Crustal Geophysics Simon Klemperer

HIMPROBE (a lithospheric geotransect across the Indian NW Himalaya)

lithospheric graph

HIMPROBE is an Indian national project, active since 2000, to create a NW-Himalayan geotransect from the Sub-Himalaya to the Karakoram Range. Framework broadband seismology, broadband MT, the first phase of seismic reflection, and a comprehensive potential-field transect have already been conducted. Coupled with geological investigations, these projects make this area more data-rich than most regions of the orogen.

We have worked with NGRI (National Geophysical Research Institute) scientists on broadband passive seismic  data, seismic reflection data, and geochemical sampling; and with IIT Roorkee scientists on geologic sampling and radiometric dating.  At Stanford, we are using broadband seismic data from HIMPROBE to reveal lithospheric structure. We have analyzed the dispersion of fundamental mode Rayleigh waves and identified a low-velocity zone in the mid-crust north of the Indus-Tsangpo suture (ITS) coincident with a zone of high electrical conductivty observed by magnetotelluric measurements - a result consistent with active channel flow outwards from the Tibet Plateau.  Our CCP images of broadband data from the Garwhal Himalaya suggest a major role for fluids in controlling the seismogenesis of the Main Himalayan Thrust.

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