Anisotropy of Resisitiviy Distributions and Fault Rock Microstructures in Fault Zones -Two Case Studies of Hatagawa and Atotsugawa Fault, Japan-

Abstract:

Structure and physical characteristics in a fault zone are not homogeneous. The inhomogeneity should be related to earthquake generation mechanism. However, main features of the inhomogeneity in fault zones are not yet sufficiently understood. It is considered to be effective to compare geophysical data of geophysical survey and/or downhole logging with physical properties, microstructures and mineral compositions of fault rocks in the fault zone. In this presentation, results of the comparisons are introduced in the case of two fault zones; Hatagawa and Atotsugawa fault, in north-east and central Japan, respectively, and factors affecting the inhomogeneity of fault structure are suggested.
Anisotropic resistivity measurements in laboratory were compared with microscopic observations of fault rocks recovered from outcrops of Hatagawa fault. In the case of Atotsugawa fault, the anisotropic resistivity profiles by physical survey across the fault zones were compared with microscopic observations and mineral composition analysis of fault rocks provided by drilling into the fault zone. As a result, the anisotropic resistivity profiles are strongly related to foliation structure of fault rocks. It is suggested that fault slip at the earthquake and shear deformation during the earthquake recurrence time develope foliation fabrics of fault rocks, and that the resistivity profile becomes anisotropic progressively in the fault zone.