Imaging the Deformation Belt of Western Hispaniola Island (Haiti) Using Multi‐Component Ambient Noise Cross‐Correlations

Abstract We apply ambient noise tomography to a seismic array from the Trans‐Haiti project to obtain a 2‐D shear wave velocity (Vs) across Haiti. We perform multi‐component noise cross‐correlation, measure Rayleigh wave phase velocity and its horizontal‐to‐vertical amplitude ratio (H/V) between periods of 3–18 s, and jointly invert both measurements into Vs for the crustal structures of Haiti. Both H/V and phase velocity measurements exhibit consistent patterns related to the geologic units. Sedimentary basins—CSE and Plateau Central basins—show higher H/V values, while mountain areas—Massif de la Selle, Chaine des Matheux, Montagnes Noires and Massif de Nord—exhibit lower H/V. Regarding phase velocity, higher velocities are observed in northern and southern Haiti, likely reflecting the thinner crust compared to the thicker crust showing lower velocities in the central part. While our Vs model is consistent with previous model that suggested thinner crustal thickness in the northern and southern Haiti, with thickening in the center, the Moho interface in the central domain might be shallower than previously thought.