Collision Boundary Research Articles

The interplay of the collisionless non-linear thin-shell instability with the ion acoustic instability

The nonlinear thin-shell instability (NTSI) may explain some of the turbulent hydrodynamic structures that are observed close to the collision boundary of energetic astrophysical outflows. It develops in nonplanar shells that are bounded on either side by a hydrodynamic shock, provided that the amplitude of the seed oscillations is sufficiently large. The hydrodynamic NTSI has a microscopic counterpart in collisionless plasma. A sinusoidal displacement of a thin shell, which is formed by the collision of two clouds of unmagnetized electrons and protons, grows and saturates on timescales of the order of the inverse proton plasma frequency. Here we increase the wavelength of the seed perturbation by a factor 4 compared to that in a previous study. Like in the case of the hydrodynamic NTSI, the increase in the wavelength reduces the growth rate of the microscopic NTSI. The prolonged growth time of the microscopic NTSI allows the waves, which are driven by the competing ion acoustic instability, to grow to a large amplitude before the NTSI saturates and they disrupt the latter. The ion acoustic instability thus imposes a limit on the largest wavelength that can be destabilized by the NTSI in collisionless plasma. The limit can be overcome by binary collisions. We bring forward evidence for an overstability of the collisionless NTSI.

Understanding continental subduction: A work in progress

Understanding continental subduction: A work in progress

A stochastic Galerkin method for the Boltzmann equation with uncertainty

We develop a stochastic Galerkin method for the Boltzmann equation with uncertainty. The method is based on the generalized polynomial chaos (gPC) approximation in the stochastic Galerkin framework, and can handle random inputs from collision kernel, initial data or boundary data. We show that a simple singular value decomposition of gPC related coefficients combined with the fast Fourier-spectral method (in velocity space) allows one to compute the high-dimensional collision operator very efficiently. In the spatially homogeneous case, we first prove that the analytical solution preserves the regularity of the initial data in the random space, and then use it to establish the spectral accuracy of the proposed stochastic Galerkin method. Several numerical examples are presented to illustrate the validity of the proposed scheme.

Strategies to accelerate the computation of erection paths for construction cranes

Abstract The current crane erection path computation methods are not easily scalable for assisting engineers to find and evaluate detailed erection plans. A reliable and efficient method to help plan erection paths is required, especially for certain critical erection tasks involving heavy lifting objects and narrow working spaces. In this research, we propose four strategies, namely Hoisting, Boundary, Capacity, and Direction (termed HBCD), to accelerate the computation of the configuration space (C-space) for a telescoping-boom mobile crane. The Hoisting strategy reduces the time of computation by neglecting the cable hoisting degree; the Boundary strategy speeds up the collision detection by progressively checking collision boundaries; the Capacity strategy eliminates the range of configurations that exceed the lifting capacity; and the Direction strategy eliminates the configurations with slewing directions. To validate the proposed strategies, we modeled a telescoping-boom mobile crane widely used in construction, LTM 1040-2.1, and created a virtual construction site to implement the four strategies with a collision-free path finding method and a path refinement method. The results show that these strategies can significantly reduce the processing time of C-space construction from hours to less than 10 min. Engineers can therefore utilize these strategies to accelerate the computation of feasible collision-free erection paths for critical lifting and erection tasks.

Transport theory in the collisional boundary layer regime for finite aspect ratio tokamaks with broken symmetry

Transport theory in the collisional boundary layer regime for tokamaks with broken symmetry is extended to include the effects of the finite aspect ratio and finite plasma β. Here, β is the ratio of the plasma thermal pressure to the magnetic field pressure. Transport fluxes are calculated on the perturbed magnetic surface where plasma pressure is constant. The extension of the theory to finite aspect ratio tokamaks is made possible because the perturbed particle distribution that contributes to the transport fluxes in the collisional boundary layer regime is localized in the pitch angle space. Invoking the flux-force relation, the transport fluxes can be used for modeling toroidal plasma flow in tokamaks.

Crashworthiness Optimization of Thin-Walled Rail with Different Collision Boundary Conditions

As the world automotive crash safety regulations are different, it’s very important to design the energy absorbing structures that satisfy different collision boundary conditions. A large number of vehicle energy absorption beams dimensions were measured and then a common thin-walled rail was chosen. Considering the complexity of automobile collision boundary, finite element analysis and experimental design, interval uncertain algorithms, Kriging approximate model, NSGA - II genetic algorithm were combined to optimize the structure of the thin-walled rail with different impact velocity and different impact angle. Then the Pareto optimal solution was obtained. Thin walled beam after optimization has good energy absorption characteristics under different collision boundary conditions. Research results provide a method for the designing of a car that meets various crash regulations at the same time.

