Body Wave Travel Times Research Articles

3-D P-wave velocity structure of the upper mantle beneath eastern Indonesia from body wave tomography

Eastern Indonesia's tectonic setting is well known for its complexity and intense seismic activity. Controlled by several major and minor plates, including the Eurasian, Australian, and Pacific plates, this region is famous for its U-shaped subduction system beneath the Banda Arc. To better understand the architecture of the underlying structure in this region, we performed body-wave travel time tomography using ten years of catalog data provided by the Indonesian Agency for Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics. We utilize 9729 events in total, from which 46,446 P-wave arrival times were extracted. We used a double difference method to relocate the initial event catalog, which produced a pattern of seismicity consistent with a curved subduction system. Our tomographic model reveals a high velocity band between 90 and 240 km depth in the upper mantle, which is interpreted to be a concave dipping lithospheric slab that is parallel to the present-day Banda arc. Our results also show that lithosphere subducting from the north and south starts to collide at a depth of 300–350 km and becomes shallower further east. Apparent discontinuities in the high velocity band and a corresponding lack of seismicity supports the presence of a slab tear to the west of Seram. A dipping high velocity structure that is present from south to north beneath the island of Timor represents a subducting slab that dips more steeply beyond a depth of 150–200 km, which appears consistent with slab roll-back. Our tomographic model also shows evidence of back arc thrusting to the north of Sumbawa and Flores Islands in the form of a south-dipping higher velocity band at shallow depth. Furthermore, our tomographic models also reveal the possible presence of underthrust continental forearc in the form of a thin higher velocity anomaly that connects the backarc thrust and northward dipping lithosphere slab in the Timor area. Finally, a zone of low velocity above the higher velocity slab is clearly seen beneath Seram Island at a depth of ∼100 km and may represent a partial melting zone.

Evidence for a liquid silicate layer atop the Martian core

Seismic recordings made during the InSight mission1 suggested that Mars’s liquid core would need to be approximately 27% lighter than pure liquid iron2,3, implying a considerable complement of light elements. Core compositions based on seismic and bulk geophysical constraints, however, require larger quantities of the volatile elements hydrogen, carbon and sulfur than those that were cosmochemically available in the likely building blocks of Mars4. Here we show that multiply diffracted P waves along a stratified core–mantle boundary region of Mars in combination with first-principles computations of the thermoelastic properties of liquid iron-rich alloys3 require the presence of a fully molten silicate layer overlying a smaller, denser liquid core. Inverting differential body wave travel time data with particular sensitivity to the core–mantle boundary region suggests a decreased core radius of 1,675 ± 30 km associated with an increased density of 6.65 ± 0.1 g cm−3, relative to previous models2,4–8, while the thickness and density of the molten silicate layer are 150 ± 15 km and 4.05 ± 0.05 g cm−3, respectively. The core properties inferred here reconcile bulk geophysical and cosmochemical requirements, consistent with a core containing 85–91 wt% iron–nickel and 9–15 wt% light elements, chiefly sulfur, carbon, oxygen and hydrogen. The chemical characteristics of a molten silicate layer above the core may be revealed by products of Martian magmatism.

On constraining 3D seismic anisotropy in subduction, mid-ocean-ridge, and plume environments with teleseismic body wave data

Conventional seismic tomography studies consider the Earth’s interior as mechanically isotropic, despite seismic anisotropy being widely observed. This current standard approach to seismic imaging is likely to lead to significant artefacts in tomographic images with first-order effects on interpretations and hinders the quantitative integration of seismology with geodynamic flow models. Although a few methodologies have been proposed for carrying out anisotropic tomography, their ability in simultaneously recovering isotropic and anisotropic structures has not been rigorously tested. In this contribution we use geodynamic and seismological modeling to predict the elastic properties and synthetic teleseismic P- and S-wave travel-time datasets for three different tectonic settings: a plume rising in an intraplate setting, a divergent margin, and a subduction zone. Subsequently, we perform seismic anisotropy tomography testing a recently developed methodology that allows for the inversion of an arbitrarily oriented weakly anisotropic hexagonally symmetric medium using multiple body-wave datasets. The tomography experiments indicate that anisotropic inversions of separate and joint P- and S-wave travel-times are capable of recovering the first order isotropic velocity anomalies and anisotropic patterns. In particular, joint P- and S-wave anisotropic inversions show that by leveraging both phases it is possible to greatly mitigate issues related to imperfect data coverage common in seismology and reduce parameter trade-offs. In contrast, by neglecting seismic anisotropy, isotropic tomographic models provide no information on the mantle fabrics and in all cases are contaminated by strong velocity artifacts. In the inversions the magnitude of anisotropy (as well as that of seismic anomalies) is always underestimated owing to regularization procedures and smearing effects. It follows that the true seismic anisotropy of mantle rocks is likely higher than estimated from anisotropic tomographies, and more consistent with predictions from laboratory and numerical micro-mechanical experiments. Altogether, these results suggest that anisotropic body-wave tomography could provide unprecedented information about the Earth’s deep geological structure, and that the latter could be better recovered by complementing teleseismic body-wave travel-times with other geophysical datasets.

