EarthRef.org Reference Database (ERR)
Development and Maintenance by the EarthRef.org Database Team

Detailed Reference Information
Nakamura & Koyama 1982
Nakamura, Y. and Koyama, J. (1982). Seismic Q of the lunar upper mantle. Journal of Geophysical Research 87: doi: 10.1029/JB087iB06p04855. issn: 0148-0227.

We have determined the frequency dependence of anelastic attenuation for both P and S waves in the upper mantle of the moon in the frequency range of roughly 3 to 8 Hz. The method used is a combination of a single-station method, in which Q-1 is obtained as an integral with an unknown constant, and a multiple-station method, the result of which is used to determine the integration constant. The Q determined for P waves (Qp) appears to decrease with increasing frequency, through it is not significantly different from a constant Q, while the Q for S waves (Qs) increases with frequency, becoming significantly greater than Qp at high frequencies. All Q values remain greater than 4000 within this frequency range. Qs above 5 Hz is approximately proportional to the 0.7th power of frequency. The high Q for shear waves at high frequencies suggests that compressional heat loss may be a dominant dissipation mechanism. Some uncertainites in the absolute Q values remain because the detailed velocity structure of the lunar upper mantle is largely unknown.

BACKGROUND DATA FILES

Abstract

Journal
Journal of Geophysical Research
http://www.agu.org/journals/jb/
Publisher
American Geophysical Union
2000 Florida Avenue N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20009-1277
USA
1-202-462-6900
1-202-328-0566
service@agu.org
Click to clear formClick to return to previous pageClick to submit