Résumé
We calculate cross‐component correlations and receiver functions from teleseismic earthquakes recorded by a seismic nodal array deployed in the central Vienna Basin, Austria. The two methods show similar results. Those results highlight two main layer boundaries between the surface and 15 km depth. We attribute the first layer boundary to the Aderklaa Conglomerate Formation within the Neogene basin and the second layer boundary to the top of the crystalline basement in the area. A vertical offset along the profile potentially highlights two local tectonic faults. This study contributes to the understanding of the subsurface structure in the Vienna Basin, with implications for regional tectonic processes and resource exploration. The cross‐component correlation method demonstrates strong potential for resolving interfaces in complex sedimentary environments.
Plain Language Summary
A seismic nodal array deployed across the central Vienna Basin in Austria recorded far‐distant earthquakes over 5 weeks during summer 2023. We applied a conventional seismic method to detect layer boundaries, so‐called receiver functions, and a more recent one, the cross‐component correlation method. We demonstrate that one can obtain detailed information about layer boundaries within and beneath the sedimentary basin at each seismic node. This is of particular economic interest because we are able to map the topography of the primary target for geothermal resources in the central Vienna Basin. We interpret the deeper layer boundary to be the seismic signature of the top of the crystalline basement. Finally, we observe a vertical offset, which affects the two inferred layered boundaries. We suggest that this highlights the presence of faults in the subsurface. These findings highlight the potential of passive seismic methods for characterizing sedimentary basins.
Key Points
Application of the cross‐component correlation method reveals two key subsurface layer boundaries in the central Vienna Basin
The shallow layer boundary likely marks the Aderklaa Conglomerate; the deep layer boundary marks the top of the crystalline basement
The observed vertical offsets suggest the presence of local faults