The Midcontinent rift system is a 1.1‐b.y.‐old structure extending from Kansas, through the Lake Superior region, and into southern Michigan. The rift is filled with thick sequences of basaltic volcanic rocks and clastic sediments. For most of its extent it is buried beneath Paleozoic rocks but can be traced by its strong gravity and magnetic anomalies. The rocks of the rift system are exposed only in the Lake Superior region and comprise the Keweenawan Supergroup. Much of the geology of the Keweenawan is beneath Lake Superior and has only been inferred from potential field studies and seismic refraction studies and extrapolation from on‐shore geology. Seismic reflection surveys by the Great Lakes International Multidisciplinary Program on Crustal Evolution in 1986 imaged much of the deep structure of the rift beneath the lake in detail. The reflection profiles across the rift reveal a deep, asymmetrical central graben whose existence and magnitude was not previously documented. They show that, in addition to crustal sagging documented by previous investigations, normal faulting played a major role in subsidence of the axial region of the rift. A sequence of volcanic and sedimentary rocks, in places greater than 30 km thick, fills the graben. Thinner volcanic and sedimentary units lie on broad flanks of the rift outside of the graben. Near the axis, the prerift crust is thinned to about one fourth of its original thickness, apparently by a combination of low‐angle extensional faulting and ductile stretching or distributed shear. The sense of asymmetry of the central graben changes along the trend of the rift, documenting the segmented nature of the structure and suggesting the existence of accommodation zones between the segments. The location of the accommodation zones is inferred from abrupt disruptions in the Bouguer gravity signature of the rift. Uplift of the central graben occurred when the original graben‐bounding normal faults were reactivated as high‐angle reverse faults with throws of 5 km or more in places. The Midcontinent rift has some striking similarities to some younger passive continental margins. We propose that it preserves a record of nearly complete continental separation which, had it not been arrested, would have created a Middle Proterozoic ocean basin.
Due to high metal prices and increased difficulties in finding shallower deposits, the exploration for and exploitation of mineral resources is expected to move to greater depths. Consequently, seismic methods will become a more important tool to help unravel structures hosting mineral deposits at great depth for mine planning and exploration. These methods also can be used with varying degrees of success to directly target mineral deposits at depth. We review important contributions that have been made in developing these techniques for the mining industry with focus on four main regions: Australia, Europe, Canada, and South Africa. A wide range of case studies are covered, including some that are published in the special issue accompanying this article, from surface to borehole seismic methods, as well as petrophysical data and seismic modeling of mineral deposits. At present, high-resolution 2D surveys mostly are performed in mining areas, but there is a general increasing trend in the use of 3D seismic methods, especially in mature mining camps.
[1] The current topography of the Lake Bosumtwi crater and some of its structural dimensions have been determined by geophysical methods. We combine these data with sophisticated numerical models to evaluate the cratering process itself (for example, melt and tektite generation) as well as to test the modeling code. The geophysical maps show some asymmetry in plan view, with the main anomaly north of the crater center. The simulations of the early stage show asymmetric patterns only in ejecta and tektite distributions, while the late stage is modeled for the vertical impact without any asymmetry. We estimate the projectile size from scaling laws and then, varying material properties, reproduce a crater, which is similar to the Bosumtwi, but too deep. Bulking allows us to reconcile differences between the model results and the observed topography. Shock melt estimates are in good agreement with the Bosumtwi magnetic signature. Modeled distribution of tektites assumes an impact angle of 30°-45°and an impact direction from the N-NE. The combination of numerical models and field evidence not only provides necessary information for upcoming scientific drilling of the structure but also suggests interesting and well-suited drill sites. Besides the central uplift and the annular moat with a suggested thick breccia cover, drilling at the location of the geophysical anomalies and comparison of downrange and transversal locations will provide new insight into preimpact and impact-induced asymmetries.
From a great variety of in situ shear wave experiments, i.e., reflection, refraction and borehole surveys in the shallow sediments of the north German plains, several specific properties have been derived. Shear waves (S) differ from compressional waves (P) in that:1. they are not affected by the degree of water saturation. Thus, they provide a better correlation between the velocity V, and (solid) lithology ; 2. they generally have lower frequencies, but shorter wavelength and, hence, a better resolution of thin layers; 3. they have lower absorption Qs-' and hence a better penetration in partially saturated and gas-containing sediments than P-waves.Correlations have been established between V, and the confining pressure and between reduced V, values and several lithological parameters like the grain size of sandy material.More lithological and hydrological information is obtained by using S-and P-wave surveys along the same profile. The best information on a sedimentological structure is obtained by the simultaneous observation of V,, V,, Q, and Q, .
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