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The AAPG/Datapages Combined Publications Database

Tulsa Geological Society

Abstract


Tulsa Geological Society Digest
Vol. 33 (1965), Pages 292-292

Crustal Structure of Oklahoma: Abstract

Eysteinn Tryggvason1, Bob Qualls2

Abstract

During the summer of 1964 a long range seismic refraction profile was shot and recorded NE-SW across Oklahoma. This reversed profile was 376 km. long and extended from near Chelsea northeast of Tulsa to near Maniton southwest of Lawton. A model of the near surface layers of the earth fitting the observed wave propagation consists of three horizontal layers in the crust and a horizontal boundary (moho) between the crust and the upper mantle. In addition there is a low velocity surface layer of sedimentary rocks approximately 0.5 km. thick. The first crustal layer extends to a depth of 13.7 km. and has a P-wave velocity of 5.96 km./sec. An intermediate layer extends to a depth of 29.6 km. and has a P-wave velocity of 6.66 km./sec. The third crustal layer has a P-wave velocity of 7.20 km./sec. and extends down to moho at a depth of 50.9 km. Below moho the upper mantle velocity is 8.32 km./sec. Compared with other continental areas, the observed upper mantle velocity and the mean velocity in the crust is unusually high. The total thickness of the crust is also greater than in most continental areas, and greater than earlier estimates for Oklahoma.


 

Acknowledgments and Associated Footnotes

1 Univ. of Tulsa, Tulsa

2 Univ. of Tulsa, Tulsa

April 5, 1965

Copyright © 2006 by the Tulsa Geological Society