Pulliam, Robert Jay.Evanzia, Dominic A. D.Ainsworth, RyanPratt, KevinGurrola, Harold2013-09-242017-04-072013-09-242017-04-072013-082013-09-24http://hdl.handle.net/2104/8828We present new 3D seismic tomography velocity models with data from 326 stations, located in Texas, Oklahoma and New Mexico, which utilized 537 seismic events. Tomography results on the North American (NA) craton show a fast anomaly outlining the southern extent. Around the Southern Oklahoma Aulacogen there is a slow anomaly, which indicates there is abundant heat present. In the Gulf Coast Plains, the NA craton shallows, allowing the ascendance of the asthenosphere. Below the craton the velocity models so a slow anomaly associated with the LAB shear zone. The slow velocity along the coast is attributed to the sediment packages. There is also a high velocity body in central/southeast Texas that has begun to delaminate from the upper crust in the region. The upper mantle structures of the Gulf Coast region suggest that the opening of the Gulf of Mexico was due to a volcanically active rifting event.en-USBaylor University theses are protected by copyright. They may be viewed from this source for any purpose, but reproduction or distribution in any format is prohibited without written permission. Contact librarywebmaster@baylor.edu for inquiries about permission.Geological background.Previous geophysical studies.Tomographic inversions.Resolution test.Model parameters.Upper mantle shear zone.Laurentia craton.Lower crust.Lower crustal delamination.Southern Okalhoma Aulacogen.ThesisWorldwide access.Access changed 1/28/16.