SEISMIC STUDIES ON THE ALASKAN COASTAL PLAIN.

Abstract

Results are presented (or referenced from earlier reports) for three seasons, 1961-1963, of seismic field work in the vicinity of Point Barrow, Alaska. Seismic refraction data are interpreted in terms of a shallow geologic section near Point Barrow and a crustal section based upon a 280 kilometer profile northwestward from Point Barrow. The former yields velocities of 2.5, 3.1 and 4.8 km/sec with depths to top of 0, 0.4, and 1.0 kilometers. The latter has been interpreted on the basis of three geological models; all include a shallow section with thickness 10-12 kilometers and velocity 4.96 km/sec, an intermediate section with velocity 6. 1-6.6 km/sec, and a high-velocity refractor with velocity 7.56 km/sec at a depth of 28-32 kilometers. Evidence is cited to support the interpretation of the high-velocity refractor as the top of the earth's mantle. Seismic noise analyses were carried out on 14 of 90 available records taken at a location 50 kilometers southwest of Point Barrow. Displacement spectra in the 2-32 cps range were computed for each of the 6 vertical geophones on a 4-km spread. Phase spectra and coherence were determined for a three-component station. Six second noise samples were used, digitized at 0.01 second intervals. (Author)

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jan 01, 1966
Accession Number
AD0628490

Entities

People

  • Harold M. Mooney

Organizations

  • University of Minnesota

Tags

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Diffraction
  • Displacement
  • Geophones
  • Intervals
  • Physical Properties
  • Refraction
  • Spectra
  • Thickness
  • Wave Phenomena

Fields of Study

  • Geology

Readers

  • Atmospheric Science/Meteorology
  • Seismology