Petrophysical Interpretation of Seismic and Gravity Data (the Example of the Muya Depression)

Presents the results of studying the nature of P- and S-wave velocity and density anomalies in the upper part of the Earth’s crust in reliance on variation in the parameter of petrophysical heterogeneity in the Muya Depression of the Baikal Rift Zone. The use of the complex parameter of petrophysical heterogeneity indicates the possibility to separate the effects of influence on seismic velocity and density. These effects are related to both fracturing, which decreases under pressure, and material composition change. In the Muya Depression, at depths down to 8 km, one may distinguish distinct, partially discontinuous petrophysical anomalies, penetrating up to 10-25 km in the form of three narrow sloping areas. The obtained data imply the possibility of depth mapping of faulted zones represented by material heterogeneities. It is of concern when detaching structures in the Earth’s crust, which control distribution of mineral deposits.