FRONTIER RESEARCH ON EARTH EVOLUTION, VOL.
Estimation of Poisson's ratio along a fault zone from amplitude analyses of the two-
ship seismic reflection data in the Kumano oceanic basin
Tetsuro Tsuru1, Seiichi Miura1 and Jin-Oh Park2
1 Research Program for Data and Sample Analyses, Institute For Research on Earth Evolution (IFREE)
2 Research Program for Plate Dynamics, Institute For Research on Earth Evolution (IFREE)
1. Introduction
Fault shear zones near the plate boundary are observed as
reflection interfaces with negative polarity on seismic reflection
profiles at many subduction zones [Shipley, et al., 1994; Tsuru, et
al., 2002; Park, et al., 2002], however physical properties of
which are not yet clarified. We established a method to evaluate
the properties based on the two kinds of amplitude analyses using
seismic reflection data: near-trace stacking followed by its cross-
correlation and AVO (Amplitude Variation Offset) analysis of
long-offset data. We report here the outline of the procedure and
show the resulting spatial variation of Poisson’s ratio along a
splay fault [Tsuru et al., 2005], which was found at the Kumano
oceanic basin [Park et al., 2002].
2. Seismic reflection data used for the analyses
We used long-offset seismic data collected by a two-ship sur-
vey, which had been conducted using the COP (common offset
profiling) technique [e.g., Buhl et al., 1985; Fliender and White,
2003] at the Kumano oceanic basin in 2002 (Fig.1). The research
vessels (R/Vs) Kairei and Kaiyo of the Japan Agency for Marine-
Earth Science and Technology (JAMSTEC) were used for the sur-
vey. The data acquisition parameters are summarized in Table 1.
3. Amplitude analyses
3.1 Identification of polarity
Identifying reflection polarity is essential in AVO analysis
[Ostrander, 1984], because its misidentification directly causes a
wrong categorization of AVO effects, leading to incorrect estima-
tion of the physical properties. There exist two problems in the
identification for our two ship data. One is the ringing with larger
offsets. The other is anxiety to the tuning effect, which is caused
when the thickness of an objective layer is thinner than one fourth
of wave length of the reflections from the layer. For the former
problem, we used near-offset stacking records by using data of
offsets 0.5-1 km (Fig. 2c), in place of stacking records of offsets
0-10 km (Fig. 2b). For the latter, we adopted a cross-correlation in
order to minimize misidentification of the reflection polarity.
Here we cross-correlated the seismic reflection records of
Figure 2c with those in Figure 2a, which includes reflections from
the seafloor, at CDPs 3800-4600 where reflections from the splay
fault are observed. We applied a band-pass filter (5-30 Hz) to both
of the input datasets before the cross-correlation, in order to use
only the common dominant frequency band. Figure 2d is the sec-
tion formed by the cross-correlation. As a result, the four zones A,
B, C, D in Figures 2c and 2d were chosen. In the polarity identifi-
cation, waveforms of our two ship data can be handled as if they
1
were zero-phase wavelets (Fig. 2a), because the data contain both
source and receiver ghost-reflections from the sea surface.
Therefore, we identified the polarity by picking the maximum
amplitude positions of the isolated reflections within the zones.
Namely, if the maximum amplitude existed at a positive ampli-
tude position (blue color), the polarity was regarded as normal. If
it was at a negative amplitude position (red color), the polarity
was reverse. Accordingly we identified that the reflections in
zones A and C have normal polarity whereas those in B and D
show negative polarity.
3.2 AVO modeling
AVO modeling was conducted to examine Poisson’s ratio of
the fault zone. We used a Zoeppritz equation for P-to-P reflections
[Aki and Richards, 1980] to calculate amplitude variations.
Because there were no well log data available for the study area,
we used representative velocity and density values for the model.
For the upper layer (incident side of the interface), a P-wave value
of 4.0 km/s was adopted from the previous seismic refraction
[Nakanishi et al., 2002] and reflection [Park et al., 2002] surveys.
A P-wave velocity for the lower layer (transmitted side of the
interface) was calculated from the reflection coefficient of the tar-
get reflection, which was estimated from the amplitude ratio
between the seafloor reflection and the target reflection on the
near-offset stacking section as well as the reflection coefficient of
the seafloor. Here we assumed a constant Q value (Q=300 within
5-30 Hz) in calculating the reflection coefficient of the target
reflection. The reflection coefficient of seafloor was obtained
from the amplitude ratio between seafloor reflection and multiple
[Warner, 1990]. A density value was given as a function of the P-
wave velocity according to Nafe and Drake [1957].
For the S-wave velocity of the upper layer, we assumed two
values of 2.14 and 1.63 km/s. These velocities correspond to
Poisson’s ratios of 0.30 and 0.40. The selected range in Poisson’s
ratio is based on that estimated for rocks of the island arc crust in
the western Nankai Trough by the seismic refraction study
[Takahashi et al., 2002]. Under the above assumption, we tested
several values for contrast in Poisson’s ratio between both sides of
the interface, because it is one of the main parameters that affect
the amplitude variation with offset [Shuey, 1985].
Modeled amplitude variation with the angle of incidence was
compared with the observed amplitude values for the four zones
(A, B, C, D), as shown in Figure 3. In the top figures, reflection
coefficients of the reflections from the splay fault and modeled
AVO-response curves are indicated by dots and solid lines,
respectively. In the bottom figures, parameters used in the model-
ing are described. For the normal polarity reflections (A and C),
the modeled curves for Poisson’s ratios 0.275 and 0.37 for A and
 FRONTIER RESEARCH ON EARTH EVOLUTION, VOL. 2

