Array analysis of two-dimensional variations in surface wave phase velocity and azimuthal anisotropy in the presence of multipathing interference

Author(s):  
Donald W. Forsyth ◽  
Aibing Li
2020 ◽  
Vol 110 (3) ◽  
pp. 1359-1371
Author(s):  
Lun Li ◽  
Yuanyuan V. Fu

ABSTRACT An understanding of mantle dynamics occurring beneath the Tibetan plateau requires a detailed image of its seismic velocity and anisotropic structure. Surface waves at long periods (>50  s) could provide such critical information. Though Rayleigh-wave phase velocity maps have been constructed in the Tibetan regions using ambient-noise tomography (ANT) and regional earthquake surface-wave tomography, Love-wave phase velocity maps, especially those at longer periods (>50  s), are rare. In this study, two-plane-wave teleseismic surface-wave tomography is applied to develop 2D Rayleigh-wave and Love-wave phase velocity maps at periods between 20 and 143 s across eastern and central Tibet and its surroundings using four temporary broadband seismic experiments. These phase velocity maps share similar patterns and show high consistency with those previously obtained from ANT at overlapping periods (20–50 s), whereas our phase velocity maps carry useful information at longer periods (50–143 s). Prominent slow velocity is imaged at periods of 20–143 s beneath the interior of the Tibetan plateau (i.e., the Songpan–Ganzi terrane, the Qiangtang terrane, and the Lhasa terrane), implying the existence of thick Tibetan crust along with warm and weak Tibetan lithosphere. In contrast, the dispersal of fast velocity anomalies coincides with mechanically strong, cold tectonic blocks, such as the Sichuan basin and the Qaidam basin. These phase velocity maps could be used to construct 3D shear-wave velocity and radial seismic anisotropy models of the crust and upper mantle down to 250 km across the eastern and central Tibetan plateau.


2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 110
Author(s):  
Xiaoming Xu ◽  
Dazhou Zhang ◽  
Xiang Huang ◽  
Xiaoman Cao

The North China Craton (NCC) has experienced strong tectonic deformation and lithospheric thinning since the Cenozoic. To better constrain the geodynamic processes and mechanisms of the lithospheric deformation, we used a linear damped least squares method to invert simultaneously Rayleigh wave phase velocity and azimuthal anisotropy at periods of 10–80 s with teleseismic data recorded by 388 permanent stations in the NCC and its adjacent areas. The results reveal that the anomalies of Rayleigh wave phase velocity and azimuthal anisotropy are in good agreement with the tectonic domains in the study area. Low-phase velocities appear in the rift grabens and sedimentary basins at short periods. A rotation pattern of the fast axis direction of the Rayleigh wave together with a distinct low-velocity anomaly occurs around the Datong volcano. A NW–SE trending azimuthal anisotropy and a low-velocity anomaly at periods of 60–80 s are observed subparallel to the Zhangbo fault zone. The whole lithosphere domain of the Ordos block shows a high-phase velocity and counterclockwise rotated fast axis. The northeastern margin of the Tibetan plateau is dominated by a low-velocity and coherent NW–SE fast axis direction. We infer that the subduction of the Paleo-Pacific plate and eastward material escape of the Tibetan plateau mainly contribute to the deformation of the crust and upper mantle in the NCC.


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