1 New advances in geological and geophysical research on the Appalachian orogen.

We invite contributions that discuss new research on the Appalachian orogen. Submissions should include, but are not limited to, geological or geophysical studies or works comprising a combination of both methods.

Sunday, 22 March 2026
8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
CCC, Room 22/23

Variations of Seismic Properties in the Continental Crust in Eastern North America

Paper number: 1-10
Program: Technical Sessions
Time: 11:00 AM – 11:20 AM

Authors

  • Zane Cleghorn Presenting Author
    University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA
  • Haiying Gao
    University of Massachusetts Amherst, AMHERST, MA

Abstract

Eastern North America preserves a geological record documenting the continent’s eastward growth from the breakup of Rodinia, through the assembly of Pangea, to the subsequent development of the modern Atlantic Ocean. This region thus provides an excellent opportunity to advance our understanding of continental accretion and lithospheric evolution through geologic time. Although extensive geophysical studies have targeted the lithospheric structures of eastern North America, high-resolution constraints on crustal architecture, such as seismic velocity, seismic anisotropy, and intra-crustal layering, haven’t been fully investigated. In this study, we perform harmonic decomposition and inversion of radial- and transverse-components of observed receiver functions to characterize the lateral and vertical variations in crustal seismic properties across eastern North America. Integrated with ambient noise tomography results, we construct detailed one-dimensional crustal velocity models that resolve dipping structures and qualify seismic anisotropy. Our preliminary analysis suggests pervasive upper crustal anisotropy throughout eastern North America and provides constraints on the density and seismic velocity of the lower crust. These findings offer critical insights into the tectonic mechanisms that have culminated in eastern North America over the past billion years and contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of continental lithospheric evolution.

Geological Society of America Abstracts with Programs. Vol. 58, No. 2

doi: 10.1130/abs/2026NE-411253

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