Structural variability within the Kane Oceanic Core Complex from full waveform inversion and reverse time migration of streamer data

Abstract

The origin and distribution of the gabbroic bodies provide crucial information to understand the formation and evolution processes of the oceanic core complexes (OCCs). Nevertheless, images of the shape of the gabbroic bodies across the domes and gabbroic intrusion into the mantle have remained elusive. High‐resolution acoustic early‐arrival full waveform inversion tomography models obtained along and across the Kane OCC characterize the detailed lateral variability in structure and composition of the upper ~2 km of this well‐developed OCC. Reverse time migration images show the gabbroic plutons embedded in mantle rocks are seismically transparent, while more reflective sections correspond to the layered magmatic crust. Lithological interpretation shows heterogeneous distribution of gabbroic bodies within the Kane OCC, indicating strong spatial and temporal variability in magmatism during fault exhumation. Our results will also be of high value for future scientific ocean drilling efforts in the area.