NOVELTY
HCMR
NOVELTY
Back-arc deformation processes are widely studied in various convergent plate boundaries. Despite the fact that there is no consensus on the geodynamic processes (slab pull force, slab roll-back, age of subducting slab, upper plate motion, other) which control the evolution of the deformation, it is widely accepted that the style of deformation in back-arc settings varies between highly extensional (eg. Mariana Arc), transtensional, transpressional and highly compressional (eg. Chilean Arc) (see Heuret & Lallemant, 2005, for thorough discussion). The Aegean constitutes a complicate back-arc area, where understanding of the evolution, the style of deformation and the present-day kinematics requires understanding of the interaction of the Eocene-to-present Hellenic Subduction and slab roll-back with the post-Miocene (or later) propagation of the North Anatolian Fault into the Aegean Sea and with potential inherited mechanical discontinuities in the overriding plate (e.g. the Vardar Suture Zone).
HCMR
CRUISES
1st Cruise: Installation of the new MCS system on board R/V Aegaeo and sea trials
The installation and set up of all compartments of the new multichannel seismic system on board R/V Aegaeo took place in late February 2024 in Piraeus port.
It included the following:
Replacement of the old electrical and compressed air networks of the vessel with new ones in order to meet the requirements of the new system
Emplacement of a 20 feet container containing double air compressor and connection to the new electrical and compressed air networks
Emplacement of a winch set up of 24 channel, 350 m long, solid state streamer
Set up of two sound sources GI-Guns with total volume of 300 cubic inches (90, 120 and 150 ci chambers each)
Set up of the acquisition and processing hardware and software in the geophysical laboratory of the vessel.
The sea trials took place in early March 2024 very successfully.
We tested the operation and functionality of the new system, performed several deployments and recoveries and tested several combinations of air chambers while shooting seismic profiles over a period of three days at sea.
RESEARCH TEAM
- Dr Dimitris Sakellariou, Structural/Marine Geologist, Research Director, Coordinator
- Dr Grigoris Rousakis, Marine Geologist/Sedimentologist, Research Director, Principal Investigator
- Dr Konstantina Tsampouraki-Kraounaki, Marine Geologist, Research Scientist
- MSc Ioannis Morfis, Research Engineer
- Dr Alexandros Varesis, Marine Geophysicist, Research Scientist
- MSc Isidoros Livanos, Marine Geophysicist, Research Scientist
- Prokopis Mantopoulos, Technician
“ATHENA vs. EGELADUS: Interaction between the Hellenic Subduction and the North Anatolian Fault: Implications for the intra-plate deformation and seismic hazard in the Aegean”