Receiver function investigation of crustal structure in the Malawi and Luangwa rift zones and adjacent areas

Stacking over 2300 P-to-S receiver functions recorded by 33 SAFARI (Seismic Arrays for African Rift Initiation) broadband seismic stations that we installed in the vicinity of Malawi and Luangwa rift zones (MRZ LRZ, respectively) reveals significant variations crustal thickness (32.8–46.3 km) Vp/Vs (1.69–1.85). The resulting stretching factor is about 1.05–1.08 MRZ, which approximately 10–40% lower than observed mature segments East System (EARS). low consistent with general absence volcanism relatively high (? 1.81) beneath southern when combined observations from previous studies, indicate possible existence partial melting, elevated temperatures or fluid-filled deep faults are likely associated lithospheric stretching. In sharp contrast measurements range 1.69–1.72 along western boundary northern could be attributable to infiltration magma-derived CO2 into crust. LRZ shows negligible thinning a comparable globally averaged value continental crust, suggesting complete post-rifting recovery properties terms VpVs.