Publication Date:
2021-07-04
Description:
We present observations on a new precursory phase of seismic waves scattered in the deep Earth. This phase arrives prior to the PKPab wave at epicentral distances larger than 155°, and we call it PKPab precursor. We show that the presence of the PKPab precursor is a necessary consequence of scattering in D″, which is the commonly accepted cause of the PKPdf precursor at distances smaller than 145°. PKPdf waves that propagate through the inner core should arrive before the PKPab precursor but those, are strongly attenuated in the inner core at frequencies between 4 Hz and 8 Hz used here, making the PKPab precursor the earliest teleseismic signal at distances larger than 155°. Calculated PKPab precursor sensitivity kernel shows that this phase is mostly sensitive to scattering along the closest PKPbc path between source and receiver. It can thus help to constrain the lateral distribution of heterogeneity along D″.
Description:
Plain Language Summary:
A new discovered seismic signal recorded far away from earthquakes, by stations on the other side of Earth, will help to study the properties of the core–mantle boundary. We use high frequencies at which seismic waves do not propagate through the Earth's inner core but are instead propagated around it by deflection at heterogeneity located along the core–mantle boundary.
Description:
Key Points:
PKP precursor observed at distance beyond 155°.
D″ scattering of teleseismic waves at 6 Hz.
Radiative transfer simulation used to locate regions of heterogeneity.
Description:
Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst (DAAD)
http://dx.doi.org/10.13039/501100001655
Keywords:
551.22
;
CMB
;
deep Earth
;
PKP precursor
;
radiative transfer simulation
;
scattering sensitivity
;
wave scattering
Type:
article
