Shear Wave Splitting and Mantle Flow in Mexico: What Have we Learned?

Abstract

A review is presented of the shear wave splitting studies of the upper mantle carried out in Mexico during the last decade. When a seismic wave enters an anisotropic medium it splits, which means that a fast and a slow wave are produced. Two parameters are used to quantify anisotropy. These are the fast polarization direction and the delay time between the fast and the slow wave. An example of the measurement technique is presented using an SKS phase because most observations are based on teleseismic data. Results of two studies using local S waves from intraslab earthquakes are also discussed. Key aspects of the interpretation of splitting measurements are explained. These include the depth localization of anisotropy, the relation-ship between olivine fabrics and mantle flow, the role of absolute plate motion, and the role of relative plate motions with a special focus on subduction zones. An important motivation for studying seismic anisotropy is that it makes it possible to constrain the characteristics of upper mantle flow and its relationship to tectonic processes. Mexico has many diverse tectonic environments, some of which are currently active, or were formerly active, and have left their imprint on seismic anisotropy. This has resulted in a wide variety of mechanisms for driving mantle flow. Broadly speaking, the discussion is organized into the following regions: Baja California peninsula, Western Mexican Basin and Range, northern and northeastern Mexico, the Middle America Trench, the Yucatán peninsula, and lowermost mantle anisotropy. Depending on the unique characteristics encountered within each region, the relationship between anisotropy and mantle flow is explored.