Shallow Low-Velocity Layer in the Hyuga-Nada Accretionary Prism and Its Hydrological Implications: Insights From a Passive Seismic Array

Abstract

Shear wave velocity (Vs) estimations of accretionary prisms can pose unique constraints to the physical properties of rocks, which are hard to obtain from compressional velocities (Vp) alone. Thus, it would help better understand the fluid processes of the accretion system. This study investigates the Vs structure of the Hyuga-nada accretionary prism using an array of ocean-bottom seismometers (OBSs) with a 2 km radius. Teleseismic Green's functions and a surface wave dispersion curve are inverted to one-dimensional Vs structures using transdimensional inversion. The results indicate the presence of a low-velocity zone 3–4 km below the seafloor. The reduced Vs corresponds to a reduced Vp feature obtained in a previous seismic refraction survey, and the high Vp/Vs ratio suggests the presence of high pore fluid pressure. In addition, the resolved lithological boundary exhibits a sharp offset that extends laterally across the OBS array. We attribute this offset to a blind fault below while acknowledging other possibilities, such as due to mud diapirism or intense fracturing. The predicted fault is located at the Kyushu–Palau Ridge flank, oriented roughly parallel to the ridge axis, and thus likely caused by ridge subduction. This fault may act as a fluid conduit, contributing to the formation of a fluid reservoir beneath the compacted sediment layers.