The extending lithosphere (Arthur Holmes Medal Lecture)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Brun, Jean-Pierre

2017-04-01

Extension of the lithosphere gives birth to a wide range of structures, with characteristic widths between 10 and 1000 km, which includes continental rifts, passive margins, oceanic rifts, core complexes, or back-arc basins. Because the rheology of rocks strongly depends on temperature, this variety of extensional structures falls in two broad categories of extending lithospheres according to the initial Moho temperature TM. "Cold extending systems", with TM < 750°C and mantle-dominated strength, lead to narrow rifts and, if extension is maintained long enough, to passive margins and then mantle core complexes. "Hot extending systems", with TM > 750°C and crustal-dominated strength, lead, depending on strain rate, to either wide rifts or metamorphic core complexes. A much less quoted product of extension is the exhumation of high-pressure (HP ) metamorphic rocks occurring in domains of back-arc extension driven by slab rollback (e.g. Aegean; Appennines-Calabrian) or when the subduction upper plate undergoes extension for plate kinematics reasons (e.g. Norwegian Caledonides; Papua New Guinea). In these tectonic environments, well-documented pressure-temperature-time (P - T - t) paths of HP rocks show a two-stage retrogression path whose the first part corresponds to an isothermal large pressure drop ΔP proportional to the maximum pressure Pmax recorded by the rocks. This linear relation between ΔP and Pmax, which likely results from a stress switch between compression and extension at the onset of exhumation, is in fact observed in all HP metamorphism provinces worldwide, suggesting that the exhumation of HP rocks in extension is a general process rather than an uncommon case. In summary, the modes and products of extension are so diverse that, taken all together, they constitute a very versatile natural laboratory to decipher the rheological complexities of the continental lithosphere and their mechanical implications.

The plume head-continental lithosphere interaction using a tectonically realistic formulation for the lithosphere

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Burov, E.; Guillou-Frottier, L.

2005-05-01

Current debates on the existence of mantle plumes largely originate from interpretations of supposed signatures of plume-induced surface topography that are compared with predictions of geodynamic models of plume-lithosphere interactions. These models often inaccurately predict surface evolution: in general, they assume a fixed upper surface and consider the lithosphere as a single viscous layer. In nature, the surface evolution is affected by the elastic-brittle-ductile deformation, by a free upper surface and by the layered structure of the lithosphere. We make a step towards reconciling mantle- and tectonic-scale studies by introducing a tectonically realistic continental plate model in large-scale plume-lithosphere interaction. This model includes (i) a natural free surface boundary condition, (ii) an explicit elastic-viscous(ductile)-plastic(brittle) rheology and (iii) a stratified structure of continental lithosphere. The numerical experiments demonstrate a number of important differences from predictions of conventional models. In particular, this relates to plate bending, mechanical decoupling of crustal and mantle layers and tension-compression instabilities, which produce transient topographic signatures such as uplift and subsidence at large (>500 km) and small scale (300-400, 200-300 and 50-100 km). The mantle plumes do not necessarily produce detectable large-scale topographic highs but often generate only alternating small-scale surface features that could otherwise be attributed to regional tectonics. A single large-wavelength deformation, predicted by conventional models, develops only for a very cold and thick lithosphere. Distinct topographic wavelengths or temporarily spaced events observed in the East African rift system, as well as over French Massif Central, can be explained by a single plume impinging at the base of the continental lithosphere, without evoking complex asthenospheric upwelling.

A New Paradigm for New Oceans

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Foulger, G. R.; Doré, A. G.; Franke, D.; Geoffroy, L.; Gernigon, L.; Hole, M.; Hoskuldsson, A.; Julian, B. R.; Kusznir, N.; Martinez, F.; Natland, J. H.; Peace, A.; Petersen, K. D.; Schiffer, C.; Stephenson, R.; Stoker, M. S.

2017-12-01

The original simple theory of plate tectonics had to be refined to accommodate second-order geological features such as back-arc basins and continental deformation zones. We propose an additional refinement that is required by complexities that form and persist in new oceans when inhomogeneous continental lithosphere/tectosphere disintegrates. Such complexities include continual plate-boundary reorganizations and migrations, distributed continental material in the ocean, propagating and dying ridges, and sagging, flexing and tilting in the oceans and at continent-ocean boundary zones. Reorganizations of stress and motion persist, resulting in variable orientations over short distances, tectonic reactivations, complex plate boundary configurations including multiple triple junctions, and the formation and abandonment of oceanic microplates. Resulting local compressions and extensions are manifest as bathymetric anomalies, vertical motions, and distributed volcanism at various times and places as the new ocean grows. Examples of regions that exhibit some or all of these features include the North Atlantic, the Rio Grande Rise/Walvis Ridge region of the South Atlantic, and the Seychelles-Mauritius region in the Indian Ocean. We suggest that these complexities arise as a result of the formation of new spreading plate boundaries by rifts propagating through continental lithosphere/tectosphere that is anisotropic as a result of inherited structure/composition and/or a sub-lithospheric mantle destabilized by lithospheric-controlled processes. Such scenarios result in complicated disintegration of continents and local persistent dynamic instability in the new ocean.

3D Integrated geophysical-petrological modelling of the Iranian lithosphere

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mousavi, Naeim; Ardestani, Vahid E.; Ebbing, Jörg; Fullea, Javier

2016-04-01

The present-day Iranian Plateau is the result of complex tectonic processes associated with the Arabia-Eurasia Plate convergence at a lithospheric scale. In spite of previous mostly 2D geophysical studies, fundamental questions regarding the deep lithospheric and sub-lithospheric structure beneath Iran remain open. A robust 3D model of the thermochemical lithospheric structure in Iran is an important step toward a better understanding of the geological history and tectonic events in the area. Here, we apply a combined geophysical-petrological methodology (LitMod3D) to investigate the present-day thermal and compositional structure in the crust and upper mantle beneath the Arabia-Eurasia collision zone using a comprehensive variety of constraining data: elevation, surface heat flow, gravity potential fields, satellite gravity gradients, xenoliths and seismic tomography. Different mantle compositions were tested in our model based on local xenolith samples and global data base averages for different tectonothermal ages. A uniform mantle composition fails to explain the observed gravity field, gravity gradients and surface topography. A tectonically regionalized lithospheric mantle compositional model is able to explain all data sets including seismic tomography models. Our preliminary thermochemical lithospheric study constrains the depth to Moho discontinuity and intra crustal geometries including depth to sediments. We also determine the depth to Curie isotherm which is known as the base of magnetized crustal/uppermost mantle bodies. Discrepancies with respect to previous studies include mantle composition and the geometry of Moho and Lithosphere-Asthenosphere Boundary (LAB). Synthetic seismic Vs and Vp velocities match existing seismic tomography models in the area. In this study, depleted mantle compositions are modelled beneath cold and thick lithosphere in Arabian and Turan platforms. A more fertile mantle composition is found in collision zones. Based on our 3D thermochemical model we propose a new scenario to interpret the geodynamical history of area. In this context the present-day central Iran block would be as remain of the older and larger Iranian block present before the onset of Turan platform subduction beneath the Iranian Plateau. Further analysis of sub-lithospheric density anomalies (e.g., subducted slabs) is required to fully understand the geodynamics of the area.

Plate tectonics beyond plate boundaries: the role of ancient structures in intraplate orogenesis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Heron, Philip; Pysklywec, Russell; Stephenson, Randell

2015-04-01

The development of orogens that occur at a distance from plate boundaries (i.e., `intraplate' deformation) cannot be adequately explained through conventional plate tectonic theory. Intraplate deformation infers a more complex argument for lithospheric and mantle interaction than plate tectonic theory allows. As a result, the origins of intraplate orogenesis are enigmatic. One hypothesis is the amalgamation of continental material (i.e., micro-plates) leaves inherent scars on the crust and mantle lithosphere. Previous studies into continent-continent collisions identify a number of scenarios from accretionary tectonics that affect the crust and mantle (namely, the development of a Rayleigh-Taylor instability, lithospheric underplating, lithospheric delamination, and lithospheric subduction). Any of these processes may weaken the lithosphere allowing episodic reactivation of faults within continental interiors. Hence, continental convergence (i.e., shortening) at a time after continental collision may cause the already weakened crust and mantle lithosphere to produce intraplate deformation. In order to better understand the processes involved in deformation away from plate boundaries, we present suites of continental shortening models (using the high-resolution thermal-mechanical modelling code SOPALE) to identify the preferred style of deformation. We model ancient structures by applying weak subduction scarring, changing the rheological conditions, and modifying the thermal structure within the lithosphere. To highlight the role of surface processes on plate and lithosphere deformation, the effect of climate-driven erosion and deposition on the tectonic structure of intraplate deformation is also addressed. We explore the relevance of the models to previously studied regions of intraplate orogenesis, including the Pyrenees in Europe, the Laramide orogen in North America, Tien Shan orogen in Central Asia, and Central Australia. The findings of the simulations with regards to past and future North American intraplate deformation are also discussed. Our results indicate that there exists a number of tectonic environments that can be produced relating to continental accretion, and that specific observational constraints to the local area (e.g., geological, geophysical, geodetic) are required to be integrated directly into the analyses for better interpretation. The models shown here find that although rheological changes to the lithosphere can produce a range of deformation during continental convergence (i.e., crustal thickening, thinning, and folding), mantle weak zones from ancient subduction can generate more localized deformation and topography.

Toward self-consistent tectono-magmatic numerical model of rift-to-ridge transition

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gerya, Taras; Bercovici, David; Liao, Jie

2017-04-01

Natural data from modern and ancient lithospheric extension systems suggest three-dimensional (3D) character of deformation and complex relationship between magmatism and tectonics during the entire rift-to-ridge transition. Therefore, self-consistent high-resolution 3D magmatic-thermomechanical numerical approaches stand as a minimum complexity requirement for modeling and understanding of this transition. Here we present results from our new high-resolution 3D finite-difference marker-in-cell rift-to-ridge models, which account for magmatic accretion of the crust and use non-linear strain-weakened visco-plastic rheology of rocks that couples brittle/plastic failure and ductile damage caused by grain size reduction. Numerical experiments suggest that nucleation of rifting and ridge-transform patterns are decoupled in both space and time. At intermediate stages, two patterns can coexist and interact, which triggers development of detachment faults, failed rift arms, hyper-extended margins and oblique proto-transforms. En echelon rift patterns typically develop in the brittle upper-middle crust whereas proto-ridge and proto-transform structures nucleate in the lithospheric mantle. These deep proto-structures propagate upward, inter-connect and rotate toward a mature orthogonal ridge-transform patterns on the timescale of millions years during incipient thermal-magmatic accretion of the new oceanic-like lithosphere. Ductile damage of the extending lithospheric mantle caused by grain size reduction assisted by Zenner pinning plays critical role in rift-to-ridge transition by stabilizing detachment faults and transform structures. Numerical results compare well with observations from incipient spreading regions and passive continental margins.

Lithospheric mantle structure beneath Northern Scotland: Pre-plume remnant or syn-plume signature?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Knapp, J.

2003-04-01

Upper mantle reflectors (Flannan and W) beneath the northwestern British Isles are some of the best-known and most-studied examples of preserved structure within the continental mantle lithosphere, and are spatially coincident with the surface location of early Iceland plume volcanism in the British Tertiary Province. First observed on BIRPS (British Institutions Reflection Profiling Syndicate) marine deep seismic reflection profiles in the early 1980's, these reflectors have subsequently been imaged and correlated on additional reflection and refraction profiles in the offshore area of northern and western Scotland. The age and tectonic significance of these reflectors remains a subject of wide debate, due in part to the absence of robust characterization of the upper mantle velocity structure in this tectonically complex area. Interpretations advanced over the past two decades for the dipping Flannan reflector range from fossilized subduction complex to large-scale extensional shear zone, and span ages from Proterozoic to early Mesozoic. Crustal geology of the region records early Paleozoic continental collision and late Paleozoic to Mesozoic extension. Significant modification of the British lithosphere in early Tertiary time, including dramatic thinning and extensive basaltic intrusion associated with initiation and development of the Iceland plume, suggests either (1) an early Tertiary age for the Flannan reflector or (2) preservation of ancient features within the mantle lithosphere despite such pervasive modification. Exisitng constraints are consistent with a model for early Tertiary origin of the Flannan reflector as the downdip continuation of the Rockall Trough extensional system of latest Cretaceous to earliest Tertiary age during opening of the northern Atlantic Ocean and initiation of the Iceland plume. Lithopsheric thinning beneath present-day northern Scotland could have served to focus the early expression of plume volcanism (British Tertiary Province), despite the inferred distant locus of the initial plume head. Alternatively, preservation of large-scale pre-plume fabric in the Scottish mantle would imply long-lived tectonic heredity in the continental lithospheric mantle, and place important constraints on the plume-related effects (or lack thereof) in the mantle lithosphere.

3D Thermo-Mechanical Models of Plume-Lithosphere Interactions: Implications for the Kenya rift

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Scheck-Wenderoth, M.; Koptev, A.; Sippel, J.

2017-12-01

We present three-dimensional (3D) thermo-mechanical models aiming to explore the interaction of an active mantle plume with heterogeneous pre-stressed lithosphere in the Kenya rift region. As shown by the recent data-driven 3D gravity and thermal modeling (Sippel et al., 2017), the integrated strength of the lithosphere for the region of Kenya and northern Tanzania appears to be strongly controlled by the complex inherited crustal structure, which may have been decisive for the onset, localization and propagation of rifting. In order to test this hypothesis, we have performed a series of ultra-high resolution 3D numerical experiments that include a coupled mantle/lithosphere system in a dynamically and rheologically consistent framework. In contrast to our previous studies assuming a simple and quasi-symmetrical initial condition (Koptev et al., 2015, 2016, 2017), the complex 3D distribution of rock physical properties inferred from geological and geophysical observations (Sippel et al., 2017) has been incorporated into the model setup that comprises a stratified three-layer continental lithosphere composed of an upper and lower crust and lithospheric mantle overlaying the upper mantle. Following the evidence of the presence of a broad low-velocity seismic anomaly under the central parts of the East African Rift system (e.g. Nyblade et al, 2000; Chang et al., 2015), a 200-km radius mantle plume has been seeded at the bottom of a 635 km-depth model box representing a thermal anomaly of 300°C temperature excess. In all model runs, results show that the spatial distribution of surface deformation is indeed strongly controlled by crustal structure: within the southern part of the model box, a localized narrow zone stretched in NS direction (i.e. perpendicularly to applied far-field extension) is aligned along a structural boundary within the lower crust, whereas in the northern part of the model domain, deformation is more diffused and its eastern limit coincides with the eastern side of a weaker unit within the upper crustal layer. This northward transition from more localized to more distributed strain bears some general similarity to the distribution of major faults within the studied area (Chorowicz, 2005).

Structure of the Lithosphere-Asthenosphere Boundary Onshore and Offshore the California Continental Margin from Three-Dimensional Seismic Anisotropy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gomez, C. D.; Escobar, L., Sr.; Rathnayaka, S.; Weeraratne, D. S.; Kohler, M. D.

2016-12-01

The California continental margin, a major transform plate boundary in continental North America, is the locus of complex tectonic stress fields that are important in interpreting both remnant and ongoing deformational strain. Ancient subduction of the East Pacific Rise spreading center, the rotation and translation of tectonic blocks and inception of the San Andreas fault all contribute to the dynamic stress fields located both onshore and offshore southern California. Data obtained by the ALBACORE (Asthenospheric and Lithospheric Broadband Architecture from the California Offshore Region Experiment) and the CISN (California Integrated Seismic Network) seismic array are analyzed for azimuthal anisotropy of Rayleigh waves from 80 teleseismic events at periods 16 - 78 s. Here we invert Rayleigh wave data for shear wave velocity structure and three-dimensional seismic anisotropy in the thee regions designated within the continental margin including the continent, seafloor and California Borderlands. Preliminary results show that seismic anisotropy is resolved in multiple layers and can be used to determine the lithosphere-asthenosphere boundary (LAB) in offshore and continental regions. The oldest seafloor in our study at age 25-35 Ma indicates that the anisotropic transition across the LAB occurs at 73 km +/- 25 km with the lithospheric fast direction oriented WNW-ESE, consistent with current Pacific plate motion direction. The continent region west of the San Andreas indicates similar WNW-ESE anisotropy and LAB depth. Regions east of the San Andreas fault indicate NW-SE anisotropy transitioning to a N-S alignment at 80 km depth north of the Garlock fault. The youngest seafloor (15 - 25 Ma) and outer Borderlands indicate a more complex three layer fabric where shallow lithospheric NE-SW fast directions are perpendicular with ancient Farallon subduction arc, a mid-layer with E-W fast directions are perpendicular to remnant fossil fabric, and the deepest layer indicates NW-SE fast directions below the LAB likely controlled by current Pacific plate motion. The inner Borderland indicates two layer anisotropic structure with a shallow NW-SE lithospheric fast direction that changes to NE-SW fast directions below the LAB, possibly consistent with the ancient subduction direction.

Lithospheric structure of east Asia from ambient noise and two-station Rayleigh wave tomography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, M.; Song, X.; Li, J.; Bao, X.

2017-12-01

The complex tectonic background of east Asia makes it an ideal region to investigate the evolution of continental lithosphere. High-resolution lithospheric structure models are essential in this endeavor. Surface-wave tomography has been an important technique for constructing 3D lithospheric structure in global and regional scales. In this study, using event data recorded by more than 1000 seismic stations from multiple national and international networks in and surrounding China (CEArray, PASSCAL, GSN), we systematically measured Rayleigh-wave phase-velocity dispersion curves at periods 10-120 s and group-velocity dispersion curves at periods 10-140 s based on the traditional two-station method. The dispersion curves were extracted from the cross-correlation functions of the earthquake data at the two stations near the great circle path using frequency-time analysis method. The new measurements extend the phase and group dispersion data to longer periods (i.e. >70 s), which are difficult to extract from ambient noise cross-correlation. The longer-period data allow us to image deeper lithospheric velocity structure. We combined the new dispersion measurements with two previously obtained data sets: (1) data set from Bao et al. (2015) across the Chinese continent that includes group and phase dispersion measurements from ambient noise correlations and group velocity measurements from earthquakes, and (2) data set from Wang et al. (2017) across the marginal seas in east Asia from ambient noise correlations. We used the combined data set to invert for the phase velocity maps up to 120 s and group velocity maps up to 140 s at a grid spacing of 0.5°×0.5°and then invert for the 1D shear-wave velocity structure at each grid to obtain the new 3D shear-wave velocity model. The new model is generally consistent with that of Bao et al. (2015) but with improved resolution particularly in greater depths and in east-Asia marginal seas. We also derived crustal thickness and lithospheric thickness models. The lithospheric thickness model shows strong spatial heterogeneity and thinning trend from west to east in our study region. These models reveal important lithospheric features beneath east Asia and provide a fundamental data set for understanding continental dynamics and evolution.

Paleoproterozoic Collisional Structures in the Hudson Bay Lithosphere Constrained by Multi-Observable Probabilistic Inversion

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Darbyshire, F. A.; Afonso, J. C.; Porritt, R. W.

2015-12-01

The Paleozoic Hudson Bay intracratonic basin conceals a Paleoproterozoic Himalayan-scale continental collision, the Trans-Hudson Orogen (THO), which marks an important milestone in the assembly of the Canadian Shield. The geometry of the THO is complex due to the double-indentor geometry of the collision between the Archean Superior and Western Churchill cratons. Seismic observations at regional scale show a thick, seismically fast lithospheric keel beneath the entire region; an intriguing feature of recent models is a 'curtain' of slightly lower wavespeeds trending NE-SW beneath the Bay, which may represent the remnants of more juvenile material trapped between the two Archean continental cores. The seismic models alone, however, cannot constrain the nature of this anomaly. We investigate the thermal and compositional structure of the Hudson Bay lithosphere using a multi-observable probabilistic inversion technique. This joint inversion uses Rayleigh wave phase velocity data from teleseismic earthquakes and ambient noise, geoid anomalies, surface elevation and heat flow to construct a pseudo-3D model of the crust and upper mantle. Initially a wide range of possible mantle compositions is permitted, and tests are carried out to ascertain whether the lithosphere is stratified with depth. Across the entire Hudson Bay region, low temperatures and a high degree of chemical depletion characterise the mantle lithosphere. Temperature anomalies within the lithosphere are modest, as may be expected from a tectonically-stable region. The base of the thermal lithosphere lies at depths of >250 km, reaching to ~300 km depth in the centre of the Bay. Lithospheric stratification, with a more-depleted upper layer, is best able to explain the geophysical data sets and surface observables. Some regions, where intermediate-period phase velocities are high, require stronger mid-lithospheric depletion. In addition, a narrow region of less-depleted material extends NE-SW across the Bay, likely associated with the trace of the THO collision and the entrapment of juvenile material between the highly-depleted Archean cores.

Finite Frequency Traveltime Tomography of Lithospheric and Upper Mantle Structures beneath the Cordillera-Craton Transition in Southwestern Canada

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Y.; Gu, Y. J.; Hung, S. H.

2014-12-01

Based on finite-frequency theory and cross-correlation teleseismic relative traveltime data from the USArray, Canadian National Seismograph Network (CNSN) and Canadian Rockies and Alberta Network (CRANE), we present a new tomographic model of P-wave velocity perturbations for the lithosphere and upper mantle beneath the Cordillera-cration transition region in southwestern Canada. The inversion procedure properly accounts for the finite-volume sensitivities of measured travel time residuals, and the resulting model shows a greater resolution of upper mantle velocity heterogeneity beneath the study area than earlier approaches based on the classical ray-theoretical approach. Our model reveals a lateral change of P velocities from -0.5% to 0.5% down to ~200-km depth in a 50-km wide zone between the Alberta Basin and the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, which suggests a sharp structural gradient along the Cordillera deformation front. The stable cratonic lithosphere, delineated by positive P-velocity perturbations of 0.5% and greater, extends down to a maximum depth of ~180 km beneath the Archean Loverna Block (LB). In comparison, the mantle beneath the controversial Medicine Hat Block (MHB) exhibits significantly higher velocities in the uppermost mantle and a shallower (130-150 km depth) root, generally consistent with the average depth of the lithosphere-asthenosphere boundary beneath Southwest Western Canada Sedimentary Basin (WCSB). The complex shape of the lithospheric velocities under the MHB may be evidence of extensive erosion or a partial detachment of the Precambrian lithospheric root. Furthermore, distinct high velocity anomalies in LB and MHB, which are separated by 'normal' mantle block beneath the Vulcan structure (VS), suggest different Archean assembly and collision histories between these two tectonic blocks.

Contrasts in lithospheric structure within the Australian craton—insights from surface wave tomography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fishwick, S.; Kennett, B. L. N.; Reading, A. M.

2005-03-01

Contrasts in the seismic structure of the lithosphere within and between elements of the Australian Craton are imaged using surface wave tomography. New data from the WACRATON and TIGGER experiments are integrated with re-processed data from previous temporary deployments of broad-band seismometers and permanent seismic stations. The much improved path coverage in critical regions allows an interpretation of structures in the west of Australia, and a detailed comparison between different cratonic regions. Improvements to the waveform inversion procedure and a new multi-scale tomographic method increase the reliability of the tomographic images. In the shallowest part of the model (75 km) a region of lowered velocity is imaged beneath central Australia, and confirmed by the delayed arrival times of body waves for short paths. Within the cratonic lithosphere there is clearly structure at scale lengths of a few hundred kilometres; resolution tests indicate that path coverage within the continent is sufficient to reveal features of this size in the upper part of our model. In Western Australia, differences are seen beneath and within the Archaean cratons: at depths greater than 150 km faster velocities are imaged beneath the Yilgarn Craton than beneath the Pilbara Craton. In the complex North Australian Craton a fast wavespeed anomaly continuing to at least 250 km is observed below parts of the craton, suggesting the possibility of Archaean lithosphere underlying areas of dominantly Proterozoic surface geology.

The role of elastic stored energy in controlling the long term rheological behaviour of the lithosphere

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Regenauer-Lieb, Klaus; Weinberg, Roberto F.; Rosenbaum, Gideon

2012-04-01

The traditional definition of lithospheric strength is derived from the differential stresses required to form brittle and ductile structures at a constant strain rate. This definition is based on dissipative brittle and ductile deformation and does not take into account the ability of the lithosphere to store elastic strain. Here we show the important role of elasticity in controlling the long-term behaviour of the lithosphere. This is particularly evident when describing deformation in a thermodynamic framework, which differentiates between stored (Helmholtz free energy) and dissipative (entropy) energy potentials. In our model calculations we stretch a continental lithosphere with a wide range of crustal thickness (30-60 km) and heat flow (50-80 mW/m2) at a constant velocity. We show that the Helmholtz free energy, which in our simple calculation describes the energy stored elastically, converges for all models within a 25% range, while the dissipated energy varies over an order of magnitude. This variation stems from complex patterns in the local strain distributions of the different models, which together operate to minimize the Helmholtz free energy. This energy minimization is a fundamental material behaviour of the lithosphere, which in our simple case is defined by its elastic properties. We conclude from this result that elasticity (more generally Helmholtz free energy) is an important regulator of the long-term geological strength of the lithosphere.

The Impacts of 3-D Earth Structure on GIA-Induced Crustal Deformation and Future Sea-Level Change in the Antarctic

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Powell, E. M.; Hay, C.; Latychev, K.; Gomez, N. A.; Mitrovica, J. X.

