Three-Dimensional Modeling of Receiver Functions in the Peninsular Ranges and Gulf Extensional Province

Knowledge of the Earth’s crustal structure is critical for estimating seismic hazards, for resource exploration, and for understanding the dynamic processes that shape the Earth. Receiver function analysis of seismic body wave data can be used to discern the geological structure under a seismic receiving station [e.g., Langston, 1979; Owens et al., 1984; Ammon et al., 1990, 1991, Reading and Kennett, 2003]. Receiver function analysis of passive (i.e., from earthquakes) teleseismic data is an important method used to estimate the thickness of Earth’s crust in the vicinity of individual seismic stations [Langston and Hammer, 2001]. Teleseismic data is seismic data that is recorded at epicentral distances equal to or greater than 3,335 km (Δ ≥ 30o) and is especially useful in providing such estimates. Estimates of the distance from the Earth’s surface to the Mohorovičić seismic discontinuity (Moho) are good approximations of the thickness of the Earth’s crust. The Moho is the compositional and rheological boundary between the Earth’s lower crust and upper mantle. This boundary often exhibits a marked decrease in seismic wave speed from that of the dense upper mantle material to the less dense lower crustal material. The sharp velocity contrast (impedance) at this structural boundary causes a portion of the incident seismic energy to b