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Two wide-angle seismic reflection/refraction profiles were acquired to determine the velocity characteristics of the Meguma terrane and adjacent Avalonia northeast of the Cobequid-Chedabucto Fault Zone (CCFZ) in eastern Canada. Line 99–1 is located along the Scotian margin whereas line 99–2 crosses the Scotian margin and onshore Nova Scotia and extends into the Gulf of St. Lawrence. Velocity models were derived by forward modelling of travel times. P-wave velocities of 5.5–6.0 km/s and 6.0–6.4 km/s are interpreted to be metasedimentary rocks of the Goldenville and Halifax groups and granitic rocks, respectively. This inference is based on comparison with laboratory velocities of a suite of rock samples, offshore sampling, links to onshore geology with multibeam bathymetry, and gravity modelling. On both lines a low velocity zone (LVZ) >350 km wide and up to 15 km thick is present at mid-crustal levels. The LVZ is not observed beneath onshore Nova Scotia or northeast of Orpheus Graben, the offshore extension of the CCFZ. The crustal thickness of the Meguma terrane varies between 31 and 38 km; in contrast, the Moho is at a depth of 41 km beneath Avalonia. The velocity of the lower crust on line 99–2 is 6.8–7.1 km/s beneath the LVZ and Avalonia, and 6.6 km/s beneath onshore Meguma terrane. Poisson's ratios calculated from P- and S-wave velocities are 0.19–0.23 in the Meguma terrane crust; in contrast, Poisson's ratios of 0.24–0.25 are indicated for Avalonian crust. • Seismic reflection/refraction, gravity, and rock density/velocity data were obtained. • Two velocity/depth models were generated onshore and offshore of Nova Scotia, Canada. • Both models show an extensive low-velocity zone in the offshore Meguma terrane. • Meguma terrane has crustal structure different from that of adjacent Avalonia. • Avalonia extends only 30 km under Meguma terrane in faulted contact. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]