Velocity Anisotropy Research Articles

Carbon-based monochalcogenides for efficient solar and heat energy harvesting

A new generation of two-dimensional (2D) material has captivated significant attention in the energy conversion field owing to their promising optoelectronics and thermoelectric applications. The present work involves the systematic investigation of fundamental properties of single-layered 2D carbon-based monochalcogenides (CS, CSe, CTe) with planar, buckled and puckered geometry within the framework of density functional theory (DFT). The structural and lattice dynamics analysis disclose that puckered and buckled configurations are energetically and dynamically stable whereas planar structures depict instability. The anisotropic group velocity of longitudinal acoustic (LA) and transverse acoustic (TA) phonon modes in puckered systems may render the characteristics thermal transport properties. Additionally, for the first time, we scrutinized the thermoelectric and optical properties of these materials. At room temperature, the electron carrier mobilities are 174.698 and 160.830m2V-1s-1 of puckered and buckled CS systems, respectively are highest among all structures. The computed Seebeck coefficient, electrical conductivity and power factor manifests the high thermoelectric transport properties of puckered CS material. Further, the calculated solar parameters demonstrate an exceptionally high-power conversion efficiency of 19.61 % for puckered CTe. Present work indicates that puckered phase of CS and CTe show their potential for the heat and solar energy harvesting devices, respectively.

Ambient Noise Tomography of Jinan: The Migration of Groundwater and the Formation of Geothermal Water

AbstractJinan is an important city in eastern China, with rich groundwater in the region. There are four famous springs in the urban area and an abundance of geothermal water in the northern part, which makes the migration of groundwater in this area a very important issue. To study the shallow shear wave velocity structure and groundwater migration in Jinan, we utilized almost a month of continuous waveform data from 175 short period seismometers deployed by the Chinese Academy of Geological Sciences, in order to calculate the cross‐correlation function. We picked 7749 group dispersion curves and 6117 phase dispersion curves with a period range of 0.2–2 s. Through inversion, we obtained the fine three‐dimensional shear wave velocity and azimuthal anisotropy structure (0–2.4 km). Combining the results with local geological and hydrological data, the following conclusions were reached. (1) There are widespread high velocity anomalies in the region between the Qianfoshan and Wenhuaqiao faults, as well as to the east of the Wenhuaqiao Fault, which may be related to the intrusive gabbro known as the Jinan Intrusive Rock. (2) The two distinct high velocity anomalies in our model (referred to as west and east Jinan Intrusive Rock in this paper) may indicate that the Jinan Intrusive Rock was broken through crustal movement. (3) There is an obvious low velocity layer under the intrusive rock, which could be the channel of groundwater migration. The precipitation in the southern mountain region seeps down into the ground, then is blocked by the Jinan Intrusive Rock and can only progress downwards to a deeper part, where the groundwater is heated by the geothermal gradient. The heated water finally arrives at the northern part and forms geothermal water. (4) The depth of the low velocity layer beneath the Jinan Intrusive Rock varies laterally, which may indicate that the depth of the groundwater migration is different beneath the west and east Jinan Intrusive Rock. (5) There is strong azimuthal anisotropy in southern Jinan, with nearly E‐W fast orientation, which may be related to the tilt limestone layering structure.

Large-scale circulations in a shear-free convective turbulence: Mean-field simulations

It has been previously shown [Elperin et al., “Formation of large-scale semi-organized structures in turbulent convection,” Phys. Rev. E 66, 066305 (2002)] that a non-rotating turbulent convection with nonuniform large-scale flows contributes to the turbulent heat flux. As a result, the turbulent heat flux depends explicitly not only on the gradients of the large-scale temperature, but also on the gradients of the large-scale velocity. This is because the nonuniform large-scale flows produce anisotropic velocity fluctuations, which modify the turbulent heat flux. This effect causes an excitation of a convective-wind instability and formation of large-scale semi-organized coherent structures (large-scale convective cells). In the present study, we perform mean-field numerical simulations of shear-free convection, which take into account the modification of the turbulent heat flux by nonuniform large-scale flows. We use periodic boundary conditions in horizontal direction as well as stress-free or no-slip boundary conditions in vertical direction. We show that the redistribution of the turbulent heat flux by the nonuniform large-scale motions in turbulent convection plays a crucial role in the formation of the large-scale semi-organized coherent structures. In particular, this effect results in a strong reduction of the critical effective Rayleigh number (based on the eddy viscosity and turbulent temperature diffusivity) required for the formation of the large-scale convective cells. We demonstrate that the convective-wind instability is excited when the scale separation ratio between the height of the convective layer and the integral turbulence scale is large. The level of the mean kinetic energy at saturation increases with the scale separation ratio. We also show that inside the large-scale convective cells, there are local regions with the positive vertical gradient of the potential temperature, which implies that these regions are stably stratified.

