P- and S-wave velocity model along crustal scale refraction and wide-angle reflection profile in the southern Korean peninsula

The onshore seismic experiment, KCRT2004, explored the crustal velocity structure of the southern Korean peninsula. We present an interpretation of seismic data along this 340 km long NNW–SSE trending profile. The crust was found to consist of three layers: the upper, middle, and lower crust with P- and S-wave velocities ranging 5.50 to 6.95 km/s and 2.82 to 3.91 km/s, respectively. The average P-wave velocity (6.26 km/s) and Pn velocity (7.82–7.88 km/s) are lower than the worldwide average of continental crust. Moho depths are 29.0–34.9 km, gradually thickening toward south.The Vp/Vs ratio of crustal material is estimated to be 1.73 (σ = 0.249) for the upper and middle crust and the ratio increases with the depth in the lower crust. The Gyeonggi massif in the north of the profile has a lower Vp/Vs ratio than other tectonic units. The average crustal Vp/Vs ratio of 1.74 (σ = 0.253) is remarkably lower than the average value 1.78 (σ = 0.27) for the bulk continental crust. The low average crustal Vp/Vs ratio is similar to that measured in eastern China. The empirical analysis using both P-wave velocity and Vp/Vs ratio shows that the upper and middle crust is dominantly felsic and the lower crust is intermediate in composition. The absence of the mafic material in the lower crust that is also found in eastern China contrasts with the generally accepted global model of the mafic lower crust.

► We present 2-D crustal velocity structure of the southern Korean peninsula.
► The average P-wave velocity of the crust is lower than global average.
► The Moho depth gradually increases to the south.
► The crust is felsic as a whole, while intermediate in the lower crust.
► Low Vp/Vs ratio in the Gyeonggi massif could be related to Yangtze craton in China.