Seismic waves from large explosions reveal periodical deformations at lithospheric depths

Seismic signals from large explosions recorded by Soviet seismic stations in the distance range from 100 to 2800 km during 12–14 years are analysed. Periodic variations of travel times and amplitudes of P and S waves corresponding to different boundaries in the lithosphere have been discovered. Characteristic periods are close to 2 and 6 years. Since the variations of amplitudes and velocities of seismic waves may be caused by dilatational deformations of rocks, the results obtained reveal a possible existence of slow tectonic stress waves. Tectonic waves were detected not only at seismically active zones but also at aseismic regions of the Russian and Kazakh platforms. At almost all seismic stations these variations increase with the seismic ray depth in the lithosphere. This increase can be explained by the presence of bending deformations and by their attenuation due to the rheological stratification of the lithosphere. Accordingly, the theory of Elsasser's waves is generalized to include bending deformations and the presence of stationary asthenosphere flows.