Reflection‐diffraction seismic pattern at crustal suture zones

摘要

Seismic reflection profiling across strong dip (more than 25°) suture zones between different crustal terranes or provinces reveals a distinct seismic reflectivity pattern of dipping reflections and associated diffractions. Suture zones in areas dominated by thin‐skinned tectonics do not show this pattern. Profiles from southern Germany (Deutsches Kontinentales Reflexionsseismisches Programm), Great Britain (British Institutions Reflection Profiling Syndicate) and North America (Consortium for Continental Reflection Profiling and U.S. Geological Survey) crossing major sutures are examined with respect to dipping reflections in the upper crust and accompanying diffractions in the lower crust. The strong resemblance of seismic patterns suggests a similar origin for these structur