Uppermost mantle velocity from Pn tomography in the Gulf of Aden

• DOI: 10.1130/ges01052.1
• Publication Date: 2014-08-19T06:29:03Z
• Authors: Jordane Corbeau; F. Rolandone; S. Leroy; A. Al-Lazki; A.L. Stork; D. Keir; G.W. Stuart; J.O.S. Hammond; C. Doubre; J. Vergne; A. Ahmed; K. Khanbari
• Keywords: Hotspot (geology); Low-velocity zone; Seismic Tomography; Asthenosphere; Underplating

We determine the lateral variations in seismic velocity of lithospheric mantle beneath Gulf Aden and its margins by inversion Pn (upper high-frequency compressional P wave) traveltimes. Data for this study were collected several temporary networks from global catalogue. A least-squares tomographic algorithm is used to solve lithosphere. In order separate shallow deeper structures, we use inversions shorter longer ray path data. High velocities (8.2–8.4 km/s) are observed uppermost Yemen that may be related presence magmatic underplating volcanic Red Sea. Zones low (7.7 present upper Sana'a, Aden, Afar, along likely melt transport through lithosphere feeding active volcanism. Deeper within mantle, Oman margin, a low-velocity zone (7.8 suggests deep accumulation. Our results provide evidence asthenosphere undergoes channelized flow Afar hotspot toward east Sheba Ridges.