Large Low Velocity Provinces Research Articles

Ancient Stratified Thermochemical Piles Due To High Intrinsic Viscosity

AbstractThe two Large Low Velocity Provinces (LLVPs) in the lowermost Earth mantle are thought to affect large‐scale heat and material transport, governing mantle evolution. LLVPs have been interpreted as thermochemical piles of recycled oceanic crust (ROC) and/or other dense rock types. However, the role of ROC intrinsic viscosity in pile formation and related effects on mantle evolution remain poorly understood. Using mantle convection models, we show that, while ROC intrinsic density controls pile formation, intrinsic viscosity determines whether piles are internally convecting or stratified. Only high‐viscosity, stratified piles can preserve material over several billions of years. Pile stratification is therefore required to reconcile geochemical evidence for the survival of ancient reservoirs. Compositionally layered piles are also consistent with geophysical observations that point to vertical gradients in LLVP properties. As mineral physics constraints point to low‐viscosity ROC, our results suggest that LLVPs may be partly formed by early basal‐magma‐ocean cumulates.

Segregation of a thermochemical anomaly and coalescence with a large low-velocity province

Segregation of a thermochemical anomaly and coalescence with a large low-velocity province

Evidence for Ultra-Low Velocity Zone Genesis in Downwelling Subducted Slabs at the Core–Mantle Boundary

Abstract We investigate broadband SPdKS waveforms from earthquakes occurring beneath Myanmar. These paths sample the core–mantle boundary beneath northwestern China. Waveform modeling shows that two ∼250 × 250 km wide ultra-low velocity zones (ULVZs) with a thickness of roughly 10 km exist in the region. The ULVZ models fitting these data have large S-wave velocity drops of 55% but relatively small 14% P-wave velocity reductions. This is almost a 4:1 S- to P-wave velocity ratio and is suggestive of a partial melt origin. These ULVZs exist in a region of the Circum-Pacific with a long history of subduction and far from large low-velocity province (LLVP) boundaries where ULVZs are more commonly observed. It is possible that these ULVZs are generated by partial melting of mid-ocean ridge basalt.

Detailed 3D Structures of the Western Edge of the Pacific Large Low Velocity Province

AbstractLarge Low Velocity Provinces (LLVPs) are situated oppositely in the lowermost mantle beneath the Pacific Ocean and Africa. Deciphering the detailed seismic structures at the edge of LLVPs can provide key information on the composition and dynamics in the deep Earth. Here, we provide a detailed seismic image at the western edge of the Pacific LLVP by dense recordings. Differential travel time residuals and amplitude ratios between ScS and S outline the S‐wave western boundary of the Pacific LLVP, suggesting the complex structures including low/high‐velocity patches in the lowermost mantle in our study region. We determine the 3D low‐velocity structure by modeling the delayed ScS and high‐velocity D″ layer structure by modeling the anomalous Scd, with tight constraints from multiple events data. The drastically varied waveforms in azimuth suggests a sharp transitional boundary among the complex structures. After comparing the velocity structures in adjacent regions, we propose that the 3D structures of the western edge of the Pacific LLVP are strongly influenced by the vigorous mantle flow associated with the actively subducted slab.

Mantle Structure Beneath the Damara Belt in South‐Central Africa Imaged Using Adaptively Parameterized P‐Wave Tomography

AbstractMany seismic tomography studies have indicated that the African Large Low Velocity Province (LLVP) extends from the lower mantle beneath southern Africa into the upper mantle beneath eastern Africa; however, it has been questioned whether the LLVP structure may also extend to the north or northwest beneath south‐central Africa. Debates regarding the upper mantle structure beneath the Damara Belt contribute to this uncertainty. Some studies suggest the Damara Belt is underlain by thermally perturbed upper mantle; however, other studies indicate the region is not associated with anomalous structure. Here, we use a comprehensive P‐wave travel‐time data set and an adaptive model parameterization to develop a new tomographic model for the Damara Belt and surrounding regions. Our results show that seismically slow structure beneath the Damara Belt is relegated to depths greater than ∼1,200 km, indicating that the LLVP is not significantly affecting this region. However, further to the northeast, the LLVP structure obliquely rises and crosses the mantle transition zone near the Irumide Belt, where it then extends into the upper mantle. The seismic structure beneath the Damara Belt and neighboring areas in our model correlates well with tectonic observations at the surface, including variations in heat flow, the distribution of geothermal features, the locations of rifts, and estimates of dynamic topography.

