Comparing global seismic tomography models using varimax principal component analysis

Abstract. Global seismic tomography has greatly progressed in the past decades, with many global Earth models being produced by different research groups. Objective, statistical methods are crucial for quantitative interpretation of large amount information encapsulated and unbiased model comparisons. Here we propose using a rotated version principal component analysis (PCA) to compress order ease geological comparison. The method generates between 7 15 components (PCs) each seven tested models, capturing more than 97 % total variance model. Each PC consists vertical profile, which horizontal pattern is associated projection. depth profiles patterns enable examining key characteristics main models. Most few features: low-shear-velocity provinces (LLSVPs) lowermost mantle, subduction signals low-velocity anomalies likely mantle plumes upper lower ridges cratons uppermost mantle. Importantly, all highlight several independent that make 36 69 variance, depending on model, suggests complex traditionally assumed. Overall, find varimax PCA useful additional tool comparison