Structural constraints of induced earthquakes in the Weiyuan Shale Gas Field revealed by high-resolution body-wave tomography and earthquake relocation

Increasing concerns have been raised about hydraulic fracturing (HF) due to its capability of triggering damaging earthquakes. Although there is a common consensus that local geological settings play significant roles in these earthquakes, to what extent they influence earthquake locations and magnitudes within a shale gas field remains unclear. Here we conduct body-wave travel time tomography, earthquake relocation, and structural analysis in the Weiyuan Shale Gas Field (WSGF), Sichuan Basin, China. We find that structural deformation of the Weiyuan anticline and the newly revealed basement rift constrained the locations and magnitudes of ML ≥ 3.0 earthquakes in the WSGF. We also observe that ML ≥ 3.0 earthquakes are more prone to occur in low-velocity or velocity transition zones that are geologically susceptible. Based on high-resolution earthquake locations, we use aftershocks to delineate the fault plane of the largest Mw 5.0 in the WSGF. Our analysis shows the Mw 5.0 event nucleated in the basement rift and ruptured a fault plane strikes along northeast. Our results shed light on mitigating destructive earthquakes in shale gas fields by identifying geologically susceptible zones using structural deformation simulation and high-resolution tomography methods.

Detection of Mars Normal Modes From S1222a Event and Seismic Hum

AbstractWe present the first detection of normal modes on Mars using the vertical records from InSight's broad‐band seismometer following the marsquake that occurred on sol 1222. The proposed catalog lists 60 potential eigenfrequencies between 3 and 12 mHz. Due to their low signal‐to‐noise ratio, these normal modes were detected using the phasor walkout approach. The normal modes amplitudes are consistent with the upper limit of the S1222a magnitude and with high quality factors. Additionally, we provide the first detection of a Martian hum before the quake for several of these frequencies. The proposed frequencies are at about 1‐sigma of those predicted by published models based on body wave travel time inversions. Our detection of normal modes is the first made on a terrestrial planet other than Earth and opens the way for future interior models that incorporate both normal modes frequencies, surface waves velocities and body wave travel times.

Retracted: Self-consistent models of Earth’s mantle and core from long-period seismic and tidal constraints

SUMMARYIn this study, we inverted a large set of normal-mode centre-frequencies and quality (attenuation) factors, including astronomic-geodetic data (mass, moment of inertia and tidal response), using self-consistently built models of the radial elastic and anelastic seismic structure of the Earth. The mantle models are constructed using petrologic phase equilibria in combination with a laboratory-based viscoelastic model that connects dissipation from seismic to tidal periods, whereas seismic properties for a well-mixed and homogeneous core are computed using equations-of-state. Relative to the preliminary seismic reference model (PREM), we find that for the models to fit the observations, mantle P- and S-wave velocities have to be slightly faster and slower, respectively, while outer-core P-wave velocity is slower on account of a different velocity gradient, whereas inner-core velocity structure is similar, within the uncertainties of the inferred model parameters. In terms of density, we find that the lower mantle is less dense and the outer core more dense than PREM, while the inner core is similar to PREM. To study the impact of the inferred mantle seismic velocity structure, we computed P- and S-wave traveltimes and compared these to the observations of globally-averaged P- and S-wave traveltimes from the reprocessed ISC catalogue that resulted in an excellent match. In an attempt to further refine the seismic P-wave velocity structure of the outer core, we also considered multiple core–mantle-boundary underside-reflected body wave traveltime data. Although the match to the underside reflections clearly improves as a result of a steeper velocity gradient in the outer core relative to the normal-modes- and astronomic-geodetic-data-only case, subtle differences nevertheless persist that appear to support a change in velocity gradient in the outermost core, evocative of a stably-stratified layer. The laboratory-based viscoelastic model considered here resolves the anelastic response of Earth’s mantle from long-period seismic (∼100 s) to tidal (18.6 yr) periods, accounting for both normal-mode and tidal dissipation measurements. Finally, as a potential means of refining core composition, we considered the density contrast across the inner-core boundary (ICB) based on our inverted models. The most probable ICB density difference found here is 0.3–0.45 g cm−3, which is in the lower range of earlier body-wave- and normal-mode-based predictions. This suggests that the compositional heterogeneity associated with light-element partitioning, which is considered the principal driving mechanism for the compositional convection that powers the geodynamo, may be less effective than previously thought, calling for exsolution of solids from the liquid outer core as a possible additional source of energy. This would also help address the problem of a young inner core.

