Year: 1978
Type: article
Abstract: In this study we model synthetically a complete seismic profile of roughly 20-m.y.-old crust located to the west of the East Pacific Rise, 3.37S, 114.13W. The results indicate a rather strong velocity gradient below the sediments with little evidence of layering in the upper crust and a slightly dipping oceanic layer. The crust-to-mantle transition zone appears sharp providing a relatively good wave guide for multiple Moho reflections which are modeled synthetically to further test the usefulness of a layered earth model in explaining entire seismograms. The mantle head waves decay abruptly near 50 km which can be explained by the onset of a low-velocity zone in the upper mantle at about a depth of 12 km below the ocean surface.
Authors: D. V. Helmberger, Gladys R. Engen
Institution: California Institute of Technology
Language: English
Subfield: Geology
Field: Earth and Planetary Sciences
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: green
Funder: Office of Naval Research
Award: G8876996369
OpenAlex ID: W2601386868