Document Type

Thesis

Date of Degree Completion

Spring 2010

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science

Department

Geological Sciences

Committee Chair

Dr. Jeff Lee, Department of Geological Sciences

Second Committee Member

Dr. J. Paul Winberry, Department of Geological Sciences

Third Committee Member

Dr. Audrey D. Huerta, Director Science Honors Research Program

Abstract

This study focuses on the crustal thickness of the Marie Byrd Land Dome (MBLD) in West Antarctica, which is a region of high elevation in proximity to a zone of extension and crustal thinning. We use the H-K receiver-function stacking method developed by Zhu and Kanamori (2000) to analyze the incoming seismic waves of tcleseismic events. The aim of the project is to determine whether or not the MLBD is in isostatic equilibrium. Values for crustal thickness at the Mt. Patterson site, along the western extremity of MBLD, are 28-31 km, while theoretical calculations have yielded a thickness of 33.5 km. The velocity ratio between the P-waves and S-waves ranged from 1.64-1.76, indicating a felsic to intermediate bulk rock composition. Our results suggest that MBLD is supported by a crustal root and partially so by the mantle beneath, but is not associated with the volcanism of the West Antarctic Rift System.

Comments

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