Crustal structure of the Ribeira fold belt, SE Brazil, derived from receiver functions

Abstract

Crustal thicknesses previously estimated by [J. Geophys. Res. 107 (2002) 2] in SE Brazil varied from 47 km in the middle of the Paraná basin to approximately 35 km in the Ribeira fold belt. We study the crustal structure of the Ribeira belt in more detail by identifying the Ps Moho converted phase and its multiple reflection PpPms, as well as using waveform modeling of receiver functions. We use phase-weighted slant stacking to identify the Ps and PpPms arrival times, which provides the v P/ v S beneath each station. In inverting the receiver functions, we use average crustal velocities and initial models obtained from a deep seismic refraction line, as well as data from a timed quarry blast. The crustal thickness ranges 34–42 km with a thinning trend toward the coast. Crustal thickness correlates with elevation, indicating approximate regional Airy isostasy. Along the Serra do Mar coastal range, the average crustal Poisson ratio is about 0.25. The southern part of the Mantiqueira range has a higher Poisson ratio of 0.28. Stations near the São Francisco craton have a lower Poisson ratio of 0.23.