2016-12-01

Glacial Isostatic Adjustment (GIA) models used to constrain the extent of past ice sheets and viscoelastic Earth structure, or to correct geodetic and geological observables for ice age effects, generally only consider depth-dependent variations in Earth viscosity and lithospheric structure. A et al. [2013] argued that 3-D Earth structure could impact GIA observables in Antarctica, but concluded that the presence of such structure contributes less to GIA uncertainty than do differences in Antarctic deglaciation histories. New seismic and geological evidence, however, indicates the Antarctic is underlain by complex, high amplitude variability in viscoelastic structure, including a low viscosity zone (LVZ) under West Antarctica. Hay et al. [2016] showed that sea-level fingerprints of modern melting calculated using such Earth models differ from those based on elastic or 1-D viscoelastic Earth models within decades of melting. Our investigation is motivated by two questions: (1) How does 3-D Earth structure, especially this LVZ, impact observations of GIA-induced crustal deformation associated with the last deglaciation? (2) How will 3-D Earth structure affect predictions of future sea-level rise in Antarctica? We compute the gravitationally self-consistent sea level, uplift, and gravity changes using the finite volume treatment of Latychev et al. [2005]. We consider four viscoelastic Earth models: a global 1-D model; a regional, West Antarctic-like 1-D model; a 3-D model where the lithospheric thickness varies laterally; and a 3-D model where both viscosity and lithospheric thickness vary laterally. For our Last Glacial Maximum to present investigations we employ ICE6g [Peltier et al., 2015]. For our present-future investigations we consider a melt scenario consistent with GRACE satellite gravity derived solutions [Harig et al., 2015]. Our calculations indicate that predictions of crustal deformations due to both GIA and ongoing melting are strongly influenced by 3-D lithospheric thickness and viscosity structure. Future sea level change due to ongoing melting is primarily influenced by 3-D viscosity structure. We show that 1-D Earth models built using regional inferences of viscosity and lithospheric thickness do not accurately capture the variability introduced by 3-D Earth structure.

The Impacts of 3-D Earth Structure on GIA-Induced Crustal Deformation and Future Sea-Level Change in the Antarctic

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Powell, E. M.; Hay, C.; Latychev, K.; Gomez, N. A.; Mitrovica, J. X.

2017-12-01

Glacial Isostatic Adjustment (GIA) models used to constrain the extent of past ice sheets and viscoelastic Earth structure, or to correct geodetic and geological observables for ice age effects, generally only consider depth-dependent variations in Earth viscosity and lithospheric structure. A et al. [2013] argued that 3-D Earth structure could impact GIA observables in Antarctica, but concluded that the presence of such structure contributes less to GIA uncertainty than do differences in Antarctic deglaciation histories. New seismic and geological evidence, however, indicates the Antarctic is underlain by complex, high amplitude variability in viscoelastic structure, including a low viscosity zone (LVZ) under West Antarctica. Hay et al. [2016] showed that sea-level fingerprints of modern melting calculated using such Earth models differ from those based on elastic or 1-D viscoelastic Earth models within decades of melting. Our investigation is motivated by two questions: (1) How does 3-D Earth structure, especially this LVZ, impact observations of GIA-induced crustal deformation associated with the last deglaciation? (2) How will 3-D Earth structure affect predictions of future sea-level rise in Antarctica? We compute the gravitationally self-consistent sea level, uplift, and gravity changes using the finite volume treatment of Latychev et al. [2005]. We consider four viscoelastic Earth models: a global 1-D model; a regional, West Antarctic-like 1-D model; a 3-D model where the lithospheric thickness varies laterally; and a 3-D model where both viscosity and lithospheric thickness vary laterally. For our Last Glacial Maximum to present investigations we employ ICE6g [Peltier et al., 2015]. For our present-future investigations we consider a melt scenario consistent with GRACE satellite gravity derived solutions [Harig et al., 2015]. Our calculations indicate that predictions of crustal deformations due to both GIA and ongoing melting are strongly influenced by 3-D lithospheric thickness and viscosity structure. Future sea level change due to ongoing melting is primarily influenced by 3-D viscosity structure. We show that 1-D Earth models built using regional inferences of viscosity and lithospheric thickness do not accurately capture the variability introduced by 3-D Earth structure.

Imaging Canary Island hotspot material beneath the lithosphere of Morocco and southern Spain

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Miller, Meghan S.; O'Driscoll, Leland J.; Butcher, Amber J.; Thomas, Christine

2015-12-01

The westernmost Mediterranean has developed into its present day tectonic configuration as a result of complex interactions between late stage subduction of the Neo-Tethys Ocean, continental collision of Africa and Eurasia, and the Canary Island mantle plume. This study utilizes S receiver functions (SRFs) from over 360 broadband seismic stations to seismically image the lithosphere and uppermost mantle from southern Spain through Morocco and the Canary Islands. The lithospheric thickness ranges from ∼65 km beneath the Atlas Mountains and the active volcanic islands to over ∼210 km beneath the cratonic lithosphere in southern Morocco. The common conversion point (CCP) volume of the SRFs indicates that thinned lithosphere extends from beneath the Canary Islands offshore southwestern Morocco, to beneath the continental lithosphere of the Atlas Mountains, and then thickens abruptly at the West African craton. Beneath thin lithosphere between the Canary hot spot and southern Spain, including below the Atlas Mountains and the Alboran Sea, there are distinct pockets of low velocity material, as inferred from high amplitude positive, sub-lithospheric conversions in the SRFs. These regions of low seismic velocity at the base of the lithosphere extend beneath the areas of Pliocene-Quaternary magmatism, which has been linked to a Canary hotspot source via geochemical signatures. However, we find that this volume of low velocity material is discontinuous along strike and occurs only in areas of recent volcanism and where asthenospheric mantle flow is identified with shear wave splitting analyses. We propose that the low velocity structure beneath the lithosphere is material flowing sub-horizontally northeastwards beneath Morocco from the tilted Canary Island plume, and the small, localized volcanoes are the result of small-scale upwellings from this material.

Geodynamic inversion to constrain the non-linear rheology of the lithosphere

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Baumann, T. S.; Kaus, Boris J. P.

2015-08-01

One of the main methods to determine the strength of the lithosphere is by estimating it's effective elastic thickness. This method assumes that the lithosphere is a thin elastic plate that floats on the mantle and uses both topography and gravity anomalies to estimate the plate thickness. Whereas this seems to work well for oceanic plates, it has given controversial results in continental collision zones. For most of these locations, additional geophysical data sets such as receiver functions and seismic tomography exist that constrain the geometry of the lithosphere and often show that it is rather complex. Yet, lithospheric geometry by itself is insufficient to understand the dynamics of the lithosphere as this also requires knowledge of the rheology of the lithosphere. Laboratory experiments suggest that rocks deform in a viscous manner if temperatures are high and stresses low, or in a plastic/brittle manner if the yield stress is exceeded. Yet, the experimental results show significant variability between various rock types and there are large uncertainties in extrapolating laboratory values to nature, which leaves room for speculation. An independent method is thus required to better understand the rheology and dynamics of the lithosphere in collision zones. The goal of this paper is to discuss such an approach. Our method relies on performing numerical thermomechanical forward models of the present-day lithosphere with an initial geometry that is constructed from geophysical data sets. We employ experimentally determined creep-laws for the various parts of the lithosphere, but assume that the parameters of these creep-laws as well as the temperature structure of the lithosphere are uncertain. This is used as a priori information to formulate a Bayesian inverse problem that employs topography, gravity, horizontal and vertical surface velocities to invert for the unknown material parameters and temperature structure. In order to test the general methodology, we first perform a geodynamic inversion of a synthetic forward model of intraoceanic subduction with known parameters. This requires solving an inverse problem with 14-16 parameters, depending on whether temperature is assumed to be known or not. With the help of a massively parallel direct-search combined with a Markov Chain Monte Carlo method, solving the inverse problem becomes feasible. Results show that the rheological parameters and particularly the effective viscosity structure of the lithosphere can be reconstructed in a probabilistic sense. This also holds, with somewhat larger uncertainties, for the case where the temperature distribution is parametrized. Finally, we apply the method to a cross-section of the India-Asia collision system. In this case, the number of parameters is larger, which requires solving around 1.9 × 106 forward models. The resulting models fit the data within their respective uncertainty bounds, and show that the Indian mantle lithosphere must have a high viscosity. Results for the Tibetan plateau are less clear, and both models with a weak Asian mantle lithosphere and with a weak Asian lower crust fit the data nearly equally well.

Finite-frequency P-wave tomography of the Western Canada Sedimentary Basin: Implications for the lithospheric evolution in Western Laurentia

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Yunfeng; Gu, Yu Jeffrey; Hung, Shu-Huei

2017-02-01

The lithosphere beneath the Western Canada Sedimentary Basin has potentially undergone Precambrian subduction and collisional orogenesis, resulting in a complex network of crustal domains. To improve the understanding of its evolutionary history, we combine data from the USArray and three regional networks to invert for P-wave velocities of the upper mantle using finite-frequency tomography. Our model reveals distinct, vertically continuous high (> 1%) velocity perturbations at depths above 200 km beneath the Precambrian Buffalo Head Terrane, Hearne craton and Medicine Hat Block, which sharply contrasts with those beneath the Canadian Rockies (<- 1%) at comparable depths. The P velocity increases from - 0.5% above 70 km depth to 1.5% at 330 km depth beneath southern Alberta, which provides compelling evidence for a deep, structurally complex Hearne craton. In comparison, the lithosphere is substantially thinner beneath the adjacent Buffalo Head Terrane (160 km) and Medicine Hat Block (200 km). These findings are consistent with earlier theories of tectonic assembly in this region, which featured distinct Archean and Proterozoic plate convergences between the Hearne craton and its neighboring domains. The highly variable, bimodally distributed craton thicknesses may also reflect different lithospheric destruction processes beneath the western margin of Laurentia.

Tectonic lineations and frictional faulting on a relatively simple body (Ariel)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nyffenegger, Paul; Davis, Dan M.; Consolmagno, Guy J.

1997-09-01

Anderson's model of faulting and the Mohr-Coulomb failure criterion can predict the orientations of faults generated in laboratory triaxial compression experiments, but do a much poorer job of explaining the orientations of outcrop- and map-scale faults on Earth. This failure may be due to the structural complexity of the Earth's lithosphere, the failure of laboratory experiments to predict accurately the strength of natural faults, or some fundamental flaw in the model. A simpler environment, such as the lithosphere of an icy satellite, allows us to test whether this model can succeed in less complex settings. A mathematical method is developed to analyze patterns in fracture orientations that can be applied to fractures in the lithospheres of icy satellites. In a initial test of the method, more than 300 lineations on Uranus' satellite Ariel are examined. A nonrandom pattern of lineations is looked for, and the source of the stresses that caused those features and the strength of the material in which they occur are constrained. It is impossible to observe directly the slip on these fractures. However, their orientations are clearly nonrandom and appear to be consistent with Andersonian strike-slip faulting in a relatively weak frictional lithosphere during one or more episodes of tidal flexing.

Constraining the near-surface response to lithospheric reorientation: Structural thermochronology along the TRANSALP geophysical transect

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Glotzbach, Christoph; Büttner, Lukas; Ehlers, Todd

2017-04-01

Tomographic analyses of the lithosphere structure underneath the Alps suggest a complex geodynamic history (e.g. Lippitsch et al. 2003), indicating, among other things, switches in the direction of subduction. A subduction polarity switch is proposed to have occurred in Miocene times between the Central and Eastern Alps (e.g. Lippitsch et al. 2003; Handy et al. 2015). In the Western and Central Alps SE-directed subduction of European continental lithosphere occurs, whereas NW-directed subduction of Adriatic lithosphere occurs further east (e.g. Kissling et al. 2006). The subducted slab steepens at the transition to the Eastern Alps, roughly at the position of the TRANSALP geophysical profile (S. Germany to N. Italy). This lithospheric reorientation was pre-dated by slab breakoff and also involves the delamination of the lower lithosphere, both processes producing distinct long-wavelength deformation (e.g. Gerya et al. 2004). Thermochronological data can be used to study the surface response to such a long-wavelength deformation. We present new apatite and zircon (U-Th)/He ages of 23 samples collected along 210 km of the TRANSALP profile. The samples were collected along a balanced cross section the TRANSALP profile (e.g. Lüschen et al. 2004) across individual structures that can be tied to deeper, seismically imaged, structures. The thermochronometer ages provide a record of exhumation related to both crustal shortening and post deformation erosional exhumation. Interpretation of the data is in progress and being used to discriminate between competing kinematic/geometric models, and the timing of major fault activity. Variations in exhumation along the section will also unravel the timing and shape of possible long-wavelength rock uplift event(s). References Gerya, T.V., Yuen, D.A., Maresch, W.V. 2004. Thermomechanical modelling of slab detachment. Earth Planet. Sci. Lett. 226, 101-116. Handy, M.R., Ustaszewski, K., Kissling, E. 2015. Reconstructing the Alps-Carpathians-Dinarides as a key to understanding switches in subduction polarity, slab gaps and surface motion. Int. J. Earth Sci. 104, 1-26. Kissling, E., Schmid, S.M., Lippitsch, R., Ansorge, J., Fügenschuh, B. 2006. Lithosphere structure and tectonic evolution of the Alpine arc: new evidence from high-resolution teleseismic tomography. In: Gee, D.G., Stephenson, R.A. (eds) European Lithosphere Dynamics. Geol. Soc. London Mem. 32, 129-145. Lippitsch, R., Kissling, E., Ansorge, J. 2003. Upper mantle structure beneath the Alpine orogen from high-resolution teleseismic tomography. J. Geophys. Res. 108, 2376, doi:10.1029/2002JB002016. Lüschen, E., Lammerer, B., Gebrande, H., Millahn, K., Nicolich, R., TRANSALP Working Group 2004. Orogenic structure of the Eastern Alps, Europe, from TRANSALP deep seismic reflection profiling. Tectonophysics 388, 85-102.

Lithospheric Structure of Central Asia

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Martin, R. J.; Gulen, L.; Sun, Y.; Toksoz, M. N.

2009-12-01

The active tectonics of Central Asia is the result of ongoing, active continental collision between the Indian and the Eurasian plates. This geologically and tectonically complex area is also one of the most seismically active regions in the world. Previous studies in this region mostly depended on teleseismic data and the local and regional data from the stations located in China. In this study we used the local travel time data from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan to study the lithospheric structure in this region. We selected the events and stations between 32°N-65°E and 45°N-85°E and focused on the areas of Pamir and Tien Shan. In this data set, there are more than 3000 P and S arrivals received at 68 stations from about 220 events. The double difference tomography is applied to relocate events and to invert for seismic structure simultaneously. Our results provide accurate locations of earthquakes and high resolution lithospheric structure in this region. We use both; the local travel times, and also the regional travel times to invert the 3D lithospheric velocity structure in this region. More than 2200 P wave phase picks were used in the inversion. The average grid spacing is 100km and the inverted grids lay on six layers. Then we use the Double Difference Tomography method developed by Zhang and Thurber (2003, 2006) to invert the 3-D P-wave velocity structure. Our tomographic results show highly heterogeneous crust and upper mantle structure for Central Asia. Some crustal low velocity zones are found beneath Tien Shan, the northern Pamir, and the Tajik depression, while high velocity anomalies are found beneath the Kazakh shield, the southern Pamir, and the Tarim basin.

High-Resolution Lithosphere Viscosity and Dynamics Revealed by Magnetotelluric Imaging

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, L.; Hasterok, D. P.

2016-12-01

An accurate viscosity structure is critical to truthfully modeling continental lithosphere dynamics, especially at spatial scales of <200 km where active tectonic deformation and volcanism occur. However, the effective viscosity structure of the lithosphere remains a key challenge in geodynamics due to the intimate involvement of viscosity with time and its dependence on many factors including strain rate, plastic failure, composition, and grain size. Current efforts on inferring the detailed lithosphere viscosity structure are sparse and large uncertainties and discrepancies still exist. Here we report an attempt to infer the effective lithospheric viscosity from a high-resolution magnetotelluric (MT) survey across the western United States. The high sensitivity of MT fields to the presence of electrically conductive fluids makes it a promising proxy for determining mechanical strength variations throughout the lithosphere. We demonstrate how a viscosity structure, approximated from electrical resistivity, results in a geodynamic model that successfully predicts short-wavelength surface topography, lithospheric deformation, and mantle upwelling beneath recent volcanism. The results indicate that lithosphere viscosity structure rather than the buoyancy structure is the dominant controlling factor for short-wavelength topography and intra-plate deformation in tectonically active regions. We further show that this viscosity is consistent with and more effective than that derived from laboratory-based rheology. We therefore propose that MT imaging provides a practical observational constraint for quantifying the dynamic evolution of the continental lithosphere.

On the role of heat flow, lithosphere thickness and lithosphere density on gravitational potential stresses

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pascal, Christophe

2006-10-01

Gravitational potential stresses (GPSt) are known to play a first-order role in the state of stress of the Earth's lithosphere. Previous studies focussed mainly on crust elevation and structure and little attention has been paid to modelling GPSt using realistic lithospheric structures. The aim of the present contribution is to quantify gravitational potential energies and stresses associated with stable lithospheric domains. In order to model realistic lithosphere structures, a wide variety of data are considered: surface heat flow, chemical depletion of mantle lithosphere, crustal thickness and elevation. A numerical method is presented which involves classical steady-state heat equations to derive lithosphere thickness, geotherm and density distribution, but additionally requires the studied lithosphere to be isostatically compensated at its base. The impact of varying surface and crustal heat flow, topography, Moho depth and crust density on the signs and magnitudes of predicted GPSt is systematically explored. In clear contrast with what is assumed in most previous studies, modelling results show that the density structure of the mantle lithosphere has a significant impact on the value of the predicted GPSt, in particular in the case of thick lithospheres. Using independent information from the literature, the method was applied to get insights in the state of stress of continental domains with contrasting tectono-thermal ages. The modelling results suggest that in the absence of tectonic stresses Phanerozoic and Proterozoic lithospheres are spontaneously submitted to compression whereas Archean lithospheres are in a neutral to slightly tensile stress state. These findings are in general in good agreement with global stress measurements and observed geoid undulations.

Effect of the lithospheric thermal state on the Moho interface: A case study in South America

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bagherbandi, Mohammad; Bai, Yongliang; Sjöberg, Lars E.; Tenzer, Robert; Abrehdary, Majid; Miranda, Silvia; Alcacer Sanchez, Juan M.

2017-07-01

Gravimetric methods applied for Moho recovery in areas with sparse and irregular distribution of seismic data often assume only a constant crustal density. Results of latest studies, however, indicate that corrections for crustal density heterogeneities could improve the gravimetric result, especially in regions with a complex geologic/tectonic structure. Moreover, the isostatic mass balance reflects also the density structure within the lithosphere. The gravimetric methods should therefore incorporate an additional correction for the lithospheric mantle as well as deeper mantle density heterogeneities. Following this principle, we solve the Vening Meinesz-Moritz (VMM) inverse problem of isostasy constrained by seismic data to determine the Moho depth of the South American tectonic plate including surrounding oceans, while taking into consideration the crustal and mantle density heterogeneities. Our numerical result confirms that contribution of sediments significantly modifies the estimation of the Moho geometry especially along the continental margins with large sediment deposits. To account for the mantle density heterogeneities we develop and apply a method in order to correct the Moho geometry for the contribution of the lithospheric thermal state (i.e., the lithospheric thermal-pressure correction). In addition, the misfit between the isostatic and seismic Moho models, attributed mainly to deep mantle density heterogeneities and other geophysical phenomena, is corrected for by applying the non-isostatic correction. The results reveal that the application of the lithospheric thermal-pressure correction improves the RMS fit of the VMM gravimetric Moho solution to the CRUST1.0 (improves ∼ 1.9 km) and GEMMA (∼1.1 km) models and the point-wise seismic data (∼0.7 km) in South America.

Lithosphere-asthenosphere interaction beneath Ireland from joint inversion of teleseismic P-wave delay times and GRACE gravity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

O'Donnell, J. P.; Daly, E.; Tiberi, C.; Bastow, I. D.; O'Reilly, B. M.; Readman, P. W.; Hauser, F.

2011-03-01

The nature and extent of the regional lithosphere-asthenosphere interaction beneath Ireland and Britain remains unclear. Although it has been established that ancient Caledonian signatures pervade the lithosphere, tertiary structure related to the Iceland plume has been inferred to dominate the asthenosphere. To address this apparent contradiction in the literature, we image the 3-D lithospheric and deeper upper-mantle structure beneath Ireland via non-linear, iterative joint teleseismic-gravity inversion using data from the ISLE (Irish Seismic Lithospheric Experiment), ISUME (Irish Seismic Upper Mantle Experiment) and GRACE (Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment) experiments. The inversion combines teleseismic relative arrival time residuals with the GRACE long wavelength satellite derived gravity anomaly by assuming a depth-dependent quasilinear velocity-density relationship. We argue that anomalies imaged at lithospheric depths probably reflect compositional contrasts, either due to terrane accretion associated with Iapetus Ocean closure, frozen decompressional melt that was generated by plate stretching during the opening of the north Atlantic Ocean, frozen Iceland plume related magmatic intrusions, or a combination thereof. The continuation of the anomalous structure across the lithosphere-asthenosphere boundary is interpreted as possibly reflecting sub-lithospheric small-scale convection initiated by the lithospheric compositional contrasts. Our hypothesis thus reconciles the disparity which exists between lithospheric and asthenospheric structure beneath this region of the north Atlantic rifted margin.

Interactions of multi-scale heterogeneity in the lithosphere: Australia

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kennett, B. L. N.; Yoshizawa, K.; Furumura, T.

2017-10-01

Understanding the complex heterogeneity of the continental lithosphere involves a wide variety of spatial scales and the synthesis of multiple classes of information. Seismic surface waves and multiply reflected body waves provide the main constraints on broad-scale structure, and bounds on the extent of the lithosphere-asthenosphere transition (LAT) can be found from the vertical gradients of S wavespeed. Information on finer-scale structures comes through body wave studies, including detailed seismic tomography and P-wave reflectivity extracted from stacked autocorrelograms of continuous component records. With the inclusion of deterministic large-scale structure and realistic medium-scale stochastic features fine-scale variations are subdued. The resulting multi-scale heterogeneity model for the Australian region gives a good representation of the character of observed seismograms and their geographic variations and matches the observations of P-wave reflectivity. P reflections in the 0.5-3.0 Hz band in the uppermost mantle suggest variations on vertical scales of a few hundred metres with amplitudes of the order of 1%. Interference of waves reflected or converted at sequences of such modest variations in physical properties produce relatively simple behaviour for lower frequencies, which can suggest simpler structures than are actually present. Vertical changes in the character of fine-scale heterogeneity can produce apparent discontinuities. In Central Australia a 'mid-lithospheric discontinuity' can be tracked via changes in frequency content of station reflectivity, with links to the broad-scale pattern of wavespeed gradients and, in particular, the gradients of radial anisotropy. Comparisons with xenolith results from southeastern Australia indicate a strong tie between geochemical stratification and P-wave reflectivity.

Structure and Evolution of the Central Appalachians from the Mantle to the Surface: Results from the MAGIC Project

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Long, M. D.; Benoit, M. H.; Evans, R. L.; King, S. D.; Kirby, E.; Aragon, J. C.; Miller, S. R.; Liu, S.; Elsenbeck, J.

2017-12-01

The eastern margin of North America has undergone multiple episodes of orogenesis and rifting, yielding the surface geology and topography visible today. It is poorly known, however, how the crust and mantle lithosphere have responded to these tectonic forces, and how geologic units preserved at the surface relate to deeper structures. Furthermore, the evolution of Appalachian topography through time, which reflects a complex interplay among erosion, lithology, and mantle flow, remains a major outstanding problem. The MAGIC project involves a multidisciplinary, collaborative effort to understand the structure and evolution of the central Appalachians, from the mantle to the surface. New images of the lithosphere derived from a passive broadband seismic array and a magnetotelluric deployment demonstrate significant along-strike lateral variability across the MAGIC transect. We observe a sharp change in crustal thickness across the eastern edge of the Appalachians, with a deeper Moho beneath the mountains than suggested by simple isostatic models. We find evidence for a relatively shallow lithosphere-asthenosphere boundary (LAB) beneath the Appalachians, with the thinnest LAB coinciding with the location of Eocene volcanism in and around Harrisonburg, VA. This observation is consistent with lithospheric loss as a mechanism for Eocene volcanic activity. Observations of seismic anisotropy suggest deformation of the mantle lithosphere associated with both Appalachian orogenesis and later Mesozoic rifting, with an observable component of anisotropy due to present-day mantle flow. Geodynamic models of mantle flow using a variety of tomographic models and density scaling relationships are being used to generate predictions of dynamic topography and plate motions for comparison with observations, and are currently being refined to incorporate realistic lithospheric morphology based on imaging results. Models of present-day erosion rates throughout the Appalachians from stream profile analysis show particularly fast erosion rates just to the west of Harrisonburg. Integration of results from the MAGIC project is yielding new insight into the structure and evolution of the central Appalachians and into the processes associated with orogenesis, rifting, and post-rift evolution of the passive margin.

