Effects of trench-zone scattering on receiver functions over a subduction zone: A 3-D finite-difference modelling study

Although still limited in its representation of crustal heterogeneity, 3-D modelling suggests that scattering from near-Moho crustal structures plays a key role in the formation of teleseismic wavefields. Recognition of scattered noise in teleseismic records could help to constrain major crustal structures, particularly those with strong horizontal velocity contrasts at near-Moho depths, such as crustal sutures, subduction fault zones, and mountain roots. Matching of the observed arrivals with wavefield synthetics could help constrain the locations and parameters of such structures and also help substantiate the interpretations.