Intracontinental Deformation and Crustal Structure: Hangay Dome, Central
Mongolia
Abstract
Mongolia has a complex tectonic history. The lithosphere was formed from
multiple plate collisions in the Neoproterozoic - Early Paleozoic
associated with the Central Asian Orogenic Belt. The region has since
been modified by Mesozoic rifting, Cenozoic magmatism, and major
strike-slip faulting along terrane boundaries and sutures. Central and
Western Mongolia are part of the larger high elevation, low-relief
Mongolian Plateau. To gain deeper understanding of modern deformation
within the Hangay Dome in Central Mongolia, two years of teleseismic,
regional, and local seismicity, recorded by a dense array of 72
temporary broadband seismic stations, was used to determine the
distribution of seismicity and crustal structure. Results from receiver
function analysis indicate the Hangay Dome has a crustal thickness
ranging from 41-59 km. The thickest crust resides under areas of high
topography and generally thins to the east. Average Vp/Vs ratios range
from 1.77-1.8. We located the 7680 events detected by the array using a
local 1D velocity model. Many events outline the Bulnay and Bogd faults,
where historic Mw 8 earthquakes have occurred. Considerable seismicity
is observed on the South Hangay – Bayan Hongor Fault System, including
a Mw 4.6 earthquake. Seismicity is also observed along the Egiin Davaa
and Mogod Faults. Preliminary results from a joint tomographic inversion
for earthquake location and 3D velocity structure show a relatively
uniform crust, where P-wave velocities in the uppermost crust range from
5.8-6 km/s. In these preliminary inversions, large portions of the
region show Vp exceeds 7.0 km/s in the lower 10-15 km of the crust. The
depth to the Moho is consistent with results from the receiver function
analysis. Lateral velocity variations generally align with terrane
boundaries and faults, such as the South Hangay - Bayan Hongor Fault
System. Seismicity relocated in the inversion outline the South Hangay,
Egiin Davaa, and Bulnay Faults. In addition, a cluster of seismicity
locates between the Egiin Davaa and Hag Nuur faults, where no fault has
previously been mapped. Seismicity in the Hangay Dome is generally
confined to the upper 20 km, suggesting a rheological transition from
brittle to ductile at this depth.