Seismic anisotropy and geodynamics of the East Japan subduction zone

Seismic anisotropy in the East Japan arc has been extensively investigated by conducting shear-wave splitting measurements, receiver-function analyses, and tomographic inversions of body-wave travel times and surface-wave dispersion data, which have provided a wealth of information on dynamic processes associated with active subduction of the Pacific plate. Measuring shear-wave splitting is popular and effective to detect seismic anisotropy, but it has poor depth resolution. This problem has been overcome by conducting 3-D anisotropic tomography, which has high-resolution in both lateral and vertical directions. Both P and S wave anisotropies are revealed in the crust, which are caused by alignment or preferred orientation of crustal minerals and stress-induced microcracks related to active faults. Trench-normal fast-velocity directions (FVDs) of azimuthal anisotropy are revealed in the back-arc mantle wedge, reflecting subduction-driven convection there. Trench-parallel FVDs appear in the forearc mantle wedge under the land area, which may reflect deformation that results in B-type olivine fabric. The forearc mantle wedge offshore may lack anisotropy, suggesting that it is stagnant and decoupled from the subducting slab and does not participate in the viscous flow, in sharp contrast with the rest of the mantle wedge. The most significant findings of the body-wave anisotropic tomography are its constraints on the slab anisotropy. The subducting Pacific slab exhibits mainly trench-parallel FVDs, which reflect shape-preferred orientation of crystals and cracks related to normal faults produced in the outer-rise area before the plate subduction, overprinting the fossil anisotropy that the Pacific plate gained when it was produced at the mid-ocean ridge. Trench-parallel intraslab fast velocity planes of anisotropy intersect the slab upper surface at high angles (∼45–90°), reflecting aligned hydrated faults in the slab. Ruptures of the hydrated faults in the upper part of the slab may cause large intraslab earthquakes (M ≥7.0) that take place frequently beneath the forearc area. Trench-normal FVDs also appear in the subslab mantle, which may reflect asthenospheric shear deformation associated with the overlying slab subduction.

Mantle Phase Changes Detected From Stochastic Tomography

AbstractStochastic tomography, made possible by dense deployments of seismic sensors, is used to identify phase changes in Earth's mantle that occur over depth intervals. This technique inverts spatial coherences of amplitudes and travel times of body waves to determine the depth and dependence of the spatial spectrum of seismic velocity. This spectrum is interpreted using the predicted thermodynamic stability of mineral composition and phase as a function of temperature and pressure, in which the metamorphic temperature derivative of seismic velocities is used as a proxy for the effects of heterogeneity induced in a region undergoing a phase change. Peaks in the temperature derivative of seismic velocity closely match those found from applying stochastic tomography to elements of Earthscope and Flex arrays. Within ±12 km, peaks in the fluctuation of P velocity at 425, 500, and 600 km depth beneath the western US agree with those predicted by a mechanical mixture of harzburgite and basalt, 180 K cooler than a 1600 K adiabat in the mantle transition zone. A broad peak at 250 km depth may be associated with chemical heterogeneity induced by dehydration of subducted oceanic sediments, and a peak at 775 km depth with a phase change in subducted basalt. Non‐detection of predicted phase changes less than 10 km in width is consistent with the resolution possible with the seismic arrays used in the inversion, including the sharp endothermic phase change near 660 km. These interpretations are consistent with the known history of plate subduction beneath North America.