Spatio-temporal evolution of intraplate strike-slip faulting: The Neogene–Quaternary Kuh-e-Faghan Fault, central Iran

Central Iran provides an ideal region in which to study the long-term morphotectonic response to the nucleation and propagation of intraplate faulting. In this study, a multidisciplinary approach that integrates structural and stratigraphic field investigations with apatite (U + Th)/He (AHe) thermochronometry is used to reconstruct the spatio-temporal evolution of the Kuh-e-Faghan Fault in northeastern central Iran. The Kuh-e-Faghan Fault is a narrow, ~80-km-long, deformation zone that consists of three main broadly left-stepping, E-W–trending, dextral fault strands that cut through the Mesozoic–Paleozoic substratum and the Neogene–Quaternary sedimentary cover. The AHe thermochronometry results indicate that the intrafault blocks along the Kuh-e-Faghan Fault experienced two major episodes of fault-related exhumation at ca. 18 Ma and ca. 4 Ma. The ca. 18 Ma faulting/exhumation episode is chiefly recorded by the structure and depositional architecture of the Neogene deposits along the Kuh-e-Faghan Fault. A source-to-sink scenario can be reconstructed for this time frame, where topographic growth caused the synchronous erosion/exhumation of the pre-Neogene units and deposition of the eroded material in the surrounding fault-bounded continental depocenters. Successively, the Kuh-e-Faghan Fault gradually entered a period of relative tectonic quiescence and, probably, of regional subsidence, during which a thick pile of fine-grained onlapping sediments was deposited. This may have caused resetting of the He ages of apatite in the pre-Neogene and the basal Neogene successions. The ca. 4 Ma faulting episode caused the final exhumation of the fault system, resulting in the current fault zone and topography. The two fault-related exhumation episodes fit with regional early Miocene collision-enhanced uplift/exhumation, and the late Miocene–early Pliocene widespread tectonic reorganization of the Iranian Plateau. The reconstructed long-term, spatially and temporally punctuated fault system evolution in intraplate central Iran during Neogene–Quaternary times may reflect states of far-field stress changes at the collisional boundaries.

Shocks in unmagnetized plasma with a shear flow: Stability and magnetic field generation

A pair of curved shocks in a collisionless plasma is examined with a two-dimensional particle-in-cell simulation. The shocks are created by the collision of two electron-ion clouds at a speed that exceeds everywhere the threshold speed for shock formation. A variation of the collision speed along the initially planar collision boundary, which is comparable to the ion acoustic speed, yields a curvature of the shock that increases with time. The spatially varying Mach number of the shocks results in a variation of the downstream density in the direction along the shock boundary. This variation is eventually equilibrated by the thermal diffusion of ions. The pair of shocks is stable for tens of inverse ion plasma frequencies. The angle between the mean flow velocity vector of the inflowing upstream plasma and the shock's electrostatic field increases steadily during this time. The disalignment of both vectors gives rise to a rotational electron flow, which yields the growth of magnetic field patches that are coherent over tens of electron skin depths.

The linkage between longitudinal sediment routing systems and basin types in the northern South China Sea in perspective of source-to-sink

