Segregated oceanic crust trapped at the bottom mantle transition zone revealed from ambient noise interferometry

Jikun Feng (), Huajian Yao (), Yi Wang, Piero Poli and Zhu Mao
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Jikun Feng: University of Science and Technology of China
Huajian Yao: University of Science and Technology of China
Yi Wang: University of Science and Technology of China
Piero Poli: University Grenoble Alpes, CNRS, ISTerre
Zhu Mao: University of Science and Technology of China

Nature Communications, 2021, vol. 12, issue 1, 1-8

Abstract: Abstract The recycling of oceanic crust, with distinct isotopic and chemical signature from the pyrolite mantle, plays a critical role in the chemical evolution of the Earth with insights into mantle circulation. However, the role of the mantle transition zone during this recycling remains ambiguous. We here combine the unique resolution reflected body waves (P410P and P660P) retrieved from ambient noise interferometry with mineral physics modeling, to shed new light on transition zone physics. Our joint analysis reveals a generally sharp 660-km discontinuity and the existence of a localized accumulation of oceanic crust at the bottom mantle transition zone just ahead of the stagnant Pacific slab. The basalt accumulation is plausibly derived from the segregation of oceanic crust and depleted mantle of the adjacent stagnant slab. Our findings provide direct evidence of segregated oceanic crust trapped within the mantle transition zone and new insights into imperfect whole mantle circulation.

Date: 2021
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-22853-2

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