Crustal layering in northeastern Tibet: a case study based on joint inversion of receiver functions and surface wave dispersion

Recently constructed models of crustal structure across Tibet based on surface wave data display a prominent mid-crustal low velocity zone (LVZ) but are vertically smooth in the crust. Using six months of broad-band seismic data recorded at 22 stations arrayed approximately linearly over a 440 km observation profile across northeastern Tibet (from the Songpan–Ganzi block, through the Qaidam block, into the Qilian block), we perform a Bayesian Monte Carlo joint inversion of receiver function data with surface wave dispersion to address whether crustal layering is needed to fit both data sets simultaneously. On some intervals a vertically smooth crust is consistent with both data sets, but across most of the observation profile two types of layering are required: a discrete LVZ or high velocity zone (HVZ) formed by two discontinuities in the middle crust and a doublet Moho formed by two discontinuities from 45–50 km to 60–65 km depth connected by a linear velocity gradient in the lowermost crust. The final model possesses (1) a mid-crustal LVZ that extends from the Songpan–Ganzi block through the Kunlun suture into the Qaidam block consistent with partial melt and ductile flow and (2) a mid-crustal HVZ bracketing the south Qilian suture coincident with ultrahigh pressure metamorphic rocks at the surface. (3) Additionally, the model possesses a doublet Moho extending from the Qaidam to the Qilian blocks which probably reflects increased mafic content with depth in the lowermost crust perhaps caused by a vertical gradient of ecologitization. (4) Crustal thickness is consistent with a step-Moho that jumps discontinuously by 6 km from 63.8 km (±1.8 km) south of 35° to 57.8 km (±1.4 km) north of this point coincident with the northern terminus of the mid-crustal LVZ. These results are presented as a guide to future joint inversions across a much larger region of Tibet.