Reflected and mode-converted seismic waves within the shallow Aleutian subduction zone, southern Kenai Peninsula, Alaska

Journal of Geophysical Research Solid Earth
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Abstract

Pronounced secondary phases observed in local recordings of quarry shots and earthquakes on the southern Kenai Peninsula, Alaska, are identified as reflected P and S and converted S-to-P phases originating within four depth ranges: in the upper few kilometers of the Cook Inlet Tertiary basin, at midcrustal depths within the overthrust North American plate, at about 35 km depth near the top of the Wadati-Benioff seismic zone in proximity to the inferred interplate megathrust, and at about 5–10 km below the megathrust in the subducted Pacific plate. Beneath the landward margin of the accreted Chugach terrane, the mid-upper plate (MUP) discontinuity dips as steeply as 20°–30° to the west-northwest over the depth range 12–18 km. At shallower depths it flattens and possibly arches with the crest at about 10 km depth. Similar midcrustal reflectors have been imaged about 125 km to the southwest and about 350 km to the northeast along the structural trend of the Chugach terrane. The extensive reflectors may have a common origin, possible caused by the presence of underplated rocks. Relative amplitudes and polarities of the secondary phases originating at MUP depths provide few constraints on the nature of the discontinuity. It appears that the MUP discontinuity is seismically inactive and does not represent a brittle-ductile transition zone within the upper plate. The two converted S-to-P phases generated near the top of the subducted plate could indicate a low-velocity zone associated with subducted oceanic crust.

Publication type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Title Reflected and mode-converted seismic waves within the shallow Aleutian subduction zone, southern Kenai Peninsula, Alaska
Series title Journal of Geophysical Research Solid Earth
DOI 10.1029/JB095iB05p06883
Volume 95
Issue B5
Year Published 1990
Language English
Description 15 p.
Larger Work Title American Geophysical Union
First page 6883
Last page 6897
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