Variable distribution of subducted oceanic crust beneath subduction regions of the lowermost mantle

Subducted oceanic crust (SOC) is one of the major sources of chemical heterogeneity in Earth's mantle. Previous geodynamic modeling studies have shown that SOC in the lowermost mantle could segregate from subducted slabs and accumulate on the core-mantle boundary (CMB). However, previous models are often simplified in a variety of ways that hinder a comprehensive understanding of the dynamics of SOC in the lowermost mantle. Here, I perform 3D high-resolution geodynamic models with single-sided subduction to study the dynamics of SOC in the lowermost mantle, with a focus on regions beneath subduction zones outside the large-low velocity provinces (LLVPs). I find that the ability of a thin (∼10 km) SOC to segregate from the slab is greatly controlled by the morphology of the slab. The segregation of SOC is much more efficient when the slab in the lowermost mantle is folded backward and extends beneath the subducting plate which allows the SOC to directly face or contact the CMB, than when the slab extends beneath the overriding plate with the SOC at the shallowest portion of the slab. The changes of slab morphology cause strong temporal and spatial variations in the distribution of SOC (1) at the CMB, (2) within 50 km above the CMB, and (3) at ∼50–300 km above the CMB, which, together with its variable degrees of mixing with other mantle materials, may explain the variations of seismic velocities, density, size, shape, and distribution of seismic anomalies in the lowermost mantle outside the LLVPs.

Lowermost Mantle Structure Beneath the Central Pacific Ocean: Ultralow Velocity Zones and Seismic Anisotropy

AbstractUltralow velocity zones (ULVZs) and seismic anisotropy are both commonly detected in the lowermost mantle at the edges of the two antipodal large low velocity provinces (LLVPs). The preferential occurrences of both ULVZs and anisotropy at LLVP edges are potentially connected to deep mantle dynamics; however, the two phenomena are typically investigated separately. Here we use waveforms from three deep earthquakes to jointly investigate ULVZ structure and lowermost mantle anisotropy near an edge of the Pacific LLVP to the southeast of Hawaii. We model global wave propagation through candidate lowermost mantle structures using AxiSEM3D. Two structures that cause ULVZ‐characteristic postcursors in our data are identified and are modeled as cylindrical ULVZs with radii of ∼1° and ∼3° and velocity reductions of ∼36% and ∼20%. One of these features has not been detected before. The ULVZs are located to the south of Hawaii and are part of the previously detected complex low velocity structure at the base of the mantle in our study region. The waveforms also reveal that, to first order, the base of the mantle in our study region is a broad and thin region of modestly low velocities. Measurements of Sdiff shear wave splitting reveal evidence for lowermost mantle anisotropy that is approximately co‐located with ULVZ material. Our measurements of co‐located anisotropy and ULVZ material suggest plausible geodynamic scenarios for flow in the deep mantle near the Pacific LLVP edge.

Deep Mantle Influence on the Cameroon Volcanic Line

AbstractThe origin of the Cameroon Volcanic Line (CVL), which is difficult to explain with traditional plate tectonics and mantle convection models because the volcanism does not display clear age progression, remains widely debated. Existing seismic tomography models show anomalously slow structure beneath the CVL, which some have interpreted to reflect upper mantle convective processes, possibly associated with edge‐driven flow related to the neighboring Congo Craton. However, mid‐ and lower mantle depths are generally not well resolved in these models, making it difficult to determine the extent of the anomalous CVL structure. Here, we present a new P‐wave velocity model for the African mantle, developed with the largest collection of travel‐time residuals recorded across the continent to date and an adaptive model parameterization. Our extensive data set and inversion method yield high resolution images of the mantle structure beneath western Africa, particularly at the critical mid‐ and lower mantle depths needed to further evaluate processes associated with the formation of the CVL. Our new model provides strong evidence for a connection between the African Large Low Velocity Province, centered in the lower mantle beneath southern Africa, and the continental portion of the CVL. We suggest that seismically slow material generated near the core‐mantle boundary beneath southern Africa moves northwestward under the Congo Craton. At the northern edge of the craton, the hot, buoyant material rises through the upper mantle, causing the CVL volcanism. Consequently, CVL magmatism can be linked to large‐scale mantle processes rooted in the deep mantle.

