Three-dimensional tomographic model of the crust beneath the Hong Kong region

We present the first three-dimensional seismic velocity model of the Hong Kong region, including the Dangan Island fault zone (DIFZ). The crust beneath Hong Kong is predominantly igneous, and is characterized by relatively high seismic velocity. Further south, we observe an elongated velocity anomal...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Geology (Boulder) 2012-01, Vol.40 (1), p.59-62
Main Authors: Xia Shaohong, Xia Shaohong, Qiu Xuelin, Qiu Xuelin, Tong, C. H, Xu Huilong, Xu Huilong, Zhao Minghui, Zhao Minghui
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
applied (geophysical surveys & methods)
Asia
China
crust
Dangan Island Fault
Earthquakes
Far East
fault zones
faults
Geology
geophysical methods
geophysical surveys
Geophysics
Hong Kong
lower crust
Rocks
seismic methods
Seismology
solid Earth (tectonophysics)
Structural geology
surveys
tectonics
three-dimensional models
tomography
Velocity
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Summary:We present the first three-dimensional seismic velocity model of the Hong Kong region, including the Dangan Island fault zone (DIFZ). The crust beneath Hong Kong is predominantly igneous, and is characterized by relatively high seismic velocity. Further south, we observe an elongated velocity anomaly beneath part of the DIFZ where significant seismicity has been recorded. This anomaly demarcates the contrasting seismic velocity structures on the opposite sides of the fault zone from the surface to a depth of at least 20 km, suggesting that the DIFZ extends to the lower crust and dips subvertically. Our model also indicates that there is an abrupt change in the along-strike crustal structure of the fault zone, with a significantly higher seismic velocity in the region west of the seismically active area. We anticipate that this first three-dimensional subsurface tectonic model of Hong Kong and the DIFZ will help assess the influence of crustal heterogeneities on the spatial pattern of intraplate earthquakes in this densely populated region of south China.
ISSN:0091-7613
1943-2682
DOI:10.1130/G32537.1