Studying fault structures in Greece
Natural fault structures are of special importance not only to seismologists but also to the hydrocarbon industry, given that they act as structural pockets for oil and gas. The EU's 3F-CORINTH project concentrated on the analysis of the natural fault in Corinth with the aim to create the Corinth Rift Laboratory (CRL) and provide data on stress, strain and fluid flow over time. As part of the project, the University of Patras undertook a series of studies in both sides of the Corinthian gulf to identify suitable sites for a seismic network. Researchers used a number of criteria for the selection process, including, distance from developed regions, low noise levels and accessibility. A total of 38 sites were finally selected. Seismographs were installed in all sites and recorded data for over four months. The researchers managed to successfully set up the entire network and obtain suitable data for a considerable period. This process is considered particularly important since the use of specific criteria and the choice of appropriate sites are crucial in the analysis of the data. Similar sets of criteria can be utilized for the deployment of seismic networks in other faults in Europe and possibly worldwide. The obtained data laid the groundwork for further analysis of the Corinthian fault and the development of appropriate models illustrating fault behaviour. The methodologies described could find application in the study of faults in other regions and also hold potential for the hydrocarbon industry.
