Abstract
We report on a receiver function study of the crust and upper mantle
within DESERT, a multidisciplinary geophysical project to study the
lithosphere across the Dead Sea Transform (DST). A temporary seismic
network was operated on both sides of the DST between 2000 April
and 2001 June. The depth of the Moho increases smoothly from about
30 to 34-38 km towards the east across the DST, with significant
north-south variations east of the DST. These Moho depth estimates
from receiver functions are consistent with results from steep- and
wide-angle controlled-source techniques. Steep-angle reflections
and receiver functions reveal an additional discontinuity in the
lower crust, but only east of the DST. This leads to the conclusion
that the internal crustal structure east and west of the DST is different.
The P to S converted phases from both discontinuities at 410 and
660 km are delayed by 2 s with respect to the IASP91 global reference
model. This would indicate that the transition zone is consistent
with the global average, but the upper mantle above 410 km is 3-4
per cent slower than the standard earth model.
Users
Please
log in to take part in the discussion (add own reviews or comments).