Anisotropy of the Pacific upper mantle

Abstract

Abstract : Seismic refraction measurements of the compressional wave velocity of the upper mantle, obtained in the northeast Pacific Ocean between California and Hawaii, have shown a dependence on direction indicating anisotropy of velocity with a maximum of 8.6 km/sec in a roughly easterly direction and a minimum of 8.9 km/sec. In order to test whether or not these observations represent true anisotropy, rather than geographical variation of velocity, special anisotropy experiments were conducted at two locations centered roughly at 31 degrees N, 121 degrees W and 35 degrees N, 126 degrees W respectively. At each of these locations significant anisotropy was observed, agreeing in direction with the apparent anisotropy indicated for the entire region. The magnitude of the velocity difference, 0.3 km/sec, is half of the overall variation of 0.6 km/sec. These observations do not prove the hypothesis of anisotropy throughout the entire region from California to Hawaii. However, they are consistent with this hypothesis, and give encouragement to similar observations elsewhere. (Author)