Geodynamic, geodetic, and seismic constraints favour deflated and dense-cored LLVPs

Two continent-sized features in the deep mantle, the large low-velocity provinces (LLVPs), influence Earth's supercontinent cycles, mantle plume generation, and geochemical budget. Seismological advances have steadily improved LLVP imaging, but several fundamental questions remain unanswered, including: What is the true vertical extent of the buoyancy anomalies within these regions? And, are they purely thermal features, or are they also compositionally distinct? Here, we address these questions using a comprehensive range of geophysical observations. The relationship between measured geoid anomalies and long-wavelength dynamic surface topography places an important upper limit on the vertical extent of large-scale, LLVP-related density anomalies at ∼900 km above the core-mantle boundary (CMB). Instantaneous mantle flow modelling suggests that anomalously dense material must exist at their base to simultaneously reproduce geoid, dynamic topography, and CMB ellipticity observations. We demonstrate that models incorporating this dense basal layer are consistent with independent measurements of semi-diurnal Earth tides and Stoneley mode splitting functions. Our thermodynamic calculations indicate that the presence of early-formed, chondrite-enriched basalt in the deepest 100–200 km of the LLVPs is most compatible with these geodynamic, geodetic, and seismological constraints. By reconciling these disparate datasets for the first time, our results demonstrate that, although LLVPs are dominantly thermal structures, their basal sections likely represent a primitive chemical reservoir that is periodically tapped by upwelling mantle plumes.

Vastly Different Heights of LLVPs Caused by Different Strengths of Historical Slab Push

AbstractTwo large low velocity provinces (LLVPs) are observed in Earth's lower mantle, beneath Africa and the Pacific Ocean, respectively. The maximum height of the African LLVP is ∼1,000 km larger than that of the Pacific LLVP, but what causes this height difference remains unclear. LLVPs are often interpreted as thermochemical piles whose morphology is greatly controlled by the surrounding mantle flow. Seismic observations have revealed that while some subducted slabs are laterally deflected at ∼660–1,200 km, other slabs penetrate into the lowermost mantle. Here, through geodynamic modeling experiments, we show that rapid sinking of stagnant slabs to the lowermost mantle can cause significant height increases of nearby thermochemical piles. Our results suggest that the African LLVP may have been pushed more strongly and longer by surrounding mantle flows to reach a much shallower depth than the Pacific LLVP, perhaps since the Tethys slabs sank to the lowermost mantle.

Slab control on the mega-sized North Pacific ultra-low velocity zone

Ultra-low velocity zones (ULVZs) are localized small-scale patches with extreme physical properties at the core-mantle boundary that often gather at the margins of Large Low Velocity Provinces (LLVPs). Recent studies have discovered several mega-sized ULVZs with a lateral dimension of ~900 km. However, the detailed structures and physical properties of these ULVZs and their relationship to LLVP edges are not well constrained and their formation mechanisms are poorly understood. Here, we break the degeneracy between the size and velocity perturbation of a ULVZ using two orthogonal seismic ray paths, and thereby discover a mega-sized ULVZ at the northern edge of the Pacific LLVP. The ULVZ is almost double the size of a previously imaged ULVZ in this region, but with half of the shear velocity reduction. This mega-sized ULVZ has accumulated due to stable mantle flow converging at the LLVP edge driven by slab-debris in the lower mantle. Such flow also develops the subvertical north-tilting edge of the Pacific LLVP.

