What secrets lie beneath the continents? This research utilizes shear-wave splitting data from over 300 continental seismic stations to analyze seismic anisotropy in the Earth's mantle. The study reveals that anisotropy, a directional dependence of seismic wave velocity, is a pervasive property linked to mantle deformation resulting from past and present orogenic activity. The observed correlation between anisotropy and crustal deformation suggests a dominant role for the mantle in orogenies, which are processes of mountain building. Notably, the study finds no evidence of a continental asthenospheric decoupling zone, indicating that continents are coupled to general mantle circulation. This challenges the idea of a distinct, isolated layer beneath continents. The findings contribute to a deeper understanding of continental tectonics and the dynamic interactions within the Earth's interior. By examining **seismic anisotropy**, this study offers insights into **mantle deformation** and the interconnectedness of the Earth's systems, furthering our knowledge of **geology**.
Published in the Annual Review of Earth and Planetary Sciences, this paper fits squarely within the journal's broad scope. It addresses fundamental questions regarding the structure and dynamics of the Earth's interior using seismic data analysis. Given the paper's references and citations, it builds upon and contributes to the established literature within Annual Review of Earth and Planetary Sciences, furthering the understanding of Earth's deep processes.
| Category | Category Repetition |
|---|---|
| Science: Geology | 617 |
| Science: Physics: Geophysics. Cosmic physics | 185 |
| Science: Science (General) | 22 |
| Science | 9 |
| Science: Physics | 5 |