Mapping the mechanical anisotropy of the lithosphere using a 2D wavelet coherence, and its application to Australia

The results for Australia west of 143°E show a strong correlation with the shallower layers (75-175 km) of a recent model of seismic SV wave azimuthal anisotropy. The 'weak' axes (i.e., of minimum flexural rigidity) in most cases are approximately at right angles to the fast axes of the seismic anisotropy, implying that, for Precambrian Australia, they arise from the same source. This is most likely deformation resulting from the most recent episode of orogeny.