Imaging the crustal structure of the Netherlands using receiver functions

S. Akinremi, I. Fadel, M. van der Meijde, Elmer Ruigrok, J.C. Afonso, Hanneke Paulssen, Christine Thomas

Research output: Contribution to conferencePosterAcademic

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Abstract

The Dutch uppermost crust is very well-mapped (to ~3km) using extensive active seismic, short period passive seismic, and well logs. However, very limited information about the deep structure is available. Our understanding of the Moho depths beneath the Netherlands and its implications on geodynamics still carry inconsistencies, due to conflicting models from previous active deep reflection and passive seismic data. In northern Netherlands and the Roer Valley Graben, the existing models show conflicting thickening and thinning of the Moho and geodynamics of subsidence and uplift history. In central Netherlands, where ultra-deep geothermal resources are being explored, it is unclear if the Moho is deepened or uplifted, which has implications on how close the mantle materials are to the upper crust and its effect on geothermal gradient and resources. Moreover, the deep reflection seismic gives Moho depths only along 3 onshore profiles and the model derived from passive seismic did not include receiver function analysis, which is known to be sensitive to subsurface discontinuities.

In this study, we present results from 1D layered models established underneath the available broadband seismic stations in the Netherlands using receiver functions. Teleseismic earthquake records are used to calculate P- to S-wave conversions from discontinuities beneath the stations. The layered crustal model would provide valuable information to resolve inconsistencies in previous models and would be crucial for decision-makers for the future ambition of utilising the Dutch subsurface for ultra-deep activities.
Original languageEnglish
Publication statusPublished - Sept 2022
Event18e Netherlands Earth sciences Conference, NAC 2022 - Van der Valk Hotel, Utrecht, Netherlands
Duration: 5 Sept 20226 Sept 2022
Conference number: 18
https://nacgeo.nl
https://nacgeo.nl/

Conference

Conference18e Netherlands Earth sciences Conference, NAC 2022
Abbreviated titleNAC 2022
Country/TerritoryNetherlands
CityUtrecht
Period5/09/226/09/22
Internet address

Keywords

  • Receiver functions
  • sediment effects in receiver functions
  • Crustal structure
  • Netherlands

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