Seismic structure of the Balmuccia Peridotite from a high-resolution refraction and reflection survey

Abstract

Summary In anticipation of a forthcoming scientific deep drilling initiative within the Western Alps near Balmuccia, Italy, a high-resolution seismic survey is performed at the proposed drill site. This site is situated within the Ivrea Verbano Zone (IVZ), characterized by lower-crustal materials and fragments of upper mantle rocks exposed adjacent to the Insubric Line. The 2-km-long seismic survey crosses an isolated km-scale outcrop of peridotite near the town of Balmuccia. Applying P-wave traveltime tomography, a substantial contrast in seismic velocities is identified, with velocities in the range of 1–8 km s−1. The peridotite displays velocities ranging from 6 to 8 km s−1. The higher velocities near 8 km s−1 are consistent with laboratory measurements on small-scale samples, while the low velocity areas within the peridotite body reflect the influence of fractures and faults. The mean velocity derived for the peridotite body is ca. 7 km s−1. The reflection seismic analysis reveals subvertical reflectors positioned at the peridotite boundaries mapped at the surface, converging at a depth of ca. 0.175 km b.s.l. which images a lens-like structure for the peridotite body. However, the area beneath the imaged lens and the deeper Ivrea Geophysical Body (IGB) suggested by earlier studies is not well imaged, which leaves room for other interpretations regarding the relationship of these two bodies. Prior geophysical investigations provide only approximate depth estimates for the top of the IGB, spanning between 1–3 km depth b.s.l. Although the reflection data does not exhibit a series of continuous reflectors beneath the peridotite, a prominent reflection at ca. 1.3 km depth may indicate the top of the IGB.