Restricted lithospheric extrusion in the SE Tibetan Plateau: Evidence from anisotropic Rayleigh-wave tomography

Constraining variations of lithospheric structure and deformation across southeastern Tibet and the surrounding region are crucial for understanding the lateral growth of the plateau. Using data from two dense seismic arrays in the SE Tibetan Plateau, we obtained fine-scale Rayleigh-wave phase velocity maps by Eikonal tomography, and further inverted for 3-D shear wave velocity and azimuthal anisotropy of the crust and upper mantle. High velocities and weak lithospheric anisotropy are revealed under Dianzhong Block (DZB), where is covered by the relics of the Emeishan Large Igneous Province, while strong anisotropy is imaged around. We propose that the DZB strengthened by the paleo igneous activity plays an essential role in the evolution along the southeastern plateau margin. On the one hand, the DZB obstructs the migration of plateau material to the southeast. On the other hand, strong deformation is localized along the DZB margins, while the stress due to the plate expansion is transferred further to the Xiaojiang fault, which induced significant deformation within the Yangtze Craton. Furthermore, the lithosphere of DZB deflects the mantle flow driven by the eastward Indian subduction under the northern Indochina block.

Probing the Galactic halo with RR lyrae stars − III. The chemical and kinematic properties of the stellar halo

ABSTRACT Based on a large spectroscopic sample of ∼4300 RR Lyrae stars with metallicity, systemic radial velocity, and distance measurements, we present a detailed analysis of the chemical and kinematic properties of the Galactic halo. Using this sample, the metallicity distribution function (MDF) as a function of r and the velocity anisotropy parameter β profiles (for different metallicity populations) are derived for the stellar halo. Both the chemical and kinematic results suggest that the Galactic halo is composed of two distinct parts, the inner halo and outer halo. The cutoff radius (∼30 kpc) is similar to the previous break radius found in the density distribution of the stellar halo. We find that the inner part is dominated by a metal-rich population with extremely radial anisotropy (β ∼ 0.9). These features are in accordance with those of ‘Gaia-Enceladus-Sausage’ (GES) and we attribute this inner halo component as being dominantly composed of stars deposited from this ancient merged satellite. We find that GES probably has a slightly negative metallicity gradient. The metal-poor populations in the inner halo are characterized as a long tail in MDF with an anisotropy of β ∼ 0.5, which is similar to that of the outer part. The MDF for the outer halo is very broad with several weak peaks and the value of β is around 0.5 for all metallicities.

Bayesian analysis of azimuthal anisotropy in the Alpine lithosphere from beamforming of ambient noise cross-correlations

SUMMARY Surface waves extracted from ambient noise cross-correlations can be used to study depth variations of azimuthal anisotropy in the crust and upper mantle, complementing XKS splitting observations. In this work, we propose a novel approach based on beamforming to estimate azimuthal anisotropy of Rayleigh wave phase velocities extracted from ambient noise cross-correlations. This allows us to identify and remove measurements biased by wave front deformation due to 3-D heterogeneities, and to properly estimate uncertainties associated with observed phase velocities. In a second step, phase velocities measured at different periods can be inverted at depth with a transdimensional Bayesian algorithm where the presence or absence of anisotropy at different depths is a free variable. This yields a comprehensive probabilistic solution that can be exploited in different ways, in particular by projecting it onto a lower dimensional space, appropriate for interpretation. For example, we show the probability distribution of the integrated anisotropy over a given depth range (e.g. upper crust, lower crust). We apply this approach to recent data acquired across the AlpArray network and surrounding permanent stations. We show that only the upper crust has a large-scale coherent azimuthal anisotropy at the scale of the Alps with fast axis directions parallel to the Alpine arc, while such large-scale patterns are absent in the lower crust and uppermost mantle. This suggests that the recent Alpine history has only overridden the anisotropic signature in the upper crust, and that the deeper layers carry the imprint of older processes. In the uppermost mantle, fast directions of anisotropy are oriented broadly north–south, which is different from results from XKS-splitting measurements or long-period surface waves. Our results therefore suggest that XKS observations are related to deeper layers, the asthenosphere and/or subduction slabs. The area northwest of the Alps shows strong anisotropy in the lower crust and uppermost mantle with a fast axis in the northeast direction that could be related to Variscan deformation.

