Marine Seismic Reflection Profiles Of San Francisco Bay Faults

1993 to 1997 marine seismic reflection profile data collected by the USGS Western Coastal and Marine Geology Program using research vessels David Johnston and Robert Gray. The dataset consists of two-dimensional images of subsurface geologic structure beneath ship tracks in the San Francisco Bay area. It was created to investigate faults like the San Andreas and San Gregorio and assess submarine geologic hazards.

Use Cases

• Map the offshore path of the San Andreas Fault using seismic reflection profile images.
• Identify sediment layer boundaries and stratigraphy from acoustic impedance contrasts in the SEG-Y data.
• Analyze the confluence zone of the San Andreas and San Gregorio fault systems using the collected profiles.
• Assess seafloor morphology and subsurface geologic features for hazard projects from the two-dimensional images.

Strengths

• Data collected over a 4-year period from 1993 to 1997, providing a temporal snapshot.
• Focus on a specific, high-interest region covering the San Francisco Bay area and its major fault systems.
• Data available in multiple formats including processed GIF images for visualization and raw SEG-Y binary for analysis.

Limitations

• Specific row counts, file sizes, and spatial resolution details are not provided.
• Data is from a single campaign ending in 1997 and may not reflect current subsurface conditions.
• The description does not specify the exact number of profiles or the total line-kilometers surveyed.

Provenance

Source

U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Western Coastal and Marine Geology Program, Central California/San Francisco Bay Earthquake Hazards Project.

Collection Method

Acquired via marine seismic reflection surveys using an acoustic source and hydrophone array towed behind research vessels.

Time Range

1993-1997

Freshness

null

Geography

San Francisco Bay area, California, USA, with focus on offshore fault zones.