Geophysics: a moving fluid pulse in a fault zone.
In the Gulf of Mexico, fault zones are linked with a complex and dynamic system of plumbing in the Earth's subsurface. Here we use time-lapse seismic-reflection imaging to reveal a pulse of fluid ascending rapidly inside one of these fault zones. Such intermittent fault 'burping' is likely to be an important factor in the migration of subsurface hydrocarbons.
Haney
Matthew M
MM
Center for Wave Phenomena and Department of Geophysics, Colorado School of Mines, Golden, Colorado 80401, USA. mmhaney@sandia.gov
Snieder
Roel
R
Sheiman
Jon
J
Losh
Steven
S