A high-resolution map of Hawaiian ULVZ morphology from ScS phases

We use core reflected ScS waves sensitive to a broad region of the core-mantle boundary beneath Hawaii to create the first high-resolution map of the Hawaiian ultralow-velocity zone (ULVZ). Positive ScS-S differential times are used to identify regions of strong slow velocity anomalies in the lowermost mantle, and the presence of pre/post-cursors around the main ScS phase confirms the sharp top of a basal ULVZ layer. Pre/post-cursor arrivals are mapped into a volume across their region of sensitivity to produce a detailed image of ULVZ morphology. The variability observed across the ULVZ can be interpreted in terms of varying height or velocity reduction, but the large range of velocity variations required to explain observations suggests that most variability reflects varying layer thickness.The Hawaiian ULVZ is observed to be a large-scale regional feature of varying height (∼5-25 km) extending across a wide area along the edge of the Pacific large low-velocity province (LLVP). Variability in previous models of the Hawaiian ULVZ can be explained by studies imaging different parts of this strongly variable, large-scale feature. Maximum ULVZ thicknesses (no taller than 30 km) are found in a flat-topped, steep-sided region on the order of 1000 km in diameter located west of Hawaii. This feature is coincident with the previously identified Hawaiian mega-ULVZ, and is interpreted to represent the root of the Hawaiian plume, which is offset from the volcanic surface expression. A tall, asymmetric ridge of ULVZ material is observed to the east of Hawaii. Both regions of maximum ULVZ heights are bounded by the Pacific LLVP to the south, and fast seismic velocity anomalies interpreted as slab remnants to the north. This points to a potential geodynamical scenario where dense ULVZ material is pushed by subducted slab remnants into thicker piles against LLVP margins.

Global receiver function observations of the X-discontinuity reveal recycled basalt beneath hotspots

The distribution of chemical heterogeneity beneath hotspots provides important constraints on the source of magmatism and mantle convection. Chemical heterogeneities in the upper mantle produce discontinuities that can be interrogated seismically. One such discontinuity, the X-discontinuity (230-350 km depth), is observed intermittently across the globe, with multiple possible causal mechanisms. However, to better understand the cause of the X-discontinuity and its relationship to mantle upwellings, we require global short wavelength observations, previously unresolved by reflected phases with broad upper mantle Fresnel zones. Discontinuities resulting from seismically observable impedance contrasts can be targeted using high frequency P wave receiver functions (RFs) possessing short wavelength lateral sensitivity (∼100 km) to structures almost directly beneath the station. Thus, below well-instrumented hotspots we can investigate the properties of the X-discontinuity and constrain the causal mechanisms in these locations.Using P-to-s converted teleseismic phases between 30-90∘, we stack RFs in the depth and time-slowness domains at 28 hotspots and 6 cratons globally. This reveals 15 robust X-discontinuity observations beneath hotspots between 244-344 km depth. A further 10 potential observations are present beneath hotspots, and 6 null observations beneath cratons. Two causal mechanisms remain possible at the elevated mantle temperatures expected beneath hotspots. The coesite-stishovite phase transition occurs in eclogite and/or carbonated silicate melt may form under certain conditions. For either mechanism to provide seismically observable impedance contrasts, the upper mantle must be locally enriched in basalt. Assessing the X-discontinuity global distribution reveals a correlation with the Large Low Velocity Provinces, suggesting that mantle plumes may entrain recycled basalt from the lowermost mantle.

The Most Parsimonious Ultralow‐Velocity Zone Distribution From Highly Anomalous SPdKS Waveforms

AbstractThe locations of ultralow‐velocity zones (ULVZs) at the core‐mantle boundary (CMB) have been linked to a variety of features including hot spot volcanoes and large low‐velocity province (LLVP) boundaries, yet only a small portion of the CMB region has been probed for ULVZ existence. Here we present a new map of lower mantle heterogeneity locations using a global collection of highly anomalous SPdKS recordings based on a dataset of more than 58,000 radial component seismograms, which sample 56.9% of the CMB by surface area. The inference of heterogeneity location using the SPdKS seismic phase is challenging due to source‐versus receiver‐side ambiguity. Due to this ambiguity, we conducted an inversion using the principle of parsimony. The inversion is conducted using a genetic algorithm which is repeated several thousand times in order to construct heterogeneity probability maps. This analysis reveals that at probabilities 0.5, 0.25, and 0.125 up to 1.3%, 8.2%, or 19.7% of the CMB may contain ULVZ‐like heterogeneities. These heterogeneities exist in all lower mantle settings, including both high‐ and low‐velocity regions. Additionally, we present evidence that the Samoan ULVZ may be twice as large as previously estimated, and also present evidence for the existence of additional mega‐sized ULVZs, such as a newly discovered ULVZ located to the east of the Philippines. We provide new evidence for the ULVZ east of the Philippines through an analysis of ScP records.

