The profile DEKORP 3B/MVE, consisting of the two segments West and East, was recorded in 1990 as part of the DEKORP project, the German deep seismic reflection program. The focus of the DEKORP project was on deep crustal and lithospheric structures and therefore originally not on structures at shallower depths. From today's perspective, however, this depth range is of great interest for a wide range of possible technical applications (including medium-depth and deep geothermal projects). The original data is published by Stiller et al. (2021). The westernmost 91 km of the 208 km long profile 3B (West) were reprocessed on behalf of the Hessian Agency of Nature Conservation, Environment and Geology (HLNUG). As a particularity, also a set of 18 cross-lines, each ca. 12 km in length and perpendicular to the main lines, were surveyed along DEKORP 3B/MVE to get information about possible cross-dips. Four of those short cross-lines were reprocessed in 2D as well. The focus of the reprocessing of the old data was on improving the resolution / mapping of geological structures down to a depth of 6 km (approx. 3 s TWT) to describe the prolongation of faults and geological structures in more detail than in previous studies.
In order to achieve these goals and in view of the fact that today's processing and evaluation methods have been improved considerably compared to the 1990‘s, a state-of-the-art reprocessing was implemented. In comparison with the original processing (Stiller et al. (2021)), more sophisticated processing steps like CRS (Common Reflection Surface) instead of CDP (Common Depth Point) stacking, turning-ray tomography and prestack time and depth migration were carried out.
The reprocessing results of the DEKORP 3B (West) survey comprise all datasets newly achieved in addition to the datasets from the original processing (Stiller et al. (2021)), i.e. (1) the migrated CRS image gathers as unstacked data, and (2) the pure CRS stack, the poststack-time as well as prestack-time and prestack-depth migrated sections as stacked data. Moreover, (3) all velocity models used for the different versions including (4) the separate first-break tomography inversion, are contained. Additionally, the results of the 2D-reprocessing of cross-lines Q21-Q24 are included.
All reprocessed data come in SEGY trace format, the final sections additionally in PDF graphic format. A reprocessing report is included as well as again all meta information for each domain (source, receiver, CDP) like coordinates, elevations, locations and static corrections combined in ASCII-tables for geometry assignment purposes.
The DEKORP 3 survey was a combined seismic survey investigating the Variscan structures of the Rhenohercynian and the Saxothuringian. Consisting of three seismic lines it starts in the Rhenohercynian Hessian Depression (DEKORP 3A), crosses the Saxothuringian Mid-German Crystalline High (DEKORP 3B/MVE (West)) and runs parallel to the northern margin of the Moldanubian (DEKORP 3B/MVE (East)). The 207.65 km long DEKORP 3B (West) profile trends NW-SE and intersects DEKORP 3A in the Tertiary volcanic field within the "Northern Phyllite Zone". It crosses the Hessian Depression of the Rhenohercynian, runs through the Rhön Tertiary volcanic province and the Mesozoic Franconian Basin to the Bohemian Massif. The line ends at the Franconian Line. The reprocessed datasets contain a sub-section of the entire 3B (West) profile with a total length of 90.8 km of full CDP coverage, covering the territory of the state of Hesse, i. e. from the profile’s starting point in the NW to the SE until the Rhön volcanic complex. The reprocessed part of 3B (West) is intersected by four short cross-lines along the profile at km 8.75, 32.6, 64.75, 84.35 and by DEKORP 3A at km 42.3.
The DEKORP '90-3B profile is of particular interest to investigate the seismic resolution of the Hessian depression, the east-hessian Buntsandstein nappe as well as the tertiary volcanic fields of the Kellerwald and Rhön.