Study on dynamic behaviors from non-circular dense granular jet impact

Dynamic behaviors of non-circular dense granular jets impacting a sufficiently large target are studied by experiment and DEM simulation. Effects of the granular jet velocity, particle diameter, and aspect ratio on the anisotropic pattern were investigated. Results show that the anisotropy of particle concentration of the granular sheet is enhanced with increasing aspect ratio. Interestingly, despite the significant differences in flux, the particle velocities are approximately consistent along the long and short axes. Unlike liquid, a dead zone is present in the impact zone, and the axial-to-radial transformation of the velocity is achieved by similar circular motion along the dead zone. Because the dead zone is adaptively adjusted with the cross section, the particle fluxes are anisotropic. Frequent collisions and frictions contribute to the homogenization of velocity in azimuths. Increasing particle diameter causes the enhancement of velocity fluctuations, the circular motion cannot be maintained and particles become scattered and isotropic. • The anisotropy in velocity and flux of particles from non-circular dense particle jet impact is characterized. • The effects of the velocity, aspect ratio, and particle diameter on anisotropy are assessed. • The mechanism of the anisotropy of the granular sheet is simulated by DEM.

On the Robustness of the Velocity Anisotropy Parameter in Probing the Stellar Kinematics in Milky Way–Like Galaxies: Takeaway from TNG50 Simulation

We analyze the velocity anisotropy of stars in real and energy space for a sample of Milky Way–like galaxies in the TNG50 simulation. We employ different selection criteria, including spatial, kinematic, and metallicity cuts, and make three halo classes (–) that show mild-to-strong sensitivity to different selections. The above classes cover 48%, 16%, and 36% of the halos, respectively. We analyze the β radial profiles and divide them into either monotonically increasing radial profiles or ones with peaks and troughs. We demonstrate that halos with monotonically increasing β profiles are mostly from class , while those with peaks/troughs are part of classes and . This means that care must be taken, as the observationally reported peaks/troughs might be a consequence of different selection criteria. We infer the anisotropy parameter β energy space and compare that against the β radial profile. It is seen than 65% of halos with very mild sensitivity to different selections in real space are those for which the β radial and energy profiles are closely related. Consequently, we propose that comparing the β radial and energy profiles might be a novel way to examine the sensitivity to different selection criteria and thus examining the robustness of the anisotropy parameter in tracing stellar kinematics. We compare simulated β radial profiles against various observations and demonstrate that, in most cases, the model diversity is comparable with the error bars from different observations, meaning that the TNG50 models are in good overall agreement with observations.

Inversion of shear wave waveforms reveal deformation in the lowermost mantle

SUMMARY It is well known that regions of the lowermost mantle—D″—exhibit significant seismic anisotropy. Identifying a unique mechanism for seismic anisotropy in D″ and interpreting results in terms of mantle flow has proved challenging. In an attempt to address this, we outline a method for the direct inversion of shear wave waveform data for the orientation and strength of seismic anisotropy. We demonstrate our method by jointly inverting SKS, SKKS and ScS shear wave data for seismic anisotropy in a fast shear wave velocity anomaly beneath the Eastern Pacific Ocean. Using our inversion method we evaluate four candidate mechanisms for seismic anisotropy in D″: elliptical transverse isotropy (representing layering or inclusions), bridgmanite and post-perovskite (for fabrics dominated by either [100](001) or [100](010) slip). We find that all candidate mechanisms can reasonably explain our input data, with synthetic inversions demonstrating that improved backazimuthal coverage is required to identity a single best-fitting mechanism. By inverting for orientation and anisotropic strength parameters we are able to discount bridgmanite as a candidate mechanism as less plausible solution, as our inversion requires an unreasonable ca. 40 per cent of D″ to consist of aligned bridgmanite crystals. The inversion results for the 4 candidate mechanisms predict two different mantle flow regimes, near vertical upwelling (or downwelling) or predominantly horizontal Southwesterly (or Northwesterly) deformation, both of which are inconsistent with recent mantle flow models. These results show that our new inversion method gives seismologists a powerful new tool to constrain lowermost mantle anisotropy, allowing us to test predictions of lowermost mantle flow.

