Exploring the Wenchuan earthquake fault through the accurate location of WFSD-4# Well using seismic reflection

Deep drilling data on seismogenic faults that are obtained directly can help in understanding earthquake mechanisms and the resulting changes in deep structure and material composition. However, geophysical data are necessary to ensure that the planned borehole accurately drills through the target faults. In this study, the deep crustal structure of the Longmenshan fault is explored to obtain seismogenic fault characteristics of the Wenchuan earthquake. A scientific drilling project, Wenchuan Earthquake Fault Scientific Drilling No.4 Borehole (WFSD-4) is proposed with a borehole designed to drill through the north section of the fault zone while penetrating as many geological bodies and target layers related to seismogenic fault slip as possible. High-precision seismic exploration is then carried out to study the deep structure of the fault zone and achieve the scientific objective of the borehole. Two high-precision deep seismic reflection lines were arranged perpendicularly to the fault zone, and data were obtained through special acquisition schemes and processing methods. Finally, the surface position and drilling depth route of WFSD-4 are determined based on the interpretation results of seismic profiles. The seismic refl ection method for site selection of the Wenchuan earthquake fault scientific drilling is proven feasible by comparing the interpretation with the actual drilling results, laying the foundation for further study on the deep structures of fault zones.