Using bathymetric and seismic data, this study describes the morpho-sedimentary features in Qiongdongnan basin and southwest Taiwan collision basin, northern South China Sea and reveals the linkages between sediment routing system and basin types. The modern Central Canyon in the Qiongdongnan basin is located along the rift margin, and subparallel to the shelf-break southeast of Hainan Island. The modern Central Canyon develops along the basin axis (i.e., Xisha Trough) and longitudinally transports sediments eastward which are mainly supplied by northern continental slope. The Penghu Canyon in the southwest Taiwan collision basin is located along the collision boundary parallel to the strike of the adjacent uplifted Taiwan orogen. The Penghu Canyon develops along the tilting basin axis transporting sediments longitudinally southward to the deep-sea basin and Manila Trench. The Penghu Canyon is supplied with sediments from both flank Kaoping and South China Sea slopes where tributary canyons and channels transport sediments down-slope and feed the axial canyon.The certain basin types may be occupied by particular styles of sediment routing system. By comparing the morpho-sedimentary features and basin characteristics associated with the modern Central Canyon to that of the Valencia Channel in NW Mediterranean Sea, the longitudinal sediment routing system in rift basin type can be determined. In contrast, the longitudinal sediment routing systems in collision setting can be represented by the comparable examples of Penghu Canyon in southwest Taiwan collision basin and Markham Canyon in western Solomon Sea. The rift type sediment routing system is characterized by an axial canyon with a single sediment supply from land drainage margin. In contrast, sediment routing system in collision type basins consists of an axial canyon and dual sediment supplies from flank adjacent slopes. The axial canyons in collision basins are more active than that of the rift basin due to abundant sediment supply and active tectonics. The results demonstrate the role of longitudinal sediment transport in delivering terrestrial sediments for a long distance from land drainages (source) to far-field deep-sea basin (sink). This study has implication for better understanding of the linkages between basin mechanics, sediment routing systems and sedimentary processes.

Archean–Proterozoic collision boundary in central Fennoscandia: Revisited

Archean–Proterozoic (AP) collision boundary in central Fennoscandia is a complex collage of Archean basement rocks, its Paleoproterozoic supracrustal cover rocks, and Svecofennian (1.93–1.78Ga) supracrustal and plutonic rocks. The apparent steep nature and complexity of the AP boundary has led to contradictory tectonic models varying from arc-continent collision via back-arc closure to accretion of arc terranes along a strike-slip shear zone. We present new geochronology data from detrital zircons combined with whole-rock geochemical and Sm–Nd isotopic data on Paleoproterozoic sedimentary and volcanic rocks across the boundary to revise its nature.The 2.06Ga Siilinjärvi volcanic complex and associated turbidites, with an inferred deposition age at 2.1–2.06Ga, are part of the cover sequence. The Siilinjärvi volcanic rocks derive from both plume (OIB) and sub-continental lithospheric mantle (SCLM) magma sources and are often contaminated by the Archean crust. The Sahara suite sedimentary cover rocks are derived from local 1.95–1.92Ga bimodal volcano-plutonic source, which source also explains the common age population found in younger sedimentary rocks. The Näläntöjärvi suite psammites, with maximum depositional ages of 1.97–1.93Ga, are continental slope to deep water sediments deposited at the continental margin. Contemporaneous mafic magmatism, seen as lavas and dykes, show a change from SCLM dominated (present east) to asthenospheric depleted mantle (DM) dominated (present west) melts. The interpretation of the Näläntöjärvi suite as cover rocks of the lower plate indicates that the Archean crust continues at least 50km more to the west than thought earlier. Parautochthonous sedimentary rocks from Salahmi, Eastern Kansanneva and Loutemäki with maximum depositional ages at 1.92–1.91Ga are inferred as collision-related foredeep deposits from local sources.Both the Lampaanjärvi suite and Pyhäjärvi suite sedimentary rocks have deposited at 1.89–1.88Ga or later, whereas the Lampaanjärvi suite rocks are dominated by a local source and the Pyhäjärvi suite rocks derive from a mixture of older sediments and 1.89–1.88Ga granitoids. At least two tectono-metamorphic stages separated with a major unconformity can be differentiated in the study area. The early deformation and metamorphic stage in the Näläntöjärvi suite has occurred before the intrusion of the late- to post-collisional pyroxene granitoids at 1.88Ga. The Pyhäjärvi suite sedimentary rocks have been deposited after the intrusion of these granitoids between 1880 and 1875Ma and then subsequently deformed and metamorphosed at ≤1875Ma.We propose a tectonic model where the continental breakup occurred at 2.1–2.06Ga followed by a new spreading within the pre-existing passive margin at 1.98–1.93Ga. During initial continent-arc collision the subducted slab steepened strongly at high angle, subduction ceased rapidly, and finally detached and shallow slab breakoff occurred at 1.92–1.91Ga followed subsequently by ophiolite obduction and a formation of a foreland fold and thrust belt. Mantle-crust decoupling of the Archean lithosphere occurred and a crocodile jaw formed, where the arc rocks are partly buried beneath the bounding Archean continent. Similar features have been recorded in other AP collision zones, which could indicate that the buoyant nature of the Archean lithosphere combined with denser Paleoproterozoic lithosphere may be a general cause for decoupling of Archean crust and mantle during arc-continent collision in Paleoproterozoic.

