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Mantle Plume Magmatism in Elysium Planitia as Constrained by InSight Seismic Observations
Based on cratering statistics, there has been active volcanism in the last 100 Ma and possibly the last 1 to 10 Ma in both central Elysium Planitia and in the Cerberus Fossae region of south-eastern Elysium. Seismic measurements by the InSight mission show a strong concentration of seismicity in Cerberus Fossae which are interpreted as due to magma transport along dike systems. Together, these observations strongly support the existence of geologically recent and possibly of currently active magmatism in Elysium. InSight seismic observations were also used to construct seismic velocity models for the martian mantle. These models are effectively a regional aver-age of the seismic velocity structure for the Elysium region, where both the InSight lander and most of the measured seismic events are located. These seismic velocity models have been interpreted in terms of the lithospheric thickness and mantle potential temperature. Khan et al. found a lithospheric thickness of 400 to 600 km and a mantle potential temperature of 1325 to 1425 °C. Durán et al. found a lithospheric thickness of ~450 km and a mantle potential tempera-ture of 1375-1475 °C. Drilleau et al. found a thermal lithosphere of 420-660 km and a mantle potential temperature of 1380-1560 °C. In this study, we combine these InSight seismic observations with finite element mantle plume magma production models to place new constraints on the properties of the mantle beneath Elysium Planitia.
Patterns of seismic activity preceding large earthquakes
A mechanical model of seismic faults is employed to investigate the seismic activities that occur prior to major events. The block-and-spring model dynamically generates a statistical distribution of smaller slipping events that precede large events, and the results satisfy the Gutenberg-Richter law. The scaling behavior during a loading cycle suggests small but systematic variations in space and time with maximum activity acceleration near the future epicenter. Activity patterns inferred from data on seismicity in California demonstrate a regional aspect; increased activity in certain areas are found to precede major earthquake events. One example is given regarding the Loma Prieta earthquake of 1989 which is located near a fault section associated with increased activity levels.
A lunar density model consistent with topographic, gravitational, librational, and seismic data
A series of models of the lunar interior are derived from topographic, gravitational, librational, and seismic data. The librational parameters and low-degree gravity harmonics result primarily from surface height variations and only secondarily from lateral density variations. The moon departs from isostasy, even for the low-degree harmonics, with a maximum superisostatic stress of 200 bars under the major mascon basins. The mean crustal thicknesses under different physiographic regions are: mascons, 30-35 km; irregular maria, 50-60 km; and highlands, 90-110 km. A possible composition consistent with our model is an anorthositic crust, underlain by a predominantly forsterite upper mantle which grades into a refractory rich lower mantle surrounding a pyrrhotite core.
Lower mantle thermal structure deduced from seismic tomography, mineral physics and numerical modelling
The long-wavelength thermal anomalies in the lower mantle have been mapped out using several seismic tomographic models in conjunction with thermodynamic parameters derived from high-pressure mineral physics experiments. These parameters are the depth variations of thermal expansivity and of the proportionality factor between changes in density and seismic velocity. The giant plume-like structures in the lower mantle under the Pacific Ocean and Africa have outer fringes with thermal anomalies around 300-400 K, but very high temperatures are found in the center of the plumes near the base of the core-mantle boundary. These extreme values can exceed +1500 K and may reflect large hot thermal anomalies in the lower mantle, which are supported by recent measurements of high melting temperatures of perovskite and iron. Extremely cold anomalies, around -1500 K, are found for anomalies in the deep mantle around the Pacific rim and under South America. Numerical simulations show that large negative thermal anomalies in the mid-lower mantle have modest magnitudes of around -500 K. correlation pattern exists between the present-day locations of cold masses in the lower mantle and the sites of past subduction since the Cretaceous. Results from correlation analysis show that the slab mass-flux in the lower mantle did not conform to a steady-state nature but exhibited time-dependent behavior.
Application of MAGSAT to Lithospheric Modeling in South America. Part 2: Synthesis of Geologic and Seismic Data for Development of Integrated Crustal Models
Research activities performed on MAGSAT scalar data over South America, Central America, and the adjacent marine areas are summarized. The geologic utility of magnetic anomalies detected by satellite is demonstrated by focusing on the spherical-Earth interpretation of scalar MAGSAT data in combination with ancillary geological and geophysical data to obtain lithospheric models for these regions related to their contemporary crustal dynamics processes, geologic history, current volcanism seismicity and natural resources.
Theoretical models for Mars and their seismic properties
Theoretical seismic properties of the planet Mars are investigated on the basis of the various models which have been proposed for the internal composition of the planet. The latest interpretation of gravity-field data, assuming a lower value of the moment of inertia, would require a less dense mantle and a larger core than previous models. If Mars is chondritic in composition, the most reasonable models are an incompletely differentiated H-chondrite or a mixture of H-chondrites and carbonaceous chondrites. Seismic profiles, travel times, and free oscillation periods are computed for various models, with the aim of establishing which seismic data is crucial for deciding among the alternatives. A detailed discussion is given of the seismic properties which could - in principle - help answer the questions of whether Mars' core is liquid or solid and whether Mars has a partially molten asthenosphere in its upper mantle.
