New Mantle Convection Models Constrained by Seismic Tomography Data

2003 ◽  
Vol 46 (6) ◽  
pp. 1106-1113 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rongshan FU ◽  
Jianhua HUANG ◽  
Shuqian DONG ◽  
Xiaohua CHANG
Keyword(s):  
Seismic Tomography ◽  
Mantle Convection ◽  
Tomography Data

Convolutional quelling in seismic tomography

Geophysics ◽  
1989 ◽  
Vol 54 (5) ◽  
pp. 570-580 ◽  
Author(s):  
Keith A. Meyerholtz ◽  
Gary L. Pavlis ◽  
Sally A. Szpakowski
Keyword(s):  
Least Squares ◽  
Seismic Tomography ◽  
Nearest Neighbor ◽  
Sparse Matrix ◽  
Weighted Least Squares ◽  
Synthetic Data ◽  
Least Squares Solution ◽  
Smoothing Filter ◽  
Imaging Artifacts ◽  
Tomography Data

This paper introduces convolutional quelling as a technique to improve imaging of seismic tomography data. We show the result amounts to a special type of damped, weighted, least‐squares solution. This insight allows us to implement the technique in a practical manner using a sparse matrix, conjugate gradient equation solver. We applied the algorithm to synthetic data using an eight nearest‐neighbor smoothing filter for the quelling. The results were found to be superior to a simple, least‐squares solution because convolutional quelling suppresses side bands in the resolving function that lead to imaging artifacts.

scholarly journals The location of lithospheric-scale transfer faults and their control on the Cu-Au deposits of New Guinea

2013 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 1687-1720 ◽  
Author(s):  
L. T. White ◽  
M. P. Morse ◽  
G. S. Lister
Keyword(s):  
Stress Field ◽  
Seismic Tomography ◽  
Gravity Data ◽  
New Guinea ◽  
Poor Quality ◽  
Mineral Deposits ◽  
Regional Stress ◽  
Igneous Intrusions ◽  
Transfer Faults ◽  
Tomography Data

Abstract. The location of major Cu-Au deposits on the island of New Guinea are considered to be controlled by a series of transfer faults that strike N–S to NE–SW, perpendicular to the long axis of the island. The premise is that these faults dilate perpendicular to the regional stress field, forming conduits for metalliferous bearing fluids and gas to deposit. However, the data on which this idea was first proposed was often not presented, or when it was, is of poor quality or low resolution. We therefore present a review of the existing structural interpretations and compare these with several recently published geophysical datasets (gravity, magnetics and seismic tomography) to determine if the Cu-Au controlling transfer faults could be observed. These data were used to produce a new lineament map of New Guinea. A comparison of the lineaments with the location of major Cu-Au deposits indicates there is a link between the arc-normal structures and mineralization. However, it is only those deposits that are less than 4.5 million years old that could be associated with these structures. Gravity and seismic tomography data indicate that some of these structures could penetrate deep levels of the lithosphere, providing some support to the earlier idea that the arc-normal transfer faults act as conduits for the younger mineral deposits of New Guinea. The gravity data can also be used to infer the location of igneous intrusions at depth, which could have brought metal-bearing fluids and gases closer to the Earth's surface. These regions might be of interest for future exploration campaigns, particularly those areas that are crosscut by deep, vertical faults. However, new exploration models are needed to explain the location of the deposits that are older than 5 Ma.

scholarly journals Compositional mantle layering revealed by slab stagnation at ~1000-km depth

2015 ◽  
Vol 1 (11) ◽  
pp. e1500815 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maxim D. Ballmer ◽  
Nicholas C. Schmerr ◽  
Takashi Nakagawa ◽  
Jeroen Ritsema
Keyword(s):  
Numerical Modeling ◽  
Seismic Tomography ◽  
Upper Mantle ◽  
Lower Mantle ◽  
Mantle Convection ◽  
Global Scale ◽  
Compositional Gradient ◽  
Mantle Enrichment ◽  
Geodynamic Models ◽  
Neutrally Buoyant

Improved constraints on lower-mantle composition are fundamental to understand the accretion, differentiation, and thermochemical evolution of our planet. Cosmochemical arguments indicate that lower-mantle rocks may be enriched in Si relative to upper-mantle pyrolite, whereas seismic tomography images suggest whole-mantle convection and hence appear to imply efficient mantle mixing. This study reconciles cosmochemical and geophysical constraints using the stagnation of some slab segments at ~1000-km depth as the key observation. Through numerical modeling of subduction, we show that lower-mantle enrichment in intrinsically dense basaltic lithologies can render slabs neutrally buoyant in the uppermost lower mantle. Slab stagnation (at depths of ~660 and ~1000 km) and unimpeded slab sinking to great depths can coexist if the basalt fraction is ~8% higher in the lower mantle than in the upper mantle, equivalent to a lower-mantle Mg/Si of ~1.18. Global-scale geodynamic models demonstrate that such a moderate compositional gradient across the mantle can persist can in the presence of whole-mantle convection.

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