Structural Analysis in Shoufengsi Area of Tananao Complex, Eastern Taiwan

The subduction and collision boundaries of the Eurasia and Philippine Sea Plates in the Taiwan mountain belt expose a NE-trending coherent crustal section in the Tananao Complex. This study investigates the structures in three dimensions in the Shoufengsi area, which is located in the middle section of the Tananao Complex to understand the Taiwan orogeny mountain building processes. Detailed geological mapping and structural analyses shows the eastward shortening associated with metamorphism indicative of three deformation events. Three sets of axial plane foliation S1, S2, and S3 can be recognized by Type-1 and Type-3 fold interference patterns. Different structural characteristics can be further revealed in five domains based on domain analysis. Each domain shows the superposed process characteristics. Synthetic structural mapping and microstructure examination analyses on the Shoufengsi area show that NE-trending isoclinal folds and axial D1 and D2 plane foliation events represent shortening deformation and NW-trending crenulation cleavage. Normal D3 event faults display the gravity collapse deformation. These observations are consistent with shortening to extension stage predictions during Eurasia and Philippine Sea Plate collisions.

Modified BBGKY hierarchy for the hard-sphere system

In this paper a statistical approach is formulated for classical N-body systems formed by smooth hard spheres. Based on the emerging new axiomatic approach to Classical Statistical Mechanics recently developed, modified collision boundary conditions for the N-body probability density are introduced, which apply also to dense or locally dense hard-sphere systems. As a result, a modified form is determined for the BBGKY hierarchy, which is characterized by a new representation for the s-body collision operator. The same hierarchy, obtained here in differential form starting from the differential Liouville equation, is found to admit both stochastic and deterministic particular solutions. As an application, in the Boltzmann-Grad limit the hierarchy is shown to recover the ordinary Boltzmann equation holding in the case of rarefied gases. Comparison with literature and physical implications of the theory are pointed out.

Early Paleozoic tectonic evolution of the North Qinling orogenic belt: Evidence from geochemistry, phase equilibrium modeling and geochronology of metamorphosed mafic rocks from the Songshugou ophiolite

The Shangdan suture zone (SSZ) is the main collisional boundary between the North China Craton and the South China Craton, along which discontinuous Paleozoic ophiolites and subduction–accretion related volcanic arc assemblages occur. Here we report the petrology, geochemistry, geochronology and phase equilibria modeling of garnet amphibolite from the Songshugou ophiolite which is one of the largest ophiolite outcrops in the northern side of the SSZ. From petrological studies, we identify: (1) prograde stage, defined by garnet+clinopyroxene+calcic amphibole+ilmenite+rutile+epidote+plagioclase+quartz; (2) peak stage with garnet+clinopyroxene+ilmenite+rutile+quartz; and (3) retrograde stage with amphibole+plagioclase+titanite+ilmenite. Our pseudosection analysis defines stability of the peak assemblage at 750–850°C, 15–19kbar and traces a clockwise P–T path in the system Na2O–CaO–FeO–MgO–Al2O3–SiO2–H2O–TiO2–Fe2O3 (NCFMASHTO), suggesting high pressure (HP) metamorphism. Subsequently, the rocks experienced rapid decompression and cooling. LA-ICP-MS U-Pb analyses of zircons from the garnet amphibolite yield a weighted mean 206Pb/238U age of 515±12Ma. This Early Paleozoic metamorphic age represents the emplacement time of the Songshugou ophiolite, and suggests that the HP metamorphism is possibly related to the northward deep subduction of the Shangdan oceanic crust in Early Paleozoic.

From submarine continental accretion to arc-continent orogenic evolution: The thermal record in southern Taiwan

Constraining the timing of initial collision is critical for understanding how long-term plate convergence is accommodated at collisional plate boundaries. Reevaluation of the age of collision from orogenic thermal evolution requires distinguishing the onset of submarine continental accretion from earlier oceanic subduction and subsequent subaerial orogenic evolution. We present new thermochronological constraints from the first age-elevation relationship transect in Taiwan and zircon and apatite fission-track ages from sediments in the western foreland. Our data reveal the onset of cooling from at least 7.1 ± 1.3 Ma, at a minimum rate of 21 °C/m.y., in the submarine sedimentary wedge followed by a marked acceleration of subaerial exhumation after ca. 3.2 ± 0.6 Ma at an average rate of 1.7 km/m.y. Our data reflect the effect of margin architecture as Taiwan evolved from submarine accretion of the distal extremely thinned continental margin to crustal thickening of the proximal margin and orogenic development.

