Global Variability of Density Contrast Across the 660‐km Discontinuity

Abstract

AbstractThis study investigates lateral variations in density contrast across the 660‐km discontinuity, which is critical for understanding mantle convection and composition. We produce a global map of density jump, with values ranging from 3.8% to 9.3%, at the mineralogical phase boundary by applying inversions of amplitude variations with offset to underside S reflections. Our observations reveal a global average velocity jump of 4.1% and a density jump of 5.3%, favoring a pyrolitic bulk composition. Near major subduction zones, most notably the western Pacific and South America, we identify reduced density jumps in regions of depressed 660‐km discontinuity, consistent with basalt fractions greater than 30% in a mechanically mixed mantle. The causal association between density jump and compositional changes is further supported by a moderate correlation between lateral variations in density jump and those of water content anomalies.