Inversion of P‐wave velocity anisotropy

Abstract

Summary. We examine the way in which measurements of velocity anisotropy can add to our understanding of upper mantle structure. Measurements of P‐wave velocity anisotropy in a single plane contain very little direct information about the anisotropic structure. A promising technique is to fit the observed velocity variation with a mixture of an assumed anisotropic constituent and a proportion of isotropic material. Using this technique, mixtures of orthorhombic and transversely isotropic olivine are obtained, which are in excellent agreement with observed velocity variations in the Pacific. Copyright © 1977, Wiley Blackwell. All rights reserved