A global study of S‐to‐P and P‐to‐S conversions from the upper mantle transition zone

Abstract

b Long‐period data of the Global Digital Seismograph Network (GDSN) recorded over the three‐year period from 1984 to 1986 were studied for the occurrence of S‐P and P‐S conversions from the upper mantle transition zone that appear as precursors to teleseismic S arrivals. Conversions of this type were identified on a large number of single‐station records. Simple stacking of many records enhanced the appearance of converted phases and demonstrated that no major lateral variations in the nature of the transition zone exist between various tectonic regions. S‐P and P‐S conversions from the 400 km discontinuity were best observed at distances between 70d̀ and 85d̀ while conversions from the 670 km discontinuity showed up best at distances beyond 87d̀. The analysis of published source mechanisms and comparison with synthetic seismograms suggests that the appearance of converted phases is primarily governed by the earthquake radiation pattern. Phases that have undergone S‐P conversions beneath the receiver are best observed from dip‐slip events that radiate strong SV‐ and weak P‐waves towards the station. P‐S conversions beneath the source area, on the other hand, are frequently observed from events that radiate strong P and little SV energy towards the station, and also from some strike‐slip events. Comparison of observed with synthetic seismograms suggests that the PREM model of Dziewonski & Anderson (1981) explains most of the observations. Observed S‐P and P‐S conversions from the 670 km discontinuity, however, often have larger amplitudes than in the synthetics. Constructive interference of converted waves with the P‐wave coda, source radiation effects and a velocity contrast across the 670 km discontinuity which is higher than in PREM may all contribute to the discrepancy. Copyright © 1991, Wiley Blackwell. All rights reserved