The profile 3A was recorded in 1990 as part of the DEKORP project, the German deep seismic reflection program. The focus of the DEKORP project was on deep crustal and lithospheric structures and therefore originally not on structures at shallower depths. From today's perspective, however, this depth range is of great interest for a wide range of possible technical applications (including medium-depth and deep geothermal projects). The original data is published by Stiller et al. (2021). On behalf of the Hessian Agency of Nature Conservation, Environment and Geology (HLNUG). From the 128 km long profile 3A the southernmost 104 km (plus additional 9 km northwards with decreasing CDP coverage to avoid boundary effects during migration) were reprocessed. As a particularity, also a set of 6 cross-lines, each ca. 9.6 km in length and perpendicular to the main line, were surveyed along DEKORP 3A to get information about possible cross-dips. Five of those short cross-lines (Q12-Q16) were reprocessed in 2D and 3D as well. The focus of reprocessing of the old data was on improving the resolution / mapping of geological structures down to a depth of 6 km (approx. 3 s TWT) to describe the prolongation of faults and geological structures in more detail than in previous studies.
In order to achieve these goals and in view of the fact that today's processing and evaluation methods have been improved considerably compared to the 1990‘s, a state-of-the-art reprocessing was implemented. In comparison with the original processing (Stiller et al. (2021)), more sophisticated processing steps like CRS (Common Reflection Surface) instead of CDP (Common Depth Point) stacking, turning-ray tomography and prestack time and depth migration were carried out.
The reprocessing results of the DEKORP 3A survey comprise all datasets newly achieved in addition to the datasets from the original processing (Stiller et al. (2021)), i.e. (1) the migrated CRS image gathers as unstacked data, and (2) the pure CRS stack, the poststack-time as well as prestack-time and prestack-depth migrated sections as stacked data. Moreover, (3) all velocity models used for the different versions including (4) the separate first-break tomography inversion, are contained. Additionally, the results of the 2D- and 3D-reprocessing of cross-lines Q12-Q16 are included.
All reprocessed data come in SEGY trace format, the final sections additionally in PDF graphic format. A reprocessing report is included as well as again all meta information for each domain (source, receiver, CDP) like coordinates, elevations, locations and static corrections combined in ASCII-tables for geometry assignment purposes. Detailed information about acquisition and reprocessing parameters can be found in the accompanying Technical Report (Stiller & Agafonova, 2022).
The DEKORP 3 survey was a combined seismic survey investigating the Variscan structures of the Rhenohercynian and the Saxothuringian. Consisting of three seismic lines it starts in the Rhenohercynian Hessian Depression (DEKORP 3A), crosses the Saxothuringian Mid-German Crystalline High (DEKORP 3B/MVE (West)) and runs parallel to the northern margin of the Moldanubian (DEKORP 3B/MVE (East)). The 128 km long DEKORP 3A profile runs N-S within the Hessian Depression from the Solling Dome in the Rhenohercynian to the Vogelsberg Volcano of the Saxothuringian Mid-German Crystalline High. The middle part of the profile crosses the "Northern Phyllite Zone". The reprocessed datasets contain a sub-section of the entire profile with a total length of 104.1 km of full CDP coverage, covering the territory of the state of Hesse. The reprocessed part of 3A is intersected by five short cross-lines along the profile at km 31.75, 53.55, 73.75, 89.85, 109.85 and by DEKORP 3B/MVE (West) at km 120.75 at its southern end.
The DEKORP '90-3A profile is of particular interest to investigate the seismic resolution of the crust beneath the Permo-Mesozoic to Tertiary Hessian depression, the Kassel graben structure, as well as the tertiary volcanic fields of the Reinhardswald, Habichtswald, Knüll, Söhrewald and stopping just north of the large Cenozoic Vogelsberg complex.
The 208 km long profile 3B/MVE (West) was recorded in 1990 as part of the joint seismic reflection venture DEKORP 1990-3/MVE (Muenchberg-Vogtland-Erzgebirge) between the two former German Republics shortly before their unification. The aim of DEKORP 1990-3/MVE was to explore the structure of the crust from the Rhenish Shield through the Bohemian Massif to the Ore Mountains. The entire profile consists of DEKORP 3A, DEKORP 3B/MVE (West) and its prolongation to the east DEKORP 3B/MVE (East). Its total length amounts to about 600 km. 24 short seismic cross lines and associated 3D blocks with single fold coverage were also recorded.