Comparing ray-theoretical and finite-frequency teleseismic traveltimes: implications for constraining the ratio of S-wave to P-wave velocity variations in the lower mantle

SUMMARY A number of seismological studies have indicated that the ratio R of S-wave and P-wave velocity perturbations increases to 3–4 in the lower mantle with the highest values in the large low-velocity provinces (LLVPs) beneath Africa and the central Pacific. Traveltime constraints on R are based primarily on ray-theoretical modelling of delay times of P waves (ΔTP) and S waves (ΔTS), even for measurements derived from long-period waveforms and core-diffracted waves for which ray theory (RT) is deemed inaccurate. Along with a published set of traveltime delays, we compare predicted values of ΔTP, ΔTS, and the ΔTS/ΔTP ratio for RT and finite-frequency (FF) theory to determine the resolvability of R in the lower mantle. We determine the FF predictions of ΔTP and ΔTS using cross-correlation methods applied to spectral-element method waveforms, analogous to the analysis of recorded waveforms, and by integration using FF sensitivity kernels. Our calculations indicate that RT and FF predict a similar variation of the ΔTS/ΔTP ratio when R increases linearly with depth in the mantle. However, variations of R in relatively thin layers (< 400 km) are poorly resolved using long-period data (T > 20 s). This is because FF predicts that ΔTP and ΔTS vary smoothly with epicentral distance even when vertical P-wave and S-wave gradients change abruptly. Our waveform simulations also show that the estimate of R for the Pacific LLVP is strongly affected by velocity structure shallower in the mantle. If R increases with depth in the mantle, which appears to be a robust inference, the acceleration of P waves in the lithosphere beneath eastern North America and the high-velocity Farallon anomaly negates the P-wave deceleration in the LLVP. This results in a ΔTP of about 0, whereas ΔTS is positive. Consequently, the recorded high ΔTS/ΔTP for events in the southwest Pacific and stations in North America may be misinterpreted as an anomalously high R for the Pacific LLVP.

Increased density of large low-velocity provinces recovered by seismologically constrained gravity inversion

Abstract. The nature and origin of the two large low-velocity provinces (LLVPs) in the lowest part of the mantle remain controversial. These structures have been interpreted as a purely thermal feature, accumulation of subducted oceanic lithosphere or a primordial zone of iron enrichment. Information regarding the density of the LLVPs would help to constrain a possible explanation. In this work, we perform a density inversion for the entire mantle, by constraining the geometry of potential density anomalies using tomographic vote maps. Vote maps describe the geometry of potential density anomalies according to their agreement with multiple seismic tomographies, hence not depending on a single representation. We use linear inversion and determine the regularization parameters using cross-validation. Two different input fields are used to study the sensitivity of the mantle density results to the treatment of the lithosphere. We find the best data fit is achieved if we assume that the lithosphere is in isostatic balance. The estimated densities obtained for the LLVPs are systematically positive density anomalies for the LLVPs in the lower 800–1000 km of the mantle, which would indicate a chemical component for the origin of the LLVPs. Both iron-enrichment and a mid-oceanic ridge basalt (MORB) contribution are in accordance with our data, but the required superadiabatic temperature anomalies for MORB would be close to 1000 K.

Ultralow Velocity Zone Locations: A Global Assessment

AbstractWe have compiled all previous ultralow velocity zone (ULVZ) studies, and digitized their core‐mantle boundary (CMB) sampling locations. For studies that presented sampling locations based on infinite frequency ray theory, we approximated Fresnel zones onto a 0.5° × 0.5° grid. Results for these studies were separated according to wave type: (1) core‐reflected phases, which have a single location of ULVZ sampling (ScS, ScP, PcP), (2) core waves that can sample ULVZs at the core entrance and exit locations of the wave (e.g., SPdKS, PKKP, and PKP), and (3) waves which have uncertainties of ULVZ location due to long CMB sampling paths, e.g., diffracted energy sampling over a broad region (Pdiff, Sdiff). For studies that presented specific modeled ULVZ geographical shapes or PKP scatter probability maps, we digitized the regions. We present summary maps of the ULVZ coverage, as well as published locations arguing against ULVZ presence. A key finding is that there is not a simple mapping between lowermost mantle reduced tomographic velocities and observed ULVZ locations, especially given the presence of ULVZs outside of lowermost mantle large low velocity provinces (LLVPs). Significant location uncertainty exists for some of the ULVZ imaging wave types. Nonetheless, this compilation supports a compositionally distinct origin for at least some ULVZs. ULVZs are more likely to be found near LLVP boundaries, however, their relationship to overlying surface locations of hot spots are less obvious. The new digital ULVZ database is freely available for download.