A comparative study of seismic tomography models of Southwest China

The margin of the Tibetan Plateau of Southwest China is one of the most seismically active regions of China and is the location of the China Seismic Experimental Site (CSES). Many studies have developed seismic velocity models of Southwest China, but few have compared and evaluated these models which is important for further model improvement. Thus, we compared six published seismic shear-wave velocity models of Southwest China on absolute velocity and velocity perturbation patterns. The models are derived from different types of data (e.g., surface waves from ambient noise and earthquakes, body-wave travel times, receiver functions) and inversion methods. We interpolated the models into a uniform horizontal grid (0.5° × 0.5°) and vertically sampled them at 5, 10, 20, 30, 40, and 60 km depths. We found significant differences between the six models. Then, we selected three of them that showed greater consistency for further comparison. Our further comparisons revealed systematic biases between models in absolute velocity that may be related to different data types. The perturbation pattern of the model is especially divergent in the shallow part, but more consistent in the deep part. We conducted synthetic and inversion tests to explore possible causes and our results imply that systematic differences between the data, differences in methods, and other factors may directly affect the model. Therefore, the Southwest China velocity model still has considerable room for improvement, and the impact of inconsistency between different data types on the model needs further research. Finally, we proposed a new reference shear-wave velocity model of Southwest China (SwCM-S1.0) based on the three selected models with high consistency. We believe that this model is a better representation of more robust features of the models that are based on different data sets.

On the Patterns and Scaling Properties of the 2021–2022 Arkalochori Earthquake Sequence (Central Crete, Greece) Based on Seismological, Geophysical and Satellite Observations

The 27 September 2021 damaging mainshock (Mw6.0) close to Arkalochori village is the strongest earthquake that was recorded during the instrumental period of seismicity in Central Crete (Greece). The mainshock was preceded by a significant number of foreshocks that lasted nearly four months. Maximum ground subsidence of about 18 cm was estimated from InSAR processing. The aftershock sequence is located in an almost NE-SW direction and divided into two main clusters, the southern and the northern ones. The foreshock activity, the deformation area, and the strongest aftershocks are located within the southern cluster. Based on body-wave travel times, a 3-D velocity model was developed, while using combined space and ground-based geodetic techniques, the co-seismic ground deformation is presented. Moreover, we examined the co-seismic static stress changes with respect to the aftershocks’ spatial distribution during the major events of the foreshocks, the Mw = 6.0 main event as well as the largest aftershock. Both the foreshock and the aftershock sequences obey the scaling law for the frequency-magnitude distribution as derived from the framework of non-extensive statistical physics (NESP). The aftershock production rate decays according to the modified Omori scaling law, exhibiting various Omori regimes due to the generation of secondary aftershock sequences. The analysis of the inter-event time distribution, based on NESP, further indicates asymptotic power-law scaling and long-range correlations among the events. The spatiotemporal evolution of the aftershock sequence indicates triggering by co-seismic stress transfer, while its slow migration towards the outer edges of the area of the aftershocks, related to the logarithm of time, further indicates a possible afterslip.

Joint inversion of gravity, magnetotelluric and seismic data using the alternating direction method of multipliers

SUMMARY Joint inversion for the same or different geophysical parameters is proved to be an effective technique for obtaining high-resolution solutions. Thus, comprehensive geophysical interpretation based on joint inversion has been widely concerned and applied in recent years. To realize joint inversion conveniently and efficiently, we proposed a new inversion strategy based on the alternating direction method of multipliers. In this regard, three optimization algorithms were presented respectively to attain the joint inversion of body wave traveltime and surface wave dispersion data, to obtain the joint inversion of magnetotelluric and seismic data with cross-gradient constraints, and to acquire gravity constrained inversion. A complex model with inconsistent structures in terms of resistivity, velocity and density was designed to evaluate the accuracy and effectiveness of the multiparameter joint inversion algorithms. In our joint inversion processes, each method was optimized independently and the jointly inverted results were significantly more accurate than those of separate inversions. Finally, we applied the algorithms to the field data involving gravity anomaly data, magnetotelluric data and Rayleigh wave dispersion data. The reliable underground structure was achieved by the joint interpretation of density, resistivity and velocity profiles, which verified the practicality of the inversion strategy in the actual data.