Ultralow electron-surface scattering in nanoscale metals leveraging Fermi-surface anisotropy

Increasing resistivity of metal wires with reducing nanoscale dimensions is a major performance bottleneck of semiconductor computing technologies. We show that metals with suitably anisotropic Fermi velocity distributions can strongly suppress electron scattering by surfaces and outperform isotropic conductors such as copper in nanoscale wires. We derive a corresponding descriptor for the resistivity scaling of anisotropic conductors, screen thousands of metals using first-principles calculations of this descriptor and identify the most promising materials for nanoscale interconnects. Previously-proposed layered conductors such as MAX phases and delafossites show promise in thin films, but not in narrow wires due to increased scattering from side walls. We find that certain intermetallics (notably CoSn) and borides (such as YCo$_3$B$_2$) with one-dimensionally anisotropic Fermi velocities are most promising for narrow wires. Combined with first-principles electron-phonon scattering predictions, we show that the proposed materials exhibit 2-3x lower resistivity than copper at 5 nm wire dimensions.

Ultrasonic and seismic constraints on crystallographic preferred orientations of the Priestley Glacier shear margin, Antarctica

Abstract. Crystallographic preferred orientations (CPOs) are particularly important in controlling the mechanical properties of glacial shear margins. Logistical and safety considerations often make direct sampling of shear margins difficult, and geophysical measurements are commonly used to constrain the CPOs. We present here the first direct comparison of seismic and ultrasonic data with measured CPOs in a polar shear margin. The measured CPO from ice samples from a 58 m deep borehole in the left lateral shear margin of the Priestley Glacier, Antarctica, is dominated by horizontal c axes aligned sub-perpendicularly to flow. A vertical-seismic-profile experiment with hammer shots up to 50 m away from the borehole, in four different azimuthal directions, shows velocity anisotropy of both P waves and S waves. Matching P-wave data to the anisotropy corresponding to CPO models defined by horizontally aligned c axes gives two possible solutions for the c-axis azimuth, one of which matches the c-axis measurements. If both P-wave and S-wave data are used, there is one best fit for the azimuth and intensity of c-axis alignment that matches the measurements well. Azimuthal P-wave and S-wave ultrasonic data recorded in the laboratory on the ice core show clear anisotropy of P-wave and S-wave velocities in the horizontal plane that match that predicted from the CPO of the samples. With quality data, azimuthal increments of 30∘ or less will constrain well the orientation and intensity of c-axis alignment. Our experiments provide a good framework for planning seismic surveys aimed at constraining the anisotropy of shear margins.

High-resolution crustal and upper mantle shear-wave velocity structure beneath the central-southern Tanlu fault: Implications for its initiation and evolution

The Tanlu fault is a well-known lithosphere-cutting, strike-slip fault in eastern China and it has played an important role in regional plate tectonics since the middle Mesozoic. However, the initiation mechanisms and tectonic evolution of the Tanlu fault remain controversial, in part due to the absence of constraints from deep structures. In this study, we inverted 5–150 s surface-wave dispersion data collected from 253 permanent stations and 111 temporary stations in the vicinity of the central-southern Tanlu fault and obtained both isotropic and azimuthally anisotropic shear-wave velocity (Vs) models in the crust and upper mantle simultaneously. The new Vs models reveal unprecedented multiple patterns of anomalies. There is, for example, an arc-shaped pattern of fast directions found in the South China plate (SCP), providing direct evidence of the sudden termination of the Tanlu fault at its southern end; orogen-parallel fast directions and high-velocity anomalies were detected beneath the Dabie and Sulu orogens, which are believed to be the residue of the delaminated lithosphere. Based on the evidence collected, we propose a four-stage tectonic model for the Tanlu fault. The tectonic model suggests that the area has been subjected to multiple geologic processes since the Early Mesozoic, including oceanic-continental collision, continental-continental collision, break-off of oceanic slabs, lithospheric delamination, and convective erosion resulting from corner flow. As such, the proposed tectonic model reconciles the newly discovered Vs anomalies as well as various previous findings, providing profound insight into regional deformations and the evolution of the Tanlu fault and its adjacent areas.

