The upper-mantle discontinuities underneath the GRF array from P-to-S converted phases

Main Article Content

R. Kind
L.P. Vinnik

Abstract

A data-processing method is applied which includes a rotation of the three components, normalization and delay-and-sum of broadband records of earthquakes from a large distance and azimuth distribution, recorded at a single station (or an array). Clear P-to-S converted phases at the mantle discontinuities are observed in the Grafenberg records, after this data processing. Theoretical seismograms are computed for the PREM model and processed in the same way as the observed data. A comparison with the data shows that the depth interval between the two discontinuities in the mantle transition zone (those at 400 and 670 km depth in PREM) is around 240 km. The 670-km discontinuity is sharper than the 400-km discontinuity and is comparable in sharpness with the crust-mantle transition, as far as it is possible to judge from the broadband data used. There are indications of pronounced lateral heterogeneity of the 400-km transition, underneath GRF. We have also observed converted and multiply reflected shear waves in the crust, which set sensitive limits to the average crustal model underneath the array. These data suggest that the velocity jump at the Moho is smaller than indicated by refraction studies.


Google Scholar           ARK: https://n2t.net/ark:/88439/y067070


Permalink: https://geophysicsjournal.com/article/135


 

Article Details

How to Cite
Kind, R., & Vinnik, L. (1987). The upper-mantle discontinuities underneath the GRF array from P-to-S converted phases. Journal of Geophysics, 62(1), 138-147. Retrieved from https://journal.geophysicsjournal.com/JofG/article/view/135

References

Aichele, H. (1976) Interpretation refraktionsseismischer Messungen im Gebiet des Frankisch-Schwabischen Jura. Dissertation, University of Stuttgart

Dziewonski, A.M., Anderson, D.L. (1981) Preliminary reference Earth model. Phys. Earth Planet. Inter. 25:297-356

Faber, S., Muller, G. (1984) Converted phases from the mantle transition zone observed at European stations. J. Geophys. 54:183-194

Jeanloz, R., Thompson, A.B. (1983) Phase transitions and mantle discontinuities. Rev. Geophys. Space Phys. 21:51-74

Kind, R. (1985) The reflectivity method for different source and receiver structures and comparison with GRF data. J. Geophys. 58:146-152

Liu Qiyuan, Kind, R. (1986) Lateral variations of the structure of the crust-mantle boundary from conversions ofteleseismic P waves. J. Geophys. 60:149-156

Owens, T.J., Taylor, S.R., Zandt, G. (1987) Crustal structure at regional seismic test network stations determined from inversion of broadband teleseismic P waveforms. Bull. Seismal. Soc. Am. 77:631-662

Paulssen, H. (1985) Upper mantle converted waves beneath the NARS array. Geophys. Res. Lett. 12:709-712

Schlittenhardt, J. (1986) Investigation of the velocity and Q structure of the lowermost mantle using PcP/P amplitude ratios at distances of 70°-84°. J. Geophys. 60:1-18

Vinnik, L.P. (1977) Detection of waves converted from P-to-SV in the mantle. Phys. Earth Planet. Inter. 15:39-45

Vinnik, L.P., Avetisjan, R.A., Mikhailova, N.G. (1983) Heterogeneities in the mantle transition zone from observations of P-to-SV converted waves. Phys. Earth Planet. Inter. 33:149-163