Long-wavelength variations in earth's geoid - Physical models and dynamical implications
Seismic tomography and fluid dynamical models are extended to include a detailed and realistic parameterization of the viscosity structure of the mantle. The model also includes the effects of heterogeneity inferred from surface-wave studies of upper-mantle structure. It is found that about 90 percent of the observed geoid may be explained by density anomalies inferred from tomography, a model of subducted slabs, and an earth model with a low-viscosity asthenosphere over a moderate-viscosity lower mantle.
Kinematics of a large-scale intraplate extending lithosphere: The Basin-Range
Upper lithospheric structure of the Cordilleran Basin Range (B-R) is characterised by an E-W symmetry of velocity layering. The crust is 25 km thick on its eastern active margin, thickening to 30 km within the central portion and thinning to approx. 25 km on the west. Pn velocities of 7.8 to 7.9 km/s characterize the upper mantle low velocity cushion, 7.4 km/s to 7.5 km/s, occurs at a depth of approx. 25 km in the eastern B-R and underlies the area of active extension. An upper-crustal low-velocity zone in the eastern B-R shows a marked P-wave velocity inversion of 7% at depths of 7 to 10 km also in the area of greatest extension. The seismic velocity models for this region of intraplate extension suggest major differences from that of a normal, thermally underformed continental lithosphere. Interpretations of seismic reflection data demonstrate the presence of extensive low-angle reflections in the upper-crust of the eastern B-R at depths from near-surface to 7 to 10 km. These reflections have been interpreted to represent low-angle normal fault detachments or reactivated thrusts. Seismic profiles across steeply-dipping normal faults in unconsolidated sediments show reflections from both planar to downward flatening (listric) faults that in most cases do not penetrate the low-angle detachments. These faults are interpreted as late Cenozoic and cataclastic mylonitic zones of shear displacement.
Seismic Exploration of Small Bodies
As a result of the Phase I study, we have demonstrated that a mission to a smallbody (asteroid, comet) whose objective is to conduct a seismic experiment to understandthe interior structure, can be accomplished with small (<200 kg) spacecraft launched on asmall launch vehicle (Athena IIc).We modeled the seismic response of a small body and calculated that the energynecessary to propagate through the body and be detected by a seismometer. Thesecalculations provide guidance as to the type of energy source that is required. A simpleenergy source similar to a NASA standard initiator (NSI) can be used, although a singleNSI is insufficient. An NSI is an explosive pyrotechnic that is used to sever connectionson spacecraft. Use of such an energy source has illustrated two additional areas of study -anchoring of the source and sensor to the surface and understanding the efficiency ofenergy propagation from the source into the surface.The spacecraft has the ability to carry and deploy a series of source/sensors toconduct the experiment by placing them on the surface. We identified a suite of candidatenear-Earth asteroids as targets and used one 1991VG as the target to calculate the missiontrajectory and ∆V requirements. Spacecraft and launch vehicle performance are launchthat any of the candidates could be reached with appropriate mass and launch margins.Sources and sensors are deployed from arm attached to the spacecraft. Thespacecraft maneuvers next to the target body and presses the sensor against the surfaceand releases it. After emplacing all of the surface packages, the sensors are monitored fora period of time to measure the seismic noise. Finally, the active seismic experiment isconducted.The work conducted during Phase I demonstrates that a small mission can be designed to conduct an active seismic experiment on a small near-Earth body. Whileother targets may require more performance, the basic architecture is viable for anytarget.We have identified a number of specific technical areas that require more detailed study. Those areas are largely focused on the detailed analysis and design of the source mechanism and anchoring it to the surface. Such topics will be part of a Phase IIproposal.
Seismic coupling and uncoupling at subduction zones
Some of the correlations concerning the properties of subduction zones are reviewed. A quantitative global comparison of many subduction zones reveals that the largest earthquakes occur in zones with young lithosphere and fast convergence rates. Maximum earthquake size is directly related to the asperity distribution on the fault plane. This observation can be translated into a simple model of seismic coupling where the horizontal compressive stress between two plates is proportional to the ratio of the summed asperity area to the total area of the contact surface. Plate age and rate can control asperity distribution directly through the horizontal compressive stress associated with the vertical and horizontal velocities of subducting slabs. The basalt to eclogite phase change in the down-going oceanic crust may be largely responsible for the uncoupling of subduction zones below a depth of about 40 km.