Lithospheric structure beneath Eastern Africa from joint inversion of receiver functions and Rayleigh wave velocities

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dugda, Mulugeta Tuji

Crust and upper mantle structure beneath eastern Africa has been investigated using receiver functions and surface wave dispersion measurements to understand the impact of the hotspot tectonism found there on the lithospheric structure of the region. In the first part of this thesis, I applied H-kappa stacking of receiver functions, and a joint inversion of receiver functions and Rayleigh wave group velocities to determine the crustal parameters under Djibouti. The two methods give consistent results. The crust beneath the GEOSCOPE station ATD has a thickness of 23+/-1.5 km and a Poisson's ratio of 0.31+/-0.02. Previous studies give crustal thickness beneath Djibouti to be between 8 and 10 km. I found it necessary to reinterprete refraction profiles for Djibouti from a previous study. The crustal structure obtained for ATD is similar to adjacent crustal structure in many other parts of central and eastern Afar. The high Poisson's ratio and Vp throughout most of the crust indicate a mafic composition, suggesting that the crust in Afar consists predominantly of new igneous rock emplaced during the late synrift stage where extension is accommodated within magmatic segments by diking. In the second part of this thesis, the seismic velocity structure of the crust and upper mantle beneath Ethiopia and Djibouti has been investigated by jointly inverting receiver functions and Rayleigh wave group velocities to obtain new constraints on the thermal structure of the lithosphere. Crustal structure from the joint inversion for Ethiopia and Djibouti is similar to previously published models. Beneath the Main Ethiopian Rift (MER) and Afar, the lithospheric mantle has a maximum shear wave velocity of 4.1-4.2 km/s and extends to a depth of at most 50 km. In comparison to the lithosphere away from the East African Rift System in Tanzania, where the lid extends to depths of ˜100-125 km and has a maximum shear velocity of 4.6 km/s, the mantle lithosphere under the Ethiopian Plateau appears to have been thinned by ˜30-50 km and the maximum shear wave velocity reduced by ˜0.3 km/s. Results from a 1D conductive thermal model suggest that the shear velocity structure of the lithosphere beneath the Ethiopian Plateau can be explained by a plume model, if a plume rapidly thinned the lithosphere by ˜30--50 km at the time of the flood basalt volcanism (c. 30 Ma), and if warm plume material has remained beneath the lithosphere since then. About 45-65% of the 1-1.5 km of plateau uplift in Ethiopia can be attributed to the thermally perturbed lithospheric structure. In the final part of this thesis, the shear-wave velocity structure of the crust and upper mantle beneath Kenya has been obtained from a joint inversion of receiver functions, and Rayleigh wave group and phase velocities. The crustal structure from the joint inversion is consistent with crustal structure published previously by different authors. The lithospheric mantle beneath the East African Plateau in Kenya is similar to the lithosphere under the East African Plateau in Tanzania. Beneath the Kenya Rift, the lithosphere extends to a depth of at most ˜75 km. The lithosphere under the Kenya Plateau is not perturbed when compared to the highly perturbed lithosphere beneath the Ethiopian Plateau. On the other hand, the lithosphere under the Kenya Rift is perturbed as compared to the Kenya Plateau or the rest of the East African Plateau, but is not as perturbed as the lithosphere beneath the Main Ethiopian Rift or the Afar. Although Kenya and Ethiopia have similar uplift and rifting histories, they have different volcanic histories. Much of Ethiopia has been affected by the Afar Flood Basalt volcanism, which may be the cause of this difference in lithospheric structure between these two regions.

Electromagnetic study of lithospheric structure in the marginal zone of East European Craton in NW Poland

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jóźwiak, Waldemar

2013-10-01

The marginal zone of the East European Platform, an area of key importance for our understanding of the geotectonic history of Europe, has been a challenge for geophysicists for many years. The basic research method is seismic survey, but many important data on physical properties and structure of the lithosphere may also be provided by the electromagnetic methods. In this paper, results of deep basement study by electromagnetic methods performed in Poland since the mid-1960s are presented. Over this time, several hundred long-period soundings have been executed providing an assessment of the electric conductivity distribution in the crust and upper mantle. Numerous 1D, 2D, and pseudo-3D electric conductivity models were constructed, and a new interpretation method based on Horizontal Magnetic Tensor analysis has been applied recently. The results show that the contact zone is of lithospheric discontinuity character and there are distinct differences in geoelectric structures between the Precambrian Platform, transitional zone (TESZ), and the Paleozoic Platform. The wide-spread conducting complexes in the crust with integral conductivity values reaching 10 000 S at 20-30 km depths are most spectacular. They are most likely consequences of geological processes related to Caledonian and Variscan orogenesis. The upper mantle conductivity is also variable, the thickness of high-resistive lithospheric plates ranging from 120-140 km under the Paleozoic Platform to 220-240 km under the East European Platform.

Seismic and Thermal Structure of the Arctic Lithosphere, From Waveform Tomography and Thermodynamic Modelling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lebedev, S.; Schaeffer, A. J.; Fullea, J.; Pease, V.

2015-12-01

Thermal structure of the lithosphere is reflected in the values of seismic velocities within it. Our new tomographic models of the crust and upper mantle of the Arctic are constrained by an unprecedentedly large global waveform dataset and provide substantially improved resolution, compared to previous models. The new tomography reveals lateral variations in the temperature and thickness of the lithosphere and defines deep boundaries between tectonic blocks with different lithospheric properties and age. The shape and evolution of the geotherm beneath a tectonic unit depends on both crustal and mantle-lithosphere structure beneath it: the lithospheric thickness and its changes with time (these determine the supply of heat from the deep Earth), the crustal thickness and heat production (the supply of heat from within the crust), and the thickness and thermal conductivity of the sedimentary cover (the insulation). Detailed thermal structure of the basins can be modelled by combining seismic velocities from tomography with data on the crustal structure and heat production, in the framework of computational petrological modelling. The most prominent lateral contrasts across the Arctic are between the cold, thick lithospheres of the cratons (in North America, Greenland and Eurasia) and the warmer, non-cratonic blocks. The lithosphere of the Canada Basin is cold and thick, similar to old oceanic lithosphere elsewhere around the world; its thermal structure offers evidence on its lithospheric age and formation mechanism. At 150-250 km depth, the central Arctic region shows a moderate low-velocity anomaly, cooler than that beneath Iceland and N Atlantic. An extension of N Atlantic low-velocity anomaly into the Arctic through the Fram Strait may indicate an influx of N Atlantic asthenosphere under the currently opening Eurasia Basin.

Observatory geoelectric fields induced in a two-layer lithosphere during magnetic storms

USGS Publications Warehouse

Love, Jeffrey J.; Swidinsky, Andrei

2015-01-01

We report on the development and validation of an algorithm for estimating geoelectric fields induced in the lithosphere beneath an observatory during a magnetic storm. To accommodate induction in three-dimensional lithospheric electrical conductivity, we analyze a simple nine-parameter model: two horizontal layers, each with uniform electrical conductivity properties given by independent distortion tensors. With Laplace transformation of the induction equations into the complex frequency domain, we obtain a transfer function describing induction of observatory geoelectric fields having frequency-dependent polarization. Upon inverse transformation back to the time domain, the convolution of the corresponding impulse-response function with a geomagnetic time series yields an estimated geoelectric time series. We obtain an optimized set of conductivity parameters using 1-s resolution geomagnetic and geoelectric field data collected at the Kakioka, Japan, observatory for five different intense magnetic storms, including the October 2003 Halloween storm; our estimated geoelectric field accounts for 93% of that measured during the Halloween storm. This work demonstrates the need for detailed modeling of the Earth’s lithospheric conductivity structure and the utility of co-located geomagnetic and geoelectric monitoring.

Lithospheric thermal evolution and dynamic mechanism of destruction of the North China Craton

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Zian; Zhang, Lu; Lin, Ge; Zhao, Chongbin; Liang, Yingjie

2018-06-01

The dynamic mechanism for destruction of the North China Craton (NCC) has been extensively discussed. Numerical simulation is used in this paper to discuss the effect of mantle upward throughflow (MUT) on the lithospheric heat flux of the NCC. Our results yield a three-stage destruction of the NCC lithosphere as a consequence of MUT variation. (1) In Late Paleozoic, the elevation of MUT, which was probably caused by southward and northward subduction of the paleo-Asian and paleo-Tethyan oceans, respectively, became a prelude to the NCC destruction. The geological consequences include a limited decrease of the lithospheric thickness, an increase of heat flux, and a gradual enhancement of the crustal activity. But the tectonic attribute of the NCC maintained a stable craton. (2) During Late Jurassic-Early Cretaceous, the initial velocity of the MUT became much faster probably in response to subduction of the Pacific Ocean; the conductive heat flux at the base of the NCC lithosphere gradually increased from west to east; and the lithospheric thickness was significantly decreased. During this stage, the heat flux distribution was characterized by zonation and partition, with nearly horizontal layering in the lithosphere and vertical layering in the underlying asthenosphere. Continuous destruction of the NCC lithosphere was associated with the intense tectono-magmatic activity. (3) From Late Cretaceous to Paleogene, the velocity of MUT became slower due to the retreat of the subducting Pacific slab; the conductive heat flux at the base of lithosphere was increased from west to east; the distribution of heat flux was no longer layered. The crust of the western NCC is relatively hotter than the mantle, so-called as a `hot crust but cold mantle' structure. At the eastern NCC, the crust and the mantle characterized by a `cold crust but hot mantle.' The western NCC (e.g., the Ordos Basin) had a tectonically stable crust with low thermal gradients in the lithosphere; whereas the eastern NCC was active with a hot lithosphere. The numerical results show that the MUT is the main driving force for the NCC destruction, whereas the complex interaction of surrounding plates lit a fuse for the lithospheric thinning.

Lithospheric thermal evolution and dynamic mechanism of destruction of the North China Craton

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Zian; Zhang, Lu; Lin, Ge; Zhao, Chongbin; Liang, Yingjie

2017-09-01

The dynamic mechanism for destruction of the North China Craton (NCC) has been extensively discussed. Numerical simulation is used in this paper to discuss the effect of mantle upward throughflow (MUT) on the lithospheric heat flux of the NCC. Our results yield a three-stage destruction of the NCC lithosphere as a consequence of MUT variation. (1) In Late Paleozoic, the elevation of MUT, which was probably caused by southward and northward subduction of the paleo-Asian and paleo-Tethyan oceans, respectively, became a prelude to the NCC destruction. The geological consequences include a limited decrease of the lithospheric thickness, an increase of heat flux, and a gradual enhancement of the crustal activity. But the tectonic attribute of the NCC maintained a stable craton. (2) During Late Jurassic-Early Cretaceous, the initial velocity of the MUT became much faster probably in response to subduction of the Pacific Ocean; the conductive heat flux at the base of the NCC lithosphere gradually increased from west to east; and the lithospheric thickness was significantly decreased. During this stage, the heat flux distribution was characterized by zonation and partition, with nearly horizontal layering in the lithosphere and vertical layering in the underlying asthenosphere. Continuous destruction of the NCC lithosphere was associated with the intense tectono-magmatic activity. (3) From Late Cretaceous to Paleogene, the velocity of MUT became slower due to the retreat of the subducting Pacific slab; the conductive heat flux at the base of lithosphere was increased from west to east; the distribution of heat flux was no longer layered. The crust of the western NCC is relatively hotter than the mantle, so-called as a `hot crust but cold mantle' structure. At the eastern NCC, the crust and the mantle characterized by a `cold crust but hot mantle.' The western NCC (e.g., the Ordos Basin) had a tectonically stable crust with low thermal gradients in the lithosphere; whereas the eastern NCC was active with a hot lithosphere. The numerical results show that the MUT is the main driving force for the NCC destruction, whereas the complex interaction of surrounding plates lit a fuse for the lithospheric thinning.

A Review of Recent Developments in the Study of Regional Lithospheric Electrical Structure of the Asian Continent

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Letian

2017-09-01

The Asian continent was formed through the amalgamation of several major continental blocks that were formerly separated by the Paleo-Asian and Tethyan Oceans. During this process, the Asian continent underwent a long period of continental crustal growth and tectonic deformation, making it the largest and youngest continent on Earth. This paper presents a review of the application of geophysical electromagnetic methods, mainly the magnetotelluric (MT) method, in recent investigations of the diverse tectonic features across the Asian continent. The case studies cover the major continental blocks of Asia, the Central Asian orogenic system, the Tethyan orogenic system, as well as the western Pacific subduction system. In summary, most of the major continental blocks of Asia exhibit a three-layer structure with a resistive upper crust and upper mantle and a relatively conductive mid-lower crust. Large-scale conductors in the upper mantle were interpreted as an indication of lithospheric modification at the craton margins. The electrical structure of the Central Asian orogenic system is generally more resistive than the bordering continental blocks, whereas the Tethyan orogenic system displays more conductive, with pervasive conductors in the lower crust and upper mantle. The western Pacific subduction system shows increasing complexity in its electrical structure from its northern extent to its southern extent. In general, the following areas of the Asian continent have increasingly conductive lithospheric electrical structures, which correspond to a transition from the most stable areas to the most active tectonic areas of Asia: the major continental blocks, the accretionary Central Asian orogenic system, the collisional Tethyan orogenic system, and the western Pacific subduction system. As a key part of this review, a three-dimensional (3-D) model of the lithospheric electrical structure of a large portion of the Tibetan Plateau is presented and discussed in detail; the model indicates tearing of the underthrusting Indian slab as well as complex crustal conductor geometries, which are not obviously consistent with the hypothesis of a continuous, eastward channel flow. These studies have greatly enhanced our knowledge of the formation and deformation processes of the Asian continent. Lastly, future research to expand field data coverage, improve related techniques, and integrate data from other disciplines is suggested.

Rifting the continental lithosphere: case studies of the lithosphere-asthenosphere system in rifted settings across the western U.S. and in the southern East African Rift

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hopper, E.; Gaherty, J. B.; Shillington, D. J.

2016-12-01

Continental extension comes in many guises, often described in terms of two endmembers. Narrow rifting is typified by a rift valley narrower than lithospheric thickness (50-100 km), presumed to result in steep lateral changes in crustal and lithospheric topography; wide rifting by a broad zone (<1000 km) of normal faulting associated with much smaller topographic gradients. A type example for the former is the East African Rift Valley; for the latter, the Basin and Range in the western U.S.A. An important control on rift development is the state of the lithosphere: for example, its strength and thickness. We analyse common conversion point stacked Sp converted wave images of the lithosphere beneath rift systems in the contiguous U.S., both the wide Basin and Range, and narrow rift systems such as the Rio Grande Rift and Salton Trough. We use Sp waves recorded by EarthScope's Transportable Array and other available permanent and temporary broadband stations. Beneath the Basin and Range, we observe a very strong, shallow velocity decrease (the lithosphere-asthenosphere boundary, or LAB) that is relatively uniform over 100s of km. The strength of this feature indicates melt has ponded at this transition. We have not observed a clear relationship between lithospheric thickness beneath the Basin and Range, and total degree of extension, current extension rate, or age since surface volcanism. Beneath narrow rifts in the western U.S., however, more localised thinning of the lithosphere has been observed. We also compare these observations with seismic images of the Malawi Rift, at the southern end of the Western Branch of the East African Rift System, using broadband data acquired as part of the Study of Extension and MaGmatism in Malawi aNd Tanzania (SEGMeNT) experiment. The Malawi Rift is extending slowly in a magma-poor region of relatively strong lithosphere. We constrain the pattern of plate-scale extension by observations of crustal thinning, and image complex variations in deeper lithospheric structure.

Rifting the continental lithosphere: case studies of the lithosphere-asthenosphere system in rifted settings across the western U.S. and in the southern East African Rift

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hopper, E.; Gaherty, J. B.; Shillington, D. J.

2017-12-01

Continental extension comes in many guises, often described in terms of two endmembers. Narrow rifting is typified by a rift valley narrower than lithospheric thickness (50-100 km), presumed to result in steep lateral changes in crustal and lithospheric topography; wide rifting by a broad zone (<1000 km) of normal faulting associated with much smaller topographic gradients. A type example for the former is the East African Rift Valley; for the latter, the Basin and Range in the western U.S.A. An important control on rift development is the state of the lithosphere: for example, its strength and thickness. We analyse common conversion point stacked Sp converted wave images of the lithosphere beneath rift systems in the contiguous U.S., both the wide Basin and Range, and narrow rift systems such as the Rio Grande Rift and Salton Trough. We use Sp waves recorded by EarthScope's Transportable Array and other available permanent and temporary broadband stations. Beneath the Basin and Range, we observe a very strong, shallow velocity decrease (the lithosphere-asthenosphere boundary, or LAB) that is relatively uniform over 100s of km. The strength of this feature indicates melt has ponded at this transition. We have not observed a clear relationship between lithospheric thickness beneath the Basin and Range, and total degree of extension, current extension rate, or age since surface volcanism. Beneath narrow rifts in the western U.S., however, more localised thinning of the lithosphere has been observed. We also compare these observations with seismic images of the Malawi Rift, at the southern end of the Western Branch of the East African Rift System, using broadband data acquired as part of the Study of Extension and MaGmatism in Malawi aNd Tanzania (SEGMeNT) experiment. The Malawi Rift is extending slowly in a magma-poor region of relatively strong lithosphere. We constrain the pattern of plate-scale extension by observations of crustal thinning, and image complex variations in deeper lithospheric structure.

Lithospheric Structure in Eastern Africa and the Arabian Plate from Joint Inversion of Surface Wave Dispersion Data and Receiver Functions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dugda, M. T.; Nyblade, A. A.; Rodgers, A.; Al-Amri, A.; Julia, J.

2006-12-01

Lithospheric structure beneath Eastern Africa (Ethiopia, Kenya, and Djibouti) and the Arabian Shield and Platform has been investigated using a joint inversion of receiver functions and surface wave dispersion measurements from 10 to 175 s. Our models help to constrain the extent of modification made to the lithosphere in the region by hotspot tectonism. Most of the data for this study come from three major sources: the Ethiopia and Kenya Broadband Seismic Experiments which were carried out between 2000-2002 and 2001-2002, respectively, and data from the Saudi Arabia National Digital Seismic Network (KACST). We find that there is little or no seismic lid under the Main Ethiopian Rift and Afar. The results for the Ethiopian Plateau show that there has been thinning of the lithosphere by about ~30 40 km from typical Mozambique Belt lithosphere under Tanzania, which was reported to be up to 120 km thick, and that there has been a reduction in maximum shear wave velocity of the lid by about 7%. Replacement of the bottom of the former Mozambique Belt lithosphere by warm plume material with a partial erosion of the lithosphere can explain both the thinning of the lithosphere and the reduction of maximum velocity. Preliminary results suggest similar lithospheric structure beneath the Arabian Shield. The results from Kenya are similar to that of the results for the Mozambique Belt Lithosphere in Tanzania, showing 100-120 km thick lithosphere.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Pasyanos, M E

The behavior of surface waves at long periods is indicative of subcrustal velocity structure. Using recently published dispersion models, we invert surface wave group velocities for lithospheric structure, including lithospheric thickness, over much of the Eastern Hemisphere, encompassing Eurasia, Africa, and the Indian Ocean. Thicker lithosphere under Precambrian shields and platforms are clearly observed, not only under the large cratons (West Africa, Congo, Baltic, Russia, Siberia, India), but also under smaller blocks like the Tarim Basin and Yangtze craton. In contrast, it is found that remobilized Precambrian structures like the Saharan Shield and Sino-Korean Paraplatform do not have well-established lithosphericmore » keels. The thinnest lithospheric thickness is found under oceanic and continental rifts, as well as along convergence zones. We compare our results to thermal models of continental lithosphere, lithospheric cooling models of oceanic lithosphere, lithosphere-asthenosphere boundary (LAB) estimates from S-wave receiver functions, and velocity variations of global tomography models. In addition to comparing results for the broad region, we examine in detail the regions of Central Africa, Siberia, and Tibet. While there are clear differences in the various estimates, overall the results are generally consistent. Inconsistencies between the estimates may be due to a variety of reasons including lateral and depth resolution differences and the comparison of what may be different lithospheric features.« less

The rheological structure of the lithosphere in the Eastern Marmara region, Turkey

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Oruç, Bülent; Sönmez, Tuba

2017-05-01

The aim of this work is to propose the geometries of the crustal-lithospheric mantle boundary (Moho) and lithosphere-asthenosphere boundary (LAB) and the 1D thermal structure of the lithosphere, in order to establish a rheological model of the Eastern Marmara region. The average depths of Moho and LAB are respectively 35 km and 51 km from radially averaged amplitude spectra of EGM08 Bouguer anomalies. The geometries of Moho and LAB interfaces are estimated from the Parker-Oldenburg gravity inversion algorithm. Our results show the Moho depth varies from 31 km at the northern part of North Anatolian Fault Zone (NAFZ) to 39 km below the mountain belt in the southern part of the NAFZ. The depth to the LAB beneath the same parts of the region ranges from 45 km to 55 km. Having lithospheric strength and thermal boundary layer structure, we analyzed the conditions of development of lithosphere thinning. A two-dimensional strength profile has been estimated for rheology model of the study area. Thus we suggest that the rheological structure consists of a strong upper crust, a weak lower crust, and a partly molten upper lithospheric mantle.

Parallel Extension Tectonics (PET): Early Cretaceous tectonic extension of the Eastern Eurasian continent

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Junlai; Ji, Mo; Ni, Jinlong; Guan, Huimei; Shen, Liang

2017-04-01

The present study reports progress of our recent studies on the extensional structures in eastern North China craton and contiguous areas. We focus on characterizing and timing the formation/exhumation of the extensional structures, the Liaonan metamorphic core complex (mcc) and the Dayingzi basin from the Liaodong peninsula, the Queshan mcc, the Wulian mcc and the Zhucheng basin from the Jiaodong peninsula, and the Dashan magmatic dome within the Sulu orogenic belt. Magmatic rocks (either volcanic or plutonic) are ubiquitous in association with the tectonic extension (both syn- and post-kinematic). Evidence for crustal-mantle magma mixing are popular in many syn-kinematic intrusions. Geochemical analysis reveals that basaltic, andesitic to rhyolitic magmas were generated during the tectonic extension. Sr-Nd isotopes of the syn-kinematic magmatic rocks suggest that they were dominantly originated from ancient or juvenile crust partly with mantle signatures. Post-kinematic mafic intrusions with ages from ca. 121 Ma to Cenozoic, however, are of characteristic oceanic island basalts (OIB)-like trace element distribution patterns and relatively depleted radiogenic Sr-Nd isotope compositions. Integrated studies on the extensional structures, geochemical signatures of syn-kinematic magmatic rocks (mostly of granitic) and the tectono-magmatic relationships suggest that extension of the crust and the mantle lithosphere triggered the magmatisms from both the crust and the mantle. The Early Cretaceous tectono-magmatic evolution of the eastern Eurasian continent is governed by the PET in which the tectonic processes is subdivided into two stages, i.e. an early stage of tectonic extension, and a late stage of collapse of the extended lithosphere and transformation of lithospheric mantle. During the early stage, tectonic extension of the lithosphere led to detachment faulting in both the crust and mantle, resulted in the loss of some of the subcontinental roots, gave rise to the exhumation of the mccs, and triggered plutonic emplacement and volcanic eruptions of hybrid magmas. During the late stage, the nature of mantle lithosphere in North China was changed from the ancient SCLM to the juvenile SCLM. Extensional structures in eastern Eurasian continent provide a general architecture of the extensional tectonics of a rifted continent. Progressive extension resulted a sudden collaps of the crust (lithosphere) at ca. 130 to 120 Ma, associated with exhumation of mcc's and giant syn-kinematic magmatism, and post-kinematic magmatism. Parallel extension of both the crust and the mantle resulted in detachment faulting and magmatism, and also contributed to inhomogeneous thinning of the NCC lithosphere. Paleo-Pacific plate subduction and roll-back of the subducting oceanic plate contributed to the PET tectonic processes.

Coexistence of alkaline-carbonatite complexes and high-MgO CFB in the Paranà-Etendeka province: Insights on plume-lithosphere interactions in the Gondwana realm

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Natali, Claudio; Beccaluva, Luigi; Bianchini, Gianluca; Siena, Franca

2018-01-01

A careful review of petrological and geochemical data on the Paranà-Etendeka igneous province is reported, with particular attention being devoted to the relationships between high-MgO CFB (tholeiitic basalts-picrites) and nearly coeval alkaline-carbonatite complexes linked to the same extensional tectonics on a regional scale. At 135-130 Ma, the tectonomagmatic activity was focused in Etendeka, the centre of the restored province, and characterised by an exclusive occurrence of the hottest and deepest high-MgO CFB (potential temperature Tp up to 1590 °C and pressure up to 5 GPa) possessing the same Sr-Nd-Pb isotopic composition of the "Gough" geochemical component, a marker of the initial Tristan plume activity. Etendeka high-MgO CFB thus represent the most genuine proxies of sublithospheric melts generated at the plume axis and are relatively unaffected by lithospheric contamination. Nearly coeval (133-128 Ma) alkaline‑carbonatite complexes cluster around the extensional structures of the Ponta Grossa Arch (e.g., Jacupiranga and Juquia in Brazil) and the Damara Belt (e.g., Erongo, Okurusu, Okenyenya and Paresis in Namibia), both of which intersect the early track of the south Atlantic opening. Compared to high-MgO CFB, alkaline magmas display distinctive isotopic signatures and an incompatible element distribution consistent with their generation from lithospheric mantle sources, which were variably metasomatised (veined?) by amphibole and phlogopite. Metasomes of alkaline mantle sources have a HIMU affinity and are dominated by amphibole in Namibia, whereas they display EM1 tendency and a more relevant role of phlogopite in Brazil, which implies important lithospheric differences at a regional scale. The tectonomagmatic features of Paranà-Etendeka -also shared by other Gondwana LIPs, such as Deccan and Karoo- can be reconciled by a generalized model where a hot plume impinging on a relatively thick lithosphere caused, in the axial zone, the contemporaneous generation and rise of high-MgO CFB and alkaline magmas from distinct asthenospheric and lithospheric mantle sources, respectively. In the asthenosphere, the volatile-poor solidus was crossed under an adiabatic thermal regime, mostly in the range of 4 to 5 GPa and Tp 1500 to 1600 °C with the development of high-MgO CFB. In the overlying metasomatised lithosphere, the plume effects caused a perturbation of the conductive thermal regime and a crossing of volatile-rich solidus (mostly P 2-3 GPa, Tp 1300-1400 °C) with the generation of alkaline melts from the most fusible (hydrated and carbonated) mantle domains.

