Seismic Survey of Schleswig-Holstein, Germany

High resolution seismic survey of the uppermost 200 m in tectonically and halokinetically active structures in Schleswig-Holstein, Germany

Integrated in the DFG-SPP 1135 "Dynamics of sedimentary systems under varying stress regimes: The example of the Central European Basin", the objective of this study is to extrapolate the movement-rates of active faults during the Holocene, Pleistocene and the Tertiary and depict the causes and mechanisms of active movements in the upper crust in Schleswig-Holstein. On the basis of earlier works (Lehné, 2005), 5 working areas with an increased movement potential were selected, where high resolution seismic surveys will be done during the next three years. Consisting of a total of 50 2D-seismic profiles of altogether 12,5 km length, the resulting net will help to detect the exact position, inclination and slip rate of assumed near surface faults of the uppermost 200 m. After the processing of seismic data, results of the survey will be combined with data from the GIS "Bewegungspotentiale" and existing stratigraphical information from nearby boreholes, provided by the LANU (Landesamt für Natur und Umwelt des Landes Schleswig-Holstein), to develop a 3D-model of each working area including known fault systems. Based on the understanding of the upper crust movement-processes, offset-rates will be extrapolated for the next 20 years. The seismic profiles will be generated during 5 field campaigns, using a 48 channel "Geometrics Geode" reflection seismic setup with MGOS-software.

In September 2003 two seismic profiles were produced by Fa. Thor, Kiel. Profile 1 runs through an recently subsiding axial depression.
The tomography (delta t-v-inversion) of profile 1 shows the axial depression, that is most likely caused by a near surface fault and chemical solution of Cretaceous sediments in an area of intensed Fluid movements.