Geophysical data processing and interpretation in an area of complex structure ? the southern Taranaki Boundary Fault Zone

Abstract

During 1989, a closely spaced offshore seismic grid was acquired over an area of thrust faulting along the Taranaki Boundary Fault Zone, New Zealand, and complemented by simultaneous gravity recording along a number of profiles. Production seismic data processing included DMO and steep dip migration. Subsequent reprocessing of selected lines with full prestack time migration improved the imaging in the zone of complex structuring. Integrated interpretation of the seismic and gravity data developed a model for the geometry of the Taranaki Boundary Fault in this region. From north to south, the structural style is shown to change from low to high angle overthrusting of Mesozoic basement with truncation of the (younger) sediments against the basement.