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Detailed Reference Information
Stephens et al. 1990
Stephens, C.D., Page, R.A. and Lahr, J.C. (1990). Reflected and mode-converted seismic waves within the shallow Aleutian subduction zone, southern Kenai Peninsula, Alaska. Journal of Geophysical Research 95: doi: 10.1029/90JB00267. issn: 0148-0227.

Pronounced secondary phases observed in local recordings of quarry shots and earthquakes on the southern Kenai Peninsula, Alaska, are identified as reflected P and S and converted S-to-P phases originating within four depth ranges: in the upper few kilometers of the Cook Inlet Tertiary basin, at midcrustal depths within the overthrust North American plate, at about 35 km depth near the top of the Wadati-Benioff seismic zone in proximity to the inferred interplate megathrust, and at about 5--10 km below the megathrust in the subducted Pacific plate. Beneath the landward margin of the accreted Chugach terrane, the mid-upper plate (MUP) discontinuity dips as steeply as 20¿--30¿ to the west-northwest over the depth range 12--18 km. At the shallower depths it flattens and possibly arches with the crest at about 10 km depth. Similar midcrustal reflectors have been imaged about 125 km to the southwest and about 350 km to the northeast along the structural trend of the Chugach terrane. The extensive reflectors may have a common origin, possible caused by the presence of underplated rocks. Relative amplitudes and polarities of the secondary phases originating at MUP depths provide few constraints on the nature of the discontinuity. It appears that the MUP discontinuity is seismically inactive and does not represent a brittle-ductile transition zone within the upper plate. The two converted S-to-P phases generated near the top of the subducted plate could indicate a low-velocity zone associated with subducted oceanic crust.

BACKGROUND DATA FILES

Abstract

Keywords
Seismology, Body wave propagation, Tectonophysics, Plate motions—general, Information Related to Geographic Region, North America
Journal
Journal of Geophysical Research
http://www.agu.org/journals/jb/
Publisher
American Geophysical Union
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