Earth Structure Across Many Scales

Abstract

Over my research career I have worked on many aspects of Earth Structure on scales from the whole globe to the very local, this has provided insights into the nature of heterogeneity and the importance of features with small length scales (up to tens of kilometers) revealed with higher‐frequency seismic waves (>1 Hz). Progress in determining 3‐D structure depends on representing the dominant variation with depth and large‐scale structure as a starting point. Intermediate and fine scales of heterogeneity (less than 100 km), below the typical resolution of seismic tomography, play an important role in shaping the seismic wavefield. The larger scales of variation in seismic structure can be directly linked to geodynamics through the influence of temperature and composition. The smaller scales retain a memory of past processes that can link to geochemical studies.