rift to back-arc basin in the southern Japan Sea deduced from seismic velocity structures

SUMMARY We obtain the crustal structure from active-source seismic surveys using ocean bottom seismographs and seismic shots to elucidate the evolutionary process from continental rifting to the backarc basin opening in the Yamato Basin and Oki Trough in the southern Japan Sea. Results show that the crust changes from approximately 14–15 km thick in the basin (the southern Yamato Basin) to 16.5–17 km in the margin of the basin (the southwestern edge of the Yamato Basin). The P-wave velocity distribution in the crust of the southern Yamato Basin is missing a typical continental upper crust with P-wave velocities of 5.4–6.0 km s–1, and is thought be a thicker oceanic crust formed by a backarc basin opening. By contrast, the crust of the southwestern edge of the Yamato Basin might have been formed by continental rifting because there is an unit with P-wave velocities of 5.4–6.0 km s–1 and with a gentle velocity gradients, corresponding to the continental upper crust in this area. This variation might reflect differences in mantle properties from continental rifting to backarc basin opening of the Yamato Basin. Because the Oki Trough has a crustal thickness of 17–19 km and having a unit with P-wave velocities of 5.4–6.0 km s–1, corresponding to the continental upper crust with a high-velocity lower crust, we infer that this trough was formed by continental rifting with magmatic intrusion or underplating. These crustal variations might reflect transitional stages from continental rifting to backarc basin opening in the southern Japan Sea.

3D Imaging of Geothermal Faults from a Vertical DAS Fiber at Brady Hot Spring, NV USA

In March 2016, arguably the most ambitious 4D (3D space + over time) active-source seismic survey for geothermal exploration in the U.S. was acquired at Brady Natural Laboratory, outside Fernley, Nevada. The four-week experiment included 191 vibroseis source locations, and approximately 130 m of distributed acoustic sensing (DAS) in a vertical well, located at the southern end of the survey area. The imaging of the geothermal faults is done with reverse time migration of the DAS data for both P-P and P-S events in order to generate 3D models of reflectivity, which can identify subsurface fault locations. Three scenarios of receiver data are explored to investigate the reliability of the reflectivity models obtained: (1) Migration of synthetic P-P and P-S DAS data, (2) migration of the observed field DAS data and (3) migration of pure random noise to better assess the validity of our results. The comparisons of the 3D reflectivity models from these three scenarios confirm that sections of three known faults at Brady produce reflected energy observed by the DAS. Two faults that are imaged are ~1 km away from the DAS well; one of these faults (middle west-dipping) is well-constructed for over 400 m along the fault’s strike, and 300 m in depth. These results confirm that the DAS data, together with an imaging engine such as reverse time migration, can be used to position important geothermal features such as faults.

Seismological Structures and Crustal Activities at Plate Boundaries:Approach from Active-Source Seismic Survey

Seismological Structures and Crustal Activities at Plate Boundaries:Approach from Active-Source Seismic Survey

Low Frequency Broad Band Acoustic Propagation in Andaman Sea

During November 2017, an active source seismic survey was performed in Andaman sea to study the acoustic propagation characteristics. High power low frequency acoustic signals generated by 20-air gun array onboard ORV Samudra Ratnagar were recorded from INS Sagardhwani at four different depths within 8 km ranges in shallow and deep waters. Low frequency sound levels were estimated using root mean square and power spectral values. Amplitude levels were analysed with respect to arrival time variation with frequency and is presented.

Active-source seismic survey on the northeastern Hawaiian Arch: insights into crustal structure and mantle reflectors

Seismic refraction and multi-channel seismic reflection surveys were conducted on the northeastern Hawaiian Arch to examine the effect of hotspot volcanism on the seismic structure of the crust and uppermost mantle. The crustal thickness deduced from the refraction data was typical for oceanic crust, which suggests that magmatic underplating does not occur, at least in our survey area, although the crustal seismic velocity may be influenced by flexure of the lithosphere on the arch. We identified high P-wave velocities (~ 8.65 km/s) in the uppermost mantle parallel to the paleo-seafloor spreading direction, which indicates that the shallower mantle structure immediately below the Moho preserves the original structure formed at a mid-ocean ridge. Moreover, we observed wide-angle reflection waves at large offsets in ocean-bottom seismometer records. The travel time analysis results showed that these waves were reflected from mantle reflectors at depths of 30–85 km below the seafloor, which are considered to represent heterogeneities consisting of frozen melts created during the cooling of the plate.

