Estimation of Crustal Properties beneath sedimentary basins using Receiver Function and Gravity Data

Abstract

The receiver function H-κ stacking method is a common technique used to estimate crustal thickness and V_p/V_s ratios, which are important parameters for describing the structure and composition of the crust. However, when reverberating phases in sedimentary layers overprint arrivals from the Moho discontinuity, they often introduce significant biases into H-κ stacking estimates. In this paper, we propose an improved method for estimating crustal thickness and V_p/V_s ratios, based on a two-layer model with joint constraints on crustal thickness and Vp/Vs using receiver functions and gravity data. We validate this method through numerical experiments and two practical examples from the North China Craton. The results demonstrate that the proposed method eliminates the Moho arrival delay effect caused by sedimentary layers, thereby improving the estimation accuracy of crustal thickness and V_p/V_s.