Complex Patterns of Past and Ongoing Crustal Deformations in Southern California Revealed by Seismic Azimuthal Anisotropy

AbstractWe present a high‐resolution P‐wave azimuthally anisotropic velocity model for the upper and middle crust beneath southern California by a novel adjoint‐state traveltime tomography technique. Our model reveals significant anisotropy variations between tectonic blocks that clearly reflect both past and current plate boundary deformation. In the shallow crust, seismic anisotropy is mostly controlled by the preferred alignment of microcracks related to the present N‐S compressive stress; while at deeper depths (>∼6 km), seismic anisotropy mainly records paleofabrics formed during the long‐lived Farallon subduction and later extension that have not been fully reset by the present transform motion. Interestingly, our model demonstrates distinct fast axes beneath the western Transverse Ranges from its neighboring blocks, probably reflecting the large‐scale vertical axis clockwise rotation of the block. In addition, we identify layered structures with distinct anisotropy features beneath the Salton Trough, which could be a result of the current transtension.

MyElas: An automatized tool-kit for high-throughput calculation, post-processing and visualization of elasticity and related properties of solids

Elasticity is one of the most fundamental mechanical properties of solid. In high-throughput design of advanced materials, there is an imperative demand for the capability to quickly calculate and screen a massive pool of candidate structures. A fully automatized pipeline with minimal human intervention is the key to provide high efficiency to achieve the goal. Here, we introduce a tool-kit MyElas that aims to address this problem by forging all pre-processing, elastic constant and other related property calculations, and post-processing into an integrated framework that automatically performs the assigned tasks to drive data flowing through parallelized pipelines from input to output. The core of MyElas is to calculate the second and third order elastic constants of a solid with the energy-strain method from first-principles. MyElas can auto-analyze the elastic constants, to derive other related physical quantities. Furthermore, the tool-kit also integrates a visualization function, which can, for example, plot the spatial anisotropy of elastic modulus and sound velocity of monocrystalline. The validity and efficiency of the toolkit are tested and bench-marked on several typical systems. Program summaryProgram title: MyElasCPC Library link to program files:https://doi.org/10.17632/jbz2s9xsmv.1Code Ocean capsule:https://codeocean.com/capsule/4149434Licensing provisions: GNU General Public License 3Programming language: Python 3.XExternal routines/libraries: Numpy [1], Spglib [2], Matplotlib [3]Nature of problem: Through the first-principal calculation, the second-order and third-order elastic constants of solid materials are automatically calculated, and the post-processing and visualization of single crystal and polycrystalline physical properties are carried out.Solution method: Firstly, the required strain structure is automatically generated through the space group of materials and the corresponding strain matrix. Secondly, the energy of the structure is calculated by first-principles calculation software such as VASP [4]. Thirdly, the relationship between energy and strain is polynomial fitted to deduce the elastic constant of the material. Fourth, automatically derive the relevant physical properties. Finally, the distribution of mechanical modulus and sound velocity in spherical space is visualized.Additional comments including restrictions and unusual features: Many modules of the software can be embedded into other software through simple modification, such as visualization module. The software supports finite temperature calculation with electronic temperature. In addition, the software supports the derivation of corresponding elastic constants from phonon spectrum data generated by Phonopy [5], Alamode [6] and TDEP [7] software through long-wave limit approximation and Christoffel equation.