USTClitho2.0: Updated Unified Seismic Tomography Models for Continental China Lithosphere from Joint Inversion of Body-Wave Arrival Times and Surface-Wave Dispersion Data

Abstract Xin et al. (2019) presented 3D seismic velocity models (VP and VS) of crust and uppermost mantle of continental China using seismic body-wave travel-time tomography, which are referred to as Unified Seismic Tomography Models for Continental China Lithosphere 1.0 (USTClitho1.0). Compared with previous models of continental China, the VP and VS models of USTClitho1.0 have the highest spatial resolution of 0.5°–1.0° in the horizontal direction and are useful for better understanding the complex tectonics of continental China. Although USTClitho1.0 is implicitly constrained by surface-wave data by using the VS model from surface-wave tomography and the converted VP model as initial models for body-wave travel-time tomography, the predicted surface-wave dispersion curves from USTClitho1.0 do not fit the observed data well. Here, we present updated 3D VP and VS models of the continental China lithosphere (USTClitho2.0) by joint inversion of body-wave arrival times and surface-wave dispersion data. Compared with the previous joint inversion scheme of Zhang et al. (2014), similar to Fang et al. (2016), it is further improved by including the sensitivity of surface-wave dispersion data to VP in the new joint inversion system. As a result, the shallow VP structure is also better imaged. In addition, the new joint inversion scheme considers the large topography variations between the eastern and western parts of China. Thus, USTClitho2.0 better resolves the upper-crustal structure of the Tibetan plateau. Compared with USTClitho1.0, USTClitho2.0 fits both body-wave arrival times and surface-wave dispersion data. Thus, the new velocity models are more accurate and can serve as a better reference model for regional-scale tomography and geodynamic studies in continental China.

SPiRaL: a multiresolution global tomography model of seismic wave speeds and radial anisotropy variations in the crust and mantle

SUMMARYSPiRaL is a joint global-scale model of wave speeds (P and S) and anisotropy (vertical transverse isotropy, VTI) variations in the crust and mantle. The model is comprised of >2.1 million nodes with five parameters at each node that capture velocity variations for P- and S-waves travelling at arbitrary directions in transversely isotropic media with a vertical symmetry axis (VTI). The crust (including ice, water, sediments and crystalline layers) is directly incorporated into the model. The default node spacing is approximately 2° in the lower mantle and 1° in the crust and upper mantle. The grid is refined with ∼0.25° minimum node spacing in highly sampled regions of the crust and upper mantle throughout North America and Eurasia. The data considered in the construction of SPiRaL includes millions of body wave traveltimes (crustal, regional and teleseismic phases with multiples) and surface wave (Rayleigh and Love) dispersion. A multiresolution inversion approach is employed to capture long-wavelength heterogeneities commonly depicted in global-scale tomography images as well as more localized details that are typically resolved in more focused regional-scale studies. Our previous work has demonstrated that such global-scale models with regional-scale detail can accurately predict both teleseismic and regional body wave traveltimes, which is necessary for more accurate location of small seismic events that may have limited signal at teleseismic distances. SPiRaL was constructed to predict traveltimes for event location and long-period waveform dispersion for seismic source inversion applications in regions without sufficiently tuned models. SPiRaL may also serve as a starting model for full-waveform inversion (FWI) with the goal of fitting waves with periods 10–50 s over multiple broad regions (thousands of kilometres) and potentially the globe. To gain insight to this possibility, we simulated waveforms for a small set of events using SPiRaL and independent waveform-based models for comparison. For the events tested, the performance of the traveltime-based SPiRaL model is shown to be generally on par with regional 3-D waveform-based models in three regions (western United States, Middle East, Korean Peninsula) suggesting SPiRaL may serve as a starting model for FWI over broad regions.

