Open AccessLithospheric thickness estimation beneath N orthwestern S outh A merica from an S ‐wave receiver function analysis
Author(s) -
Blanco J. Faustino,
Vargas Carlos A.,
Monsalve Gaspar
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
geochemistry, geophysics, geosystems
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.928
H-Index - 136
ISSN - 1525-2027
DOI - 10.1002/2016gc006785
Subject(s) - geology , receiver function , lithosphere , asthenosphere , tectonics , seismology , terrane
We make use of the S ‐to‐ P receiver function technique beneath Colombia and neighboring regions to make a first‐order approximation of the depth of the Lithosphere‐Asthenosphere Boundary (LAB) and, therefore, of lithospheric thickness. A deconvolution technique was used to calculate the receiver functions, and after a moveout correction and a time‐depth conversion, LAB depths for different tectonic regions of northwestern South America were obtained. Results are typically between 65 and 110 km, consistent with previous estimates around the world and other regions in South America. Lithospheric thickness beneath an oceanic island in the Caribbean is ∼80 km, whereas for the Ecuador‐Colombia Trench it is ∼65 km, and around 100 km for the Panama Arc. The transition to the continent is associated with an increase in LAB depth, where it can reach ∼110 km, with no significant differences among terranes and/or tectonic blocks.