Multiple Seamount Subduction and Lithological Variability Possibly Control Pore Fluid Pressure and Shallow Slow Earthquake Activity in Nankai Trough off Muroto

Abstract

The clustered distribution of shallow slow earthquakes in the Nankai Trough has been attributed to different factors such as seamount subduction, pore fluid pressure, fluid migration, and sediment input. However, there is still a lack of comprehensive understanding of how these factors interact to generate slow earthquakes. We examined the seismic reflection profiles crossing four subducted seamounts off Muroto to understand how they deform the accretionary wedge. Along-trough seismic reflection profiles within the accretionary wedge were also used to infer the lithology of the underthrusted sediments. The seamounts are at different stages of subduction and their associated underplated sediments were identified. Comparison with published sandbox models indicates that the underplated sediments comprise fluid-rich trench fill sediments. Negative polarity decollement and transparent underthrust are observed off Muroto. The transparent underthrust is interpreted as mudstone, while stratified underthrust sediments in other regions are interpreted as turbidites. Comparing with previous numerical simulations, we propose the following deformational history: (a) subduction of the first seamount resulted in underplating of a large volume of fluid-rich trench fill sediments, (b) the underplated sediments are undergoing horizontal compression from subsequent subduction of the three seamounts resulting in high pore pressure consistent with previously reported low velocity zones, and (c) the horizontal compression may also result in fluid expulsion and these fluids migrate updip and get trapped because the mudstones serve as an impermeable cap. This mechanism accounts the aforementioned factors associated with slow earthquakes and likely controls the clustered distribution off Muroto.