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Detailed Reference Information |
Song, X. and Xu, X. (2002). Inner core transition zone and anomalous PKP(DF) waveforms from polar paths. Geophysical Research Letters 29: doi: 10.1029/2001GL013822. issn: 0094-8276. |
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Short-period PKP(DF) waves (which travel through the inner core) from polar paths (nearly NS) were observed to have small amplitudes and complex waveforms but the cause has been a mystery. Here we examine both short-period and broadband PKP record sections from a single earthquake in South Sandwich Islands (SSI). The data from polar paths show clear evidence for an inner core triplication. Our waveform modeling suggests a 250-km thick isotropic upper inner core (UIC) overlying an anisotropic lower inner core (LIC) with about 8% anisotropy. The synthetics match the observed waveforms and amplitudes well with a normal value of inner core attenuation. We propose that such a UIC/LIC transition zone structure may be the cause of anomalous DF waveforms along polar paths. The inferred level of anisotropy in the LIC, 2--3 times previous estimates, has important implications for understanding physical properties of the inner core and sources of inner core anisotropy. |
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BACKGROUND DATA FILES |
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Abstract![](/images/icons/spacer.gif) |
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Keywords
Seismology, Core and mantle |
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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 |
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