Deep Europe today: Geophysical synthesis of the upper mantle structure and lithospheric processes over 3.5 Ga

USGS Publications Warehouse

Artemieva, I.M.; Thybo, H.; Kaban, M.K.; ,

2006-01-01

We present a summary of geophysical models of the subcrustal lithosphere of Europe. This includes the results from seismic (reflection and refraction profiles, P- and S-wave tomography, mantle anisotropy), gravity, thermal, electromagnetic, elastic and petrological studies of the lithospheric mantle. We discuss major tectonic processes as reflected in the lithospheric structure of Europe, from Precambrian terrane accretion and subduction to Phanerozoic rifting, volcanism, subduction and continent-continent collision. The differences in the lithospheric structure of Precambrian and Phanerozoic Europe, as illustrated by a comparative analysis of different geophysical data, are shown to have both a compositional and a thermal origin. We propose an integrated model of physical properties of the European subcrustal lithosphere, with emphasis on the depth intervals around 150 and 250 km. At these depths, seismic velocity models, constrained by body-and surface-wave continent-scale tomography, are compared with mantle temperatures and mantle gravity anomalies. This comparison provides a framework for discussion of the physical or chemical origin of the major lithospheric anomalies and their relation to large-scale tectonic processes, which have formed the present lithosphere of Europe. ?? The Geological Society of London 2006.

Physical Processes Contributing To Small-scale Vertical Movements During Changing Inplane Stresses In Rift Basins and At Passive Continental Margins

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Paulsen, G. E.; Nielsen, S. B.; Hansen, D. L.

The vertical movements during a regional stress reversal in a rifted basin or on a passive continental margin are examined using a numerical 2D thermo-mechanical finite element model with a visco-elastic-plastic rheology. Three different physical mechanisms are recognized in small-scale vertical movements at small inplane force variations: elastic dilatation, elastic flexure, and permanent deformation. Their rela- tive importance depend on the applied force, the duration of the force, and the thermal structure of the lithosphere. Elastic material dilatation occurs whenever the stress state changes. A reversal from extension to compression therefore immediately leads to elastic dilatation, and re- sults in an overall subsidence of the entire profile. Simultaneously with dilatation the lithosphere reacts with flexure. The significance of the flexural component strongly depends on the thermal structure of the lithosphere. The polarity and amplitude of the flexure depends on the initial (before compression) loading of the lithosphere. Gener- ally, the flexural effects lead to subsidence of the overdeep in the landward part of the basin and a small amount of uplift at the basin flanks. The amplitudes of the flexural response are small and comparable with the amplitudes of the elastic dilatation. With continuing compression permanent deformation and lithospheric thickening becomes increasingly important. Ultimately, the thickened part of the lithosphere stands out as an inverted zone. The amount of permanent deformation is directly connected with the size and duration of the applied force, but even a relatively small force leads to inversion tectonics in the landward part of the basin. The conclusions are: 1) small stress induced vertical movements in rift basins and at passive continental margins are the result of a complex interaction of at least three different processes, 2) the total sediment loaded amplitudes resulting from these pro- cesses are small (2-300 m) for inplane forces up to 1.5·1012 N/m.

Waveform Tomography of the South Atlantic Region

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Celli, N. L.; Lebedev, S.; Schaeffer, A. J.; Gaina, C.

2016-12-01

The rapid growth in broadband seismic data, along with developments in waveform tomography techniques, allow us to greatly improve the data sampling in the southern hemisphere and resolve the upper-mantle structure beneath the South Atlantic region at a new level of detail. We have gathered a very large waveform dataset, including all publicly available data from permanent and temporary networks. Our S-velocity tomographic model is constrained by vertical-component waveform fits, computed using the Automated Multimode Inversion of surface, S and multiple S waves. Each seismogram fit provides a set of linear equations describing 1D average velocity perturbations within approximate sensitivity volumes, with respect to a 3D reference model. All the equations are then combined into a large linear system and inverted jointly for a model of shear- and compressional-wave speeds and azimuthal anisotropy within the lithosphere and underlying mantle. The isotropic-average shear speeds are proxies for temperature and composition at depth, while azimuthal anisotropy provides evidence on the past and present deformation in the lithosphere and asthenosphere beneath the region. We resolve the complex boundaries of the mantle roots of South America's and Africa's cratons and the deep low-velocity anomalies beneath volcanic areas in South America. Pronounced lithospheric high seismic velocity anomalies beneath the Argentine Basin suggest that its anomalously deep seafloor, previously attributed to dynamic topography, is mainly due to anomalously cold, thick lithosphere. Major hotspots show low-velocity anomalies extending substantially deeper than those beneath the mid-ocean ridge. The Vema Hotspot shows a major, hot asthenospheric anomaly beneath thick, cold oceanic lithosphere. The mantle lithosphere beneath the Walvis Ridge—a hotspot track—shows normal cooling. The volcanic Cameroon Line, in contrast, is characterized by thin lithosphere beneath the locations of recent volcanism.

Comparison of Oceanic and Continental Lithosphere, Asthenosphere, and the LAB Through Shear Velocity Inversion of Rayleigh Wave Data from the ALBACORE Amphibious Array in Southern California

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Amodeo, K.; Rathnayaka, S.; Weeraratne, D. S.; Kohler, M. D.

2016-12-01

Continental and oceanic lithosphere, which form in different tectonic environments, are studied in a single amphibious seismic array across the Southern California continental margin. This provides a unique opportunity to directly compare oceanic and continental lithosphere, asthenosphere, and the LAB (Lithosphere-Asthenosphere Boundary) in a single data set. The complex history of the region, including spreading center subduction, block rotation, and Borderland extension, allows us to study limits in the rigidity and strength of the lithosphere. We study Rayleigh wave phase velocities obtained from the ALBACORE (Asthenospheric and Lithospheric Broadband Architecture from the California Offshore Region Experiment) offshore seismic array project and invert for shear wave velocity structure as a function of depth. We divide the study area into several regions: continent, inner Borderland, outer Borderland, and oceanic seafloor categorized by age. A unique starting Vs model is used for each case including layer thicknesses, densities, and P and S velocities which predicts Rayleigh phase velocities and are compared to observed phase velocities in each region. We solve for shear wave velocities with the best fit between observed and predicted phase velocity data in a least square sense. Preliminary results indicate that lithospheric velocities in the oceanic mantle are higher than the continental region by at least 2%. The LAB is observed at 50 ± 20 km beneath 15-35 Ma oceanic seafloor. Asthenospheric low velocities reach a minimum of 4.2 km/s in all regions, but have a steeper positive velocity gradient at the base of the oceanic asthenosphere compared to the continent. Seismic tomography images in two and three dimensions will be presented from each study region.

Seismic imaging of lithospheric discontinuities and continental evolution

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bostock, M. G.

1999-09-01

Discontinuities in physical properties within the continental lithosphere reflect a range of processes that have contributed to craton stabilization and evolution. A survey of recent seismological studies concerning lithospheric discontinuities is made in an attempt to document their essential characteristics. Results from long-period seismology are inconsistent with the presence of continuous, laterally invariant, isotropic boundaries within the upper mantle at the global scale. At regional scales, two well-defined interfaces termed H (˜60 km depth) and L (˜200 km depth) of continental affinity are identified, with the latter boundary generally exhibiting an anisotropic character. Long-range refraction profiles are frequently characterized by subcontinental mantle that exhibits a complex stratification within the top 200 km. The shallow layering of this package can behave as an imperfect waveguide giving rise to the so-called teleseismic Pn phase, while the L-discontinuity may define its lower base as the culmination of a low velocity zone. High-resolution, seismic reflection profiling provides sufficient detail in a number of cases to document the merging of mantle interfaces into lower continental crust below former collisional sutures and magmatic arcs, thus unambiguously identifying some lithospheric discontinuities with thrust faults and subducted oceanic lithosphere. Collectively, these and other seismic observations point to a continental lithosphere whose internal structure is dominated by a laterally variable, subhorizontal layering. This stratigraphy appears to be more pronounced at shallower lithospheric levels, includes dense, anisotropic layers of order 10 km in thickness, and exhibits horizontal correlation lengths comparable to the lateral dimensions of overlying crustal blocks. A model of craton evolution which relies on shallow subduction as a principal agent of craton stabilization is shown to be broadly compatible with these characteristics.

Lateral variations in lithospheric and landscape evolution at both ends of the Himalaya-Tibet orogen

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zeitler, P. K.; Schmidt, J. L.; Meltzer, A.

2015-12-01

At the broadest scale, like many orogens the Himalaya encompass a range of orogenic features that are remarkably similar along much of the length of the mountain belt and its neighboring terranes. At one scale of consideration, these similarities appear to be a signal that fundamental processes associated with lithospheric collision have been active. However, the vast size of the Himalaya and Tibet, the different climate regimes experienced by the orogen across time and space, and the along-strike variations in the continental and arc margins that faced one another before collision, make it at once remarkable that any similarities exist, and important to more critically evaluate their nature. The eastern and western Himalayan syntaxes confound any attempt to generalize too much about the Himalaya-Tibet orogen. By area these features occupy at least 25% of the orogenic belt, and compared to the "main" portions of the arc they show clear differences in their lithospheric structures, landscapes, and evolution. The boundary and initial conditions that shaped the eastern and western indentor corners were and are different, as is the nature and timing of erosional exhumation. Some of the most active geologic processes on Earth have recently been in play within the syntaxes, and the evolution of landscapes and fluvial systems, important in developing the sedimentary record of the Himalaya-Tibet system, has been complex and variable in space and time. Southeasternmost Tibet and the Lhasa Block in particular exemplify this complexity both in its complex topographic evolution linked to surface processes and climate, and in lateral variability in lithospheric structure. Taking a system viewpoint, an important question to debate is the degree to which there are features in the Himalaya-Tibet system that are robustly emergent, given the broad boundary conditions of the continental collision plus the suite of local and regional geodynamical processes that have operated during orogenesis. A related question is the degree to which the variability seen within the orogen represents important information about process that is exportable to other orogens, or is in effect tectonic noise contingent on local geologic details and secular changes.

Oblique reactivation of lithosphere-scale lineaments controls rift physiography - the upper-crustal expression of the Sorgenfrei-Tornquist Zone, offshore southern Norway

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Phillips, Thomas B.; Jackson, Christopher A.-L.; Bell, Rebecca E.; Duffy, Oliver B.

2018-04-01

Pre-existing structures within sub-crustal lithosphere may localise stresses during subsequent tectonic events, resulting in complex fault systems at upper-crustal levels. As these sub-crustal structures are difficult to resolve at great depths, the evolution of kinematically and perhaps geometrically linked upper-crustal fault populations can offer insights into their deformation history, including when and how they reactivate and accommodate stresses during later tectonic events. In this study, we use borehole-constrained 2-D and 3-D seismic reflection data to investigate the structural development of the Farsund Basin, offshore southern Norway. We use throw-length (T-x) analysis and fault displacement backstripping techniques to determine the geometric and kinematic evolution of N-S- and E-W-striking upper-crustal fault populations during the multiphase evolution of the Farsund Basin. N-S-striking faults were active during the Triassic, prior to a period of sinistral strike-slip activity along E-W-striking faults during the Early Jurassic, which represented a hitherto undocumented phase of activity in this area. These E-W-striking upper-crustal faults are later obliquely reactivated under a dextral stress regime during the Early Cretaceous, with new faults also propagating away from pre-existing ones, representing a switch to a predominantly dextral sense of motion. The E-W faults within the Farsund Basin are interpreted to extend through the crust to the Moho and link with the Sorgenfrei-Tornquist Zone, a lithosphere-scale lineament, identified within the sub-crustal lithosphere, that extends > 1000 km across central Europe. Based on this geometric linkage, we infer that the E-W-striking faults represent the upper-crustal component of the Sorgenfrei-Tornquist Zone and that the Sorgenfrei-Tornquist Zone represents a long-lived lithosphere-scale lineament that is periodically reactivated throughout its protracted geological history. The upper-crustal component of the lineament is reactivated in a range of tectonic styles, including both sinistral and dextral strike-slip motions, with the geometry and kinematics of these faults often inconsistent with what may otherwise be inferred from regional tectonics alone. Understanding these different styles of reactivation not only allows us to better understand the influence of sub-crustal lithospheric structure on rifting but also offers insights into the prevailing stress field during regional tectonic events.

Building and Modification of the Continental Lithosphere: the History of the Contiguous U.S. as told by MLDs and LABs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hopper, E.; Fischer, K. M.

2016-12-01

The lithosphere preserves a record of past and present tectonic processes in its internal structures and its boundary with the underlying asthenosphere. We use common conversion point stacked Sp converted waves recorded by EarthScope's Transportable Array, as well as other available permanent and temporary broadband stations, to image such structures in the lithospheric mantle of the contiguous U.S. In the tectonically youngest western U.S., a shallow, sharp velocity gradient at the base of the lithosphere suggests a boundary defined by ponded melt. The lithosphere thickens with age of volcanism, implying the lithosphere is a melt-mitigated, conductively cooling thermal boundary layer. Beneath older, colder lithosphere where melt fractions are likely much lower, the velocity gradient at the base of such a layer should be a more diffuse, primarily thermal boundary. This is consistent with observations in the eastern U.S. where the lithosphere-asthenosphere boundary (LAB) is locally sharp and shallower only in areas of inferred enhanced upwelling - such as ancient hot spot tracks and areas of inferred delamination. In the cratonic interior, the LAB is even more gradual in depth, and is transparent to Sp waves with dominant periods of 10 s. Although seismic imaging only provides a snapshot of the lithosphere as it is today, preserved internal structures extend the utility of this imaging back into deep geological time. Ancient accretion within the cratonic lithospheric mantle is preserved as dipping structures associated with relict subducted slabs from Paleoproterozoic continental accretion, suggesting that lateral accretion was integral to the cratonic mantle root formation process. Metasomatism, melt migration and ponding below a carbonated peridotite solidus explain a sub-horizontal mid-lithospheric discontinuity (MLD) commonly observed at 70-100 km depth. This type of MLD is strongest in Mesoproterozoic and older lithosphere, suggesting that it formed more vigorously in the deep past, that a billion years or more are required to build up an observable volatile-rich layer, or that strong, ancient lithosphere is required to support an inherently weak, volatilized layer.

Using crustal thickness, subsidence and P-T-t history on the Iberia-Newfoundland & Alpine Tethys margins to constrain lithosphere deformation modes during continental breakup

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jeanniot, L.; Kusznir, N. J.; Manatschal, G.; Mohn, G.; Beltrando, M.

2013-12-01

Observations at magma-poor rifted margins such as Iberia-Newfoundland show a complex lithosphere deformation history and OCT architecture, resulting in hyper-extended continental crust and lithosphere, exhumed mantle and scattered embryonic oceanic crust before continental breakup and seafloor spreading. Initiation of seafloor spreading requires both the rupture of the continental crust and lithospheric mantle, and the onset of decompressional melting. Their relative timing controls when mantle exhumation may occur; the presence or absence of exhumed mantle provides useful information on the timing of these events and constraints on lithosphere deformation modes. A single kinematic lithosphere deformation mode leading to continental breakup and sea-floor spreading cannot explain observations. We have determined the sequence of lithosphere deformation events, using forward modelling of crustal thickness, subsidence and P-T-t history calibrated against observations on the present-day Iberia-Newfoundland and the fossil analogue Alpine Tethys margins. Lithosphere deformation modes, represented by flow fields, are generated by a 2D finite element viscous flow model (FeMargin), and used to advect lithosphere and asthenosphere temperature and material. FeMargin is kinematically driven by divergent deformation in the topmost upper lithosphere inducing passive upwelling beneath that layer; the upper lithosphere is assumed to deform by extensional faulting and magmatic intrusions, consistent with observations of deformation processes occurring at slow spreading ocean ridges (Cannat, 1996). Buoyancy enhanced upwelling is also included in the kinematic model as predicted by Braun et al (2000). We predict melt generation by decompressional melting using the parameterization and methodology of Katz et al., 2003. We use a series of numerical experiments, tested and calibrated against crustal thicknesses and subsidence observations, to determine the distribution of lithosphere deformation, the contribution of buoyancy driven upwelling and their spatial and temporal evolution including lateral migration. Particle tracking is used to predict P-T-t histories for both Iberia-Newfoundland and the Alpine Tethys conjugate margin transects. The lateral migration of the deformation flow axis has an important control on the rupture of continental crust and lithosphere, melt initiation, their relative timing, the resulting OCT architecture and conjugate margin asymmetry. Initial continental crust thickness and lithosphere temperature structure are important in controlling initial elevation and subsequent subsidence and depositional histories. Numerical models are used to examine the possible isostatic responses of the present-day and fossil analogue rifted margins.

Lithospheric strucutre and relationship to seismicity beneath the Southeastern US using reciever functions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cunningham, E.; Lekic, V.

2017-12-01

Despite being on a passive margin for millions of years, the Southeastern United States (SEUS) contains numerous seismogenic zones with the ability to produce damaging earthquakes. However, mechanisms controlling these intraplate earthquakes are poorly understood. Recently, Biryol et al. 2016 use P-wave tomography suggest that upper mantle structures beneath the SEUS correlate with areas of seismicity and seismic quiescence. Specifically, thick and fast velocity lithosphere beneath North Carolina is stable and indicative of areas of low seismicity. In contrast, thin and slow velocity lithosphere is weak, and the transition between the strong and weak lithosphere may be correlated with seismogenic zones found in the SEUS. (eg. Eastern Tennessee seismic zone and the Central Virginia seismic zone) Therefore, I systematically map the heterogeneity of the mantle lithosphere using converted seismic waves and quantify the spatial correlation between seismicity and lithospheric structure. The extensive network of seismometers that makes up the Earthscope USArray combined with the numerous seismic deployments in the Southeastern United States allows for unprecedented opportunity to map changes in lithospheric structure across seismogenic zones and seismic quiescent regions. To do so, I will use both P-to-s and S-to-p receiver functions (RFS). Since RFs are sensitive to seismic wavespeeds and density discontinuities with depth, they particularly useful for studying lithospheric structure. Ps receiver functions contain high frequency information allowing for high resolution, but can become contaminated by large sediment signals; therefore, I removed sediment multiples and correct for time delays of later phases using the method of Yu et. al 2015 which will allow us to see later arriving phases associated with lithospheric discontinuities. S-to-p receiver functions are not contaminated by shallow layers, making them ideal to study deep lithospheric structures but they can suffer from low signal-to-noise levels. I compensate for this difficulty by using high quality deployments and stacking these data at common conversion points to increase lateral resolution.

Thin Lithosphere Beneath the Ethiopian Plateau Revealed by a Joint Inversion of Rayleigh Wave Group Velocities and Receiver Functions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dugda, Mulugeta T.; Nyblade, Andrew A.; Julia, Jordi

2007-08-01

The seismic velocity structure of the crust and upper mantle beneath Ethiopia and Djibouti has been investigated by jointly inverting receiver functions and Rayleigh wave group velocities to obtain new constraints on the thermal structure of the lithosphere. Most of the data for this study come from the Ethiopia broadband seismic experiment, conducted between 2000 and 2002. Shear velocity models obtained from the joint inversion show crustal structure that is similar to previously published models, with crustal thicknesses of 35 to 44 km beneath the Ethiopian Plateau, and 25 to 35 km beneath the Main Ethiopian Rift (MER) and the Afar. The lithospheric mantle beneath the Ethiopian Plateau has a maximum shear wave velocity of about 4.3 km/s and extends to a depth of ˜70-80 km. Beneath the MER and Afar, the lithospheric mantle has a maximum shear wave velocity of 4.1-4.2 km/s and extends to a depth of at most 50 km. In comparison to the lithosphere away from the East African Rift System in Tanzania, where the lid extends to depths of ˜100-125 km and has a maximum shear velocity of 4.6 km/s, the mantle lithosphere under the Ethiopian Plateau appears to have been thinned by ˜30-50 km and the maximum shear wave velocity reduced by ˜0.3 km/s. Results from a 1D conductive thermal model suggest that the shear velocity structure of the Ethiopian Plateau lithosphere can be explained by a plume model, if a plume rapidly thinned the lithosphere by ˜30-50 km at the time of the flood basalt volcanism (c. 30 Ma), and if warm plume material has remained beneath the lithosphere since then. About 45-65% of the 1-1.5 km of plateau uplift in Ethiopia can be attributed to the thermally perturbed lithospheric structure.

Mid-ocean-ridge seismicity reveals extreme types of ocean lithosphere.

PubMed

Schlindwein, Vera; Schmid, Florian

2016-07-14

Along ultraslow-spreading ridges, where oceanic tectonic plates drift very slowly apart, conductive cooling is thought to limit mantle melting and melt production has been inferred to be highly discontinuous. Along such spreading centres, long ridge sections without any igneous crust alternate with magmatic sections that host massive volcanoes capable of strong earthquakes. Hence melt supply, lithospheric composition and tectonic structure seem to vary considerably along the axis of the slowest-spreading ridges. However, owing to the lack of seismic data, the lithospheric structure of ultraslow ridges is poorly constrained. Here we describe the structure and accretion modes of two end-member types of oceanic lithosphere using a detailed seismicity survey along 390 kilometres of ultraslow-spreading ridge axis. We observe that amagmatic sections lack shallow seismicity in the upper 15 kilometres of the lithosphere, but unusually contain earthquakes down to depths of 35 kilometres. This observation implies a cold, thick lithosphere, with an upper aseismic zone that probably reflects substantial serpentinization. We find that regions of magmatic lithosphere thin dramatically under volcanic centres, and infer that the resulting topography of the lithosphere-asthenosphere boundary could allow along-axis melt flow, explaining the uneven crustal production at ultraslow-spreading ridges. The seismicity data indicate that alteration in ocean lithosphere may reach far deeper than previously thought, with important implications towards seafloor deformation and fluid circulation.

Geophysical Investigations of Crustal and Upper Mantle Structure of Oceanic Intraplate Volcanoes (OIVs)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Robinson, A. H.; Peirce, C.; Funnell, M.; Watts, A. B.; Grevemeyer, I.

2016-12-01

Oceanic intraplate volcanoes (OIVs) represent a record of the modification of the oceanic crust by volcanism related to a range of processes including hot-spots, small scale mantle convection, and localised lithospheric extension. Geophysical studies of OIVs show a diversity in crustal and upper mantle structures, proposed to exist on a spectrum between two end-members where the main control is the age of the lithosphere at the time of volcanism. This hypothesis states that where the lithosphere is older, colder, and thicker it is more resistant to vertical magmatism than younger, hotter, thinner lithosphere. It is suggested that the Moho acts as a density filter, permitting relatively buoyant magma to vertically intrude the crust, but preventing denser magma from ascending to shallow levels. A key control may therefore be the melting depth, known to affect magma composition, and itself related to lithosphere age. Combined geophysical approaches allow us to develop robust models for OIV crustal structures with quantifiable resolution and uncertainty. As a case study, we present results from a multi-approach geophysical experiment at the Louisville Ridge Seamount Chain, believed to have formed on young (<10 Ma) lithosphere, which aimed at characterising the along-ridge crustal structure. The wide-angle seismic crustal model, generated by independent forward and inverse travel-time modelling of picked arrivals, is tested against reflection and gravity data. We compare our observations with studies of other OIVs to test whether lithospheric age controls OIV structure. Comparisons are limited by the temporal and spatial distribution of lithosphere and volcano ages, but suggest the hypothesis does not hold for all OIV features. While age may be the main control on OIV structure, as it determines lithosphere thermal and mechanical properties, other factors such as thermal rejuvenation, mechanical weakening, and volcano load size and distribution, may also come into play.

Stratification of Seismic Anisotropy Beneath Hudson Bay

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Darbyshire, F. A.; Eaton, D. W.; Bastow, I. D.

