Velocity structure in the crust beneath the Kyushu area

We present high-resolution three-dimensional tomographic images of the crust beneath the entire Kyushu arc, and particularly the western portion. Our results reveal a velocity anomaly that correlates well with an upper crustal gravity anomaly. Significant low-velocity anomalies exist beneath the Miyazaki plane and along the Beppu-Shimabara Graben. Another extensive low-velocity region near the bottom of the crust is located just below the volcanic front and between active volcanoes. The low-velocity anomalies exhibit low V_p and V_p/V_s characteristics, and the spatial relationship between these anomalies, the Bouguer gravity anomaly, and the Moho suggests that low-density material at the base of the crust is responsible for both the seismic and gravity signatures. We interpret this material to constitute a relict ridge subducting below the Kyushu Mountains.