Anisotropic Properties of the Earth’s Velocity Structure in Shikoku
Island, Japan: Insights from Receiver Function Analysis and Shear Wave
Splitting
Abstract
The anisotropic properties of the Earth’s velocity structure can be
revealed through a combination of receiver function (RF) analysis and
shear wave splitting. The splitting parameters, fast polarization
direction (FPD) and split time, are used to infer the anisotropic
properties. We utilized seismograms from stations on Shikoku Island,
Japan, and applied the Bayesian information criterion to constrain the
model size of the RF. We showed different anisotropic properties between
northern and southern areas corresponding to the Median Tectonic Line.
In the southern part, the FPDs were sub-perpendicular to the plunge of
the subducting slab, while in the northern part, the FPDs were
sub-parallel to the plunge of the slab. Our results indicate that
anisotropic strengths are weaker in the tectonic tremor-band in
northwestern Shikoku and stronger in the northern part of central and
eastern Shikoku around the no-tectonic-tremor area. These anisotropic
variations may reveal the geological structure under Shikoku Island.