Seismic Reflection Image of the Great Sumatra Earthquake Rupture Zone Using Seismic Industry Technology

Following the 9.2 magnitude earthquake offshore Sumatra and the devastating associated Tsunami of 26th December 2004, 950 km of 2D deep crustal seismic reflection data was acquired in July 2006 on board the WesternGeco vessel M/V Geco Searcher in the vicinity of the earthquake epicenter. A very large air gun (10,170 cubic inch) source towed at 15 m water depth was used to general low frequency energy for deep penetration, which was recorded on a very long streamer (12 km) also deployed at 15 m depth in order to have record low frequency energy from deep crust and remove multiples. Our results show seismic reflection image unprecedented nature down 60 km depth in the Sumatra earthquake region. In this paper we will present survey design and special processing required along with seismic image that could change our understanding of subduction zone processes and related megathrust earthquakes.