Seismic anisotropy distribution beneath southern Sakhalin

Shear wave splitting parameters from local deep-focus and crustal earthquakes beneath southern Sakhalin and northern Hokkaido have been measured. The study of the split shear wave amplitude, polarization, and splitting parameter distribution revealed their correlation with the geometry of the subsiding Pacific Plate and horizontal heterogeneity of the rheological properties and viscosity of the medium. Comparison of the observed data with those modeled in anisotropic media allows the mantle flow to be oriented NNW beneath southern Sakhalin and northern Hokkaido. Based on the split shear wave time delays, the degree of mantle anisotropy is estimated to be around 1–2% beneath southern Sakhalin and 1.5–2.5% beneath northern Hokkaido. A relatively high anisotropy (2–15%) from local crustal earthquakes is found beneath the Central Sakhalin Fault.