A N-S receiver function profile across the Variscides and Caledonides in SW Ireland

Abstract

SUMMARY Teleseismic receiver functions have been calculated from data of a temporary seismological network of broad-band three-component stations to investigate the lithospheric and asthenospheric structure across the Late Caledonian Iapetus Suture Zone (ISZ) in southern Ireland. The stations were deployed during the Irish Seismological Lithospheric Experiment (ISLE 2002/3) and straddle the Killarney-Mallow Fault Zone, a remnant of the Variscan orogeny, and the ISZ, the inferred boundary between the Laurentia and Eastern Avalonia plates fused together during the Caledonian orogeny. Receiver functions from the western part of the network were projected onto the N‐S VARNET 1996 seismic refraction profile, extending from the Old Head of Kinsale to Galway Bay in SW Ireland. Laterally continuous P to S conversions from the Moho at delay times of about 3.8‐4.1 s are clearly observed, and correspond to Moho depths of about 29‐32 km. The Moho has a transitional character to the south of the ISZ. Synthetic receiver functions, calculated from a 2-D velocity model of the previous VARNET experiment, show Moho conversions and multiple crustal phases compatible to those observed in the ISLE data. Furthermore, P to S conversions from the 660 km discontinuity (66‐68 s delay time) are well determined at the stations. In comparison, the conversion from the 410 km discontinuity at about 43‐45 s delay time is considerably weaker. Delay times of stacked receiver functions from the mantle transition zone are in agreement with the standard iasp91 earth model and thus no structural changes are observed across the ISZ at this depth interval.