Imaging crustal structure in south central Costa Rica with receiver functions

A deeper Moho beneath the Talamanca Range, reaching ~50 km depth and indicating isostatic compensation, was identified using receiver functions from seismic data collected between 2005–2007. This study also revealed an intracrustal discontinuity at ~15 km depth, with distortions near active volcanic arcs (e.g., Irazu and Turrialba) and the Central Costa Rica Deformed Belt, suggesting tectonic influences. The research analyzed broadband seismometer data across southern Costa Rica to map crustal structure, confirming quartz-rich rock composition in the upper crust due to low vp/vs ratios (<1.7).

Dzierma, Y., Thorwart, M. M., Rabbel, W., Flueh, E. R., Alvarado, G. E., & Mora, M. M. (2010). Imaging crustal structure in south central Costa Rica with receiver functions. Geochemistry, Geophysics, Geosystems, 11(8). Portico. https://doi.org/10.1029/2009gc002936