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Published on: February 2, 2012
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Probing layered arc crust in the Lesser Antilles using receiver functions
David Schlaphorst1, Elena Melekhova1, J-Michael Kendall1
1School of Earth Sciences, University of Bristol, Wills Memorial Building, Bristol, UK.
Royal Society Open Science
|December 20, 2018
Summary
Receiver function inversions reveal complex crustal structure in the Lesser Antilles Arc. A mid-crustal discontinuity and variable Moho depth suggest diverse magmatic processes and differentiation histories across the islands.
Area of Science:
- Geophysics
- Seismology
- Tectonics
Background:
- Oceanic arcs are crucial for understanding crustal growth and structure.
- The Lesser Antilles Arc (LAA) presents a unique setting for studying these processes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze changes in crustal thickness and composition along the LAA.
- To investigate crustal structure using advanced seismological methods.
Main Methods:
- Receiver function (RF) inversions combining seismological data with vp/vs ratios.
- Development of an inversion modeling approach for detailed 1D velocity-depth profiles.
- Analysis of seismic data from regional networks across 10 LAA islands.
Main Results:
- Identification of a mid-crustal discontinuity at 10-25 km depth, deeper in the north.
- Observation of variable Moho depth, ranging from 25 km in the south to 35 km in the north.
- Unusual along-arc variations in discontinuity depth, challenging simple crustal thickness interpretations.
Conclusions:
- Standard H-k stacking can be misinterpreted in layered crusts with strong non-Moho discontinuities.
- Crustal structure in the LAA is complex, influenced by magmatic water content and differentiation.
- The study provides detailed insights into the crustal architecture of an oceanic arc.
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