Seismic anisotropy as measured under high-pressure, high-temperature conditions |
| |
| Authors: | R Meissner M Fakhimi |
| |
| Institution: | Institut für Geophysik, Neue university, D-2300 Kiel, Germany |
| |
| Abstract: | Summary. Four types of crustal and upper-mantle rocks have been used for the investigation of seismic P -wave velocities in three mutually perpendicular directions. Hydrostatic pressure, up to 6 kbar and temperatures up to 500°C were applied to the samples. Measurements of the ultrasonic P -wave travel times and velocities were carried out along two geotherms. All rock types show an anisotropic behaviour which is caused by the orientation of certain minerals. The anisotropy is not dependent on temperature and pressure. Gneiss and peridotite have 5–6 per cent anisotropy whereas granite and a metagabbro show values of only 2–3 per cent. The smallest velocity is always in the z direction, perpendicular to a schistocity or foliation. It is shown that the data agree with those of field observation. We conclude that anisotropy caused by preferred orientation of minerals must be expected in the whole lithosphere. Additional effects of layering, of cracks, and of nonhydrostatic stresses are estimated. |
| |
| Keywords: | |
|
|