Velocity and azimuthal anisotropy structures beneath the Dianzhong Block and its vicinity, SE Tibetan Plateau, revealed by eikonal equation-based traveltime tomography

The Dianzhong Block (DZB) located on the southeastern margin of the Tibetan Plateau is an important tectonic zone characterized by the intense flow of crustal material. Although it is widely accepted that materials originating from the Tibetan Plateau migrate southeastward in the DZB and its vicinity, the flow mechanism and subsurface structures remain controversial. Here, we image the subsurface velocity and azimuthal anisotropy structures beneath the DZB and its surroundings by using eikonal equation-based tomography to study the crustal flow and deformation mechanisms. In this study, we collect high-quality seismic data from 290 broadband seismic stations and manually pick a total of 31,981 first arrivals. Our tomographic results display prominent velocity anomalies and complex azimuthal anisotropy patterns. In the upper crust, our results reveal predominant high-velocity anomalies, which are related to the Emeishan large igneous province (ELIP) and the stable Simao Block. We find strong low-velocity anomalies beneath the DZB in the middle–lower crust. The low-velocity anomalies extend southward from the Xiaojinhe Fault (XJHF) to the Red River Fault (RRF) and then rotate southeastward to the east of the Xiaojiang Fault (XJF). In addition, the inverted fast velocity directions generally follow the strike of the low-velocity anomalies. Based on these findings, we consider the existence of middle–lower crustal flow inside the DZB. Three distinct features of azimuthal anisotropy in the middle-upper crust are found around the XJF reflecting complex deformation, which may indicate different factors controlling the deformation of the XJF from the north to the south. In the lower crust and uppermost mantle, the azimuthal anisotropy beneath the RRF is relatively complex, exhibiting two patterns: one perpendicular and another parallel to the fault.

Kinematic Structure of the Large Magellanic Cloud Globular Cluster System from Gaia eDR3 and Hubble Space Telescope Proper Motions

We have determined bulk proper motions (PMs) for 31 LMC GCs from Gaia eDR3 and Hubble Space Telescope data using multiple independent analysis techniques. Combined with literature values for distances, line-of-sight velocities, and existing bulk PMs, we extract full 6D phase-space information for 32 clusters, allowing us to examine the kinematics of the LMC GC system in detail. Except for two GCs (NGC 2159 and NGC 2210) whose high velocities suggest they are not long-term members of the LMC system, the data are consistent with a flattened configuration that rotates like the stellar disk. The one-dimensional velocity dispersions are on the order of 30 km s−1, similar to that of old stellar populations in the LMC disk. Similarly to the case for Milky Way disk clusters, the velocity anisotropy is such that the dispersion is smallest in the azimuthal direction; however, alternative anisotropies cannot be ruled out, due to distance uncertainties. The data are consistent with a single multidimensional Gaussian velocity distribution. Given the non-collisional nature of the LMC disk, this suggests that most, if not all, of the LMC GCs are formed by a single formation mechanism in the stellar disk, despite a significant spread in age and metallicity. Any accreted halo GC population is absent or far smaller in the LMC compared to the Milky Way.

Dynamic SV‐Wave Signatures of Fluid‐Saturated Porous Rocks Containing Intersecting Fractures

AbstractDetecting fracture intersections is crucial for understanding rock hydraulic properties. For this purpose, we study the dynamic SV‐wave signatures of fluid‐saturated porous rocks containing intersecting fractures. A theoretical model is derived using the dynamic Biot's poroelasticity equations. Using this model, we analyze the features of SV‐waves and compare to those of previously studied P‐waves. The results show that the dispersion and attenuation of SV‐waves caused by elastic scattering and FF‐WIFF (Fracture‐Fracture Wave‐induced Fluid Flow) have a similar dependence on properties of intersecting fractures and fluid as those of P‐waves. However, the FB‐WIFF (Fracture‐Background Wave‐induced Fluid Flow) causes much smaller dispersion and attenuation for SV‐waves than for P‐waves. In particular, such dispersion and attenuation of SV‐waves are negligibly small for the orthogonally intersecting fractures regardless of wave incidence angles. In addition to the dispersion and attenuation, the WIFF and elastic scattering also greatly affect the anisotropy properties, which gives rise to frequency‐dependent velocity and attenuation anisotropies for both SV‐ and P‐ waves. Such anisotropy properties are sensitive to fracture intersection angles and are quite different between SV‐ and P‐ waves. These complementary features of SV‐ and P‐ waves provide the basis for fracture intersection detection using the combined features of these two waves. By comparing our model to the known results for the limiting cases, we validate our model.