Dynamic history of the inner core constrained by seismic anisotropy

Progressive crystallization of Earth’s inner core drives convection in the outer core and magnetic field generation. Determining the rate and pattern of inner-core growth is thus crucial to understanding the evolution of the geodynamo. The growth history of the inner core is probably recorded in the distribution and strength of its seismic anisotropy, which arises from deformation texturing constrained by conditions at the inner-core solid–fluid boundary. Here we show from analysis of seismic body wave travel times that the strength of seismic anisotropy increases with depth within the inner core, and the strongest anisotropy is offset from Earth’s rotation axis. Then, using geodynamic growth models and mineral physics calculations, we simulate the development of inner-core anisotropy in a self-consistent manner. From this we find that an inner core composed of hexagonally close-packed iron–nickel alloy, deformed by a combination of preferential equatorial growth and slow translation, can match the seismic observations without requiring hemispheres with sharp boundaries. Our model of inner-core growth history is compatible with external constraints from outer-core dynamics, and supports arguments for a relatively young inner core (~0.5–1.5 Ga) and a viscosity >1018 Pa s. The inner core underwent preferential equatorial growth and translation after nucleation ~0.5–1.5 billion years ago, according to an analysis of its seismic anisotropy and self-consistent geodynamic simulations.

Multiscale, radially anisotropic shear wave imaging of the mantle underneath the contiguous United States through joint inversion of USArray and global data sets

SUMMARYEarthScope's USArray seismic component provided unprecedented coverage of the contiguous United States and has therefore spurred significant advances in tomographic imaging and geodynamic modelling. Here, we present a new global, radially anisotropic shear wave velocity tomography model to investigate upper mantle structure and North American Plate dynamics, with a focus on the contiguous United States. The model uses a data-adaptive mesh and traveltimes of both surface waves and body waves to constrain structure in the crust and mantle in order to arrive at a more consistent representation of the subsurface compared to what is provided by existing models. The resulting model is broadly consistent with previous global models at the largest scales, but there are substantial differences under the contiguous United States where we can achieve higher resolution. On these regional scales, the new model contains short wavelength anomalies consistent with regional models derived from USArray data alone. We use the model to explore the geometry of the subducting Farallon Slab, the presence of upper mantle high velocity anomalies, low velocity zones in the central and eastern United States and evaluate models of dynamic topography in the Cordillera. Our models indicate a single, shallowly dipping, discontinuous slab associated with the Farallon Plate, but there are remaining imaging challenges. Inferring dynamic topography from the new model captures both the long-wavelength anomalies common in global models and the short-wavelength anomalies apparent in regional models. Our model thus bridges the gap between high-resolution regional models within the proper uppermost mantle context provided by global models, which is crucial for understanding many of the fundamental questions in continental dynamics.

Seismic anomalies in the southeastern North American asthenosphere as characterized with body wave travel times from high-quality teleseisms

Previously-published tomographic images show low-velocity anomalies (shear velocity up to 5% slow relative to the AK135 Earth model) in the asthenosphere beneath the southeastern margin of North America, including the Northern Appalachian (New England), the Central Appalachian (Virginia), and the Northern Gulf (Texas-Louisiana coast) Anomalies. Travel time anomaly ratios and attenuation indicate that they are thermal anomalies associated with mantle upwelling. We use teleseismic P and S wave differential travel times, as determined by cross-correlation of USArray data, and ratios of compressional-to-shear wave travel time fluctuations to characterize the South Coastal Anomaly (SCA), a fourth, weaker anomaly (about half as strong as these others) that stretches from Georgia to Virginia. P-wave tomography indicates that the SCA is about 800 km long in its north-south dimension and at least 300 km wide in its east-west dimension (its eastern edge is not imaged) and it is strongest (∆VP ≈ − 0.1 km/s) in the 100–250 km depth range. Its western edge strikes north-south, parallel to the edge of the Laurentian Craton (LC). The maximum P and S wave travel time anomalies of the SCA are 1.09 ± 0.05 (95%) s and 4.20 ± 0.10 (95%) s, respectively, relative to the LC. The ratio of P-to-S wave differential travel time anomalies is 3.84 ± 0.10 (95%), a value close to the value of ~3.3 predicted for a thermal anomaly and very different from the value of ~1.8 predicted for a compositional anomaly. The compressional velocity is up to 0.41 km/s slower than the LC, which corresponds to a maximum temperature difference of about 700 °C, using a sensitivity of 1713 K-s/km. In the shallow asthenosphere, the SCA appears distinct from the Central Appalachian Anomaly, being weaker in magnitude and more tabular in shape, but the two anomalies may merge below ~250 km depth. Our findings support the notion of the vigorous edge convection along much of the eastern continental margin.

