Geophysics of the Western United States:
Seismic Tomography: Vertical Cross-sections
Displays of vertical cross-sections of Seismic Tomography models
Interpretation of Tomography Models from vertical sections
Oblique view of vertical cross section of DNA09 model, Vp anomalies. Vertical exaggeration is close to 1:1.Introduction
High detail seismic tomography models of Earth structure in the western U.S. (lower 48 states) have been determined in the past five years. Seismic data from EarthScope and the USArray Transportable Array provide signals in a much closer spaced array than has been available previously over such a large area. Here are recent models displayed with vertical cross sections. There are features in common, which suggest that we are seeing real structure.
The models are detailed in Seismic Tomography models -horizontal cross sections. For vertical scale, the MITP and DNA09 models end at 1000 km. In most displays here vertical exaggeration is close to 1:1. Color scales and value ranges are choosen to show similar max and mins for all plots
Data displays are made with the Interactive Data Viewer (IDV). The IDV interpolates to make vertical cross sections in any orientation, to make displays for visual comparisons.
Contributions of new data, displays, and interpretations are welcome. Send email to the address below and include your name and position.
Displays of vertical cross-sections of Seismic Tomography Models Figure 1. Along Yellowstone-Snake River Plain (YSRP) axis, extended to west coast; west is left. Vertical exaggeration is close to 1:1.
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MITP, January 2010 UO_wUS_6_10_dVp DNA09 Vp 
Figure 2. Across Yellowstone-Snake River Plain axis, crossing at 44.5 N, 111 W; west is left. Vertical exaggeration is close to 1:1.
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MITP, January 2010 UO_wUS_6_10_dVp DNA09 Vp 
Figure 3. Vertical cross sections along 35 N parallel, from 100 W to 130 W. West is left.
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MITP, January 2010 UO_wUS_6_10_dVp DNA09 Vp 
Figure 4. Vertical cross sections along 40 N parallel, from 100 W to 130 W. West is left.
MITP, January 2010 UO_wUS_6_10_dVp DNA09 Vp 
Figure 5. Vertical cross sections along 42 N parallel, from 100 W to 130 W. West is left.
MITP, January 2010 UO_wUS_6_10_dVp DNA09 Vp 
Figure 6. Vertical cross sections along 47 N parallel, from 100 W to 130 W. West is left.
MITP, January 2010 UO_wUS_6_10_dVp DNA09 Vp 
Figure 7. Vertical cross sections along 49 N parallel, from 100 W to 130 W. West is left.
MITP, January 2010 UO_wUS_6_10_dVp DNA09 Vp 
Figure 8. Vertical cross sections for the Colorado Plateau, section CP 1. West is left. Vertical exaggeration is near 1:1.
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MITP, January 2010 UO_wUS_6_10_dVp DNA09 Vp 
Figure 9. Vertical cross sections for the Colorado Plateau, CP 2. West is left. Vertical exaggeration is 1:1.
MITP, January 2010 UO_wUS_6_10_dVp DNA09 Vp 
Figure 10. Vertical cross sections for the CA central valley and Sierra Nevada region. West is left. Vertical exaggeration is near 1:1.
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MITP, January 2010 UO_wUS_6_10_dVp DNA09 Vp 
Seismic Tomography: Interpretation of vertical sections
January 9, 2011except where otherwise credited
Images Copyright © 2010,2011 S. K. Wier
Reproduction, reuse, or retransmission prohibited without prior written permission from the author.
