We have developed an application of passive seismic interferometry (SI) using P-wave coda of local earthquakes for the purpose of crustal-scale reflection imaging. We processed the reflection gathers retrieved from SI following a standard seismic processing in exploration seismology. We applied SI to the P-wave coda using crosscorrelation, crosscoherence, and multidimensional deconvolution (MDD) approaches for data recorded in the Malargüe region, Argentina. Comparing the results from the three approaches, we found that MDD based on the truncated singular-value decomposition scheme gave us substantially better structural imaging. Although our results provided higher resolution images of the subsurface, they showed less clear images for the Moho in comparison with previous seismic images in the region obtained by the receiver function and global-phase SI. Above the Moho, we interpreted a deep thrust fault and the possible melting zones, which were previously indicated by active-seismic and magnetotelluric methods in this region, respectively. The method we developed could be an alternative option not only for crustal-scale imaging, e.g., in enhanced geothermal systems, but also for lithospheric-scale as well as basin-scale imaging, depending on the availability of local earthquakes and the frequency bandwidth of their P-wave coda.@en

Obtaining detailed images of aseismic parts of subducting slabs remains a large challenge for understanding slab dynamics. Hypocenter mapping cannot be used for the purpose due to the absence of seismicity, whereas the use of receiver functions might be compromised by the presence of melt. Global tomography can be used to identify the presence of the slab, but it does not reveal the structure in detail. We have determined how detailed images can be obtained using global-phase seismic interferometry. The method provides high-resolution (<15km in depth) pseudo zero-offset (i.e., colocated source and receiver) reflection information. We have applied the method to aseismic zones of the Nazca slab in which initiation of possible slab tearing and plume decapitation was identified by global tomography and electrical conductivity, respectively. We have obtained an image of the Moho and the mantle and found an attenuated area in the image consistent with the presence of an aseismic dipping subducting slab. However, our interpretation was not unambiguous. The results confirmed that the method is useful for imaging aseismic transects of slabs.@en

We investigate the applicability of passive seismic interferometry using P-wave coda from local earthquakes for the purpose of retrieving reflections for imaging enhanced geothermal systems. For this, we use ambient-noise data recorded in the Neuquén basin, Argentina, where the Peteroa and Los Molles geothermal fields are present nearby. After retrieving reflections, we proceed to process them following a standard processing sequence to obtain images of the crustal structures. Examining crosscorrelation, crosscoherence, and multidimensional deconvolution approaches, we find that multidimensional deconvolution, based on the truncated singular-value decomposition scheme, gives us slightly better structural imaging than the other two approaches. Our results provide higher-resolution imaging of the crustal structures down to the lower boundary of the Moho in comparison with previous passive seismic imaging by receiver function and global-phase seismic interferometry in this region. We also interpret the deep basement thrust fault that has been indicated by active-seismic reflection profile and nearby exploration well. The method we propose could be used as a low-cost alternative to active-source acquisition for imaging and monitoring purposes of deeper geothermal reservoirs, e.g., in enhanced geothermal systems, where the target structures are down to 10 km depth. @en

We investigated the applicability of global phases (epicentral distances of ≥ 120° and ≥ 150°) for the H/V spectral ratio to identify the fundamental resonance frequency. We applied the method to delineate a part of Neuquén basin in Argentina without the need for active seismic sources. We obtained fairly identifiable fundamental resonance frequencies in the range 0.15 Hz to 2.5 Hz. Receiver-side resonances were pronounced by stacking the H/V spectral ratio over many earthquake recordings. By doing so, the same fundamental resonances were found by using different window (P and S-phases) as well as different epicentral distances (≥ 120° and ≥ 150°). Our result, assuming average velocity, shows identical features in comparison with both the Bouguer anomaly and the active seismic profile nearby, indicating that our method is reliable. The method we demonstrate here can be applied in the fields particularly when the seismic array of long-term purposes is available.

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