Overpressured underthrust sediment in the Nankai Trough forearc inferred
from high-frequency receiver function inversion
Abstract
Active-source seismic surveys have resolved the fine-scale P-wave
velocity (Vp) of the subsurface structure in subduction forearcs. In
contrast, the S-wave velocity (Vs) structure is poorly resolved despite
its usefulness in understanding rock properties. This study estimates Vp
and Vs structures of the Nankai Trough forearc, by applying
transdimensional inversion to high-frequency receiver function
waveforms. As a result, a thin (~1 km) low-velocity zone
(LVZ) is evident at ~6 km depth beneath the sea level,
which locates ~3 km seaward from the outer ridge. Based
on its high Vp/Vs ratio (~2.5) and comparison to an
existing seismic reflection profile, we conclude that this LVZ reflects
a high pore pressure zone at the upper portion of the underthrust
sediment. We infer that this overpressured underthrust sediment hosts
slow earthquake activities, and that accompanied strain release helps
impede coseismic rupture propagation further updip.