1 research outputs found
Global Mapping of the Uppermantle by Surface Wave Tomography
Surface wave tomography compliments detailed body
wave studies by providing a global framework for the lateral variability
of the uppermantle. In particular the method allows one to
map the mantle beneath the lithosphere and to discuss the fate of
overridden oceanic plates. Midocean ridges appear to extend to at
least 400 km. By contrast, the very high velocities associated with
shields are primarily much shallower. The Red Sea-Afar region is a
pronounced and deep low-velocity anomaly. A significant uppermantle
anomaly has been found in the central Pacific. This
"Polynesian Anomaly" is surrounded by hotspots; Hawaii, Tahiti,
Samoa and the Caroline Islands. This may be the site of the extensive
Cretaceous volanism which generated the plateaus and
seamounts in the western Pacific. Anisotropy indicates deep upwellings,
>300 km depth, under midocean ridges, the Afar and the
Polynesian Anomaly and downwelling under the western Pacific and
the northeastern Indian Ocean. The large fast anomaly under the
south Atlantic may represent overridden Pacific plate