Neotectonic structure in the central new madrid seismic zone: Evidence from multimode seismic-reflection data

Approximately 14.5 km of conventional P-wave and 2.2 km of horizontally polarized shear-wave seismic-reflection data acquired in the Kentucky Bend area of the central New Madrid Seismic Zone provide evidence of extensive neotectonic near-surface structure. The style and geometry of the deformation are consistent with documented historical geomorphic features, contemporary geomorphic features, and contemporary seismicity. The data image high-angle transpressional faults that strike between N30°W and N50°W. The fault planes exhibit apparent northeast and southwest dips. The opposing high-angle planes represent secondary splay or imbricate faults that responded to torsional bending of a lower-angle master fault.