Texture-controlled elastic anisotropy of amphibolites from the Kola superdeep borehole SG-3 at high pressures

Within the framework of the Kola deep drilling project SG-3, complete compr essional wave velocity patterns of five amphibolite samples differing in th eir fabric and composition were determined and experimentally and modeled f rom the mineral textures to gain constraints on the elastic behavior of thi s rock type and on variations in its bulk rock anisotropy. The experimental and modeled data were compared to constrain the factors controlling the el astic behavior. It was concluded, that lattice preferred orientation largel y determines the anisotropic physical properties of the bulk rock. However, in addition to the mineral texture, other factors such as open microcracks and open fractures control the elastic properties of the bulk rock.