Mantle structure and flow across the continent-ocean transition of the
eastern North American margin: anisotropic S-wave tomography
Abstract
Little has been seismically imaged through the lithosphere and mantle at
rifted margins across the continent-ocean transition. A 2014-2015
community seismic experiment deployed broadband seismic instruments
across the shoreline of the eastern North American rifted margin.
Previous shear-wave splitting along the margin shows several perplexing
patterns of anisotropy, and by proxy, mantle flow. Neither margin
parallel offshore fast azimuths nor null splitting on the continental
coast obviously accord with absolute plate motion, paleo-spreading, or
rift-induced anisotropy. Splitting measurements, however, offer no depth
constraints on anisotropy. Additionally, mantle structure has not yet
been imaged in detail across the continent-ocean transition. We used
teleseismic S, SKS, SKKS, and PKS splitting and differential travel
times recorded on ocean-bottom seismometers, regional seismic networks,
and EarthScope Transportable Array stations to conduct joint
isotropic/anisotropic tomography across the margin. The velocity model
reveals a transition from fast, thick, continental keel to low velocity,
thinned lithosphere eastward. Imaged short wavelength velocity anomalies
can be explained by edge-driven convection. We also find layered
anisotropy. The anisotropic fast polarization is parallel to the margin
within the asthenosphere. This suggests margin parallel flow beneath the
plate. The lower oceanic lithosphere preserves paleo-spreading-parallel
anisotropy, while the continental lithosphere has complex anisotropy
reflecting several Wilson cycles. These results demonstrate the complex
and active nature of a margin which is traditionally considered
tectonically inactive.