海洋地科聯合助攻：台灣南部陸海域泥地體構造與其致災性整合研究(2/3)

This single integrated project, consisting of 6 sub-projects, will have three years to integrate geological data, geophysical data and crustal deformation from both marine and onshore realms to probe into the spatial distribution and origins of mud-cored anticlines, mud diapirs and mud volcanoes. Geohazards may be caused by the deformation from the onshore structures will also be highlighted and discussed. Revealing the relationship among onshore and offshore structures is one of the major research objectives for this integrated project. For examples, how the offshore compressive deformation front connecting to the onshore frontal fold/thrust; how the offshore megathrust (splay fault) connecting with the onshore structures; how the onshore Fengshan Anticline and Pintung Anticline extending into the offshore structures; the relationship between the Chaochou Fault and Hengchun Fault and the offshore extension of the Hengchun Fault. The onshore/offshore relationships for all the above mentioned structures are imminent questions to be addressed in order to assess their risks from seismic activities and crustal deformation. In addition, there are a cluster of mud diapirs and giant mud volcanoes found in the upper accretionary wedge (Hengchun Ridge) off the Hengchun Peninsula. These mud volcanoes are exceptionally larger than those found off the coast of SW Taiwan. This integrated project will also explore the origin of this newly found mud volcano/mud diapir field. The results of this integrated project will propose a new geo-tectonic map, showing the spatial distribution of offshore and onshore structures with an emphasis on their offshore and onshore connections. The roles that mud deformation and mud tectonics will also be assessed in terms of earthquake risks and larger-scale tectonic deformation. Our results can be used on future seismic risk analyses and providing scientific evidence for government on disaster prevention and risk mitigation.