0.25 and 0.36 for C best correspond with the observed amplitude
variation if we assume Poisson’s ratios in the upper layer to be
0.30 and 0.40, respectively. These changes correspond to an 11%
decrease of Poisson’s ratio on average. For the negative polarity
case, the modeled curves for Poisson’s ratios 0.34 and 0.445 for B
and 0.32 and 0.445 for D best correspond to the observations.
Although the value of 0.445 may be unrealistic because the depth
of the layer can be estimated to be 8-10 km, the value surely sug-
gests an increase in Poisson’s ratio. Therefore, in this case, these
changes correspond to an 11% increase on average. Thus the
AVO modeling demonstrated contrasting spatial-variations in
Poisson’s ratio along the splay fault shear zone.
4. Discussion
The present study suggests the possibility that fluid migration
along the fault shear zone is spatially inhomogeneous. This con-
clusion is strongly supported by the observation of alternating
reflection polarities along the fault and by corresponding changes
of the contrasts in Poisson’s ratio. Where the reflection polarity is
positive and Poisson’s ratio decreases downward across the splay
fault may represent regions outside the channel-like fluid migra-
tion path suggested by Shipley et al. [1994]. The regions may be
accumulating seismic strain.
EPM 2,1-21, 2002.
Ostrander, W.J., Plane-wave reflection coefficient foe gas sands at
nonnormal angles of incidence, Geophys., 49, 1637-1648, 1984.
Park, J.-O., T. Tsuru, S. Kodaira, P.R. Cummins and Y. Kaneda,
Splay fault branching along the Nankai subduction zone, Science,
297, 1157-1160, 2002.
Shipley, T.H., G.F. Moore, N.L. Bangs, J.C. Moore and P.L. Stoffa,
Seismically inferred dilatancy distribution, northern Barbados
Ridge decollement, Geology, 22, 411-414, 1994.
Shuey, R.T., A simplification of the Zoeppritz equations, Geophysics,
50, 609-614, 1985.
Takahashi, N., S. Kodaira, A. Nakanishi, J-O. Park, S. Miura, T.
Tsuru, Y. Kaneda, K. Suyehiro and N. Hirata, T. Iwasaki, Seismic
structure of western end of the Nankai trough seismogenic zone, J.
Geophys. Res., 107, ESE2-1-19, 2002.
Tsuru, T., J.O. Park, S. Miura, S. Kodaira, Y. Kido and T. Hayashi,
Along-arc structural variation of the plate boundary at the Japan
Trench margin: Implication of interplate coupling, J. Geophys.
Res., 107, ESE 11,1-15, 2002.
Tsuru, T., S. Miura, J.-O. Park, A. Ito, G. Fujie, Y. Kaneda, T. No, T.
Katayama and J. Kasahara, Variation of physical properties
beneath a fault observed by a two-ship seismic survey off the
southwest Japan, J. Geophys. Res., 110, B05405, 2005.
Warner, M., Absolute reflection coefficient from deep seismic reflec-
tions, Tectonophysics, 173, 15-23, 1990.

5. Conclusions
We established a method to evaluate the physical properties
along the fault zones based on the amplitude analyses: near-trace
stacking followed by its cross-correlation and AVO analysis. The
former enabled us to understand that both normal and reverse
polarities exist along the splay fault shear zone at Kumano ocean
basin. The latter using long-offset seismic reflection data indicat-
ed the possibility that the Poisson’s ratio of the splay fault shear
zone change spatially. A varying distribution in reflection polarity
and Poisson’s ratio contrasts may signify that fluid migration is
localized in the fault shear zone.

Acknowledgements. Thanks are due to the captains, the seismic par-

ties and the crews of R/Vs Kairei and Kaiyo for their efforts in obtaining
seismic data in very difficult survey condition. This study was conduct-
ed by collaboration with the Research Program for Plate Dynamics.

