Scattered wave imaging of the lithosphere–asthenosphere boundary

Several recent studies have imaged discontinuities interpreted as the lithosphere–asthenosphere boundary using receiver function methods. These are exciting results since this boundary is fundamental and yet relatively elusive. Its location is not well imaged nor are its properties well understood. The receiver function method provides high depth resolution, and the multitude of studies using this method have increased lateral resolution. A better global understanding of the location and nature of the boundary is developing, which ultimately will have implications for mantle dynamics and planetary evolution. However, these new results do not all form a clear and consistent picture, and in some cases introduce new complexities and questions. Some apparent contradictions may represent unmodeled Earth structure. Overall, interpretation and synthesis requires careful consideration of the approaches and sensitivities of individual studies.