High-resolution seismic imaging of debris-flow fans, alluvial valley fills and hosting bedrock geometry in Vinschgau/Val Venosta, Eastern Italian Alps

High-resolution active-source seismic surveys target the stratigraphic and structural configuration of the mid-Venosta Valley, which hosts two mega fans located at the confluence between the Adige River and its tributaries: the Gadria-Strimm fan and the Lasa fan. We aimed at imaging with high detail: 1) the postglacial sediment accumulation within the fans, 2) the characteristics of Adige river deposits, and 3) the stratigraphic/structural relationships among fans, alluvial deposits and top of the bedrock (i.e. Ötztal- Ortles-Campo Nappe units). Alluvial and debris-flow fan environments often pose significant challenges to high-resolution seismic exploration, due to the high heterogeneity and the rugged topography of the near surface. We processed our data by integrating first-arrivals refraction tomography with Common Midpoint, and Common Reflection Surface seismic reflection techniques. All methods produced complementary results which allowed us reaching a well-constrained imaging of the internal architecture of the Quaternary sedimentary cover, as well as of the geometry of the hosting bedrock surface. Our result show that the sedimentary record investigated by our profiles is nested in a strongly asymmetrical valley geometry, suggesting that the tectonic forcing associated with the contact between Ötztal- Ortles-Campo Nappe units has interacted closely with fluvial and/or glacial valley incision over the past millennia. We provide also a quantitative estimation of the overall thickness of sediment accumulation in the valley and allow to evaluate the complex postglacial sediment dynamics between the Adige River and the Gadria and Lasa fans, with the Gadria system playing a dominant role in terms of sediment supply.

Initial results from geophysical surveys and shallow coring of the Northeast Greenland Ice Stream (NEGIS)

Abstract. The Northeast Greenland Ice Stream (NEGIS) is the sole interior Greenlandic ice stream. Fast flow initiates near the summit dome, and the ice stream terminates approximately 1000 km downstream in three large outlet glaciers that calve into the Greenland Sea. To better understand this important system, in the summer of 2012 we drilled a 67 m firn core and conducted ground-based radio-echo sounding (RES) and active-source seismic surveys at a site approximately 150 km downstream from the onset of streaming flow (NEGIS firn core, 75°37.61' N, 35°56.49' W). The site is representative of the upper part of the ice stream, while also being in a crevasse-free area for safe surface operations. Annual cycles were observed for insoluble dust, sodium and ammonium concentrations and for electrolytic conductivity, allowing a seasonally resolved chronology covering the past 400 yr. Annual layer thicknesses averaged 0.11 m ice equivalent (i.e.) for the period 1607–2011, although accumulation varied between 0.08 and 0.14 m i.e., likely due to flow-related changes in surface topography. Tracing of RES layers from the NGRIP (North Greenland Ice Core Project) ice core site shows that the ice at NEGIS preserves a climatic record of at least the past 51 kyr. We demonstrate that deep ice core drilling in this location can provide a reliable Holocene and late-glacial climate record, as well as helping to constrain the past dynamics and ice–lithosphere interactions of the Greenland Ice Sheet.

Acoustics variability of air gun signals recorded at intermediate ranges within the Lau Basin