Compositionally-distinct ultra-low velocity zones on Earth\u2019s core-mantle boundary

The Earth’s lowermost mantle large low velocity provinces are accompanied by small-scale ultralow velocity zones in localized regions on the core-mantle boundary. Large low velocity provinces are hypothesized to be caused by large-scale compositional heterogeneity (i.e., thermochemical piles). The origin of ultralow velocity zones, however, remains elusive. Here we perform three-dimensional geodynamical calculations to show that the current locations and shapes of ultralow velocity zones are related to their cause. We find that the hottest lowermost mantle regions are commonly located well within the interiors of thermochemical piles. In contrast, accumulations of ultradense compositionally distinct material occur as discontinuous patches along the margins of thermochemical piles and have asymmetrical cross-sectional shape. Furthermore, the lateral morphology of these patches provides insight into mantle flow directions and long-term stability. The global distribution and large variations of morphology of ultralow velocity zones validate a compositionally distinct origin for most ultralow velocity zones.

Geographic variations in lowermost mantle structure from the ray parameters and decay constants of core‐diffracted waves

AbstractWe introduce an array‐based approach for constraining seismic velocity structure in the lowermost mantle by measuring the frequency dependence of the ray parameter p and decay constant γ for core‐diffracted waves (Pdiff and SHdiff). The approach uses an iterative multichannel cross‐correlation algorithm that solves for relative arrival times and amplitudes of core‐diffracted waveforms from multiple peaks in normalized correlograms from pairs of coazimuthal stations. The approach is applied to 60 mb ≥ 5.8 earthquakes for Pdiff and 36 for SHdiff during 2001–2002, with nearly 50,000 unique profile station pairs with epicentral‐distance differences of Δd ≥ 10° and azimuth differences of Δφ ≤ 10°, sampling a significant portion of the lowermost mantle. Cap‐averaging the resulting ray parameter estimates produces geographic variations that are largely consistent with the distribution of lowermost mantle large low‐velocity provinces and seismically fast slab‐accumulation regions seen in seismic tomography models, whose locations also strongly influence the geographic distribution of heat flow out of the core. Geographic variations in station‐pair diffracted‐wave decay constants differ from those of the ray parameters, suggesting that variations in the decay of core‐diffracted waves are more linked to lowermost mantle seismic velocity gradients than absolute values of seismic velocity. The ray parameters and decay constants of core‐diffracted waves are strongly frequency‐dependent, and these frequency variations also vary significantly with geographic location. Combining lateral and vertical seismic‐velocity variations with mineral‐physics data on elasticity and conductivity of lowermost mantle species can provide constraints on D″ composition and CMB heat flux.

Seismic evidence for Earth's crusty deep mantle

Seismic tomography resolves anomalies interpreted as oceanic lithosphere subducted deep into Earth's lower mantle. However, the fate of the compositionally distinct oceanic crust that is part of the lithosphere is poorly constrained but provides important constraints on mixing processes and the recycling process in the deep Earth. We present high-resolution seismic array analyses of anomalous P-waves sampling the deep mantle, and deterministically locate heterogeneities in the lowermost 300 km of the mantle. Spectral analysis indicates that the dominant scale length of the heterogeneity is 4 to 7 km. The heterogeneity distribution varies laterally and radially and heterogeneities are more abundant near the margins of the lowermost mantle Large Low Velocity Provinces (LLVPs), consistent with mantle convection simulations that show elevated accumulations of deeply advected crustal material near the boundaries of thermo-chemical piles. The size and distribution of the observed heterogeneities is consistent with that expected for subducted oceanic crust. These results thus suggest the deep mantle contains an imprint of continued subduction of oceanic crust, stirred by mantle convection and modulated by long lasting thermo-chemical structures. The preferred location of the heterogeneity in the lowermost mantle is consistent with a thermo-chemical origin of the LLVPs. Our observations relate to the mixing behaviour of small length-scale heterogeneity in the deep Earth and indicate that compositional heterogeneities from the subduction process can survive for extended times in the lowermost mantle.