2012-12-01

The Hudson Bay region has a complex tectonic history spanning ~4 Ga of Earth's evolution. During the ~1.8 Ga Trans-Hudson orogeny, the Archean Superior and Western Churchill cratons collided following the subduction of a Pacific-scale ocean. It is thought that a significant amount of juvenile material is preserved in the Trans-Hudson Orogen, in part due to the complex double-indentor geometry of the Superior-Churchill collision. In the region of interest, the orogen lies beneath a large but shallow Paleozoic intra-cratonic basin. Studies of the crust and upper mantle beneath this region have been enabled through the HuBLE (Hudson Bay Lithospheric Experiment) project, through the deployment of broadband seismographs around the Bay and across the islands to the north. A surface-wave tomography study has taken advantage of the data coverage, providing new information on phase velocity heterogeneity and anisotropy for wave periods of 25-200 seconds (equivalent to depths from the lower crust to ~300 km). On a large scale, our results show that the entire region is underlain by a seismically fast lithospheric lid corresponding to the continental keel. The lithospheric thickness ranges from ~180km in the northeast, beneath a zone of Paleozoic rifting, to ~280km beneath central Hudson Bay. Within the lithosphere, seismic velocities vary laterally, including high-velocity material wrapping around the Bay in the uppermost mantle. In the mid-lithosphere, two high-velocity cores are imaged, with a zone of lower velocity between them beneath the Bay. We interpret these high-velocity structures to represent the strongest central cores of the Superior and Churchill cratons, with more-juvenile material preserved between them. The near-vertical geometry of the lower-velocity zone suggests that it is only the effects of terminal collision of the cratonic cores, rather than any preceding subduction, that is preserved today. The lowermost lithosphere has a more uniform velocity, and may represent a pervasive zone of metasomatism or underplating. Anisotropy patterns across the region also vary with depth, suggesting ~3 layers of stratification of lithospheric fabric. At the shallowest depths, anisotropic fast directions wrap around the Bay in a similar fashion to the patterns of isotropic wavespeed. The upper lithospheric mantle below is characterized by relatively weak and incoherent anisotropy; however the mid-to-lower lithosphere shows stronger anisotropy, with a pattern of fast directions broadly consistent with the tectonics of the Superior-Churchill collision as inferred from potential-field data. This may suggest some degree of coherency of deformation between the crust, uppermost mantle and lower lithosphere. These models of seismic wavespeed variation beneath the Hudson Bay region reveal the preservation of a major collision zone during the assembly of the Laurentian continental mass, and also suggest that the Archean cratons can be subdivided into different lithospheric domains that reflect their tectonic history but do not necessarily correspond to surface geological boundaries.

High-Resolution Seismic Velocity and Attenuation Models of the Caucasus-Caspian Region

DTIC Science & Technology

2009-09-30

region is part of the Alpine-Himalayan collision belt and is an area of complex structure accompanied by large variations in seismic wave velocities...velocity structure is developed using teleseismic receiver functions and surface waves. Joint inversion of surface wave group dispersion curves...Caucasus and the thinnest is in the Arabian Plate. Thin crust is also observed near the Caspian. The lithospheric mantle in the Greater Caucasus and the

Image the heterogeneous structure of Colima volcano complex using ambient noise and teleseismic tomography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dai, Y.; Yang, T.

2017-12-01

As one of the most active stratovolcano in present world, Colima volcano has aroused extensive researches about its structure and mechanism. Preceded studies have described the deep internal structure of Jalisco subduction zone and attributed the surface volcanism to the subduction of Rivera plate and Cocos plate here, but the image of crustal structure remains vague. Thus our work aims to depict the lithosphere structure and magma system, trying to understand the material transportation of Colima volcano. Two dense networks of temporary stations, CODEX and MARS, were deployed in the studying area during 2006-2007, collected adequate seismic data for tomography. We used ambient noise tomography to obtain both the phase velocity maps and azimuthal anisotropic character of crust. Those results show a shallow magma chamber right beneath the Colima volcano reaching a depth of 8km and its azimuthal anisotropic character ,which is of larger magnitude and northeast-ward in the connection part, indicates the material probably flow from central Mexico volcanic zone in the superficial crust. Hereafter, we combine the ambient noise tomography with surface wave tomography which corresponding to deeper structure. Phase velocity information from two methods are then used to invert a 3D heterogeneous model, which well presents the complex lithosphere structure of this area and shows the connection between the mantle window and magma chamber, giving the clues of how the magma materials transport from source to surface to support the constant eruption of Colima volcano.

Lithosphere-asthenosphere interaction beneath the western United States from the joint inversion of body-wave traveltimes and surface-wave phase velocities

USGS Publications Warehouse

Obrebski, M.; Allen, R.M.; Pollitz, F.; Hung, S.-H.

2011-01-01

The relation between the complex geological history of the western margin of the North American plate and the processes in the mantle is still not fully documented and understood. Several pre-USArray local seismic studies showed how the characteristics of key geological features such as the Colorado Plateau and the Yellowstone Snake River Plains are linked to their deep mantle structure. Recent body-wave models based on the deployment of the high density, large aperture USArray have provided far more details on the mantle structure while surface-wave tomography (ballistic waves and noise correlations) informs us on the shallow structure. Here we combine constraints from these two data sets to image and study the link between the geology of the western United States, the shallow structure of the Earth and the convective processes in mantle. Our multiphase DNA10-S model provides new constraints on the extent of the Archean lithosphere imaged as a large, deeply rooted fast body that encompasses the stable Great Plains and a large portion of the Northern and Central Rocky Mountains. Widespread slow anomalies are found in the lower crust and upper mantle, suggesting that low-density rocks isostatically sustain part of the high topography of the western United States. The Yellowstone anomaly is imaged as a large slow body rising from the lower mantle, intruding the overlying lithosphere and controlling locally the seismicity and the topography. The large E-W extent of the USArray used in this study allows imaging the 'slab graveyard', a sequence of Farallon fragments aligned with the currently subducting Juan de Fuca Slab, north of the Mendocino Triple Junction. The lithospheric root of the Colorado Plateau has apparently been weakened and partly removed through dripping. The distribution of the slower regions around the Colorado Plateau and other rigid blocks follows closely the trend of Cenozoic volcanic fields and ancient lithospheric sutures, suggesting that the later exert a control on the locus of magmato-tectonic activity today. The DNA velocity models are available for download and slicing at http://dna.berkeley.edu. ?? 2011 The Authors Geophysical Journal International ?? 2011 RAS.

The Mechanics of Impact Basin Formation: Comparisons between Modeling and Geophysical Observations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stewart, S. T.

2010-12-01

Impact basins are the largest geologic structures on planetary surfaces. Single or multiple ring-shaped scarps or arcuate chains of massifs typically surround basin-sized craters (e.g., larger than about 300 km diameter on the moon [1]). Impact basins also possess central mass anomalies related to ejection of a portion of the crust (and mantle) and uplift of the mantle. I will discuss insights into the mechanics of impact basin formation derived from numerical simulations and focus on features that may be compared with gravity and topography data. The simulations of basin formation use the method of [2] with an improved rheological model that includes dynamic weakening of faults and more accurate treatment of the mantle solidus. Two-dimensional simulations of vertical impacts onto spherical planets utilize a central gravity field, and three-dimensional simulations of oblique impacts include a self-gravity calculation. During the opening and collapse of the transient crater, localization of strain leads to deformation features that are interpreted as deep faults through the lithosphere. Based on simulations of mantle-excavating impacts onto the moon and Mars with thermal gradients that intersect the solidus in the asthenosphere, the final impact structure has three major features: (i) an inner basin filled with melt and bounded by the folded lithosphere, (ii) a broad shallow terrace of faulted and translated lithosphere with an ejecta deposit, and (iii) the surrounding autochthonous lithosphere with radially thinning ejecta. The folded lithosphere is a complex structure that experiences translation inward and then outward again during collapse of the transient cavity. The uplifted mantle within this structure is overlain by a thin layer of hot crustal material. In addition to asymmetry in the excavated material, 45-degree impact events produce an asymmetric terrace feature. The principal observations for comparison to the calculations are the inferred locations of major ring structures (derived from topography and geologic mapping) and the crustal thickness and mantle topography (derived from gravity and topography) [see also 3]. Preliminary comparisons indicate that the simulations produce the major features in the observations. I will present detailed comparisons between simulations and observations for major basins on the moon, including South Pole-Aitken, for different initial lithospheric thicknesses and thermal gradients. [1] Spudis, P.D. (1993) The Geology of Multi-Ring Impact basins: Cambridge University Press. [2] Senft, L.E. and S.T. Stewart (2009) Earth and Planetary Science Letters 287, 471-482. [3] Lillis, R.J., et al. (2010) AGU Fall Meeting.

The mantle lithosphere and the Wilson Cycle

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Heron, Philip; Pysklywec, Russell; Stephenson, Randell

2017-04-01

In the view of the conventional theory of plate tectonics (e.g., the Wilson Cycle), crustal inheritance is often considered important in tectonic evolution. However, the role of the mantle lithosphere is usually overlooked due to its difficulty to image and uncertainty in rheological makeup. Deep seismic imaging has shown potential scarring in continental mantle lithosphere to be ubiquitous. Recent studies have interpreted mantle lithosphere heterogeneities to be pre-existing structures, and as such linked to the Wilson Cycle and inheritance. In our study, we analyze intraplate deformation driven by mantle lithosphere heterogeneities from ancient Wilson Cycle processes and compare this to crustal inheritance deformation. We present 2-D numerical experiments of continental convergence to generate intraplate deformation, exploring the limits of continental rheology to understand the dominant lithosphere layer across a broad range of geological settings. By implementing a "jelly sandwich" rheology, characteristic of stable continental lithosphere, we find that during compression the strength of the mantle lithosphere is integral in controlling deformation from a structural anomaly. We posit that if the continental mantle is the strongest layer within the lithosphere, then such inheritance may have important implications for the Wilson Cycle. Furthermore, our models show that deformation driven by mantle lithosphere scarring can produce tectonic patterns related to intraplate orogenesis originating from crustal sources, highlighting the need for a more formal discussion of the role of the mantle lithosphere in plate tectonics. We outline the difficulty in unravelling the causes of tectonic deformation, alongside discussing the role of deep lithosphere processes in plate tectonics.

Lithospheric Stress Tensor from Gravity and Lithospheric Structure Models

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Eshagh, Mehdi; Tenzer, Robert

2017-07-01

In this study we investigate the lithospheric stresses computed from the gravity and lithospheric structure models. The functional relation between the lithospheric stress tensor and the gravity field parameters is formulated based on solving the boundary-value problem of elasticity in order to determine the propagation of stresses inside the lithosphere, while assuming the horizontal shear stress components (computed at the base of the lithosphere) as lower boundary values for solving this problem. We further suppress the signature of global mantle flow in the stress spectrum by subtracting the long-wavelength harmonics (below the degree of 13). This numerical scheme is applied to compute the normal and shear stress tensor components globally at the Moho interface. The results reveal that most of the lithospheric stresses are accumulated along active convergent tectonic margins of oceanic subductions and along continent-to-continent tectonic plate collisions. These results indicate that, aside from a frictional drag caused by mantle convection, the largest stresses within the lithosphere are induced by subduction slab pull forces on the side of subducted lithosphere, which are coupled by slightly less pronounced stresses (on the side of overriding lithospheric plate) possibly attributed to trench suction. Our results also show the presence of (intra-plate) lithospheric loading stresses along Hawaii islands. The signature of ridge push (along divergent tectonic margins) and basal shear traction resistive forces is not clearly manifested at the investigated stress spectrum (between the degrees from 13 to 180).

Lithospheric structure, composition, and thermal regime of the East European Craton: Implications for the subsidence of the Russian platform

USGS Publications Warehouse

Artemieva, I.M.

2003-01-01

A new mechanism for Paleozoic subsidence of the Russian, or East European, platform is suggested, since a model of lithosphere tilting during the Uralian subduction does not explain the post-Uralian sedimentation record. Alternatively, I propose that the Proterozoic and Paleozoic rifting (when a platform-scale Central Russia rift system and a set of Paleozoic rifts were formed) modified the structure and composition of cratonic lithosphere, and these tectono-magmatic events are responsible for the post-Uralian subsidence of the Russian platform. To support this hypothesis, (a) the thermal regime and the thickness of the lithosphere are analyzed, and (b) lithospheric density variations of non-thermal origin are calculated from free-board constraints. The results indicate that Proterozoic and Paleozoic rifting had different effects on the lithospheric structure and composition. (1) Proterozoic rifting is not reflected in the present thermal regime and did not cause significant lithosphere thinning (most of the Russian platform has lithospheric thickness of 150-180 km and the lithosphere of the NE Baltic Shield is 250-300 km thick). Paleozoic rifting resulted in pronounced lithospheric thinning (to 120-140 km) in the southern parts of the Russian platform. (2) Lithospheric density anomalies suggest that Proterozoic-Paleozoic rifting played an important role in the platform subsidence. The lithospheric mantle of the Archean-early Proterozoic part of the Baltic Shield is ??? 1.4 ?? 0.2% less dense than the typical Phanerozoic upper mantle. However, the density deficit in the subcrustal lithosphere of most of the Russian platform is only about (0.4-0.8) ?? 0.2% and decreases southwards to ???0%. Increased densities (likely associated with low depletion values) in the Russian platform suggest strong metasomatism of the cratonic lithosphere during rifting events, which led to its subsidence. It is proposed that only the lower part of the cratonic lithosphere was metasomatized as a result of Proterozoic rifting; the boundary between a depleted upper and more fertile lower layers can be at ca. 90-150 km depth and can produce a seismic pattern similar to the top of a seismic low-velocity zone. Paleozoic rifting has modified the entire lithospheric column and the regions affected are still subsiding. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Comparison of the Lithospheric Structure Beneath Kenya and Ethiopia From Joint Inversion of Receiver Functions and Rayleigh Wave Dispersion Velocities

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dugda, M. T.; Nyblade, A. A.; Julia, J.

2007-12-01

Shear-wave velocity structure of the crust and upper mantle beneath Kenya has been investigated using joint inversion of receiver functions, and Rayleigh wave group and phase velocities. Most of the data for this study come from the Kenya broadband seismic experiment, conducted between 2001 and 2002. Shear velocity models obtained from the joint inversion show crustal thicknesses of 37 to 42 km beneath the East African Plateau in Kenya and near the edge of the Kenya Rift, and a crustal thickness of about 30 km beneath the Kenya Rift. These crustal parameters are consistent with crustal thicknesses published previously by different authors. A comparison has been made between the lithosphere under Kenya and other parts of the East African Plateau in Tanzania. A comparison between the lithosphere under Kenya and that under Ethiopia has also been made, specifically between the lithosphere under the Ethiopian Plateau and the Kenya Plateau, and between the lithosphere beneath the Main Ethiopian Rift (MER) and the Kenya (Gregory) Rift. The lithospheric mantle beneath the East African Plateau in Kenya has a maximum shear wave velocity of about 4.6 km/s, similar to the value obtained under the East African Plateau in Tanzania. Beneath the Kenya Rift, the lithosphere extends to a depth of at most ~75 km. The average velocity of the mantle lithosphere under the East African Plateau in Kenya appears to be similar to the lithosphere under Tanzania away from the East African Rift System. The lithosphere under the Kenya Plateau is not perturbed as compared to the highly perturbed lithosphere beneath the Ethiopian Plateau. The lithosphere under the Kenya Rift is perturbed as compared to the rest of the region but is not as perturbed as that under the Main Ethiopian Rift or the Afar. Though Kenya and Ethiopia have similar uplift, volcanism and rifting at the surface, they have different lithospheric structures at the bottom. The Afar Flood Basalt Volcanism (AFB) may be the cause of this striking difference in the two lithosphere.

Earthquake prediction using extinct monogenetic volcanoes: A possible new research strategy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Szakács, Alexandru

2011-04-01

Volcanoes are extremely effective transmitters of matter, energy and information from the deep Earth towards its surface. Their capacities as information carriers are far to be fully exploited so far. Volcanic conduits can be viewed in general as rod-like or sheet-like vertical features with relatively homogenous composition and structure crosscutting geological structures of far more complexity and compositional heterogeneity. Information-carrying signals such as earthquake precursor signals originating deep below the Earth surface are transmitted with much less loss of information through homogenous vertically extended structures than through the horizontally segmented heterogeneous lithosphere or crust. Volcanic conduits can thus be viewed as upside-down "antennas" or waveguides which can be used as privileged pathways of any possible earthquake precursor signal. In particular, conduits of monogenetic volcanoes are promising transmitters of deep Earth information to be received and decoded at surface monitoring stations because the expected more homogenous nature of their rock-fill as compared to polygenetic volcanoes. Among monogenetic volcanoes those with dominantly effusive activity appear as the best candidates for privileged earthquake monitoring sites. In more details, effusive monogenetic volcanic conduits filled with rocks of primitive parental magma composition indicating direct ascent from sub-lithospheric magma-generating areas are the most suitable. Further selection criteria may include age of the volcanism considered and the presence of mantle xenoliths in surface volcanic products indicating direct and straightforward link between the deep lithospheric mantle and surface through the conduit. Innovative earthquake prediction research strategies can be based and developed on these grounds by considering conduits of selected extinct monogenetic volcanoes and deep trans-crustal fractures as privileged emplacement sites of seismic monitoring stations using an assemblage of physical, chemical and biological sensors devised to detect precursory signals. Earthquake prediction systems can be built up based on the concept of a signal emission-transmission-reception system, in which volcanic conduits and/or deep fractures play the role of the most effective signal transmission paths through the lithosphere. Unique "precursory fingerprints" of individual seismic structures are expected to be pointed out as an outcome of target-oriented strategic prediction research. Intelligent pattern-recognition systems are to be included for evaluation of the signal assemblages recorded by complex sensor arrays. Such strategies are expected however to be limited to intermediate-depth and deep seismic structures. Due to its particular features and geotectonic setting, the Vrancea seismic structure in Romania appears to be an excellent experimental target for prediction research.

Gravity Maps of Antarctic Lithospheric Structure from Remote-Sensing and Seismic Data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tenzer, Robert; Chen, Wenjin; Baranov, Alexey; Bagherbandi, Mohammad

2018-02-01

Remote-sensing data from altimetry and gravity satellite missions combined with seismic information have been used to investigate the Earth's interior, particularly focusing on the lithospheric structure. In this study, we use the subglacial bedrock relief BEDMAP2, the global gravitational model GOCO05S, and the ETOPO1 topographic/bathymetric data, together with a newly developed (continental-scale) seismic crustal model for Antarctica to compile the free-air, Bouguer, and mantle gravity maps over this continent and surrounding oceanic areas. We then use these gravity maps to interpret the Antarctic crustal and uppermost mantle structure. We demonstrate that most of the gravity features seen in gravity maps could be explained by known lithospheric structures. The Bouguer gravity map reveals a contrast between the oceanic and continental crust which marks the extension of the Antarctic continental margins. The isostatic signature in this gravity map confirms deep and compact orogenic roots under the Gamburtsev Subglacial Mountains and more complex orogenic structures under Dronning Maud Land in East Antarctica. Whereas the Bouguer gravity map exhibits features which are closely spatially correlated with the crustal thickness, the mantle gravity map reveals mainly the gravitational signature of the uppermost mantle, which is superposed over a weaker (long-wavelength) signature of density heterogeneities distributed deeper in the mantle. In contrast to a relatively complex and segmented uppermost mantle structure of West Antarctica, the mantle gravity map confirmed a more uniform structure of the East Antarctic Craton. The most pronounced features in this gravity map are divergent tectonic margins along mid-oceanic ridges and continental rifts. Gravity lows at these locations indicate that a broad region of the West Antarctic Rift System continuously extends between the Atlantic-Indian and Pacific-Antarctic mid-oceanic ridges and it is possibly formed by two major fault segments. Gravity lows over the Transantarctic Mountains confirms their non-collisional origin. Additionally, more localized gravity lows closely coincide with known locations of hotspots and volcanic regions (Marie Byrd Land, Balleny Islands, Mt. Erebus). Gravity lows also suggest a possible hotspot under the South Orkney Islands. However, this finding has to be further verified.

Geodynamic Constraints on the Sources of Seismic Anisotropy Beneath Madagascar

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rajaonarison, T. A.; Stamps, D. S.; Fishwick, S.

2017-12-01

The rheological structure of the lithosphere-asthenosphere system controls the degree in which the mantle drives surface motions. Seismic anisotropy is a proxy to infer information about previous tectonic events imprinted in lithospheric structures and/or asthenospheric flow pattern in regions absent of active volcanism, however, distinguishing between the shallow and deeper sources, respectively, remains ambiguous. Madagascar is an ideal natural laboratory to study the sources of anisotropy and the rheological implications for lithosphere-asthenosphere system because 1) active volcanism is minimal or absent, 2) there are well-exposed tectonic fabrics for comparison, and 3) numerous geological and geophysical observations provides evidence of present-day tectonic activities. Recent studies suggest new seismic anisotropy observations in southern Madagascar are sourced from both fossilized lithospheric structure and asthenospheric flow driven by rigid lithospheric plate motion. In this work we compare geodynamic simulations of the lithosphere-asthenosphere system with seismic anisotropy data set that includes all of Madagascar. We use the numerical code Advanced Solver for Problems in Earth's ConvecTion (ASPECT) to calculate instantaneous deformation in the lithosphere and edge-driven convective flow in the asthenosphere accounting for variations in buoyancy forces and temperature dependent viscosity. The initial temperature conditions are based on interpretations from high resolution regional surface wave tomography. We assume visco-plastic rheology for a uniform crust, dislocation creep for a laterally varying mantle lithospheric structure, and diffusion creep for the asthenosphere. To test for the source of anisotropy we compare our velocity solution azimuths with azimuths of anisotropy at 25 km depth intervals. Calculated asthenospheric flow aligns with measured seismic anisotropy with a 15° WRMS at 175 km depth and possibly down to 250 km suggesting the majority of the seismic anisotropy are due to sub-lithospheric asthenospheric flow beneath Madagascar. Our results suggest the dislocation creep regime extends beneath the lithosphere, which implies the rheology of the upper asthenosphere deforms by dislocation creep rather than diffusion creep.

Deep thermal structure of Southeast Asia constrained by S-velocity data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yu, Chuanhai; Shi, Xiaobin; Yang, Xiaoqiu; Zhao, Junfeng; Chen, Mei; Tang, Qunshu

2017-12-01

Southeast Asia, located in the southeastern part of the Eurasian Plate, is surrounded by tectonically active margins, exhibiting intense seismicity and volcanism, contains complex geological units with a perplexing evolution history. Because tectonic evolution is closely related to the deep thermal structure, an accurate estimation of the lithosphere thermal structure and thickness is important in extracting information on tectonics and geodynamics. However, there are significant uncertainties in the calculated deep thermal state constrained only by the observed surface heat flow. In this study, in order to obtain a better-constrained deep thermal state, we first calculate the deep thermal structure of Southeast Asia by employing an empirical relation between S-velocity and temperature, and then we estimate the base of the thermal lithosphere from the calculated temperature-depth profiles. The results show that, in general, the temperature is higher than the dry mantle solidus below the top of the seismic low-velocity zone, possibly indicating the presence of partial melt in the asthenosphere, particularly beneath oceanic basins such as the South China Sea. The temperature at a depth of 80 km in rifted and oceanic basins such as the Thailand Rift Basin, Thailand Bay, Andaman Sea, and South China Sea is about 200 °C higher than in plateaus and subduction zones such as the Khorat Plateau, Sumatra Island, and Philippine Trench regions. We suggest that the relatively cold and thick lithosphere block of the Khorat Plateau has not experienced significant internal deformation and might be extruded and rotated as a rigid block in response to the Indo-Eurasia collision. Our results show that the surface heat flow in the South China Sea is mainly dominated by the deep thermal state. There is a thermal anomaly in the Leiqiong area and in the areas adjacent to the northern margin of the South China Sea, indicating the presence of a high-temperature and thin lithosphere in the area of the well-known and controversial Hainan plume. The thermal lithosphere-asthenosphere boundary uplift area along the Xisha and southeastern Vietnam margin, in the western margin of South China Sea, which corresponds to the volcanic belt around this area, might indicate upwelling of hot mantle materials. The temperature values at 100 and 120 km depths through most regions of Southeast Asia are about 1400-1500 and 1550-1600 °C, respectively, which are nearly uniform with a small temperature difference. Our results also show that the lithosphere becomes thinner from the continent blocks toward the oceanic basins, with the smaller thickness values of 65-70 km in the South China Sea. The estimated base of the lithosphere corresponds approximately to the 1400 °C isotherm and shows good correlation with the tectonic setting.

Detecting slab structure beneath the Banda Arc from waveform analysis of deep focus earthquakes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Miller, M. S.; Sun, D.; Holt, A. F.

2017-12-01

We investigate the structure of the subducting Australian slab by utilizing 30 recently installed, temporary broadband seismometers (YS network) in the Banda Arc region of the Indonesia archipelago. This region is of particular tectonic interest as it is the archetypal example of a young arc-continent collision along with known varied lithospheric structure of the incoming Australian plate. Previous (e.g. Widiyantoro et al. 2011) and preliminary body wave tomography (Harris et al., this session) indicate complex subducted slab structures, where gaps in fast velocity anomalies in the upper mantle are interpreted as slab tears and are linked to the variation in the incoming plate structures. The detailed shape and location of these tears are important for kinematic reconstructions and for understanding the evolution of the entire subduction system. However, tomographic images are inherently smooth due to being produced with damped inversions and therefore underestimate the sharpness of these structures. We investigate possible sharp-sided structures within and at the edges of the subducted plate from deep focus earthquakes beneath the Banda Arc that occur beneath the seismic stations. Preliminary results show that the energy associated with the P-wave first arrival exhibits large variability between waveforms recorded at different stations along the arc, both in terms of frequency content and maximum amplitudes. Three main observations are shown with these initial results: (i) Variation in frequency content along strike from the deep events; (ii) There are two "regions" that have low frequency signals which possibly correspond to subducted continental lithosphere; (iii) There are two "regions" that have high frequency signals which possibly correspond to subducted oceanic lithosphere.

Lithospheric Structure of Central Europe: Puzzle Pieces from Pannonian Basin to Trans-European Suture Zone Resolved by Geophysical-Petrological Modeling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bielik, M.; Tašárová, Z. A.; Fullea, J.; Sroda, P.