The seismic survey of 3B/MVE (West) was performed to investigate the deep crustal structure and the transition zone between the Rhenohercynian and Saxothuringian units with high-fold near-vertical incidence vibroseis acquisition. The results were compared with the results from the surveys DEKORP 1 and DEKORP 2, running nearly parallel to the line 3B/MVE (West). Details of the 3B/MVE (West) experiment, its preliminary results and interpretations may be obtained from DEKORP Research Group (A) et al. (1994) and DEKORP Research Group (C) et al. (1994). The Technical Report of line 3B/MVE (West) gives complete information about acquisition and processing parameters.
The European Variscides, extending from the French Central Massif to the East European Platform, originated during the collision between Gondwana and Baltica in the Late Palaeozoic. Due to involvement of various crustal blocks in the orogenesis, the mountain belt is subdivided into distinct zones. The external fold-and-thrust belts of the Rhenohercynian and Saxothuringian as well as the predominantly crystalline body of the Moldanubian dominate the central European segment of the Variscides. Polyphase tectonic deformation, magmatism and metamorphic processes led to a complex interlinking between the units.
The mainly NW-SE running DEKORP 3B/MVE (West) runs perpendicular to the Variscan strike direction and traverses the southern part of the Rhenohercynian unit with the Northern Phyllite Zone and the northern part of the Saxothuringian unit including the Mid-German Crystalline High. Starting in the Kellerwald the profile crosses the Hessian Depression, the Tertiary volcanic Rhoen Mountains and the Mesozoic of the Franconian Basin (DEKORP Research Group (C) et al., 1994). East of Staffelstein the profile turns to the east and ends on the Franconian Line, the southwestern boundary fault zone of the Bohemian Massif. The line 3B/MVE (West) is intersected by ten cross lines along the profile and by DEKORP 3A at its northwestern end. To the east the profile is extended by DEKORP 3B/MVE (East).
The 128 km long profile 3A was recorded in 1990 as part of the joint seismic reflection venture DEKORP 1990-3/MVE (Muenchberg-Vogtland-Erzgebirge) between the two former German Republics shortly before their unification. The aim of DEKORP 1990-3/MVE was to explore the structure of the crust from the Rhenish Shield through the Bohemian Massif to the Ore Mountains. The entire profile consists of DEKORP 3A, DEKORP 3B/MVE (West) and its prolongation to the east DEKORP 3B/MVE (East). Its total length amounts to about 600 km. 24 short cross lines and associated 3D blocks with single fold coverage were also recorded.
The seismic survey of 3A was conducted to investigate the deep crustal structure of the Hessian Depression with high-fold near-vertical incidence vibroseis acquisition, and thus to connect DEKORP 3B/MVE (West) to oil industry seismic profiles in the Leinegraben area. Details of the experiment, preliminary results and interpretations may be obtained from DEKORP Research Group (A) et al. (1994) and DEKORP Research Group (C) et al. (1994). The Technical Report of line 3A gives complete information about acquisition and processing parameters.
The European Variscides, extending from the French Central Massif to the East European Platform, originated during the collision between Gondwana and Baltica in the Late Palaeozoic. Due to involvement of various crustal blocks in the orogenesis, the mountain belt is subdivided into distinct zones. The external fold-and-thrust belts of the Rhenohercynian and Saxothuringian as well as the predominantly crystalline body of the Moldanubian dominate the central European segment of the Variscides. Polyphase tectonic deformation, magmatism and metamorphic processes led to a complex interlinking between the units.
The N-S trending DEKORP 3A line aimed at a seismic characterisation of the crust beneath the Permo-Mesozoic to Tertiary Hessian Depression. Running from the Solling Dome in the Rhenohercynian through the Kassel Graben and the late Tertiary volcanic fields of the Reinhardswald and Soehrewald, the 3A line ends in the Northern Phyllite Zone north of the Vogelsberg Volcano, the largest of the Cenozoic volcanoes in Europe (DEKORP Research Group (C) et al., 1994). DEKORP 3A is intersected by six short cross lines along the profile and by DEKORP 3B/MVE (West) at its southern end.