Shear velocity inversion guided by resistivity structure from the PI-LAB Experiment for integrated estimates of partial melt in the mantle

Abstract

The lithosphere-asthenosphere system is fundamental to our understanding of mantle convection and plate tectonics. The different sensitivities of seismic and electromagnetic methods can be used together to better constrain the properties of the system. Here, we re-examine the shear velocity model from Rayleigh waves in light of the magnetotelluric based resistivity models from the Passive Imaging of the Lithosphere Asthenosphere Boundary (PI-LAB) experiment near the equatorial Mid-Atlantic Ridge, with the goal of generating a structurally consistent velocity and resistivity model for the region. Cross-plots of the models suggest a linear or near-linear trend that is also in agreement with petrophysical predictions. We generate a new shear velocity model from the resistivity models based on petrophysical relationships. The new velocity model fits the phase velocity data, and the correlation coefficient between the shear velocity and resistivity models is increased. Much of the model can be predicted by expectations for a thermal half-space cooling model, although some regions require a combination of higher temperatures, volatiles, or partial melt. We use the petrophysical predictions to estimate the melt fraction, melt volatile content, and temperature structure of the asthenospheric anomalies. We find up to 4% melt, with the lowest resistivities and shear velocities explained by up to 20% water or 20% CO2 in the melt or ∼1% nearly pure sulfide melt, depending on the set of assumptions used. Melt is required in punctuated anomalies over broad depth ranges, and also in channels at the base of the lithosphere. Melt in the asthenosphere is dynamic, yet persistent on geologic timescales.