1. Analysis of S-wave receiver functions (SRFs) from a dense seismic array has revealed lithospheric thickness variations along a 1200 km long profile that spans all major geological terranes of Northeast China.
2. The shallowest Moho and lithosphere–asthenosphere boundary (LAB) depths are beneath the rifted Songliao Basin, suggesting the predominance of roughly symmetric lithosphere stretching from continental rifting.
3. The North–South Gravity Lineament may not be a trans-lithospheric structure, as evidenced by flat LAB structure beneath the Erguna and Xing'an terranes along with the overlying relatively deeper Moho beneath the Great Xing'an Range.
This article provides an overview of the crustal and lithospheric structure of Northeast China based on S-wave receiver functions (SRFs). The article is well written and provides a comprehensive review of previous studies in this area, as well as detailed analysis of SRF data collected from a dense seismic array spanning all major geological terranes in NE China. The authors provide evidence for both crustal and lithospheric thinning beneath the Songliao Basin, which can be explained by a pure shear regime operating in the lower crust and upper mantle. They also suggest that the North–South Gravity Lineament may not be a trans-lithospheric structure, based on flat LAB structure beneath the Erguna and Xing'an terranes along with the overlying relatively deeper Moho beneath the Great Xing'an Range.
The article is generally reliable and trustworthy, as it is based on sound scientific evidence gathered from SRF data collected from a dense seismic array spanning all major geological terranes in NE China. The authors have provided detailed analysis of their findings, which supports their conclusions regarding crustal and lithospheric thinning beneath the Songliao Basin, as well as their suggestion that the North–South Gravity Lineament may not be a trans-lithospheric structure.
The only potential bias in this article is that it does not explore any counterarguments to its conclusions or consider any alternative explanations for its findings. While this does not necessarily detract from its overall reliability or trustworthiness, it would have been beneficial if these had been explored in order to provide a more balanced view of the situation.