Imaging the Moho and Main Himalayan Thrust beneath the Kumaon Himalaya: constraints from receiver function analysis

SUMMARYWe analyse P-wave receiver functions across the Kumaon Himalaya and adjoining area to constrain crustal thickness, intracrustal structures and seismic velocity characteristics to address the role of the underlying structure on seismogenesis and geodynamic evolution of the region. The three-component waveforms of teleseismic earthquakes recorded by a seismological network consisting of 18 broad-band seismological stations have been used for receiver function analysis. The common conversion point (CCP) depth migrated receiver function image and shear wave velocity models obtained through inversion show a variation of crustal thickness from ∼38 km in the Indo-Gangetic Plain to ∼42 km near the Vaikrita Thrust. A ramp (∼20°) structure on the Main Himalayan Thrust (MHT) is revealed beneath the Chiplakot Crystalline Belt (CCB) that facilitates the exhumation of the CCB. The geometry of the MHT observed from the receiver function image is consistent with the geometry revealed by a geological balanced cross-section. A cluster of seismicity at shallow to mid-crustal depths is detected near the MHT ramp. The spatial and depth distribution of seismicity pattern beneath the CCB and presence of steep dipping imbricate faults inferred from focal mechanism solutions suggest a Lesser Himalayan Duplex structure in the CCB above the MHT ramp. The study reveals a low-velocity zone (LVZ) with a high Poisson's ratio (σ ∼0.28–0.30) at lower crustal depth beneath the CCB. The high value of Poisson's ratio in the lower crust suggests the presence of fluid/partial melt. The shear heating in the ductile regime and/or decompression and cooling associated with the exhumation of the CCB plausibly created favorable conditions for partial melting in the lower crustal LVZ.