1. Uppermost Mantle Pn Velocity and Anisotropy Structures Beneath the Sakhalin–Kuril–Kamchatka Region
- Author
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Lü, Yan, He, Yuhui, Li, Juan, Pei, Shunping, Chen, Qi‐Fu, and Wu, Qingju
- Abstract
In this study, we used the Pn tomography method to obtain detailed velocity and anisotropy structures of the uppermost mantle beneath Sakhalin–Kuril–Kamchatka region for improving the understanding of plate subduction, arc–arc collision, and volcanism. We found low Pn velocities beneath volcanoes and areas characterized by pronounced tectonic activity and high Pn velocities with strong anisotropy in the subducting plate. Low Pn velocity anomalies beneath southern Sakhalin connected the low‐velocity anomalies in the mantle and crust, indicating the ascent of fluid or melt, and may provide a magmatic source for the rear‐arc Rishiri volcano. In the absence of plate subduction, low‐velocity anomalies and north–south Pn anisotropy manifested beneath northern Kamchatka, revealing the lateral propagation of mantle flow beneath this northern region. We suggest that the eastern boundary of the slab window at the Kamchatka–Aleutian junction is likely to be located near the Komandorsky Islands. The Northwest Pacific region is prone to recurrent earthquakes and volcanic activities, attributable to plate subduction and multiple plate interactions. This study, focuses on elucidating the uppermost mantle structure beneath the Sakhalin–Kuril–Kamchatka region using seismic tomography. Beneath the island chain featuring volcanoes and areas with a lot of tectonic activity, seismic waves travel slower. This phenomenon implies the possible presence of magma or hot materials beneath these regions. In southern Sakhalin, a linkage is established through low Pn velocities connecting areas of low seismic wave velocity in the deeper mantle and crust. This linkage suggests a conduit for fluids or molten materials, potentially feeding for the Rishiri volcano situated beyond the volcanic arc. Strong low velocities, coupled with north–south Pn fast directions are identified beneath northern Kamchatka, indicating the northward propagation of mantle flow. Our imaging analysis suggests that the eastern edge of the slab window (the region where the plate is absent) at the Kamchatka–Aleutian junction is likely proximate to the Komandorsky Islands. This study provides new seismological insights into the plate collision and subduction processes as well as the deep structures in the Sakhalin–Kuril–Kamchatka region. Low Pn velocities clarify the upward path of the mantle‐derived thermal material beneath Sakhalin and its influence on surface volcanismStrong low Pn velocities and N–S anisotropy beneath northern Kamchatka signify the lateral propagation of mantle flow directed northwardThe eastern boundary of the slab window at the Kamchatka–Aleutian junction may be located near the Komandorsky Islands Low Pn velocities clarify the upward path of the mantle‐derived thermal material beneath Sakhalin and its influence on surface volcanism Strong low Pn velocities and N–S anisotropy beneath northern Kamchatka signify the lateral propagation of mantle flow directed northward The eastern boundary of the slab window at the Kamchatka–Aleutian junction may be located near the Komandorsky Islands
- Published
- 2024
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