Transverse Isotropy and the Evolution of the Upper Oceanic Crust

由于地震各向异性，2A层随年龄的表观减薄概念是本研究的中心主题。根据pi，上地壳的水平速度比在垂直方向上测得的速度高40%。这是由于最上层海洋地壳的次水平裂缝在扩张中心附近最为突出。随着年龄的增长，这些裂缝被蚀变产物填充，这降低了各向异性的程度。换句话说，在地震反射和折射研究中观察到的2A层的明显变薄是由远离传播轴的地震速度（垂直测量）增加引起的。在该奖项中，P.I.将通过对现有数据的计算机建模来测试这一概念，并在此过程中了解地壳中热液矿化的机制。任何此类建模工作应在进行实地研究之前完成。P.I.是一位有能力的理论地球物理学家和建模师，这项研究有很高的成功机会。

The concept of apparent thinning of the layer 2A with age due to seismic anisotropy is the central theme of this research. According to the P.I., the horizontal velocity in the upper crust is a much as 40% higher than the velocity measured in the vertical direction. This is due to subhorizontal cracks in the uppermost oceanic crust which are most prominent near the spreading center. With age these cracks are filled by alteration products and this reduces the extent of the anisotropy. In other words, the apparent thinning of layer 2A as observed in seismic reflection and refraction studies is caused by increase in seismic velocities (measured vertically) away from the spreading axis. In this award, the P.I. will test this concept by computer modeling of the existing data and in the process will understand the mechanism of hydrothermal mineralization in the crust. Any such modeling work should be completed before carrying out a field study. The P.I. is a capable theoritical geophysicist and modeler and the study has a very high chance of success.