Lithospheric elastic thickness via the wavelet transform

Degree: PhD

Key-words: Isostasy, gravity, plate tectonics, geophysics, geodesy.

Entry: Bachelors degree or higher in geophysics, physics, mathematics, engineering or geodesy.

Supervisor: Dr Jon Kirby.

Project Funding: Curtin University.

Student Funding: Student is required to win APA, IPRS or other scholarship.

Resources: Sun workstation, data, software.

Starting Date: Unrestricted.

Project Description:

 Existing methods of determining the Earth's isostatic response to loading assume ideal but unrealistic conditions. This project seeks to improve upon these methods by considering the anisotropy of the lithosphere, its loads, and the method of analysis. Instead of using the conventional one-dimensional Fourier transform method of correlating gravity and topography data, a two-dimensional wavelet transform method has been perfected, with the ability to generate maps of plate strength. Fractal and multifractal synthetic models representing the Earth will be used to test the method, prior to an investigation of lithospheric anisotropy in Australia. The results are expected to improve our understanding of tectonic processes in these areas, with positive benefits to Australia's resource industries.

Ideally, applicants should satisfy the following requirements:

Recommended Reading:
  1. Kirby, J.F. and C.J. Swain (2004). Global and local isostatic coherence from the wavelet transform, Geophysical Research Letters, 31(24), L24608, doi:10.1029/2004GL021569.
  2. Swain, C.J., and J.F. Kirby (2003a). The effect of 'noise' on estimates of the elastic thickness of the continental lithosphere by the coherence method, Geophysical Research Letters, 30(11): 1574, doi:10.1029/2003GL017070.
  3. Swain, C.J., and J.F. Kirby (2003b). The coherence method using a thin anisotropic elastic plate model, Geophysical Research Letters, 30(19): 2014, doi: 10.1029/2003GL018350.
  4. Stark, C.P., J. Stewart, and C.J. Ebinger (2003). Wavelet transform mapping of effective elastic thickness and plate loading: Validation using synthetic data and application to the study of southern African tectonics, Journal of Geophysical Research, 108(B12): 2558, doi:10.1029/2001JB000609.
  5. Daly, E., C. Brown, C.P. Stark, and C.J. Ebinger (2004). Wavelet and multitaper coherence methods for assessing the elastic thickness of the Irish Atlantic margin, Geophysical Journal International, 159: 445-459.
  6. Banks, R.J., S.C. Francis, and R.G. Hipkin (2001). Effects of loads in the upper crust on estimates of the elastic thickness of the lithosphere, Geophysical Journal International, 145: 291-299.
  7. Forsyth, D.W. (1985). Subsurface loading and estimates of the flexural rigidity of continental lithosphere, Journal of Geophysical Research, 90(B14): 12,623-12,632.
  8. McKenzie, D. (2003). Estimating Te in the presence of internal loads, Journal of Geophysical Research, 108(B9): 2438, doi:10.1029/2002JB001766.
  9. McKenzie, D.P. and D. Fairhead (1997). Estimates of the effective elastic thickness of the continental lithosphere from Bouguer and free air gravity anomalies, Journal of Geophysical Research, 102(B12): 27,523-27,552.
  10. Simons, F.J., M.T. Zuber, and J. Korenaga (2000). Isostatic response of the Australian lithosphere: Estimation of effective elastic thickness and anisotropy using multitaper spectral analysis, Journal of Geophysical Research, 105(B8): 19,163-19,184.
  11. Watts, A.B. (2001). Isostasy and Flexure of the Lithosphere, Cambridge University Press.

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