ISSN:
1573-0581
Keywords:
Q
;
attenuation
;
ophiolite
;
oceanic crust
;
velocity
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Geosciences
,
Physics
Notes:
Abstract Compressional wave attenuations and velocities have been measured as a function of confining pressure in ophiolite samples representing a cross-section of the oceanic crust and uppermost mantle. Data are presented for basalts, diabase dikes, gabbros and a suite of serpentinites and peridotites showing a range of serpentization. An ultrasonic pulse-echo spectral ratio technique was used to determine the attenuations to confining pressures of 500 MPa. From this data a Q profile for the oceanic crust and upper mantle is presented. Q is found to moderately increase with depth through the pillow basalts of the upper oceanic crust. The sheeted dike rocks of Layer 2C show an increase in Q with depth due to progressive metamorphism (from greenschist to amphibolite facies). Q drops abruptly from Layer 2C to Layer 3, though it is not clear why the gabbros have such low Q's. The crust-mantle boundary is a Q discontinuity; however, the Q contrast between Layer 3 and the upper mantle could be altered by upper mantle serpentinization, interlayered gabbros and peridotites at the boundary, or serpentinized peridotite diapirs intruding the gabbroic section. Q varies significantly with the percentage of serpentinization in the ultramafic samples, with the largest changes in Q being at the extremes of zero and full serpentinization. Q is sensitive to the overburden pressure for all of the samples.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF00369151
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