Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 17, 2026

Data Processing Methods for 3D Seismic Imaging of Subsurface Volcanoes: Applications to the Tarim Flood Basalt
Published on: August 7, 2017
A seismic reflection image for the base of a tectonic plate
T A Stern1, S A Henrys2, D Okaya3
1Institute of Geophysics, Victoria University, Salamanca Road, Wellington 6140, New Zealand.
High-resolution seismic imaging reveals a low-viscosity channel at the lithosphere-asthenosphere boundary (LAB). This channel, likely containing melts or volatiles, decouples tectonic plates, enabling plate tectonics.
Area of Science:
- Geophysics
- Tectonics
- Seismology
Background:
- Plate tectonics describes Earth's surface as moving lithospheric plates.
- The lithosphere-asthenosphere boundary (LAB) at the base of these plates remains poorly understood.
- Previous imaging of the LAB used teleseismic waves, limiting structural resolution.
Purpose of the Study:
- To image the base of a subducting oceanic plate with unprecedented resolution.
- To investigate the structure and properties of the lithosphere-asthenosphere boundary (LAB).
- To provide evidence for mechanisms facilitating plate tectonics.
Main Methods:
- Utilized explosion-generated seismic waves with a ~0.5 km wavelength for high-resolution imaging.
- Analyzed P-wave reflections from the base of an oceanic plate subducting beneath New Zealand.
- Created an 80 km wide seismic image of the subducting plate base.
Main Results:
- Identified an abrupt seismic wave-speed transition (<1 km thick) at ~100 km depth, dipping at ~15°.
- Observed an 8 ± 3% decrease in P-wave speed across the boundary.
- Detected a deeper reflection indicating the speed decrease is confined to a channel, interpreted as a melt/volatile-rich zone.
Conclusions:
- The high-resolution data provide direct evidence for a low-viscosity channel at the LAB.
- This channel decouples the lithospheric plate from underlying mantle flow.
- The existence of such a channel is crucial for the mechanics of plate tectonics.
More Related Videos
06:55Kinematic History of a Salient-recess Junction Explored through a Combined Approach of Field Data and Analog Sandbox Modeling
Published on: August 5, 2016
06:23Using Baseplating and a Miniscope Preanchored with an Objective Lens for Calcium Transient Research in Mice
Published on: June 5, 2021
Related Concept Videos
Reflection of Waves
Total Internal Reflection Fluorescence Microscopy
Fluid Pressure over Flat Plate of Constant Width
The resultant force...
Influence of Earth's Curvature and Atmospheric Refraction on Leveling
Fluid Pressure over Flat Plate of Variable Width
The pressure distribution on the plate can be calculated by determining the force that acts on a differential area strip of the plate. Thus, the magnitude of the force is equal to the...
Formation of the Platelet Plug
As the injured blood vessel contracts, endothelial cells undergo contraction, revealing collagen fibers in the basement membrane and underlying connective tissue. Furthermore, the plasma membrane of endothelial cells becomes adhesive, preparing the site for platelet adhesion. Platelets...