Joint ambient noise autocorrelation and receiver function analysis of the Moho

In the field of seismic interferometry, cross-correlations are used to extract Green's function from ambient noise data. By applying a single station variation of the method, using autocorrelations, we are in principle able to retrieve zero-offset reflections in a stratified Earth. These reflections are valuable as they do not require an active seismic source and, being zero-offset, are better constrained in space than passive earthquake based measurements. However, studies that target Moho signals with ambient noise autocorrelations often give ambiguous results with unclear Moho reflections. Using a modified processing scheme and phase-weighted stacking, we determine the Moho P-wave reflection time from vertical autocorrelation traces for a test station with a known simple crustal structure (HYB in Hyderabad, India). However, in spite of the simplicity of the structure, the autocorrelation traces show several phases not related to direct reflections. Although we are able to match some of these additional phases in a qualitative way with synthetic modelling, their presence makes it hard to identify the reflection phases without prior knowledge. This prior knowledge can be provided by receiver functions. Receiver functions (arising from mode conversions) are sensitive to the same boundaries as autocorrelations, so should have a high degree of comparability and opportunity for combined analysis but in themselves are not able to independently resolve V-P, V-S and Moho depth. Using the timing suggested by the receiver functions as a guide, we observe the Moho S-wave reflection on the horizontal autocorrelation of the north component but not on the east component. The timing of the S reflection is consistent with the timing of the PpSs-PsPs receiver function multiple, which also depends only on the S velocity and Moho depth. Finally, we combine P receiver functions and autocorrelations from HYB in a depth-velocity stacking scheme that gives us independent estimates for V-P, V-S and Moho depth. These are found to be in good agreement with several studies that also supplement receiver functions to obtain unique crustal parameters. By applying the autocorrelation method to a portion of the EASI transect crossing the Bohemian Massif in central Europe, we find approximate consistency with Moho depths determined from receiver functions and spatial coherence between stations, thereby demonstrating that the method is also applicable for temporary deployments. Although application of the autocorrelation method requires great care in phase identification, it has the potential to resolve both average crustal P and S velocities alongside Moho depth in conjunction with receiver functions.

Automated summary

In the field of seismic interferometry, cross-correlations are used to extract Green's function from ambient noise data. By applying a single station variation of the method, using autocorrelations, zero-offset reflections can be retrieved in a stratified Earth. However, the results targeting Moho signals with ambient noise autocorrelations can be ambiguous and require additional analysis with receiver functions to confirm the findings. The combination of autocorrelations and receiver functions allows for independent estimates of crustal parameters such as P and S velocities, as well as Moho depth.