Three-dimensional passive seismic waveform imaging around the SAFOD site, California, using the generalized Radon transform

Abstract

We apply a three-dimensional (3D) generalized Radon transform (GRT) to scattered P-waves from 575 local earthquakes recorded at 68 temporary network stations for passive-source imaging of (near-vertical) structures close to the San Andreas Fault Observatory at Depth (SAFOD) site. The GRT image profiles through or close by the SAFOD site reveal near-vertical reflectors close to the fault zone as well as in the granite to the southwest and the Franciscan mélange to the northeast of the main fault. Although slightly lower in resolution, these structures are generally similar to features in 2D images produced with steep-dip prestack seismic migration of data from active source seismic reflection and refraction surveys. Our GRT images, however, also reveal several vertical reflectors to the northeast of the SAF that do not appear in the migration images but which are consistent with local geology. These results suggest that in a seismically active area, inverse scattering of earthquake data (for instance with the GRT) can be a viable and, in 3D, economic alternative to an active source survey.