SEISMIC STRUCTURE OF THE SUBCRUSTAL CONTINENTAL LITHOSPHERE

Seismic models of the continental lower lithosphere obtained from interpretation of body P waves in various regions of the Earth are discussed. The models differ in the character of velocity distribution, the number of layers, and the presence of the lower-velocity layers. This is the consequence of inhomogeneity of the lower lithosphere, but it also follows from the differing accuracy and quality of seismic data. The differences in models resulting from the use of seismological methods based on earthquake observations and experiments on long-range profiles are pointed out. The results of surveys into the lower lithosphere of the East European Platform are analysed in greater detail.