2017-12-01

We have analysed the thermochemical structure of the mantle in Central Europe comprising the Western Carpathians, Pannonian Basin and parts of the European Platform, Bohemian Massif and easternmost Eastern Alps. This area is very complex and characterized by a highly heterogeneous lithospheric structure reflecting the interplay of contraction, strike slip, subduction, and extension tectonics. Our modelling is based on an integrative 3-D approach (LitMod) that combines in a self-consistent manner concepts and data from thermodynamics, mineral physics, geochemistry, petrology, and solid Earth geophysics. This approach minimizes uncertainties of the estimates derived from modelling of various data sets separately. To further constrain our 3-D model we have made use of the vast geophysical and geological data (2-D and 3-D, shallow/crustal versus deep lithospheric experiments) based on experiments performed in Central Europe in the past decades. Given the amount and the different nature/resolution of the available constraints, one of the most challenging tasks of this study was to consistently combine them. Our goal was to find a trade-off between all local and regional data sets available in a way that preserves as many structural details as possible and summarizes those data sets into a single robust regional model. The resulting P/T-dependent mantle densities are in LitMod 3-D calculated based on a given mineralogical composition. Therefore, they provide more reliable estimates compared to pure gravity models and enhance modelling of the crustal structures. Our results clearly indicate presence of several lithospheric domains characterized by distinct features, Pannonian Basin being one of the most outstanding ones. It has the thinnest crust and lithosphere in the area modelled, characterized by relatively fertile composition. Z. Alasonati Tašárová's research project was financed by Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (project TA553/1-2); M. Bielik was funded by the Slovak Grant Agency VEGA (grants 1/0141/15 and 2/0042/15), and APVV-16-0146, APVV-16-0482; and J. Fullea was supported by Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness grants CGL2014-58821-C2-1-R, CGL2009-13103, and CGL2012-37222, as well as a Marie Skłodowska-Curie Individual Fellowship (grant 657357).

Numerical model of the transition from continental rifting to oceanization: the case study of the Ligure-Piemontese ocean.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Roda, M.; Marotta, A. M.; Conte, K.; Spalla, M. I.

2015-12-01

The transition from continental rifting to oceanization has been investigated by mean of a 2D thermo-mechanical numerical model in which the formation of oceanic crust by mantle serpentinization, due to the hydration of the uprising peridotite, as been implemented. Model predictions have been compared with natural data related to the Permian-Triassic thinning affecting the continental lithosphere of the Alpine domain, in order to identify which portions of the present Alpine-Apennine system, preserving the imprints of Permian-Triassic high temperature (HT) metamorphism, is compatible, in terms of lithostratigraphy and tectono-metamorphic evolution, with a lithospheric extension preceding the opening of the Ligure-Piemontese oceanic basin. At this purpose age, petrological and structural data from the Alpine and Apennine ophiolite complexes are compared with model predictions from the oceanization stage. Our comparative analysis supports the thesis that the lithospheric extension preceding the opening of the Alpine Tethys did not start on a stable continental lithosphere, but developed by recycling part of the old Variscan collisional suture. The HT Permian-Triassic metamorphic re-equilibration overprints an inherited tectonic and metamorphic setting consequent to the Variscan subduction and collision, making the Alps a key case history to explore mechanisms responsible for the re-activation of orogenic scars.

Lithospheric discontinuities beneath the U.S. Midcontinent - signatures of Proterozoic terrane accretion and failed rifting

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Chen; Gilbert, Hersh; Fischer, Karen M.; Andronicos, Christopher L.; Pavlis, Gary L.; Hamburger, Michael W.; Marshak, Stephen; Larson, Timothy; Yang, Xiaotao

2018-01-01

Seismic discontinuities between the Moho and the inferred lithosphere-asthenosphere boundary (LAB) are known as mid-lithospheric discontinuities (MLDs) and have been ascribed to a variety of phenomena that are critical to understanding lithospheric growth and evolution. In this study, we used S-to-P converted waves recorded by the USArray Transportable Array and the OIINK (Ozarks-Illinois-Indiana-Kentucky) Flexible Array to investigate lithospheric structure beneath the central U.S. This region, a portion of North America's cratonic platform, provides an opportunity to explore how terrane accretion, cratonization, and subsequent rifting may have influenced lithospheric structure. The 3D common conversion point (CCP) volume produced by stacking back-projected Sp receiver functions reveals a general absence of negative converted phases at the depths of the LAB across much of the central U.S. This observation suggests a gradual velocity decrease between the lithosphere and asthenosphere. Within the lithosphere, the CCP stacks display negative arrivals at depths between 65 km and 125 km. We interpret these as MLDs resulting from the top of a layer of crystallized melts (sill-like igneous intrusions) or otherwise chemically modified lithosphere that is enriched in water and/or hydrous minerals. Chemical modification in this manner would cause a weak layer in the lithosphere that marks the MLDs. The depth and amplitude of negative MLD phases vary significantly both within and between the physiographic provinces of the midcontinent. Double, or overlapping, MLDs can be seen along Precambrian terrane boundaries and appear to result from stacked or imbricated lithospheric blocks. A prominent negative Sp phase can be clearly identified at 80 km depth within the Reelfoot Rift. This arrival aligns with the top of a zone of low shear-wave velocities, which suggests that it marks an unusually shallow seismic LAB for the midcontinent. This boundary would correspond to the top of a region of mechanically and chemically rejuvenated mantle that was likely emplaced during late Precambrian/early Cambrian rifting. These observations suggest that the lithospheric structure beneath the Reelfoot Rift may be an example of a global phenomenon in which MLDs act as weak zones that facilitate the removal of cratonic lithosphere that lies beneath.

Crust and uppermost-mantle structure of Greenland and the Northwest Atlantic from Rayleigh wave group velocity tomography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Darbyshire, Fiona A.; Dahl-Jensen, Trine; Larsen, Tine B.; Voss, Peter H.; Joyal, Guillaume

2018-03-01

The Greenland landmass preserves ˜4 billion years of tectonic history, but much of the continent is inaccessible to geological study due to the extensive inland ice cap. We map out, for the first time, the 3-D crustal structure of Greenland and the NW Atlantic ocean, using Rayleigh wave anisotropic group velocity tomography, in the period range 10-80 s, from regional earthquakes and the ongoing GLATIS/GLISN seismograph networks. 1-D inversion gives a pseudo-3-D model of shear wave velocity structure to depths of ˜100 km with a horizontal resolution of ˜200 km. Crustal thickness across mainland Greenland ranges from ˜25 km to over 50 km, and the velocity structure shows considerable heterogeneity. The large sedimentary basins on the continental shelf are clearly visible as low velocities in the upper ˜5-15 km. Within the upper continental basement, velocities are systematically lower in northern Greenland than in the south, and exhibit a broadly NW-SE trend. The thinning of the crust at the continental margins is also clearly imaged. Upper-mantle velocities show a clear distinction between typical fast cratonic lithosphere (Vs ≥4.6 km s-1) beneath Greenland and its NE margin and anomalously slow oceanic mantle (Vs ˜4.3-4.4 km s-1) beneath the NW Atlantic. We do not observe any sign of pervasive lithospheric modification across Greenland in the regions associated with the presumed Iceland hotspot track, though the average crustal velocity in this region is higher than that of areas to the north and south. Crustal anisotropy beneath Greenland is strong and complex, likely reflecting numerous episodes of tectonic deformation. Beneath the North Atlantic and Baffin Bay, the dominant anisotropy directions are perpendicular to the active and extinct spreading centres. Anisotropy in the subcontinental lithosphere is weaker than that of the crust, but still significant, consistent with cratonic lithosphere worldwide.

The influence of tectonic inheritance on crustal extension style following failed subduction of continental crust: applications to metamorphic core complexes in Papua New Guinea

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Biemiller, J.; Ellis, S. M.; Little, T.; Mizera, M.; Wallace, L. M.; Lavier, L.

2017-12-01

The structural, mechanical and geometric evolution of rifted continental crust depends on the lithospheric conditions in the region prior to the onset of extension. In areas where tectonic activity preceded rift initiation, structural and physical properties of the previous tectonic regime may be inherited by the rift and influence its development. Many continental rifts form and exhume metamorphic core complexes (MCCs), coherent exposures of deep crustal rocks which typically surface as arched or domed structures. MCCs are exhumed in regions where the faulted upper crust is displaced laterally from upwelling ductile material along a weak detachment fault. Some MCCs form during extensional inversion of a subduction thrust following failed subduction of continental crust, but the degree to which lithospheric conditions inherited from the preceding subduction phase control the extensional style in these systems remains unclear. For example, the Dayman Dome in Southeastern Papua New Guinea exposes prehnite-pumpellyite to greenschist facies rocks in a smooth 3 km-high dome exhumed with at least 24 km of slip along one main detachment normal fault, the Mai'iu Fault, which dips 21° at the surface. The extension driving this exhumation is associated with the cessation of northward subduction of Australian continental crust beneath the oceanic lithosphere of the Woodlark Plate. We use geodynamic models to explore the effect of pre-existing crustal structures inherited from the preceding subduction phase on the style of rifting. We show that different geometries and strengths of inherited subduction shear zones predict three distinct modes of subsequent rift development: 1) symmetric rifting by newly formed high-angle normal faults; 2) asymmetric rifting along a weak low-angle detachment fault extending from the surface to the brittle-ductile transition; and 3) extension along a rolling-hinge structure which exhumes deep crustal rocks in coherent rounded exposures. We propose the latter mode as an exhumation model for Dayman Dome and compare the model predictions to regional geophysical and geological evidence. Our models find that tectonically inherited subduction structures may strongly control subsequent extension style when the subduction thrust is weak and well-oriented for reactivation.

Introducing tectonically and thermo-mechanically realistic lithosphere in the models of plume head -lithosphere interactions (PLI) including intra-continental plate boundaries.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guillou-Frottier, L.; Burov, E.; Cloetingh, S.

2007-12-01

Plume-Lithosphere Interactions (PLI) in continets have complex topographic and magmatic signatures and are often identified near boundaries between younger plates (e.g., orogenic) and older stable plates (e.g., cratons), which represent important geometrical, thermal and rheological barriers that interact with the emplacement of the plume head (e.g., Archean West Africa, East Africa, Pannonian - Carpathian system). The observable PLI signatures are conditioned by plume dynamics but also by complex rheology and structure of continental lithosphere. We address this problem by considering a new free-surface thermo-mechanical numerical model of PLI with two stratified elasto-viscous-plastic (EVP) continental plates of contrasting age, thickness and structure. The results show that: (1) surface deformation is poly-harmonic and contains smaller wavelengths (50-500 km) than that associated with the plume head (>1000 km). (2) below intra-plate boundaries, plume head flattening is asymmetric, it is blocked from one side by the cold vertical boundary of the older plate, which leads to mechanical decoupling of crust from mantle lithosphere, and to localized faulting at the cratonic margin; (2) the return flow from the plume head results in sub-vertical down-thrusting (delamination) of the lithosphere at the margin, producing sharp vertical cold boundary down to the 400 km depth; (3) plume head flattening and migration towards the younger plate results in concurrent surface extension above the centre of the plume and in compression (pushing), down-thrusting and magmatic events at the cratonic margin (down-thrusting is also produced at the opposite border of the younger plate); these processes may result in continental growth at the "craton side"; (4) topographic signatures of PLI show basin-scale uplifts and subsidences preferentially located at cratonic margins. Negative Rayleigh-Taylor instabilities in the lithosphere above the plume head provide a mechanism for crustal delamination. In case of several cratonic blocks, the combined effect of subsidence and lithospheric thinning at cratons edges, while plume head material is being stocked in between the cratons, favours major magmatic events at cratonic margins. Numerous field evidence (West Africa, Western Australia) underline the trapping effect of cratonic margins for formation of (e.g.) orogenic gold deposits, which require particular extreme P-T conditions. Location of gemstones deposits is also associated with cratonic margins, as demonstrated by the Tanzanian Ruby belt. Their formation depend on particularly fast isothermal deepening processes, which can be reproduced by slab-like instabilities induced by plume head-cratonic margin interaction. On the other hand, absence of magmatic events should not be interpreted as evidence for the absence of plume: at surface, these events may not necessary have unambiguous deep geochemical signatures, as the hot source plume material stalls below Moho and forms a long-lasting (10 to 100 Myr) sub-Moho reservoir. This should induce strong crustal melting that may overprint deeper signatures since crustal melts are generated at much lower temperatures than mantle, and produce light low-viscous rapidly ascending magmas. Drip-like down- sagging of the lithospheric mantle and metamorphic lower crustal material inside the plume head may contaminate the latter and also alter the geochemical signature of related magmas.

Evolution of planetary lithospheres - Evidence from multiringed structures on Ganymede and Callisto

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mckinnon, W. B.; Melosh, H. J.

1980-01-01

The thickness and viscosity of a planetary lithosphere increase with time as the mantle cools, with a thicker lithosphere leading to the formation of one (or very few) irregular normal faults concentric to the crater. Since a gravity wave or tsunami induced by impact into a liquid mantle would result in both radial and concentric extension features, which are not observed in the case of the large impact structures on Ganymede and Callisto, an alternative mechanism is proposed in which the varying ice/silicate ratios, tectonic histories, and erosional mechanisms of the two bodies are considered to explain the subtle differences in thin lithosphere ring morphology between Ganymede and Callisto. It is concluded that the present lithosphere thickness of Ganymede is too great to permit the development of any rings.

Lithospheric structure of Africa: insights from its effective elastic thickness variations.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pérez-Gussinyé, M.; Metois, M.; Fernández, M.; Vergés, J.; Fullea, J.

2009-04-01

Detailed images of lithospheric structure can help understand how surface deformation is related to Earth's deep structure. A proxy for lithospheric structure is its effective elastic thickness, Te, which mainly depends on its thermal state and composition. We present a new effective elastic thickness, Te, map of the African lithosphere estimated using the coherence function between topography and Bouguer anomaly. The Bouguer anomaly used in this study derives from the EGM 2008 model, which constitutes the highest resolution gravity database over Africa, allowing a significant improvement on lateral resolution in Te. Our map shows that Te is high > 100 km, in the West African, Congo, Kalahari and Tanzania cratons. Of these, the Kalahari presents the thinnest elastic thicknesses and, based on additional seismic and mineral physics studies, we suggest this may reflect modification of the lithosphere by anomalously hot mantle beneath the lithosphere. The effective elastic thickness is lowest beneath the Afar and Main Ethiopian rifts, where the maximum extension and thinnest lithosphere of Africa occur. The Tanzania craton appears as two rigid blocks separated by a relatively low Te area located southwest of lake Victoria. This coincides with the centre of seismic radial anisotropy beneath the craton, suggested to be the Victoria plume head by Weertrane et al. [2003]. Along the eastern branch of the East African rift Te is low and increases abruptly at 2 to 3 degrees South, coinciding with a deepening of earthquake depocenter and a change from narrow to wide rifting. These and other considerations suggest that the southern part of the eastern branch is underlain by thick, rigid cratonic lithosphere. Finally, the northern part of Africa is characterised by low Te on the Darfur, Tibesti, Hoggar and Cameroon line volcanic provinces, suggesting that the underlying lithospheric mantle has been thermally thinned. Corridors of low Te connect these volcanic provinces, supporting the idea that hot mantle flows between them. However, a thin corridor between these volcanic provinces and the Afar hot-spot is less obvious.

Developing Regionalized Models of Lithospheric Thickness and Velocity Structure Across Eurasia and the Middle East from Jointly Inverting P-Wave and S-Wave Receiver Functions with Rayleigh Wave Group and Phase Velocities

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-09-01

lithospheric velocity structure for a wide variety of tectonic regions throughout Eurasia and the Middle East. We expect the regionalized models will improve...constructed by combining the 1D joint inversion models within each tectonic region and validated through regional waveform modeling. The velocity models thus...important differences in lithospheric structure between the cratonic regions of Eastern Europe and the tectonic regions of Western Europe and the

Shield volcanism and lithospheric structure beneath the Tharsis plateau, Mars

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Blasius, K. R.; Cutts, J. A.

1976-01-01

The heights of four great shield volcanoes, when interpreted as reflecting the local hydrostatic head on a common source of upwelling magma, provide significant constraints on models of lithospheric structure beneath the Tharsis plateau. If Bouguer gravity anomalies are modeled in terms of a variable thickness crust, and a two-component (crust/mantle) earth-like structure is assumed for the Martian lithosphere, the derived model lithosphere beneath the Tharsis plateau has the following properties: (1) the upper low-density 'crustal' component is thickened beneath the Tharsis plateau; (2) the lower high-density 'mantle' component is thinned beneath the Tharsis plateau; and (3) there is a net gradient on the base of the Martian lithosphere directed downward away from beneath the summit of the Tharsis plateau. A long history of magmatic intrusion is hypothesized to have been the cause of the updoming of the Tharsis plateau and the maintenance of the plateau in a state of only partial compensation.

Lithospheric thermal-rheological structure of the Ordos Basin and its geodynamics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pan, J.; Huang, F.; He, L.; Wu, Q.

2015-12-01

The study on the destruction of the North China Craton has always been one of the hottest issues in earth sciences.Both mechanism and spatial variation are debated fiercely, still unclear.However, geothermal research on the subject is relatively few. Ordos Basin, located in the west of the North China Craton, is a typical intraplate. Based on two-dimensional thermal modeling along a profile across Ordos Basin from east to west, obtained the lithospheric thermal structure and rheology. Mantle heat flow in different regions of Ordos Basin is from 21.2 to 24.5 mW/m2. In the east mantle heat flow is higher while heat flow in western region is relatively low. But mantle heat flow is smooth and low overall, showing a stable thermal background. Ratio of crustal and mantle heat flow is between 1.51 and 1.84, indicating that thermal contribution from shallow crust is lower than that from the mantle. Rheological characteristics along the profile are almost showed as "jelly sandwich" model and stable continental lithosphere structure,which is represent by a weak crust portion but a strong lithospheric mantle portion in vertical strength profile. Based on above , both thermal structure and lithospheric rheology of Ordos Basin illustrate that tectonic dynamics environment in the west of North China Craton is relatively stable. By the study on lithospheric thermal structure, we focus on the disparity in thickness between the thermal lithosphere and seismic lithosphere.The difference in western Ordos Basin is about 140km, which decreases gradually from Fenwei graben in the eastern Ordos Basin to the Bohai Bay Basin.That is to say the difference decreases gradually from the west to the east of North China Craton.The simulation results imply that viscosity of the asthenosphere under North China Craton also decreases gradually from west to east, confirming that dehydration of the Pacific subduction is likely to have great effect on the North China Craton.

Analysis of Lithospheric Stresses Using Satellite Gravimetry: Hypotheses and Applications to North Atlantic

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Minakov, A.; Medvedev, S.

2017-12-01

Analysis of lithospheric stresses is necessary to gain understanding of the forces that drive plate tectonics and intraplate deformations and the structure and strength of the lithosphere. A major source of lithospheric stresses is believed to be in variations of surface topography and lithospheric density. The traditional approach to stress estimation is based on direct calculations of the Gravitational Potential Energy (GPE), the depth integrated density moment of the lithosphere column. GPE is highly sensitive to density structure which, however, is often poorly constrained. Density structure of the lithosphere may be refined using methods of gravity modeling. However, the resulted density models suffer from non-uniqueness of the inverse problem. An alternative approach is to directly estimate lithospheric stresses (depth integrated) from satellite gravimetry data. Satellite gravity gradient measurements by the ESA GOCE mission ensures a wealth of data for mapping lithospheric stresses if a link between data and stresses or GPE can be established theoretically. The non-uniqueness of interpretation of sources of the gravity signal holds in this case as well. Therefore, the data analysis was tested for the North Atlantic region where reliable additional constraints are supplied by both controlled-source and earthquake seismology. The study involves comparison of three methods of stress modeling: (1) the traditional modeling approach using a thin sheet approximation; (2) the filtered geoid approach; and (3) the direct utilization of the gravity gradient tensor. Whereas the first two approaches (1)-(2) calculate GPE and utilize a computationally expensive finite element mechanical modeling to calculate stresses, the approach (3) uses a much simpler numerical treatment but requires simplifying assumptions that yet to be tested. The modeled orientation of principal stresses and stress magnitudes by each of the three methods are compared with the World Stress Map.

Report of the panel on lithospheric structure and evolution, section 3

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chase, Clement G.; Lang, Harold; Mcnutt, Marcia K.; Paylor, Earnest D.; Sandwell, David T.; Stern, Robert J.

1991-01-01

The panel concluded that NASA can contribute to developing a refined understanding of the compositional, structural, and thermal differences between continental and oceanic lithosphere through a vigorous program in solid Earth science with the following objectives: determine the most fundamental geophysical property of the planet; determine the global gravity field to an accuracy of a few milliGals at wavelengths of 100 km or less; determine the global lithospheric magnetic field to a few nanoTeslas at a wavelength of 100 km; determine how the lithosphere has evolved to its present state via acquiring geologic remote sensing data over all the continents.

Regional patterns in the paragenesis and age of inclusions in diamond, diamond composition, and the lithospheric seismic structure of Southern Africa

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shirey, Steven B.; Harris, Jeffrey W.; Richardson, Stephen H.; Fouch, Matthew; James, David E.; Cartigny, Pierre; Deines, Peter; Viljoen, Fanus

2003-12-01

The Archean lithospheric mantle beneath the Kaapvaal-Zimbabwe craton of Southern Africa shows ±1% variations in seismic P-wave velocity at depths within the diamond stability field (150-250 km) that correlate regionally with differences in the composition of diamonds and their syngenetic inclusions. Seismically slower mantle trends from the mantle below Swaziland to that below southeastern Botswana, roughly following the surface outcrop pattern of the Bushveld-Molopo Farms Complex. Seismically slower mantle also is evident under the southwestern side of the Zimbabwe craton below crust metamorphosed around 2 Ga. Individual eclogitic sulfide inclusions in diamonds from the Kimberley area kimberlites, Koffiefontein, Orapa, and Jwaneng have Re-Os isotopic ages that range from circa 2.9 Ga to the Proterozoic and show little correspondence with these lithospheric variations. However, silicate inclusions in diamonds and their host diamond compositions for the above kimberlites, Finsch, Jagersfontein, Roberts Victor, Premier, Venetia, and Letlhakane do show some regional relationship to the seismic velocity of the lithosphere. Mantle lithosphere with slower P-wave velocity correlates with a greater proportion of eclogitic versus peridotitic silicate inclusions in diamond, a greater incidence of younger Sm-Nd ages of silicate inclusions, a greater proportion of diamonds with lighter C isotopic composition, and a lower percentage of low-N diamonds whereas the converse is true for diamonds from higher velocity mantle. The oldest formation ages of diamonds indicate that the mantle keels which became continental nuclei were created by middle Archean (3.2-3.3 Ga) mantle depletion events with high degrees of melting and early harzburgite formation. The predominance of sulfide inclusions that are eclogitic in the 2.9 Ga age population links late Archean (2.9 Ga) subduction-accretion events involving an oceanic lithosphere component to craton stabilization. These events resulted in a widely distributed younger Archean generation of eclogitic diamonds in the lithospheric mantle. Subsequent Proterozoic tectonic and magmatic events altered the composition of the continental lithosphere and added new lherzolitic and eclogitic diamonds to the already extensive Archean diamond suite.

Processes of lithosphere evolution: New evidence on the structure of the continental crust and uppermost mantle

USGS Publications Warehouse

Artemieva, I.M.; Mooney, W.D.; Perchuc, E.; Thybo, H.

2002-01-01

We discuss the structure of the continental lithosphere, its physical properties, and the mechanisms that formed and modified it since the early Archean. The structure of the upper mantle and the crust is derived primarily from global and regional seismic tomography studies of Eurasia and from global and regional data on seismic anisotropy. These data as documented in the papers of this special issue of Tectonophysics are used to illustrate the role of different tectonic processes in the lithospheric evolution since Archean to present. These include, but are not limited to, cratonization, terrane accretion and collision, continental rifting (both passive and active), subduction, and lithospheric basal erosion due to a relative motion of cratonic keels and the convective mantle. ?? 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.

Radial anisotropy of Northeast Asia inferred from Bayesian inversions of ambient noise data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, S. J.; Kim, S.; Rhie, J.

2017-12-01

The eastern margin of the Eurasia plate exhibits complex tectonic settings due to interactions with the subducting Pacific and Philippine Sea plates and the colliding India plate. Distributed extensional basins and intraplate volcanoes, and their heterogeneous features in the region are not easily explained with a simple mechanism. Observations of radial anisotropy in the entire lithosphere and the part of the asthenosphere provide the most effective evidence for the deformation of the lithosphere and the associated variation of the lithosphere-asthenosphere boundary (LAB). To infer anisotropic structures of crustal and upper-mantle in this region, radial anisotropy is measured using ambient noise data. In a continuation of previous Rayleigh wave tomography study in Northeast Asia, we conduct Love wave tomography to determine radial anisotropy using the Bayesian inversion techniques. Continuous seismic noise recordings of 237 broad-band seismic stations are used and more than 55,000 group and phase velocities of fundamental mode are measured for periods of 5-60 s. Total 8 different types of dispersion maps of Love wave from this study (period 10-60 s), Rayleigh wave from previous tomographic study (Kim et al., 2016; period 8-70 s) and longer period data (period 70-200 s) from a global model (Ekstrom, 2011) are jointly inverted using a hierarchical and transdimensional Bayesian technique. For each grid-node, boundary depths, velocities and anisotropy parameters of layers are sampled simultaneously on the assumption of the layered half-space model. The constructed 3-D radial anisotropy model provides much more details about the crust and upper mantle anisotropic structures, and about the complex undulation of the LAB.

