What specific measurement variation, related to directional speed of seismic waves, might provide a secondary signature for confirming the Theia origin?

Answer

Anisotropy of seismic waves

While seismic tomography primarily reveals velocity contrasts related to density and temperature (impedance), confirming the origin requires probing the history of the material itself. Anisotropy refers to the property where the speed of a seismic wave depends on the direction it travels through the medium. This directional dependence often results from the alignment of mineral grains under directional stress or prolonged flow. If the Theia fragments experienced a unique history—such as the intense shock of the super-impact or a specific alignment pattern during their deep settling process—the minerals within them might retain a distinct anisotropy signature that differs from the surrounding, more thoroughly mixed mantle rock. Detecting this directional variation would offer a crucial secondary confirmation alongside the primary density data.

What specific measurement variation, related to directional speed of seismic waves, might provide a secondary signature for confirming the Theia origin?

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