Abstract
Summary The mechanism of lithospheric thinning of the North China Craton (NCC) remains controversial. To constrain the mechanism, this study investigated the upper-mantle deformation pattern of the craton by measuring shear wave splitting at the cratonic edge. The results, derived from data recorded at 47 stations, reveal a complex pattern of mantle deformation. Inside the eastern craton, the majority of fast direction trends SE—NW parallel to the tectonic extension direction accompanying with the lithospheric thinning. At the cratonic edge, 15 stations with only null splitting results indicate undetectable anisotropy beneath the stations. This may be due to upwelling or chaotic ascension of mantle flow. To the north, off the craton, large delay times and variation of splitting parameter with backazimuth are generated by the combination of lithospheric and asthenospheric anisotropy. Based on comparison of the splitting results and the predicted ones by the compelling models, it is likely that lithospheric delamination dominated the lithospheric thinning at the north edge of the NCC during the Mesozoic to Cenozoic.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.