Oxygen isotopes in Indian Plate eclogites (Kaghan Valley, Pakistan): Negative δ18O values from a high latitude protolith reset by Himalayan metamorphism

Abstract Oxygen isotope compositions are reported for the first time for the Himalayan metabasites of the Kaghan Valley, Pakistan in this study. The highest metamorphic grades are recorded in the north of the valley, near the India–Asia collision boundary, in the form of high-pressure (HP: Group I) and ultrahigh-pressure (UHP: Group II) eclogites. The rocks show a step-wise decrease in grade from the UHP to HP eclogites and amphibolites. The protoliths of these metabasites were the Permian Panjal Trap basalts (ca. 267 ± 2.4 Ma), which were emplaced along the northern margin of India when it was part of Gondwana. After the break-up of Gondwana, India drifted northward, subducted beneath Asia and underwent UHP metamorphism during the Eocene (ca. 45 ± 1.2 Ma). At the regional scale, amphibolites, Group I and II eclogites yielded δ18O values of + 5.84 and + 5.91‰, + 1.66 to + 4.24‰, and − 2.25 to + 0.76‰, respectively, relative to VSMOW. On a more local scale, within a single eclogite body, the δ18O values were the lowest (− 2.25 to− 1.44‰) in the central, the best preserved (least retrograded) parts, and show a systematic increase outward into more retrograded rocks, reaching up to + 0.12‰. These values are significantly lower than the typical mantle values for basalts of + 5.7 ± 0.3‰. The unusually low or negative δ18O values in Group II eclogites potentially resulted from hydrothermal alteration of the protoliths by interactions with meteoric water when the Indian plate was at southern high latitudes (~ 60°S). The stepwise increase in δ18O values, among different eclogite bodies in general and at single outcrop-scales in particular, reflects differing degrees of resetting of the oxygen isotope compositions during exhumation-related retrogression.

The tectonic stress field evolution of India since the Oligocene

A multitude of observations suggest neotectonic deformation in and around India, but its causes and history are unknown. We use a 2 dimensional finite element model with heterogeneous elastic strengths in continental regions to model the regional stress field orientation and relative magnitudes since the Oligocene. The large-scale geological structure of India is embedded in our model by using published outlines of cratons, fold belts and basins, associated with estimates of their relative strengths, enabling the modelling of stress field deflections along interfaces between relatively strong and weak tectonic elements through time. At 33Ma a roughly NNW–SSE oriented band of relatively high maximum horizontal compressive stress (SHmax) straddled India's west coast, while India's east coast and the adjacent Wharton Basin were characterized by relatively low intraplate stresses. Between 20Ma and the present growing collisional boundary forces combined with maturing mid-ocean ridge flanks result in the establishment of an arcuate belt with anomalously high intraplate stress that stretches from India to the Wharton Basin, intersecting the continental shelf roughly orthogonally and crossing the 85° East and Ninetyeast ridges. This results in a compressive tectonic regime favouring folding and inversion northeast of the Godavari Graben on India's east coast, as observed in seismic reflection data, whereas no tectonic reactivation is observed on the continental margin further north, closer to the Mahanadi Graben, or further south. Our stress models account for these differences via spatial variations in modelled horizontal stress magnitudes and intersection angles between margin-paralleling pre-existing basement structures and the evolving Neogene stress field. The models further account for fracture zone strike-slip reactivation offshore Sumatra and lithospheric folding along India's west and southeast coast and can be used to estimate the onset of these deformation episodes to at least the Oligocene and Miocene, respectively.

Big insights from tiny peridotites: Evidence for persistence of Precambrian lithosphere beneath the eastern North China Craton

