Earthquake Swarms in the Western Part of the Bohemian Massif and their Link with Crustal Fluids

 

Grant No.:

GA205/06/1780

Grant Agency:

Czech Science Foundation (GAČR)

Resolved in:

2006 - 2008

Principal investigator:

Ing. Josef Horálek, Institute of Geophysics of the AS CR, v.v.i.

Co-investigators:

RNDr. Jiří Málek, PhD., Department of Seismotectonics, IRSM AS CR, v.v.i.

Description:

The aim of the project is to conduct joint geophysical, hydrological, gas flux and geochemical research in the seismogenic western part of the Bohemian Massif. The results obtained are expected to shed light on the fundamental question of what is the interaction of tectonic stress, fluid pressure perturbations and the upper crust rheology in the western part of the Bohemian Massif, which results in repeated occurrence of earthquake swarms. The seismological studies will mainly gain from local observations performed there since 1989; the gas discharge and isotopic analyses represent a novel direction of comprehensive research in the region. Integrated geophysical measurements in the main Nový Kostel focal zone are expected to reveal dynamic changes of the upper crust relating to earthquake activity. Observation of the temporal variations of the gas discharge and isotopic composition (in cooperation with German institutions) should contribute to an estimation of their sources and transport paths. The project will have two important social impacts: (1) understanding more deeply the triggering mechanism of earthquakes, and (2) obtaining new information on the origin and evolution of mineral and thermal waters in the western part of the Bohemian Massif.

ISVAV: (What is it?)

Project in The Research and Development and Innovation System of the Czech Republic (in Czech only)