Geologic implication of the whole mantle P-wave tomography

Abstract

A series of P-wave velocity perturbation maps of the mantle are shown, which are compared with surface geology of the Earth. Major parts of fast anomalies are well-restricted to the mantle among the subduction zones which have been active for the last 200 Ma. Large-scale slow velocity anomalies are observed only underneath huge topographic highs with intraplate volcanoes, major seismic velocity structure reflects the thermal structure formed by input of cold slabs by subduction into the mantle and mantle upwelling by plume to the surface. -from Authors