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One-layer global inversion for outermost core velocity

Kohler, Monica D. and Tanimoto, Toshiro (1992) One-layer global inversion for outermost core velocity. Physics of the Earth and Planetary Interiors, 72 (3-4). pp. 173-184. ISSN 0031-9201. doi:10.1016/0031-9201(92)90200-F. https://resolver.caltech.edu/CaltechAUTHORS:20160502-141644896

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Abstract

The most direct method for constraining physical properties of the outermost core involves analysis of SnKS waveforms (where n is an integer). However, the physical nature of this region remains ambiguous in spite of its significance in geodynamic, geomagnetic, and seismic models of the Earth's deep interior. Global inversion for P-wave velocity in the outermost 200 km of the core from SKS and SKKS waveforms is examined here. The inversion process consists of constructing synthetic seismograms using normal mode theory, and solving for first-order perturbations to P-wave velocity. Spheroidal modes with periods between 33 and 100 s are chosen to model the waveforms and P-wave velocity perturbation is solved along individual raypaths, assuming a laterally homogeneous initial model. The dataset includes about 800 digital, long-period radial seismograms from earthquakes which have occurred globally. Seismograms were chosen for source-receiver distances of 110–130° in which SKS and SKKS are best isolated in time from nearby phases. We have attempted to remove the effects of mantle heterogeneity by incorporating the mantle velocity model MDLSH. Figures of P-wave velocity results, plotted at the midpoint between source and receiver, show large-scale patterns of positive and negative lateral velocity variation. There are also regions of inconsistencies, not simply explained by core-mantle boundary (CMB) topography or crisscrossing raypaths. There is no clear dependence of residuals on latitude. Incorporation of a modified version of MDLSH does not significantly change our solutions, suggesting that the resolution length scales of global mantle models are too large to remove important smaller-wavelength (less than 1000 km) mantle heterogeneity effects. Furthermore, raypaths of SKS and SKKS independently go through laterally different structure relative to normal mode wavelengths, starting well above the CMB. These results suggest that simultaneous waveform inversion for P- and S-wave velocities is a more reliable way of constructing a model of outermost core structure.


Item Type:Article
Related URLs:
URLURL TypeDescription
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/0031-9201(92)90200-FDOIArticle
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/003192019290200FPublisherArticle
Additional Information:© 1992 Elsevier. Received 6 February 1992; accepted 10 February 1992. This research was supported by National Science Foundation grant EAR9103526. M. D. Kohler was supported by C. B. Luce and ARCS graduate fellowships. This paper is Contribution 5118, Division of Geological and Planetary Sciences of the California Institute of Technology.
Funders:
Funding AgencyGrant Number
NSFEAR9103526
C. B. LuceUNSPECIFIED
ARCS FelllowhsipUNSPECIFIED
Issue or Number:3-4
DOI:10.1016/0031-9201(92)90200-F
Record Number:CaltechAUTHORS:20160502-141644896
Persistent URL:https://resolver.caltech.edu/CaltechAUTHORS:20160502-141644896
Official Citation:Kohler, M.D. and Tanimoto, T., 1992. One-layer global inversion for outermost core velocity. Phys. Earth Planet. Inter., 72: 173— 184.
Usage Policy:No commercial reproduction, distribution, display or performance rights in this work are provided.
ID Code:66594
Collection:CaltechAUTHORS
Deposited By: SWORD User
Deposited On:02 May 2016 23:07
Last Modified:11 Nov 2021 00:00

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