Velocity and Attenuation Structure of the Tibetan Lithosphere Under the Hi-CLIMB Array From the Modeling of Pn Attributes

Using seismic data from regional earthquakes in Tibet recorded by the Hi-CLIMB experiment, Pn attributes are used to constrain the velocity gradient and attenuation structure of the Tibetan lithosphere under the Hi-CLIMB array. Numerical modeling is performed using the spectral-element method (SEM) for laterally varying upper-mantle velocity and attenuation, and the seismic attributes considered include the Pn travel-time, envelope amplitude, and pulse frequency. The results from the SEM modeling provide two alternative models for the upper-mantle beneath the Hi-CLIMB array in Tibet. The first model is derived from the 3D velocity model of Griffin et al. (Bull Seism Soc Am 101:1938–1947, 2011) with a constant upper-mantle velocity gradient, and laterally varying upper mantle attenuation. The second model has a laterally varying upper-mantle velocity gradient, and constant upper-mantle attenuation. In both cases, the Qiangtang terrane is distinguished from the Lhasa terrane by a change in Moho depth and upper-mantle velocities. The lower upper-mantle velocities, as well as higher Pn attenuation, suggest hotter temperatures beneath the Qiangtang terrane as compared to the Lhasa terrane. Although the fits to the Pn amplitude and pulse frequency data are comparable between the two models, the first model with the constant upper-mantle velocity gradient fits the travel times somewhat better in relation to the data errors.