During January–February 2009, an active‐source seismic survey was performed over the Eastern Lau Spreading Center in the Lau Back‐Arc Basin (21°S, 176°S). Acoustic signals generated by theR/V Langseth's 36‐gun pneumatic source array were recorded within the deep sound channel at offsets of 29–416 km. The local ocean acoustic environment is everywhere bottom limited, with seafloor depths within the study domain ranging from ∼1700–2800 m. Low‐frequency (4–125 Hz) sound levels are monitored using root‐mean‐square, energy‐flux‐density and zero‐to‐peak measurement techniques. From these field data, transmission loss is found to exceed the predictions of a geometric spherical spreading model. At similar ranges, arrival amplitudes vary by up to 20 dB and durations vary by a factor of three to six. The depth of the seafloor beneath the air gun source exhibits a positive correlation with arrival duration and a negative correlation with range‐corrected amplitude, explaining up to 30% of the observed variation in both parameters. The strength of this correlation, however, varies for stations lying at different azimuths, highlighting the importance of seafloor aspect and slope in the coupling of bottom‐interacting acoustic energy into the sound channel. Range‐dependent ray tracing shows that shots deployed over shallower seafloor are more likely to produce sound channel trapped signals that propagate with limited bottom interaction. This results in arrivals that are more impulsive, with shorter durations and higher amplitudes. Shots deployed in deeper water typically undergo a larger number of bounces and are characterized by more emergent, longer duration and smaller amplitude arrivals.

Temporal geochemical variation in Ethiopian Lakes Shala, Arenguade, Awasa, and Beseka: Possible environmental impacts from underwater and borehole detonations

We present chemical analyses of 25 major, minor, and trace elements in 59 water samples from four lakes and five streams in central Ethiopia. Our major-element data extend to 2003 the intermittent series of measurements that reach back 40–65 years for Lakes Shala, Arenguade, Awasa, and Beseka within or adjacent to the Main Ethiopian Rift. Our minor-element and trace-element data help establish baselines for future monitoring of these four lakes. Water chemistry was analyzed using samples taken in Lake Arenguade and Lake Shala both before and after detonation of submerged explosive charges as part of an active-source seismic survey of the Main Ethiopian Rift. Our data demonstrate no clear impact on the chemistry of Lake Shala from a 900-kg detonation suspended in the water column, whether from dispersal of the explosive charge in the body of water, or from mixing of the lake, or from stirring up of bottom mud into the lake water. In contrast, some changes in the chemistry of Lake Arenguade, most notably a decrease in Na and K concentration of 15–20% occurring between 1 and 11 days after detonation of a 1200-kg charge placed on the lake bottom, may possibly be ascribed to reaction between lake water and sediment stirred up by the detonation. However, these chemical changes that are potentially caused by our seismic detonation are significantly smaller than the natural variations in lake chemistry documented by long-term records. Additionally, we found no change in water chemistry of samples taken from Lakes Awasa and Beseka and from several streams both before and after nearby borehole detonations of 50–1775 kg. Detonating explosive charges underwater greatly enhances seismic data quality. Bottom charges stir lake-bottom sediments into the water column, perhaps resulting in temporary changes in lake chemistry. Our borehole and suspended lake charges had no measurable chemical or lasting environmental effects. These ‘negative’ results – the lack of alteration of lake habitats consequent on seismic detonations – are a positive outcome.

Continental crust under compression: A seismic refraction study of South Island Geophysical Transect I, South Island, New Zealand

The 1996 South Island Geophysical Transect (SIGHT) active source seismic survey was designed to show the style of lithospheric thickening due to late Cenozoic oblique convergence across the Australian‐Pacific plate boundary in New Zealand. As part of this study, two seismic refraction lines were shot across central South Island and offshore extensions of the continental crust in the Tasman Sea and Pacific Ocean. We present the data and a 603 km long seismic velocity profile of the crust and uppermost mantle along one of these seismic transects. A tomographic inversion of 62,563 travel times from crustal and upper mantle refractions and wide‐angle reflections resulted in a model with a two‐layer crust. Upper crustal velocities were between 5.9 and 6.3 km/s, and lower crustal velocities were between 6.5 and 7.0 km/s. Continental compression has locally reduced the seismic velocities in the Pacific plate crust by 0.2–0.3 km/s, a possible effect of high strain and fluids in the crust. The thickening of the crust from 28 km at the east coast of South Island to 37 km beneath the Southern Alps can account for about 25% of the 80–110 km shortening of Pacific plate crust, while the rest must be accounted for by rapid erosion of Mesozoic sedimentary rocks on the west side of the orogen. In our model the lower crust forms a continuous 2–6 km thick layer beneath central South Island. The asymmetric topography of the Southern Alps is reflected in the crustal root which has a steeper flank at the west coast. This observation is consistent with westward underthrusting of Pacific lower lithosphere beneath South Island that has been suggested in earlier studies.