Geoelectric structure of northern Cambay rift basin from magnetotelluric data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Danda, Nagarjuna; Rao, C. K.; Kumar, Amit

2017-10-01

Broadband and long-period magnetotelluric data were acquired over the northern part of the Cambay rift zone along an east-west profile 200 km in length. The decomposed TE- and TM-mode data were inverted using a 2-D nonlinear conjugate gradient algorithm to obtain the lithospheric structure of the region. A highly conductive ( 1000 S) layer was identified within the Cambay rift zone and interpreted as thick Quaternary and Tertiary sediments. The crustal conductors found in the profile were due to fluid emplacement in the western part, and the presence of fluids and/or interconnected sulfides caused by metamorphic phases in the eastern part. The demarcation of the Cambay rift zone is clearly delineated with a steeply dipping fault on the western margin, whereas the eastern margin of the rift zone gently dips along the NE-SW axis, representing a half-graben structure. A highly resistive body identified outside the rift zone is interpreted as an igneous granitic intrusive complex. Moderately conductive (30-100 Ω-m) zones indicate underplating and the presence of partial melt due to plume-lithosphere interactions.[Figure not available: see fulltext.

Using crustal thickness and subsidence history on the Iberia-Newfoundland margins to constrain lithosphere deformation modes during continental breakup

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jeanniot, Ludovic; Kusznir, Nick; Manatschal, Gianreto; Mohn, Geoffroy

2014-05-01

Observations at magma-poor rifted margins such as Iberia-Newfoundland show a complex lithosphere deformation history during continental breakup and seafloor spreading initiation leading to complex OCT architecture with hyper-extended continental crust and lithosphere, exhumed mantle and scattered embryonic oceanic crust and continental slivers. Initiation of seafloor spreading requires both the rupture of the continental crust and lithospheric mantle, and the onset of decompressional melting. Their relative timing controls when mantle exhumation may occur; the presence or absence of exhumed mantle provides useful information on the timing of these events and constraints on lithosphere deformation modes. A single lithosphere deformation mode leading to continental breakup and sea-floor spreading cannot explain observations. We have determined the sequence of lithosphere deformation events for two profiles across the present-day conjugate Iberia-Newfoundland margins, using forward modelling of continental breakup and seafloor spreading initiation calibrated against observations of crustal basement thickness and subsidence. Flow fields, representing a sequence of lithosphere deformation modes, are generated by a 2D finite element viscous flow model (FeMargin), and used to advect lithosphere and asthenosphere temperature and material. FeMargin is kinematically driven by divergent deformation in the upper 15-20 km of the lithosphere inducing passive upwelling beneath that layer; extensional faulting and magmatic intrusions deform the topmost upper lithosphere, consistent with observations of deformation processes occurring at slow spreading ocean ridges (Cannat, 1996). Buoyancy enhanced upwelling, as predicted by Braun et al. (2000) is also kinematically included in the lithosphere deformation model. Melt generation by decompressional melting is predicted using the parameterization and methodology of Katz et al. (2003). The distribution of lithosphere deformation, the contribution of buoyancy driven upwelling and their spatial and temporal evolution including lateral migration are determined by using a series of numerical experiments, tested and calibrated against observations of crustal thicknesses and water-loaded subsidence. Pure-shear widths exert a strong control on the timing of crustal rupture and melt initiation; to satisfy OCT architecture, subsidence and mantle exhumation, we need to focus the deformation from a broad to a narrow region. The lateral migration of the deformation flow axis has an important control on the rupture of continental crust and lithosphere, melt initiation, their relative timing, the resulting OCT architecture and conjugate margin asymmetry. The numerical models are used to predict margin isostatic response and subsidence history.

Probing the Cypriot Lithosphere: Insights from Broadband Seismology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ogden, C. S.; Bastow, I. D.; Pilidou, S.; Dimitriadis, I.; Iosif, P.; Constantinou, C.; Kounoudis, R.

2017-12-01

Cyprus, an island in the eastern Mediterranean Sea, is an ideal study locale for understanding both the final stages of subduction, and the internal structure of so-called `ophiolites' - rare, on-land exposures of oceanic crust. The Troodos ophiolite offers an excellent opportunity to interrogate a complete ophiolite sequence from mantle rocks to pillow lavas. However, determining its internal architecture, and that of the subducting African plate deep below it, cannot be easily achieved using traditional field geology. To address this issue, we have built a new network of five broadband seismograph stations across the island. These, along with existing permanent stations, record both local and teleseismic earthquakes that we are now using to image Cyprus' crust and mantle seismic structure. Receiver functions are time series, computed from three-component seismograms, which contain information about lithospheric seismic discontinuities. When a P-wave strikes a velocity discontinuity such as the Moho, energy is converted to S-waves (direct Ps phase). The widely-used H-K Stacking technique utilises this arrival, and subsequent crustal reverberations (PpPs and PsPs+PpSs), to calculate crustal thickness (H) and bulk-crustal Vp/Vs ratio (K). Central to the method is the assumption that the Moho produces the largest amplitude conversions, after the direct P-arrival, which is valid where the Moho is sharp. Where the Moho is gradational or upper crustal discontinuities are present, the Moho signals are weakened and masked by shallow crustal conversions, potentially rendering the H-K stacking method unreliable. Using a combination of synthetic and observed seismograms, we explore Cyprus' crustal structure and, specifically, the reliability of the H-K method in constraining it. Data quality is excellent across the island, but the receiver function Ps phase amplitude is low, and crustal reverberations are almost non-existent. Therefore, a simple, abrupt wavespeed jump at the Moho is lacking (perhaps due to the subducting African plate), and/or evidence for it is obscured by complex structure associated with the Troodos ophiolite. On-going analyses also include joint inversion of receiver functions and surface wave data, which together, are capable of resolving complex lithospheric seismic structure.

Crustal-Scale Fault Interaction at Rifted Margins and the Formation of Domain-Bounding Breakaway Complexes: Insights From Offshore Norway

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Osmundsen, P. T.; Péron-Pinvidic, G.

2018-03-01

The large-magnitude faults that control crustal thinning and excision at rifted margins combine into laterally persistent structural boundaries that separate margin domains of contrasting morphology and structure. We term them breakaway complexes. At the Mid-Norwegian margin, we identify five principal breakaway complexes that separate the proximal, necking, distal, and outer margin domains. Downdip and lateral interactions between the faults that constitute breakaway complexes became fundamental to the evolution of the 3-D margin architecture. Different types of fault interaction are observed along and between these faults, but simple models for fault growth will not fully describe their evolution. These structures operate on the crustal scale, cut large thicknesses of heterogeneously layered lithosphere, and facilitate fundamental margin processes such as deformation coupling and exhumation. Variations in large-magnitude fault geometry, erosional footwall incision, and subsequent differential subsidence along the main breakaway complexes likely record the variable efficiency of these processes.

Seismic constraints on the lithosphere-asthenosphere boundary

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rychert, Catherine A.

2014-05-01

The basic tenet of plate tectonics is that a rigid plate, or lithosphere, moves over a weaker asthenospheric layer. However, the exact location and defining mechanism of the boundary at the base of the plate, the lithosphere-asthenosphere boundary (LAB) is debated. The oceans should represent a simple scenario since the lithosphere is predicted to thicken with seafloor age if it thermally defined, whereas a constant plate thickness might indicate a compositional definition. However, the oceans are remote and difficult to constrain, and studies with different sensitivities and resolutions have come to different conclusions. Hotspot regions lend additional insight, since they are relatively well instrumented with seismic stations, and also since the effect of a thermal plume on the LAB should depend on the defining mechanism of the plate. Here I present new results using S-to-P receiver functions to image upper mantle discontinuity structure beneath volcanically active regions including Hawaii, Iceland, Galapagos, and Afar. In particular I focus on the lithosphere-asthenosphere boundary and discontinuities related to the base of melting, which can be used to highlight plume locations. I image a lithosphere-asthenosphere boundary in the 50 - 95 km depth range beneath Hawaii, Galapagos, and Iceland. Although LAB depth variations exist within these regions, significant thinning is not observed in the locations of hypothesized plume impingement from receiver functions (see below). Since a purely thermally defined lithosphere is expected to thin significantly in the presence of a thermal plume anomaly, a compositional component in the definition of the LAB is implied. Beneath Afar, an LAB is imaged at 75 km depth on the flank of the rift, but no LAB is imaged beneath the rift itself. The transition from flank of rift is relatively abrupt, again suggesting something other than a purely thermally defined lithosphere. Melt may also exist in the asthenosphere in these regions of hotpot volcanism. Indeed, S-to-P also images strong velocity increases that are likely related to the base of a melt-rich layer beneath the oceanic LAB. This discontinuity may highlight plume locations since melt is predicted deeper at thermal anomalies. For instance, beneath Hawaii the base of melting increases from 110 km to 155 km depth 100 km west of Hawaii, i.e., the likely location of plume impingement on the lithosphere. Beneath Galapagos the discontinuity is deeper in 3 sectors, all off the island axis, suggesting multiple plume diversions and complex plume-ridge interactions. Beneath Iceland deepening is imaged to the northeast of the island. Beneath the Afar rift a shallow melt discontinuity is imaged at ~75 km, suggesting that the plume is located outside the study region. Overall, the deepest realizations of the discontinuities agree with the slowest velocities from surface waves, but are not located directly beneath surface volcanoes. This suggests that either plumes approach the surface at an angle or that restite roots beneath hotspots divert plumes at shallow depths. In either case, mantle melts are likely guided from the location of impingement on the lithosphere to current day surface volcanoes by pre-existing structures of the lithosphere.

Crustal and upper-mantle structure of South China from Rayleigh wave tomography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shan, B.; Xiong, X.; Zhao, K. F.; Xie, Z. J.; Zheng, Y.; Zhou, L.

2017-03-01

In this study, we image the crust and upper-mantle seismic velocity structures in South China using teleseismic Rayleigh waves recorded at 354 stations from the Chinese provincial networks (CEArray). We process Rayleigh wave data from 1087 teleseismic events and construct phase velocity maps at periods of 40-150 s. By combining dispersion curves at 6-70 s from Zhou et al. and at 40-150 s from the teleseismic surface wave tomography of this study, we construct a 3-D shear velocity model of the crust and upper mantle of South China. Distinct seismic structures are revealed from the eastern part of South China (including the South China Fold System and the eastern Yangtze Craton) to the western Yangtze Craton. The South China Fold System and eastern Yangtze Craton are characterized by lower velocities and shallow lithosphere-asthenosphere boundary (∼90 km), which are similar to the lithospheric thermal and seismic velocity structures of the North China basin. These observations may imply that the lithospheric destruction and thinning occurred not only beneath the North China Craton, but also beneath the eastern part of South China. The western Yangtze Craton, including the Sichuan Basin and Jiangnan Orogen, is underlain by a thicker and colder lithosphere with high velocities. The contrast of the lithosphere structure between the western Yangtze Craton and other parts of South China indicates that the lithospheric destruction and thinning of the east and southeast parts of South China may terminate at the boundary of the Jiangnan Orogen.

The impact of lateral variations in lithospheric thickness on glacial isostatic adjustment in West Antarctica

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nield, Grace A.; Whitehouse, Pippa L.; van der Wal, Wouter; Blank, Bas; O'Donnell, John Paul; Stuart, Graham W.

2018-04-01

Differences in predictions of Glacial Isostatic Adjustment (GIA) for Antarctica persist due to uncertainties in deglacial history and Earth rheology. The Earth models adopted in many GIA studies are defined by parameters that vary in the radial direction only and represent a global average Earth structure (referred to as 1D Earth models). Over-simplifying actual Earth structure leads to bias in model predictions in regions where Earth parameters differ significantly from the global average, such as West Antarctica. We investigate the impact of lateral variations in lithospheric thickness on GIA in Antarctica by carrying out two experiments that use different rheological approaches to define 3D Earth models that include spatial variations in lithospheric thickness. The first experiment defines an elastic lithosphere with spatial variations in thickness inferred from seismic studies. We compare the results from this 3D model with results derived from a 1D Earth model that has a uniform lithospheric thickness defined as the average of the 3D lithospheric thickness. Irrespective of deglacial history and sub-lithospheric mantle viscosity, we find higher gradients of present-day uplift rates (i.e. higher amplitude and shorter wavelength) in West Antarctica when using the 3D models, due to the thinner-than-1D-average lithosphere prevalent in this region. The second experiment uses seismically-inferred temperature as input to a power-law rheology thereby allowing the lithosphere to have a viscosity structure. Modelling the lithosphere with a power-law rheology results in behaviour that is equivalent to a thinner-lithosphere model, and it leads to higher amplitude and shorter wavelength deformation compared with the first experiment. We conclude that neglecting spatial variations in lithospheric thickness in GIA models will result in predictions of peak uplift and subsidence that are biased low in West Antarctica. This has important implications for ice-sheet modelling studies as the steeper gradients of uplift predicted from the more realistic 3D model may promote stability in marine-grounded regions of West Antarctica. Including lateral variations in lithospheric thickness, at least to the level of considering West and East Antarctica separately, is important for capturing short wavelength deformation and it has the potential to provide a better fit to GPS observations as well as an improved GIA correction for GRACE data.

Rheology Gradients at the Base of the Lithosphere and the Stabilization of Deep Mantle Plumes in Stagnant-Lid Planets

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

King, S. D.

2017-12-01

In high-Rayleigh-number, spherical-shell convection, such as one expects to find in the interiors of large silicate planetary bodies, plumes will migrate unless they are anchored to fixed structures. Within the Earth LLSVPs or core-mantle boundary topography have been proposed to anchor deep mantle plumes, fixing the location of hotspots. The relative stability of volcanic features on Mars and Venus, which are thought to be related to mantle plumes, have not be satisfactorily explained. Thus, it is surprising to see high-Rayleigh-number, stagnant-lid, spherical-shell convection calculations where plumes seeded by the structure of the initial condition persist in a stable configuration for more than 1 Gyr. By comparing calculations with a fixed lithospheric rheology structure with a lithosphere rheology determined by temperature and pressure, I show that in these calculations, topography on the base of the stagnant lid (i.e., the lithosphere-asthenosphere boundary) is responsible for the spatial stability of the plumes. If there is symmetry in the plume distribution, this symmetry can prevent the lithosphere becoming unstable and overturning, leading to a significantly over-thickened lithosphere relative to predictions based on scaling laws. This is confirmed by considering an identical calculation where the symmetry in the plume distribution is broken. I discuss geological and geophysical implications for planetary bodies resulting of long-lived, stable, mantle structures.

Mid-lithospheric discontinuity and its roles in the dynamic evolution of the craton-example from the North China Craton

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Ling; Wei, Zigen; Jiang, Mingming; Ling, Yuan

2016-04-01

Mid-lithospheric discontinuity and its roles in the dynamic evolution of the craton - example from the North China Craton Ling Chen1,2, Zigen Wei3, Mingming Jiang1, Yuan Ling1 1. State Key Laboratory of Lithospheric Evolution, Institute of Geology and Geophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100029, China 2. CAS Center for Excellence in Tibetan Plateau Earth Sciences, Beijing100101, China 3. State Key Laboratory of Geodesy and Earth's Dynamics, Institute of Geodesy and Geophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430077, China Detailed knowledge of lithospheric structure is essential for understanding the long-term evolution and dynamics of continents. We present an integrated lithospheric structural image along an E-W profile across the North China Craton (NCC) derived from the teleseismic data recorded at two dense seismic arrays in combination with other geophysical and geological observations. Our S- and P-receiver function images show substantial undulations of the lithosphere-asthenosphere boundary (LAB), from 60-100 km in the eastern NCC to ~160-200 km in the central-western NCC, and <150-km in the Qilian orogenic belt further to the west, accompanying marked lithospheric structural variations. This agrees with previous studies that suggest the occurrence of fundamental destruction in the eastern NCC but localized lithospheric thinning and modifications in the central-western NCC. A negative velocity discontinuity is identified at the depth of ~80-100 km within the thick lithosphere of the central-western NCC, spatially coincident with the top interface of a relatively low velocity layer in the overall high velocity mantle root imaged by surface wave tomography. Detailed data analyses show that this mid- or intra-lithospheric discontinuity has considerably larger S-to-P and P-to-S conversion amplitudes than the LAB below, which provides observational constraints to further decipher the origin of the discontinuity. Our imaging results corroborate recent seismic studies that reveal similar discontinuities at ~100 km depth under stable continental regions worldwide, suggesting the common presence of vertical heterogeneities and layering in the sub-continental lithospheric mantle (SCLM). The ~100-km depth discontinuity and the corresponding velocity decrease in the SCLM may indicate an ancient, mechanically weak layer within the overall strong cratonic lithosphere, which probably also existed beneath the eastern NCC before its Mesozoic destruction. The presence of such a weak layer could have facilitated simultaneous lithospheric modification at the base and in the middle of the lithosphere in the eastern NCC, especially under the strong influence of the Mesozoic Pacific subduction, eventually leading to the severe lithospheric thinning and destruction recorded in this part of the craton. The weak layer probably did not strongly affect the stability and evolution of the central and western NCC and other cratonic regions where effects from plate boundary processes were weak. Our seismic images, integrated with geological data, provide new insights into structural heterogeneities in the subcontinental lithospheric mantle and their roles in the dynamic evolution of continents.

Deep structure of Pyrenees range (SW Europe) imaged by joint inversion of gravity and teleseismic delay time

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dufréchou, G.; Tiberi, C.; Martin, R.; Bonvalot, S.; Chevrot, S.; Seoane, L.

2018-04-01

We present a new model of the lithosphere and asthenosphere structure down to 300 km depth beneath the Pyrenees from the joint inversion of recent gravity and teleseismic data. Unlike previous studies, crustal correction were not applied on teleseismic data in order (i) to preserve the consistency between gravity data, which are mainly sensitive to the density structure of the crust.lithosphere, and travel time data, and (ii) to avoid the introduction of biases resulting from crustal reductions. The density model down to 100 km depth is preferentially used here to discuss the lithospheric structure of the Pyrenees, whereas the asthenospheric structure from 100 km to 300 km depth is discussed from our velocity model. The absence of a high density anomaly in our model between 30-100 km depth (except the Labourd density anomaly) in the northern part of the Pyrenees seems to preclude eclogitization of the subducted Iberian crust at the scale of the entire Pyrenean range. Local eclogitization of the deep Pyrenean crust beneath the western part of the Axial Zone (West of Andorra) associated with the positive Central density anomaly is proposed. The Pyrenean lithosphere in density and velocity models appears segmented from East to West. No clear relation between the along-strike segmentation and mapped major faults is visible in our models. The Pyrenees' lithosphere segments are associated to different seismicity pattern in the Pyrenees suggesting a possible relation between the deep structure of the Pyrenees and its seismicity in the upper crust. The concentration of earthquakes localized just straight up the Central density anomaly can result of the subsidence and/or delamination of an eclogitized Pyrenean deep root. The velocity model in the asthenosphere is similar to previous studies. The absence of a high-velocity anomaly in the upper mantle and transition zone (i.e. 125 to 225 km depth) seems to preclude the presence of a detached oceanic lithosphere beneath the European lithosphere.

Oceanic-type accretion may begin before complete continental break-up

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Geoffroy, L.; Zalan, P. V.; Viana, A. R.

2011-12-01

Oceanic accretion is thought to be the process of oceanic crust (and lithosphere) edification through adiabatic melting of shallow convecting mantle at oceanic spreading ridges. It is usually considered as a post-breakup diagnostic process following continents rupturing. However, this is not always correct. The structure of volcanic passive margins (representing more than 50% of passive continental margins) outlines that the continental lithosphere is progressively changed into oceanic-type lithosphere during the stage of continental extension. This is clear at least, at crustal level. The continental crust is 'changed' from the earliest stages of extension into a typical -however thicker- oceanic crust with the typical oceanic magmatic layers (from top to bottom: lava flows/tuffs, sheeted dyke complexes, dominantly (sill-like) mafic intrusions in the lower crust). The Q-rich continental crust is highly extended and increases in volume (due to the magma) during the extensional process. At the continent-ocean transition there is, finally, no seismic difference between this highly transformed continental crust and the oceanic crust. Using a large range of data (including deep seismic reflection profiles), we discuss the mantle mechanisms that governs the process of mantle-assisted continental extension. We outline the large similarity between those mantle processes and those acting at purely-oceanic spreading axis and discuss the effects of the inherited continental lithosphere in the pattern of new mafic crust edification.

Continental collision with a sandwiched accreted terrane: Insights into Himalayan-Tibetan lithospheric mantle tectonics?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kelly, Sean; Butler, Jared P.; Beaumont, Christopher

2016-12-01

Many collisional orogens contain exotic terranes that were accreted to either the subducting or overriding plate prior to terminal continent-continent collision. The ways in which the physical properties of these terranes influence collision remain poorly understood. We use 2D thermomechanical finite element models to examine the effects of prior 'soft' terrane accretion to a continental upper plate (retro-lithosphere) on the ensuing continent-continent collision. The experiments explore how the style of collision changes in response to variations in the density and viscosity of the accreted terrane lithospheric mantle, as well as the density of the pro-lithospheric mantle, which determines its propensity to subduct or compress the accreted terrane and retro-lithosphere. The models evolve self-consistently through several emergent phases: breakoff of subducted oceanic lithosphere; pro-continent subduction; shortening of the retro-lithosphere accreted terrane, sometimes accompanied by lithospheric delamination; and, terminal underthrusting of pro-lithospheric mantle beneath the accreted terrane crust or mantle. The modeled variations in the properties of the accreted terrane lithospheric mantle can be interpreted to reflect metasomatism during earlier oceanic subduction beneath the terrane. Strongly metasomatized (i.e., dense and weak) mantle is easily removed by delamination or entrainment by the subducting pro-lithosphere, and facilitates later flat-slab underthrusting. The models are a prototype representation of the Himalayan-Tibetan orogeny in which there is only one accreted terrane, representing the Lhasa terrane, but they nonetheless exhibit processes like those inferred for the more complex Himalayan-Tibetan system. Present-day underthrusting of the Tibetan Plateau crust by Indian mantle lithosphere requires that the Lhasa terrane lithospheric mantle has been removed. Some of the model results support previous conceptual interpretations that Tibetan lithospheric mantle was removed by convective coupling to the pro-lithosphere. They can also be interpreted to suggest that delamination beneath Tibet was facilitated by densification and weakening of the plateau lithosphere, perhaps owing to long-lived pre- to syn-collisional subduction-related metasomatism beneath the Asian margin.

Numerical modeling of mountain formation on Io

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Turtle, E. P.; Jaeger, W. L.; McEwen, A. S.; Keszthelyi, L.

2000-10-01

Io has ~ 100 mountains [1] that, although often associated with patera [2], do not appear to be volcanic structures. The mountains are up to 16 km high [3] and are generally isolated from each other. We have performed finite-element simulations of the formation of these mountains, investigating several mountain building scenarios: (1) a volcanic construct due to heterogeneous resurfacing on a coherent, homogeneous lithosphere; (2) a volcanic construct on a faulted, homogeneous lithosphere; (3) a volcanic construct on a faulted, homogeneous lithosphere under compression induced by subsidence due to Io's high resurfacing rate; (4) a faulted, homogeneous lithosphere under subsidence-induced compression; (5) a faulted, heterogeneous lithosphere under subsidence-induced compression; and (6) a mantle upwelling beneath a coherent, homogeneous lithosphere under subsidence-induced compression. The models of volcanic constructs do not produce mountains similar to those observed on Io. Neither do those of pervasively faulted lithospheres under compression; these predict a series of tilted lithospheric blocks or plateaus, as opposed to the isolated structures that are observed. Our models show that rising mantle material impinging on the base of the lithosphere can focus the compressional stresses to localize thrust faulting and mountain building. Such faults could also provide conduits along which magma could reach the surface as is observed near several mountains. [1] Carr et al., Icarus 135, pp. 146-165, 1998. [2] McEwen et al., Science 288, pp. 1193-1198, 2000. [3] Schenk and Bulmer, Science 279, pp. 1514-1517, 1998.

Lasting mantle scars lead to perennial plate tectonics.

PubMed

Heron, Philip J; Pysklywec, Russell N; Stephenson, Randell

2016-06-10

Mid-ocean ridges, transform faults, subduction and continental collisions form the conventional theory of plate tectonics to explain non-rigid behaviour at plate boundaries. However, the theory does not explain directly the processes involved in intraplate deformation and seismicity. Recently, damage structures in the lithosphere have been linked to the origin of plate tectonics. Despite seismological imaging suggesting that inherited mantle lithosphere heterogeneities are ubiquitous, their plate tectonic role is rarely considered. Here we show that deep lithospheric anomalies can dominate shallow geological features in activating tectonics in plate interiors. In numerical experiments, we found that structures frozen into the mantle lithosphere through plate tectonic processes can behave as quasi-plate boundaries reactivated under far-field compressional forcing. Intraplate locations where proto-lithospheric plates have been scarred by earlier suturing could be regions where latent plate boundaries remain, and where plate tectonics processes are expressed as a 'perennial' phenomenon.

Lasting mantle scars lead to perennial plate tectonics

PubMed Central

Heron, Philip J.; Pysklywec, Russell N.; Stephenson, Randell

2016-01-01

Mid-ocean ridges, transform faults, subduction and continental collisions form the conventional theory of plate tectonics to explain non-rigid behaviour at plate boundaries. However, the theory does not explain directly the processes involved in intraplate deformation and seismicity. Recently, damage structures in the lithosphere have been linked to the origin of plate tectonics. Despite seismological imaging suggesting that inherited mantle lithosphere heterogeneities are ubiquitous, their plate tectonic role is rarely considered. Here we show that deep lithospheric anomalies can dominate shallow geological features in activating tectonics in plate interiors. In numerical experiments, we found that structures frozen into the mantle lithosphere through plate tectonic processes can behave as quasi-plate boundaries reactivated under far-field compressional forcing. Intraplate locations where proto-lithospheric plates have been scarred by earlier suturing could be regions where latent plate boundaries remain, and where plate tectonics processes are expressed as a ‘perennial' phenomenon. PMID:27282541

Plume-lithosphere interaction: Effects on the seismic anisotropy of the lithospheric mantle

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vauchez, A.; Tommasi, A.

