SKS splitting beneath Mount St. Helens: Constraints on subslab mantle entrainment

Geochemistry, Geophysics, Geosystems
By: , and 

Links

Abstract

Observations of seismic anisotropy can provide direct constraints on the character of mantle flow in subduction zones, critical for our broader understanding of subduction dynamics. Here we present over 750 new SKS splitting measurements in the vicinity of Mount St. Helens in the Cascadia subduction zone using a combination of stations from the iMUSH broadband array and Cascades Volcano Observatory network. This provides the highest density of splitting measurements yet available in Cascadia, acting as a focused “telescope” for seismic anisotropy in the subduction zone. We retrieve spatially consistent splitting parameters (mean fast direction Φ: 74°, mean delay time ∂t: 1.0 s) with the azimuthal occurrence of nulls in agreement with the fast direction of splitting. When averaged across the array, a 90° periodicity in splitting parameters as a function of back azimuth is revealed, which has not been recovered previously with single‐station observations. The periodicity is characterized by a sawtooth pattern in Φ with a clearly defined 45° trend. We present new equations that reproduce this behavior based upon known systematic errors when calculating shear wave splitting from data with realistic seismic noise. The corrected results suggest a single layer of anisotropy with an ENE‐WSW fast axis parallel to the motion of the subducting Juan de Fuca plate; in agreement with predictions for entrained subslab mantle flow. The splitting pattern is consistent with that seen throughout Cascadia, suggesting that entrainment of the underlying asthenosphere with the subducting slab is coherent and widespread.

Study Area

Publication type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Title SKS splitting beneath Mount St. Helens: Constraints on subslab mantle entrainment
Series title Geochemistry, Geophysics, Geosystems
DOI 10.1029/2019GC008433
Volume 20
Issue 8
Year Published 2019
Language English
Publisher American Geophysical Union
Contributing office(s) Earthquake Science Center
Description 16 p.
First page 4202
Last page 4217
Country United States
State Washington
Other Geospatial Mount St. Helens
Google Analytic Metrics Metrics page
Additional publication details