Crustal and uppermost mantle structure of southern Norway: results from surface wave analysis of ambient seismic noise and earthquake data

Abstract

We use ambient seismic noise and earthquake recordings on a temporary regional network in southern Norway to produce Rayleigh and Love wave phase velocity maps from 3 to 67 s period. Local dispersion curves are then jointly inverted for a 3-D shear wave velocity model of the region. We perform a two-step inversion approach. First, a direct search, Monte Carlo algorithm is applied to find best fitting isotropic velocity depth profiles. Those profiles are then used as initial models for a linearised inversion which takes into account radial anisotropy in the shear wave structure. Results reveal crustal as well as uppermost mantle structures in the studied region. Velocity anomalies in the upper crust are rather small in amplitude and can in most parts be related to surface geology in terms of rock densities. Old tectonic units like the Oslo Graben (300–240 Ma) and the Caledonian nappes (440–410 Ma) are clearly imaged. Furthermore, we find clear indications for localized crustal anisotropy of about 3 per cent. Despite generally poor resolution of interface depths in surface wave inversion, we find lateral variation of crustal thickness in agreement with previous studies. We are able to confirm and locate the transition from a slow lithospheric upper mantle underneath southern Norway to a fast shield-like mantle towards Sweden.

This article has been accepted for publication in Geophysical Journal International © 2012 The Authors Geophysical Journal International © 2012 RAS Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Royal Astronomical Society. All rights reserved.