Previous studies have shown that the eastern North China Craton (NCC) lost its ancient lithospheric mantle root during the Phanerozoic. The temporal sequence, spatial extent, and cause of the lithospheric thinning, however, continue to be debated. Here we report olivine compositions, whole-rock Re–Os isotopic systematics, and platinum-group element abundances of small (<2cm in maximum dimension) mantle peridotite xenoliths from two basalt localities from the eastern NCC, Wudi (Cenozoic) and Fuxin (Cretaceous). These locations lie far (~150–200km) from the Tan–Lu fault, which has been linked to lithospheric replacement in the eastern NCC. Peridotites at both locations have fertile to moderately refractory compositions (Fo<91.5), while highly refractory (Fo>92) lithospheric mantle is largely absent. Osmium isotopic data suggest the Wudi peridotites experienced melt depletion primarily during the Paleoproterozoic (~1.8Ga), although an Archean Os model age for one xenolith indicates incorporation of a minor component of Archean lithospheric mantle. These data suggest that a previously unrecognized Paleoproterozoic orogenic event removed and replaced the original Archean lithospheric mantle beneath the sedimentary basin at the southern edge of the Bohai Sea. By contrast, the Fuxin peridotites, entrained in Cretaceous basalts that crop out along the northern edge of the eastern NCC, document the coexistence of both ancient (≥2.3Ga) and modern lithospheric mantle components. Here, the original Late Archean–Early Paleoproterozoic lithospheric mantle was, at least partially, removed and replaced prior to 100Ma. Combined with literature data, our results show that removal of the original Archean lithosphere occurred within Proterozoic collisional orogens, and that replacement of Precambrian lithosphere during the Mesozoic may have been spatially associated with the collisional boundaries and the strike–slip Tan–Lu fault, as well as the onset of Paleo-Pacific plate subduction.

First-principle proof of the modified collision boundary conditions for the hard-sphere system

Abstract A fundamental issue lying at the foundation of classical statistical mechanics is the determination of the collision boundary conditions that characterize the dynamical evolution of multi-particle probability density functions (PDF) and are applicable to systems of hard-spheres undergoing multiple elastic collisions. In this paper it is proved that, when the deterministic N-body PDF is included in the class of admissible solutions of the Liouville equation, the customary form of collision boundary conditions adopted in previous literature becomes physically inconsistent and must actually be replaced by suitably modified collision boundary conditions.

Crustal structure in the northwestern part of the Izu collision zone in central Japan

The Izu-Bonin arc (IBA) has been colliding with the Honshu arc since the middle Miocene, which together form the active Izu arc-arc collision zone (ICZ) in central Japan. To understand the entire collisional system, we have used refraction/wide-angle reflection data to model velocity structures of the Honshu arc, northwest of the ICZ. The seismic data indicate that the upper 4-km crust of the Honshu arc consists of a horizontally homogenous layer with P wave velocity (Vp) of 5.6 to 6.0 km/s and S wave velocity (Vs) of 3.4 to 3.7 km/s. This uniformity is in contrast with the heterogeneous structure further south, where the accreted crustal blocks of the IBA are bounded by dipping collisional boundaries. These contrasting structures suggest that crustal shorting caused by the arc-arc collision has been mostly accommodated within the IBA by reverse faulting along collisional boundaries, with the Honshu arc undergoing relatively little crustal deformation. The high-velocity body of the Kofu granitic complex (KGC), generated by partial melting of the subducted IBA crust, is mostly situated at >4-km depths but shallows significantly just beneath the Kofu Basin. This structural change implies that most of the KGC magma had erupted from just beneath the Kofu Basin.

Crustal shear-wave velocity structure beneath northeast India from teleseismic receiver function analysis

We investigated the seismic shear-wave velocity structure of the crust beneath nine broadband seismological stations of the Shillong–Mikir plateau and its adjoining region using teleseismic P-wave receiver function analysis. The inverted shear wave velocity models show ∼34–38km thick crust beneath the Shillong Plateau which increases to ∼37–38km beneath the Brahmaputra valley and ∼46–48km beneath the Himalayan foredeep region. The gradual increase of crustal thickness from the Shillong Plateau to Himalayan foredeep region is consistent with the underthrusting of Indian Plate beyond the surface collision boundary. A strong azimuthal variation is observed beneath SHL station. The modeling of receiver functions of teleseismic earthquakes arriving the SHL station from NE backazimuth (BAZ) shows a high velocity zone within depth range 2–8km along with a low velocity zone within ∼8–13km. In contrast, inversion of receiver functions from SE BAZ shows high velocity zone in the upper crust within depth range ∼10–18km and low velocity zone within ∼18–36km. The critical examination of ray piercing points at the depth of Moho shows that the rays from SE BAZ pierce mostly the southeast part of the plateau near Dauki fault zone. This observation suggests the effect of underthrusting Bengal sediments and the underlying oceanic crust in the south of the plateau facilitated by the EW-NE striking Dauki fault dipping 300 toward northwest.