The Hubble Space Telescope UV Legacy Survey of Galactic Globular Clusters. XXIII. Proper-motion Catalogs and Internal Kinematics

A number of studies based on the data collected by the Hubble Space Telescope (HST) GO-13297 program “HST Legacy Survey of Galactic Globular Clusters: Shedding UV Light on Their Populations and Formation” have investigated the photometric properties of a large sample of Galactic globular clusters and revolutionized our understanding of their stellar populations. In this paper, we expand upon previous studies by focusing our attention on the stellar clusters’ internal kinematics. We computed proper motions for stars in 56 globular clusters and one open cluster by combining the GO-13297 images with archival HST data. The astrophotometric catalogs released with this paper represent the most complete and homogeneous collection of proper motions of stars in the cores of stellar clusters to date, and expand the information provided by the current (and future) Gaia data releases to much fainter stars and into the crowded central regions. We also census the general kinematic properties of stellar clusters by computing the velocity dispersion and anisotropy radial profiles of their bright members. We study the dependence on concentration and relaxation time, and derive dynamical distances. Finally, we present an in-depth kinematic analysis of the globular cluster NGC 5904.

Pronounced Seismic Anisotropy in Kanto Sedimentary Basin: A Case Study of Using Dense Arrays, Ambient Noise Seismology, and Multi‐Modal Surface‐Wave Imaging

AbstractMetropolitan Tokyo is subject to significant seismic hazards because it is located near a triple junction of tectonic plates and because it sits atop the soft and thick sediments of the Kanto sedimentary Basin. Numerical simulations of earthquake ground motions rely on accurate velocity models of the basin elastic and anelastic structure, which remains to be improved. Here, we leverage the density of permanent stations of the Metropolitan Seismic Observation network seismic network to construct a high‐resolution radially anisotropic (VSV ≠ VSH) shear wave velocity model of the Kanto basin. We construct surface waves using ambient seismic noise cross correlations. In sedimentary structures, it is common for several surface‐wave modes to arise and to couple in time, so we use local sub‐arrays to extract the phase velocity of the fundamental mode and first overtone of Rayleigh and Love waves at short periods (1–7 s). We find that a strong and negative shear‐wave anisotropy (−5%) is confined to the upper 300 m depth range, and a strong and positive anisotropy (+5%) at greater depths. We interpret them as a result of the vertical cracks from repeated earthquake damage and sediment stratigraphy in the Kanto Basin. Because anisotropy models are not routinely used in physics‐based ground motion prediction, our study motivates the consideration of seismic anisotropy in sedimentary basins for the ground motion of future earthquakes.

Crustal structure beneath the northeastern margin of the Tibetan plateau and its surrounding regions revealed by direct surface wave radial anisotropy tomography

We assemble the continuous waveform data recorded by 571 broadband temporary seismic stations from 2014 to 2015 in the northeastern (NE) margin of the Tibetan plateau and its surrounding regions. Rayleigh and Love wave phase velocity dispersion curves (T = 5–50 s) are obtained by the image transformation technique. Then the phase velocity dispersion data are used to jointly invert the 3-D shear wave velocity (Vs) and radial anisotropy (ξ) models in the study region with the direct surface wave radial anisotropy tomography (DRadiSurfTomo) method. The ξ is negative and positive in the upper crust and mid-to-lower crust, respectively, indicating that the crustal deformation pattern is depth-dependent. The middle crust beneath the NE margin of the Tibetan plateau generally exhibits positive ξ. Two low-velocity zones (LVZs) are detected beneath the Songpan-Garzê block and the western Qinling orogen as well as the northern Qilian orogen. High-velocity zone (HVZ) and positive ξ are characterized in the mid-to-lower crust beneath both the Alxa block and the Ordos basin. Combining with the previous results, we propose these two blocks, as a whole belonging to a part of the North China Craton (NCC), effectively restrict the northeastward growth of the Tibetan plateau. The uneven crustal deformation along the boundary between the NE margin of the Tibetan plateau and its surrounding regions is likely to be affected by the far-field stress originating from the collision between the Indian and Eurasian plates.