Distribution of Intra-Crustal Low Velocity Zones beneath Yunnan from Seismic Ambient Noise Tomography

Abstract

Previous studies have reached consensus that low velocity zones are widespread in the crust beneath Yunnan region. However, the relationships between the low velocity zones and large faults, earthquake distribution are less investigated by available studies. By analyzing the seismic ambient noise recorded by Yunnan Seismic Networks and Tengchong volcano array, we construct a 3D crustal shear wave velocity model for the Yunnan region, which provides more details of the distribution of intra-crustal low velocity zones in all of Yunnan. The distribution of low velocity zones shows different features at different depths. At shallow depths, the results are well correlated with near surface geological features. With increasing depth, the low velocity zones are gradually concentrated to the northern part of our study area, most likely reflecting variations in crustal thickness beneath the Yunnan region. The low velocity zones are truncated at depth by several large faults in Yunnan. It is interesting that most strong earthquakes (M _s≥5.0) occurred in Yunnan are distributed in low velocity zones or the transition zones between low and high velocity anomalies within the upper-to-middle crust. The crustal structure is composed of a brittle, seismically active upper-to-middle crust and a warm, aseismic lower crust.

Keywords

ambient noise tomography / crustal structure / low velocity zone / fault / strong earthquake

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