The Velocity Structure at Depth and Seismicity in the Transbaikalia Region (along the 1-SB Geological-Geophysical Reference Traverse)

Abstract

This study is concerned with an analysis of seismicity and deep structure in the Transbaikalia along the 1-SB reference geophysical traverse. We have found a complex inhomogeneous structure of the crust and upper mantle. The crustal thickness varies between 40 km in the southeastern part of the traverse and in intermontane troughs in its northwestern part on the one hand and 48 km in mountain ranges. Strong variation also affects boundary velocities at the Moho, ranging from 8.4‒8.5 km/s for compressional waves and 4.9‒4.95 km/s for shear waves (especially in the southeastern part of the traverse) to lower values of 7.8‒8.0 km/s for compressional waves and 4.6‒4.7 km/s for shear waves in the area of the Baikal Rift Zone in the northwestern part of the traverse. A strongly inhomogeneous earth structure based on elastic wave velocities, Vp/Vs velocity ratios, and Poisson’s ratio was found for upper and middle crust at depths of 8‒20 km. It was also found that zones of higher seismicity tend to coincide with crustal blocks with inhomogeneous velocity structure based on differently polarized compressional and shear waves. Higher inhomogeneity in upper crust as inferred from elastic wave velocities and secondary earth parameters (Vp/Vs velocity ratios, the parameter K* = Vp/(γ ‒ 1), where γ = Vp/Vs, and Poisson’s ratio (σ)) characterize the area of the Baikal Rift Zone in an immediate vicinity of the great Muya earthquake of 1957 with М = 7.6. As well, several other deep zones of inhomogeneity have been identified along the traverse line based on anomalies of Р and S velocities and secondary earth parameters that correlate to varying degrees with seismically active areas based on multiyear instrumental observations. We have identified an unambiguous relationship of large inhomogeneous zones in the Transbaikalia crust with stress buildup and stress release in the shape of large earthquakes, thus substantiating the intermediate-term prediction of catastrophic events.