Inconsistent correlation of seismic layer 2a

and lava layer thickness in oceanic crust

At mid-ocean ridges with fast to intermediate spreading

rates, the upper section of oceanic crust is composed of
lavas overlying a sheeted dyke complex.
Seismic reflection data acquired over young oceanic
crust commonly image a reflector known as 'layer 2A',
which is typically interpreted as defining the geologic
boundary between lavas and dykes

Anomaly :

Although the layer 2A reflector is imaged near the top of the

sheeted dyke complex at fast-spreading crust located adjacent
to the Hess Deep rift, it is imaged significantly above the
sheeted dykes section at intermediate-spreading crust located
near the Blanco transform fault
Although the lavas and underlying transition zone thicknesses
differ by about a factor of two, the shallow seismic structure is
remarkably similar at the two locations.

Seismic data

Seismic results

The two-way travel time (TWTT) between the sea floor and
the layer 2A event varies from 0.1 to 0.8 s, with lateral
variability in TWTT to the layer 2A event occurring over a
shorter wavelength in the scarp-parallel direction
We convert the TWTT between the sea floor and the layer 2A
event to layer 2A thickness using interval velocities of 2,600
m s-1 at the HDR and 2,700 m s-1 at the BTF; details of our
velocity analyses can be. Our estimated mean layer 2A
thicknesses of 0.48 km at the HDR and 0.49 km at the BTF are
remarkably similar

Nature of 2A/2B layer

The first hypothesis is that the layer 2A/2B boundary corresponds to

the geologic boundary between lavas and dykes . Although both lavas
and dykes are composed of basaltic material, the lavas will have a
higher porosity, and hence lower seismic velocity, than the dykes,
owing to a greater fracture density and volume of void spaces
The alternative hypothesis for the nature of the layer 2A/2B
boundary is that it corresponds to an alteration boundary within the
upper crust, probably in the lava unit. Results at Deep Sea Drilling
Program and Ocean Drilling Program (ODP) show a general
increase in temperature and intensity of alteration with depth;
hydrothermal mineralization associated with alteration fills cracks,
decreases porosities, and increases seismic velocities.

Conclusion

In summary, this study indicates that the seismic layer

2A/2B boundary does not universally correlate with the
structural boundary between lavas and dykes. It is more
likely that the primary control on the depth of the layer
2A/2B boundary is crack closure enhanced by
hydrothermal alteration and sealing.