First multi-scale, finite-frequency tomography illuminates 3-D anatomy of the Tibetan Plateau

With a new multi-scale parameterization, 3-D images from finite-frequency seismic tomography, including the very first images beneath central Tibet from S-waves, reveal that regions of low electric resistivity in the crust, previously observed along active rifts in southern Tibet, correlate well with regions of low P-and S-wave speeds (V). However, such regions are not interconnected, indicating that a prevailing south-directed, channel-like crustal flow seems inactive or this popular geodynamic model needs modification. In the upper mantle, there is no clear indication of regional down-welling between depths of 100 to 400 km. Instead, a strong, lateral boundary between high and low V extends up to 33 degrees N, marking the northern limit of sub-horizontally advancing Indian lithospheric mantle. Citation: Hung, S.-H., W.-P. Chen, L.-Y. Chiao, and T.-L. Tseng (2010), First multi-scale, finite-frequency tomography illuminates 3-D anatomy of the Tibetan Plateau, Geophys. Res. Lett., 37, L06304, doi: 10.1029/2009GL041875.