References
Aki, K. and P.G. Richards, Quantitative seismology, Theory and
Methods, Volume I, W.H. Freeman and Company, New York,
p.153, 1980.
Buhl, P., J.B. Diebold, J.W. Ladd, J.C. Mutter, J.D. Phillips, P.L.
Stoffa and R.S. Detrick, North Atlantic Transect: a wide-aperture,
two-ship multichannel seismic investigation of the oceanic crust, J.
Geophys. Res., 90, 10321-10341, 1985.
Fliender, M.M. and R.S. White, Depth imaging of basalt flows in the
Faeroe-Shetland Basin, Geophys. J. Int., 152, 353-371, 2003.
Nafe, J.E,. and Drake, C.L., Physical properties of marine sediment, in
The sea, Vol. 3., Wiley Interscience, New York, pp794-815, 1957.
Nakanishi, A., N. Takahashi, J.O. Park, S. Miura, S. Kodaira, Y.
Kaneda, N. Hirata, T. Iwasaki and M. Nakamura, Crustal structure
across the coseismic rupture zone of the 1944 Tonankai earthquake,
the central Nankai Trough seismogenic zone, J. Geophys. Res., 107:

2
 FRONTIER RESEARCH ON EARTH EVOLUTION, VOL. 2

35°

Kii
Peninsula
n
asi
-1000

CO
B
c ean 000

P1
-2
P2
0
O 00 34°
ano
-3

um CO
K
h
ug
T ro
ai
nk
Na -4000

-400
0 33°
0 50 100km

136° 137° 138° 139°

Figure 1. Study area and seismic survey lines.

Figure 2. An analysis on reflection polarity on COP1. An enlarged section of seafloor reflections is shown in the top figure (a).
The CDP stacked section (b) from 0-10 km offsets data are compared with a near-trace stack section (c) from 500-1000 m offsets
data. The bottom figure represents a cross-correlation between the seafloor reflections (a) and the near-trace stacked records (c).
Arrows show target reflections from the splay fault. The reflections have normal polarity in zones A and C, while negative polari-
ty in zones B and D.

3
 FRONTIER RESEARCH ON EARTH EVOLUTION, VOL. 2

0 5
: σ1=0.40
.4 .47
.40 =0 =0
=0 σ 2
σ 2
: σ2=0.30 σ 2 σ2=0.445
30 σ2=0.34
=0.
σ2
σ2 =0.4
2
σ2=0.30
5
σ 2=0.27
σ : σ1=0.40
2= σ σ2=0.37
0.
35 2 =0 : σ1=0.30
.25

ρ1=2410 kg/m3 ρ1=2410 kg/m3

θ θ Vp1=4.0 km/s θ θ Vp1=4.0 km/s
Vs1=2.14 (1.63) km/s Vs1=2.14 (1.63) km/s
Upper Layer σ1=0.30 (0.40) Upper Layer σ1=0.30 (0.40)
Lower Layer ρ2=2440 kg/m3,Vp2=4.18 km/s Lower Layer ρ2=2360 kg/m3, Vp2=3.67 km/s
Vs2=2.41-2.23 (2.01-1.70) km/s Vs2=1.96-1.50 (1.36-0.80) km/s
σ2=0.25-0.30 (0.35-0.40) σ2=0.30-0.40 (0.42-0.475)

(a) AVO response in Zone A (b) AVO response in Zone B

: σ1=0.40 0.48
σ 2=
: σ2=0.30 .37
σ 2=0 σ2=0.32
0.30 σ2=0.445
σ 2= 8
= 0.3 σ2 =0.27
σ2 .36 σ2 =0
=0 .40
σ .25
2
σ 2=0
σ
σ 2 =0. : σ1=0.40
20
2 =0
.32 : σ2=0.30

ρ1=2410 kg/m3 ρ1=2410 kg/m3

θ θ Vp1=4.0 km/s θ θ Vp1=4.0 km/s
Vs1=2.14 (1.63) km/s Vs1=2.14 (1.63) km/s
Upper Layer σ1=0.30 (0.40) Upper Layer σ1=0.30 (0.40)

Lower Layer ρ2=2460 kg/m3, Vp2=4.35 km/s Lower Layer ρ2=2320 kg/m3, Vp2=3.41 km/s
Vs2=2.66-2.32 (2.24-1.91) km/s Vs2=1.91-1.55 (1.39-0.67) km/s
σ2=0.20-0.30 (0.32-0.38) σ2=0.27-0.37 (0.40-0.48)

(c) AVO response in Zone C (d) AVO response in Zone D

Figure 3. Observed amplitude changes and AVO modeling results for normal polarity reflections (Zones A and C) and
reverse polarity reflections (Zones B and D). The top figure on each zone shows observed reflection coefficient values (dots)
and AVO response curves (solid lines) by the modeling. The bottom figure on each zone represents physical properties used
for the modeling. We showed three kinds of AVO response curves, for uppermost case, lowermost case and most likely case in
Poisson’s ratio beneath the splay fault, under the assumption that Poisson’s ratio above the fault ranges from 0.30-0.40.

Table 1. Data acquisition parameters.

Line Name COP1 (NNW-SSE)

COP2 (ENE-WSW)
Shooting vessel Kaiyo
Receiving vessel Kairei
Total line length 325 km
Energy source Air gun, 200 liters (12000 cu. in.)
Shooting interval Constant time interval (see Table 3)
Receiver Digital streamer, 156-204 channels
Cable depth 20 m
Group interval 25 m
Offset length 100-20,000 m
Sampling interval 4 ms
Record length 20 s
CDP folds 100 (standard)