An analysis of nearfield normal mode amplitude anomalies of the Landers earthquake
The 1992 Landers earthquake (M(sub w) = 7.3) occurred in the middle of the TERRAscope network. Long-period Rayleigh waves recorded at the TERRAscope stations (delta less than or = 3 deg) after traveling around the Earth show large amplitude anomalies, one order of magnitude larger than spherical Earth predictions up to a period of about 600 s. The ground motions over the epicentral region at and after the arrival of R4-5 are in phase at all stations. These observations are inconsistent with the nearly vertical strike slip mechanism of the Landers earthquake. Synthetic seismograms for a rotating, elliptic, and laterally heterogeneous Earth model calculated by the variational method agree well with the observed waveforms. Calculations for various 3D Earth models demonstrate that the amplitudes are very sensitive to the large scale aspherical structure in the crust and the mantle. The anomalies for modes shorter than 300 s period can be explained by lateral heterogeneity shallower than the upper mantle. Rotation of the Earth and lower mantle heterogeneity are required to explain mode amplitudes at longer periods. Current whole mantle seismic tomographic models can fully explain the observed amplitudes longer than 300 s. To assess the effect of the high order lateral heterogeneity in the mantle more precise estimate of the crustal correction is required.
Earthquake source mechanisms and transform fault tectonics in the Gulf of California
The source parameters of 19 large earthquakes in the Gulf of California were determined from inversions of long-period P and SH waveforms. The goal was to understand the recent slip history of this dominantly transform boundary between the Pacific and North American plates as well as the effect on earthquake characteristics of the transition from young oceanic to continental lithosphere. For the better recorded transform events, the fault strike is resolved to + or - 4 deg at 90 percent confidence. The slip vectors thus provide important constraints on the direction of relative plate motion. Most centroid depths are poorly resolved because of tradeoffs between depth and source time function. On the basis of waveform modeling, historical seismicity, and other factors, it is appropriate to divide the Gulf into three distinct zones. The difference in seismic character among the three zones is likely the result of differing levels of maturity of the processes of rifting, generation of oceanic crust, and formation of stable oceanic transform faults. The mechanism of an earthquake on the Tres Marias Escarpment is characterized by thrust faulting and likely indicates the direction of relative motion between the Rivera and North American plates. This mechanism requires revision in plate velocity models which predict strike slip motion at this location.
Examination of lunar scientific objectives and evaluation and development studies for possible post-Apollo period Semiannual status report, 1 Jul. - 31 Dec. 1970
Lunar seismic velocity models and lunar reverberation calculations
Shallow moonquakes - Depth, distribution and implications as to the present state of the lunar interior
The observed seismic amplitudes of HFT (high-frequency teleseismic) events do not vary with distance as expected for surface sources, but are consistent with sources in the upper mantle of the moon. Thus, the upper mantle of the moon is the only zone where tectonic stresses deriving from differential thermal contraction and expansion of the lunar interior are presently high enough to cause moonquakes. The distribution of shallow moonquake epicenters suggests a possible correlation with impact basins, implying a lasting tectonic influence of impact basins long after their formation. The finite depths now assigned to these shallow moonquakes necessitate further revision to the seismic structural model of the lunar interior.
Sources of lunar magnetic anomalies and their bulk directions of magnetization - Additional evidence from Apollo orbital data
A relatively high-amplitude magnetic anomaly directly detected with the Apollo 15 subsatellite magnetometer and centered near the crater Gerasimovich on the southeastern lunar far side is found to correlate with the location of a conspicuous Reiner Gamma-type swirl marking visible on a Zond 8 photograph. Examinations of available direct and indirect orbital magnetics measurements demonstrate that most strong anomalies occur in areas where morphologically similar markings are concentrated. Even though photogeologic studies indicate an impact-related origin for the swirls, both the swirls and their associated strong anomalies tend to exist preferentially in or near areas that have been seismically modified. Modeling of improved vector magnetic anomaly maps is used to infer 28 independent bulk directions of magnetization for relatively strong and isolated lunar magnetic anomaly sources.
Subducted slabs and the geoid: Constraints on mantle rheology and flow
The total geoid anomaly which is the result of a given density contrast in a convecting viscous earth is affected by the mass anomalies associated with the flow induced deformation of the upper surface and internal compositional boundaries, as well as by the density contrast itself is discussed. If the internal density contrasts can be estimated, the depth and variation of viscosity with depth of the convecting system can be constrained. The observed long wavelength geoid is highly correlated with that predicted by a density model for seismically active subducted slabs. The amplitude of the correlation is explained if the density contrasts associated with subduction extend into the lower mantle or if subducted slabs exceeding 350 km in thickness are piled up over horizontal distances of thousands of km at the base of the upper mantle. Mantle wide convection in a mantle that has a viscosity increasing with depth provides the explanation of the long-wavelength geoid anomalies over subduction zones.