Geophysics and Geodynamics Research at Colorado State University

Research in Progress

Seismic Interpretation of the Structure of the Southeastern Appalachian Valley and Ridge Province

(Harry, Groshong, Maher, Pearce, and Mittenthal)

Multichannel seismic reflection data correlated to wells and surface outcrop provides constraints on the subsurface structure in the Southeastern Appalachian Valley and Ridge. The seismic line shown below crosses the Wills Valley thrust and the Lookout Mountain syncline in east-central Alabama. The Lookout Mountain syncline is shown to be a nearly circular fold overlaying a basal detachment in the Cambrian Conasauga formation that ramps up across a large basement normal fault. The Wills Valley thrust is seen to be part of an imbricate fan structure. This is one example of several projects involving interpretation of seismic reflection data across the southern Appalachians. The key to success in these studies is correlation of surface outcrop to the seismic data and close integration between the seismic interpretation and structural cross section balancing and restoration.

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