Seismic velocities of the uppermost igneous crust versus age

Abstract

Seismic refraction velocity data from the acoustic basement (called layer 2A) have been compiled for different mid-ocean ridges. The data from post-1970 studies show a strong correlation between velocity and basement age. Importantly, velocities double in less than 10 Myr for all ridges, bat for older crust up to 160 Myr in age, velocities do not increase significantly.