The NE China plain (NECP) consists of complex lithospheric domains characterised by the co-existence of complex geodynamic processes such as crustal thinning, active intraplate Cenozoic volcanism and low velocity anomalies. The focus of this study is to constrain the complex lithospheric structure beneath Northeast China in detail using multiple receiver-based data such as receiver functions and surface waves in a Bayesian framework.

I investigated the lithospheric structure using the 92 broadband stations across the NECP. I build on an initial study with seismic time series known as receiver functions (RF) in which the near-receiver information is isolated, in the form of crustal P-to-S conversions. In the later phase of the study I jointly analyse the multiple data, which includes receiver functions and surface wave dispersion curves using Bayesian optimisation approach. From grid search analysis and Bayesian inversion for shear wave velocity I am able to determine the Moho depth, secondary interfaces, bulk Vp/Vs signatures and classify the nature of the crust-mantle transition. I observe that the lithosphere of NECP is laterally varying and complex with a crustal thickness ranging from 23 km in the Archean craton and Cenozoic basins to 38 km beneath Proterozoic terranes. I present sets of results that confirm a few of the previous findings and contribute to compile new and improved maps of crustal thickness, shear wave velocity gradients and bulk Vp/Vs ratio of Northeast China lithosphere.