Seismic Anisotropy and Deep Crustal Deformation Across Alaska

Abstract

AbstractBased on a new seismic surface wave data set, we present a model of Alaskan crustal seismic anisotropy that provides new insight into Alaska's geographically diverse deformation history. We use both Rayleigh and Love wave isotropic phase speed and Rayleigh wave azimuthal anisotropy to estimate crustal anisotropy. Unlike traditional seismic tomography, which focuses on apparent seismic anisotropy in which the symmetry axis of anisotropy is assumed to be known, we resolve the spatial variation of inherent anisotropy by inferring the depth‐dependent tilt of the hexagonally symmetric elastic tensor. The amplitude of inherent anisotropy is typically stronger in the lower than the upper crust. We principally interpret the dip angle (plunge of the symmetry axis) or the tilt of the anisotropy foliation plane, which reflects the influence of vertically and/or horizontally oriented structures or deformation. The depth variation of crustal anisotropy appears in four principal motifs that partition Alaska into six distinct geographical regions, which display characteristic dip angle patterns in the upper and lower crust. By considering geological context, we discuss how each region reflects active or historical crustal deformation.