A Preliminary Study For Initial 1-D Velocity Model in The Banggai’s Tectonic System

After Palu Earthquake that occurred on September 2018, another moderate earthquake on April 2019 with 6.8 Moment Magnitude (Mw) at a depth of 17 km occured in Banggai Islands. The earthquake occurred on the shallow depth that generated by an active fault with horizontal mechanism on the Banggai’s tectonic system. To explain the tectonic system in the Banggai Islands, we present a well-calculated 1-D velocity model by solving the coupled hypocentre-velocity inversion for 385 local earthquakes that recorded by BMKG regional network. The earthquakes was selected based on azimuthal gap, minimum number of stations and root mean square of travel‐time residuals. Technically, the fit solution are simultaneously inverted for total 81 inital models and will give an unique final model. The model is constructed by using Velest program that analyse the fit velocity model from body wave traveltimes (P and S wave), together with station corrections. The final 1-D velocity model will be very useful to conduct another high precision relative relocation and make a focal mechanism inversion.

A new growth model of the northeastern Tibetan Plateau from high-resolution seismic imaging by improved double-difference tomography

High-resolution 3-D P and S wave velocity (Vp and Vs) models of the crust and uppermost mantle beneath the northeastern (NE) Tibetan Plateau and the surrounding areas were obtained by applying an improved double-difference seismic tomography method on abundant body wave travel-time data of local and regional earthquakes collected from 1985 to 2018. The improved method not only increases constraints from observed Moho depth information but also incorporates the later-arriving Pg and Sg phases to improve the ray coverage in the middle-lower crust and uppermost mantle. The results show significant low-velocity anomalies in the crust beneath the NE Tibetan Plateau and high-velocity features beneath the surrounding stable Alxa and Ordos blocks. The areas near the boundaries of the cratonic blocks show high velocity in the upper crust and uppermost mantle beneath the Hexi Corridor, and high velocity in the upper crust beneath the Liupan Shan belt. Both of those regions have significant low-velocity anomalies in the middle-lower crust similar to the Tibetan Plateau, which suggests they probably were parts of the Alxa and Ordos blocks respectively, and were cut off from the two cratonic blocks during the lateral expansion of the Tibetan Plateau because of middle-lower crustal ductile deformation and asthenospheric flow. We propose a new tectonic model controlled by middle-lower crustal ductile deformation and asthenospheric flow to illuminate the tectonic evolution and growth mechanism of the NE Tibetan Plateau.

PKIKPBC ON THE TRAVELPATH NEVADA – “MIRNYY” STATION (ANTARCTICA)

The Geophysical Service of the Russian Academy of Sciences (Obninsk, Moscow Region) made it possible to process seismograms of “Mirnyy” station in Antarctica. Seismograms for the period 1961–1991 were viewed, when underground nuclear explosions were conducted at the Nevada Test Site of the United States. To calculate and construct a local travel time curve and a linear trend of the PKIKPBC body wave travel time on the Nevada Test Site (NTS) – “Mirnyy” seismic station (MIR), 120 seismograms from Kirnos seismograph (SVKM) were selected for the period May 13, 1966 – October 18, 1991: 60 for each site Pahute and Yucca of the Nevada Test Site (NTS). The article presents local travel-time curves and linear trends of the PKIKPBC wave on the travelpath NTS – MIR. Increase in time travel with years as in travelpaths Nevada Test Site – Borovoye [14]. Dependency of arrival times of the PKIKPBC wave on mb magnitude was detected. The obtained data can be used for comparison of results of PKIKPBC wave study from the Nevada Test Site on other stations, for examples, at “Novolazarevskaya” Antarctic station.

BALAPAN TEST SITE OF THE SEMIPALATINSK TEST SITE – SEISMIC ARRAYS “OZHEREL’E” OF THE GEOPHYSICAL OBSERVATORY «BOROVOYE»

Using the example of recording of 5 underground nuclear explosions from 1979 to 1981 at Balapan Semipalatinsk Test Site (STS) carried out during the period, local time-travel curves and linear trends of the body wave travel time of P wave, which was recorded by peripheral points Zerenda, Vostochnyy, Chkalovo of the large-base system of a seismic array “Borovoye”, were obtained and studied. The values of the constant in obtained equations of the trend are close, which signifies high accuracy of the explosions’ recording at Balapan Test Site by the subsystem seismic arrays “Ozherel’e”.