Pulliam, Robert Jay.Ainsworth, Ryan, 1980-Gurrola, HaroldEvanzia, Dominic2013-09-242017-04-072013-09-242017-04-072013-082013-09-24http://hdl.handle.net/2104/8808A Sp receiver function common conversion point (CCP) stacked image beneath Texas Gulf Coast Plain (GCP) reveals anomalies that may be detached lower crust sinking into the mantle. The detached crust may have resulted from distinct episodes of delamination as the lower crust peeled away from the upper crust. The apparent presence of delaminated crust in the mantle indirectly points to a thermal anomaly in the mantle that may have initiated the rifting episode that created the Gulf of Mexico. The CCP stacked image also reveals a significant structure with negative polarity ~110 km beneath the array. Discontinuities of this polarity at this depth have been interpreted elsewhere as the lithosphere-asthenosphere boundary (LAB) and this interpretation is consistent with previous results for this region. The observed variations in amplitudes of Sp conversions at this “LAB” discontinuity may be produced by large contrasts in seismic anisotropy created by a shear zone.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.Sp receiver functions.Gulf Coastal Plain.Delaminated crust.Shear zone.Passive margin.Lithosphere-asthenosphere boundary.ThesisWorldwide access.Access changed 1/28/16.