2003-04-01

Interaction between a hot asthenospheric mantle and the base of the lithosphere above a mantle plume involves heat and mass transfer through melting and fluids percolation. These processes alter the mineralogy, microstructure and geochemical signature of the lithospheric mantle; altogether they lead to an asthenospherization, and thus to erosion of the lithosphere. Does this evolution modify or even erase the seismic anisotropy of the initial lithospheric mantle? In other words, is the structural memory of the lithospheric mantle preserved in such geodynamic situations? Insights on this process are provided by the measurement of the Lattice Preferred Orientation of rock-forming minerals and the computation of seismic properties of mantle rocks from the Ronda Peridotite Massif, and of xenoliths from Tanzania and Polynesia volcanoes. The Ronda massif displays clear microstructural and geochemical variations characterizing the limit between an ancient lithospheric mantle and its asthenospherized counterpart that has undergone partial melting and magmas percolation. The LPO measured in peridotites from both domains is quite similar and so are seismic properties, suggesting that the tectonic fabric inherited from previous deformation and the resulting seismic anisotropy are only slightly modified by asthenospherization. The Labait volcano in Tanzania sampled the Tanzania craton lithospheric mantle at depths between 150 km and less than 70 km. Although significant annealing and exaggerated grain growth of olivine occur between 70 km and 120 km the olivine LPO does not vary significantly, suggesting that the initial anisotropy of the lithospheric was preserved. Xenoliths from several Polynesian volcanoes display composition and geochemistry that suggest percolation of variable amounts of melt in the lithospheric mantle up to relatively shallow depths. Samples that have underwent the most percolation display very weak olivine LPO, and are almost seismically isotropic. Altogether the results of these studies suggest that asthenospherization does not necessarily erase the inherited seismic anisotropy of the older, previously structured, lithosphere. As far as melting and melt-rock interaction remain moderate the LPO of olivine, and thus the seismic anisotropy of the lithospheric mantle are largely preserved. However, when melt-rock interactions become large enough, then the lithospheric seismic anisotropy signature of the mantle may be erased.

The interplay between rheology and pre-existing structures in the lithosphere and its influence on intraplate tectonics: Insights from scaled physical analogue models.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Santimano, T. N.; Adiban, P.; Pysklywec, R.

2017-12-01

The primary controls of deformation in the lithosphere are related to its rheological properties. In addition, recent work reveals that inherited zones of weakness in the deep lithosphere are prevalent and can also define tectonic activity. To understand how deformation is genetically related to rheology and/or pre-existing structures, we compare a set of physical analogue models with the presence and absence of a fault in the deep lithosphere. The layered lithosphere scaled models of a brittle upper crust, viscous lower crust and viscous mantle lithosphere are deformed in a convergent setting. Deformation of the model is recorded using high spatial and temporal stereoscopic cameras. We use Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) to acquire a time-series dataset and study the velocity field and subsequently strain in the model. The finished model is also cut into cross-section revealing the finite internal structures that are then compared to the topography of the model. Preliminary results show that deformation in models with an inherited fault in the mantle lithosphere is accommodated by displacement along the fault plane that propagates into the overlying viscous lower crust and brittle upper crust. Here, the majority of the deformation is localized along the fault in a brittle manner. This is in contrast to the model absent of a fault that also displays significant amounts of deformation. In this setting, ductile deformation is accommodated by folding and thickening of the viscous layers and flexural shearing of the brittle upper crust. In these preliminary experiments, the difference in the strength profile between the mantle lithosphere and the lower crust is within the same order of magnitude. Future experiments will include models where the strength difference is an order of magnitude. This systematic study aids in understanding the role of rheology and deep structures particularly in transferring stress over time to the surface and is therefore fundamental in understanding intraplate tectonics and orogenesis.

Electromagnetic study of lithospheric structure in Trans-European Suture Zone in Poland

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jóźwiak, Waldemar; Ślęzak, Katarzyna; Nowożyński, Krzysztof; Neska, Anne

2016-04-01

The area covered by magnetotelluric surveys in Poland is mostly related to the Trans-European Suture Zone (TESZ), the largest tectonic boundary in Europe. Numerous 1D, 2D, and pseudo-3D and 3D models of the electrical resistivity distribution were constructed, and a new interpretation method based on Horizontal Magnetic Tensor analysis has been applied recently. The results indicate that the TESZ is a lithospheric discontinuity and there are noticeable differences in geoelectric structures between the East European Craton (EEC), the transitional zone (TESZ), and the Paleozoic Platform (PP). The electromagnetic sounding is a very efficient tool for recognizing the lithospheric structure especially it helps in identification of important horizontal (or lateral) inhomogeneities in the crust. Due to our study we can clearly determine the areas of the East European Craton of high resistivity, Paleozoic Platform of somewhat lower resistivity value, and transitional TESZ of complicated structure. At the East European Craton, we observe very highly resistive lithosphere, reaching 220-240 km depth. Underneath, there is distinctly greater conductivity values, most probably resulting from partial melting of rocks; this layer may represent the asthenosphere. The resistivity of the lithosphere under the Paleozoic Platform is somewhat lower, and its thickness does not exceed 150 km. The properties of the lithosphere in the transition zone, under the TESZ, differ significantly. The presented models include prominent, NW-SE striking conductive lineaments. These structures, that related with the TESZ, lie at a depth of 10-30 km. They are located in a mid-crustal level and they reach the boundary of the EEC. The structures we initially connect to the Variscan Deformation Front (VDF) and the Caledonian Deformation Front (CDF). The differentiation of conductivity visible in the crust continues in the upper mantle.

Observational Constraints on Lithospheric Rheology and Their Implications for Lithospheric Dynamics and Plate Tectonics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhong, S.; Watts, A. B.

2014-12-01

Lithospheric rheology and strength are important for understanding crust and lithosphere dynamics, and the conditions for plate tectonics. Laboratory studies suggest that lithospheric rheology is controlled by frictional sliding, semi-brittle, low-temperature plasticity, and high-temperature creep deformation mechanisms as pressure and temperature increase from shallow to large depths. Although rheological equations for these deformation mechanisms have been determined in laboratory settings, it is necessary to validate them using field observations. Here we present an overview of lithospheric rheology constrained by observations of seismic structure and load-induced flexure. Together with mantle dynamic modeling, rheological equations for high-temperature creep derived from laboratory studies (Hirth and Kohlstedt, 2003; Karato and Jung, 2003) satisfactorily explain the seismic structure of the Pacific upper mantle (Hunen et al., 2005) and Hawaiian swell topography (Asaadi et al., 2011). In a recent study that compared modeled surface flexure and stress induced by volcano loads in the Hawaiian Islands region with the observed flexure and seismicity, Zhong and Watts (2013) showed that the coefficient of friction is between 0.25 and 0.7, and is consistent with laboratory studies and also in-situ borehole measurements. However, this study indicated that the rheological equation for the low-temperature plasticity from laboratory studies (e.g., Mei et al., 2010) significantly over-predicts lithospheric strength and viscosity. Zhong and Watts (2013) also showed that the maximum lithospheric stress beneath Hawaiian volcano loads is about 100-200 MPa, which may be viewed as the largest lithospheric stress in the Earth's lithosphere. We show that the relatively weak lithospheric strength in the low-temperature plasticity regime is consistent with seismic observation of reactivated mantle lithosphere in the western US and the eastern North China. We discuss here the causes of this weakening in the context of the potential effects on laboratory studies of reduced grain size and Peierls stress on the low-temperature deformation regime.

Craton Heterogeneity in the South American Lithosphere

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lloyd, S.; Van der Lee, S.; Assumpcao, M.; Feng, M.; Franca, G. S.

2012-04-01

We investigate structure of the lithosphere beneath South America using receiver functions, surface wave dispersion analysis, and seismic tomography. The data used include recordings from 20 temporary broadband seismic stations deployed across eastern Brazil (BLSP02) and from the Chile Ridge Subduction Project seismic array in southern Chile (CRSP). By jointly inverting Moho point constraints, Rayleigh wave group velocities, and regional S and Rayleigh wave forms we obtain a continuous map of Moho depth. The new tomographic Moho map suggests that Moho depth and Moho relief vary slightly with age within the Precambrian crust. Whether or not a correlation between crustal thickness and geologic age can be derived from the pre-interpolation point constraints depends strongly on the selected subset of receiver functions. This implies that using only pre-interpolation point constraints (receiver functions) inadequately samples the spatial variation in geologic age. We also invert for S velocity structure and estimate the depth of the lithosphere-asthenosphere boundary (LAB) in Precambrian South America. The new model reveals a relatively thin lithosphere throughout most of Precambrian South America (< 140 km). Comparing LAB depth with lithospheric age shows they are overall positively correlated, whereby the thickest lithosphere occurs in the relatively small Saõ Francisco craton (200 km). However, within the larger Amazonian craton the younger lithosphere is thicker, indicating that locally even larger cratons are not protected from erosion or reworking of the lithosphere.

Control of the Lithospheric Mantle on intracontinental Deformation: Revival of Eastern U.S. Tectonism

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Biryol, C. B.; Wagner, L. S.; Fischer, K. M.; Hawman, R. B.

2016-12-01

The present tectonic configuration of the southeastern United States is a product of earlier episodes of arc accretion, continental collision and breakup. This region is located in the interior of the North American Plate, some 1500 km away from closest active plate margin. However, there is ongoing tectonism across the area with multiple zones of seismicity, rejuvenation of the Appalachians of North Carolina, Virginia, and Pennsylvania, and Cenozoic intraplate volcanism. The mechanisms controlling this activity and the modern-day state of stress remain enigmatic. Two factors often regarded as major contributors are plate strength and preexisting inherited structures. Recent improvements in broadband seismic data coverage in the region associated with the South Eastern Suture of the Appalachian Margin Experiment (SESAME) and EarthScope Transportable Array make it possible to obtain detailed information on the structure of the lithosphere in the region. Here we present new tomographic images of the upper mantle beneath the Southeastern United States, revealing large-scale structural variations in the upper mantle. Our results indicate fast seismic velocity patterns that can be interpreted as ongoing lithospheric foundering. We observe an agreement between the locations of these upper mantle anomalies and the location of major zones of tectonism, volcanism and seismicity, providing a viable explanation for modern-day activity in this plate interior setting long after it became a passive margin. Based on distinct variations in the geometry and thickness of the lithospheric mantle and foundered lithosphere, we propose that piecemeal delamination has occurred beneath the region throughout the Cenozoic, removing a significant amount of reworked/deformed mantle lithosphere. Ongoing lithospheric foundering beneath the eastern margin of stable North America explains significant variations in thickness of lithospheric mantle across the former Grenville deformation front.

Identifying mantle lithosphere inheritance in controlling intraplate orogenesis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Heron, Philip J.; Pysklywec, Russell N.; Stephenson, Randell

2016-09-01

Crustal inheritance is often considered important in the tectonic evolution of the Wilson Cycle. However, the role of the mantle lithosphere is usually overlooked due to its difficulty to image and uncertainty in rheological makeup. Recently, increased resolution in lithosphere imaging has shown potential scarring in continental mantle lithosphere to be ubiquitous. In our study, we analyze intraplate deformation driven by mantle lithosphere heterogeneities from ancient Wilson Cycle processes and compare this to crustal inheritance deformation. We present 2-D numerical experiments of continental convergence to generate intraplate deformation, exploring the limits of continental rheology to understand the dominant lithosphere layer across a broad range of geological settings. By implementing a "jelly sandwich" rheology, common in stable continental lithosphere, we find that during compression the strength of the mantle lithosphere is integral in generating deformation from a structural anomaly. We posit that if the continental mantle is the strongest layer within the lithosphere, then such inheritance may have important implications for the Wilson Cycle. Furthermore, our models show that deformation driven by mantle lithosphere scarring can produce tectonic patterns related to intraplate orogenesis originating from crustal sources, highlighting the need for a more formal discussion of the role of the mantle lithosphere in plate tectonics.

Thermal structure of oceanic transform faults

USGS Publications Warehouse

Behn, M.D.; Boettcher, M.S.; Hirth, G.

2007-01-01

We use three-dimensional finite element simulations to investigate the temperature structure beneath oceanic transform faults. We show that using a rheology that incorporates brittle weakening of the lithosphere generates a region of enhanced mantle upwelling and elevated temperatures along the transform; the warmest temperatures and thinnest lithosphere are predicted to be near the center of the transform. Previous studies predicted that the mantle beneath oceanic transform faults is anomalously cold relative to adjacent intraplate regions, with the thickest lithosphere located at the center of the transform. These earlier studies used simplified rheologic laws to simulate the behavior of the lithosphere and underlying asthenosphere. We show that the warmer thermal structure predicted by our calculations is directly attributed to the inclusion of a more realistic brittle rheology. This temperature structure is consistent with a wide range of observations from ridge-transform environments, including the depth of seismicity, geochemical anomalies along adjacent ridge segments, and the tendency for long transforms to break into small intratransform spreading centers during changes in plate motion. ?? 2007 Geological Society of America.

Geothermal Heat Flux: Linking Deep Earth's Interior and the Dynamics of Large-Scale Ice Sheets

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rogozhina, Irina; Vaughan, Alan

2014-05-01

Regions covered by continental-scale ice sheets have the highest degree of uncertainty in composition and structure of the crust and lithospheric mantle, compounded by the poorest coverage on Earth of direct heat flow measurements. In addition to challenging conditions that make direct measurements and geological survey difficult Greenland and Antarctica are known to be geologically complex. Antarctica in particular is marked by two lithospherically distinct zones. In contrast to young and thin lithosphere of West Antarctica, East Antarctica is a collage of thick Precambrian fragments of Gondwana and earlier supercontinents. However, recent observations and modeling studies have detected large systems of subglacial lakes extending beneath much of the East Antarctic ice sheet base that have been linked to anomalously elevated heat flow. Outcrop samples from the rift margin with Australia (Prydz Bay) have revealed highly radiogenic Cambrian granite intrusives that are implicated in regional increase of crustal heat flux by a factor of two to three compared to the estimated continental background. Taken together, these indicate high variability of heat flow and properties of rocks across Antarctica. Similar conclusions have been made based on direct measurements and observations of the Greenland ice sheet. Airborne ice-penetrating radar and deep ice core projects show very high rates of basal melt for parts of the ice sheet in northern and central Greenland that have been explained by abnormally high heat flux. Archaean in age, the Greenland lithosphere was significantly reworked during the Early Proterozoic. In this region, the interpretation of independent geophysical data is complicated by Proterozoic and Phanerozoic collision zones, compounded by strong thermochemical effects of rifting along the western and eastern continental margins between 80 and 25 million years ago. In addition, high variability of heat flow and thermal lithosphere structure in central Greenland results from the remanent effects of an Early Cenozoic passage of the lithosphere above the Iceland mantle plume that is implicated in strong thermochemical erosion of the lithosphere and significant long-term effects on the present-day subglacial heat flow pattern and thermodynamic state of the Greenland ice sheet. These observations and our modeling results (Petrunin et al., 2013) show that the present-day thermal state of Greenland and Antarctic lithosphere cannot be well understood without taking into account a long-term tectonic history of these regions. The goal of the IceGeoHeat project is to combine existing independent geophysical data and innovative modeling approaches to comprehensively study the evolution and present state of the lithosphere in Greenland and Antarctica, and assess the role of geothermal heat flux in shaping the present-day ice sheet dynamics. This requires multiple collaborations involving experts across a range of disciplines. The project builds on the IceGeoHeat initiative formed in April 2012 and now including researchers from ten countries in the main core (MC) with expertise in numerical modeling and data assessment in geodynamics, geology, geothermics, cryosphere and (paleo-)climate. Petrunin, A., Rogozhina, I., Vaughan, A. P. M., Kukkonen, I. T., Kaban, M., Koulakov, I., Thomas, M. (2013): Heat flux variations beneath central Greenland's ice due to anomalously thin lithosphere. - Nature Geoscience, 6, 746-750.

BASE Flexible Array Preliminary Lithospheric Structure Analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yeck, W. L.; Sheehan, A. F.; Anderson, M. L.; Siddoway, C. S.; Erslev, E.; Harder, S. H.; Miller, K. C.

2009-12-01

The Bighorns Arch Seismic Experiment (BASE) is a Flexible Array experiment integrated with EarthScope. The goal of BASE is to develop a better understanding of how basement-involved foreland arches form and what their link is to plate tectonic processes. To achieve this goal, the crustal structure under the Bighorn Mountain range, Bighorn Basin, and Powder River Basin of northern Wyoming and southern Montana are investigated through the deployment of 35 broadband seismometers, 200 short period seismometers, 1600 “Texan” instruments using active sources and 800 “Texan” instruments monitoring passive sources, together with field structural analysis of brittle structures. The novel combination of these approaches and anticipated simultaneous data inversion will give a detailed structural crustal image of the Bighorn region at all levels of the crust. Four models have been proposed for the formation of the Bighorn foreland arch: subhorizontal detachment within the crust, lithospheric buckling, pure shear lithospheric thickening, and fault blocks defined by lithosphere-penetrating thrust faults. During the summer of 2009, we deployed 35 broadband instruments, which have already recorded several magnitude 7+ teleseismic events. Through P wave receiver function analysis of these 35 stations folded in with many EarthScope Transportable Array stations in the region, we present a preliminary map of the Mohorovicic discontinuity. This crustal map is our first test of how the unique Moho geometries predicted by the four hypothesized models of basement involved arches fit seismic observations for the Bighorn Mountains. In addition, shear-wave splitting analysis for our first few recorded teleseisms helps us determine if strong lithospheric deformation is preserved under the range. These analyses help lead us to our final goal, a complete 4D (3D spatial plus temporal) lithospheric-scale model of arch formation which will advance our understanding of the mechanisms accommodating and driving basement-involved arch formation as well as continental lithospheric rheology.

Contrast of lithospheric dynamics across the southern and eastern margins of the Tibetan Plateau: a numerical study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sun, Yujun; Fan, Taoyuan; Wu, Zhonghai

2018-05-01

Both of the southern and eastern margins of the Tibetan Plateau are bounded by the cratonic blocks (Indian plate and Sichuan basin). However, there are many differences in tectonic deformation, lithospheric structure and surface heat flow between these two margins. What dynamics cause these differences? With the constraints of the lithospheric structure and surface heat flow across the southern and eastern margins of Tibetan Plateau, we constructed 2-D thermal-mechanical finite-element models to investigate the dynamics across these two margins. The results show that the delamination of mantle lithosphere beneath the Lhasa terrane in Oligocene and the rheological contrast between the Indian and Tibetan crust are the two main factors that control the subduction of the Indian plate. The dynamics across the eastern margin of the Tibetan Plateau are different from the southern margin. During the lateral expansion of the Tibetan Plateau, pure shear thickening is the main deformation characteristic for the Songpan-Ganzi lithosphere. This thickening results in the reduction of geothermal gradient and surface heat flow. From this study, it can be seen that the delamination of the mantle lithosphere and the rheological contrast between the Tibetan Plateau and its bounding blocks are the two main factors that control the lithospheric deformation and surface heat flow.

New seismic observation on the lithosphere and slab subduction beneath the Indo-Myanmar block: Implications for continent oblique subduction and transition to oceanic slab subduction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jiang, M.; He, Y.; Zheng, T.; Mon, C. T.; Thant, M.; Hou, G.; Ai, Y.; Chen, Q. F.; Sein, K.

2017-12-01

The Indo-Myanmar block locates to the southern and southeastern of the Eastern Himalayan Syntax (EHS) and marks a torsional boundary of the collision between the Indian and Eurasian plates. There are two fundamental questions concerned on the tectonics of Indo-Myanmar block since the Cenozoic time. One is whether and how the oblique subduction is active in the deep; the other is where and how the transition from oceanic subduction and continental subduction operates. However, the two problems are still under heated debate mainly because the image of deep structure beneath this region is still blurring. Since June, 2016, we have executed the China-Myanmar Geophysical Survey in the Myanmar Orogen (CMGSMO) and deployed the first portable seismic array in Myanmar in cooperation with Myanmar Geosciences Society (MGS). This array contains 70 stations with a dense-deployed main profile across the Indo-Myanmar Range, Central Basin and Shan State Plateau along latitude of 22° and a 2-D network covering the Indo-Myanmar Range and the western part of the Central Basin. Based on the seismic data collected by the new array, we conducted the studies on the lithospheric structure using the routine surface wave tomography and receiver function CCP stacking. The preliminary results of surface wave tomography displayed a remarkable high seismic velocity fabric in the uppermost of mantle beneath the Indo-Myanmar Range and Central Basin, which was interpreted as the subducted slab eastward. Particularly, we found a low velocity bulk within the high-velocity slab, which was likely to be a slab window due to the slab tearing. The preliminary results of receiver function CCP stacking showed the obvious variations of the lithospheric structures from the Indo-Myanmar Range to the Central Basin and Shan State Plateau. The lithospheric structure beneath the Indo-Myanmar Range is more complex than that beneath the Central Basin and Shan State Plateau. Our resultant high-resolution images will provide important constrains for establishing the tectonic framework of Indian plate eastward subduction. This study is supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (grants 41490612, 41274002).

Lithospheric structure beneath the central and western North China Craton and adjacent regions from S-receiver function imaging

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yinshuang, A.; Zhang, Y.; Chen, L.

2016-12-01

The central and western NCC(CWNCC) only experienced localized lithospheric modification and has remained relatively stable since the Pre-Cambrian in contrast to the fundamental destruction in the east. For better unraveling the tectonic evolution and dynamics of CWNCC, detailed knowledge of lithospheric structure is thus important. However, most of the available seismological observations are dominated by regional seismic tomography and the resolutions are rather low due to the limited data coverage or intrinsic limitation of the methods. S receiver function(RF) contains information from deep velocity discontinuities and is free from the interference of crustal multiples, so it is widely used in subcontinental lithospheric structural studies. We collected teleseismic data from 340 broadband stations in CWNCC, and adopted 2-D wave equation-based poststack migration method to do S-receiver function CCP imaging. Finally, we get 8 migrated profile images in CWNCC and adjacent areas and integrate them for an overview. The most prominent feature of the LAB beneath central NCC is an sudden subsidence to 160km in the southern portion, and the dimension and extension of this deep anomaly is correlated to the lithosphere in Ordos, so we interpret it as a remnant cratonic mantle root. The LAB beneath western NCC can extend to the depth of 150-180 km but appears laterally variable. Western Ordos becomes shallower than its eastern counterpart and there are two obvious deep anomalies beneath the eastern Ordos, divided by a geological boundary at 37°N, which reflects that the lithosphere of Ordos is not so homogeneous or rigid as people thought before. Furthermore, a negative velocity discontinuity is widely identified at the depth of 80- 110 km within the thick lithosphere of CWNCC, and the location is spatially coincide with the modified LAB in ENCC. Although the cause of this mid-lithospheric discontinuity(MLD) is still controversial, mechanically, it may indicate an ancient, weak layer within the overall strong cratonic lithosphere. Our result is broadly consistent with the previous tomography studies, but shows more detailed information of lithospheric variations,. Moreover, it corroborates the existence of the similar discontinuities at 100 km depth under stable continental regions worldwide.

Structure of the Lithosphere and Upper Mantle Across the Arabian Peninsula

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Al-Amri, A; Rodgers, A

2007-01-05

Analysis of modern broadband (BB) waveform data allows for the inference of seismic velocity structure of the crust and upper mantle using a variety of techniques. This presentation will report inferences of seismic structure of the Arabian Plate using BB data from various networks. Most data were recorded by the Saudi Arabian National Digital Seismic Network (SANDSN) which consists of 38 (26 BB, 11 SP) stations, mostly located on the Arabian Shield. Additional data were taken from the 1995-7 Saudi Arabian IRIS-PASSCAL Deployment (9 BB stations) and other stations across the Peninsula. Crustal structure, inferred from teleseismic P-wave receiver functions,more » reveals thicker crust in the Arabian Platform (40-45 km) and the interior of the Arabian Shield (35-40 km) and thinner crust along the Red Sea coast. Lithospheric thickness inferred from teleseismic S-wave receiver functions reveals very thin lithosphere (40-80 km) along the Red Sea coast which thickens rapidly toward the interior of the Arabian Shield (100-120 km). We also observe a step of 20-40 km in lithospheric thickness across the Shield-Platform boundary. Seismic velocity structure of the upper mantle inferred from teleseismic P- and S-wave travel time tomography reveals large differences between the Shield and Platform, with the Shield being underlain by slower velocities, {+-}3% for P-waves and {+-}6% for S-waves. Seismic anisotropy was inferred from shear-wave splitting, using teleseismic SKS waveforms. Results reveal a splitting time of approximately 1.4 seconds, with the fast axis slightly east of north. The shear-wave splitting results are consistent across the Peninsula, with a slight clockwise rotation parallel for stations near the Gulf of Aqaba. In summary, these results allow us to make several conclusions about the tectonic evolution and current state of the Arabian Plate. Lithospheric thickness implies that thinning near the Red Sea has accompanied the rupturing of the Arabian-Nubian continental lithosphere. The step in the lithospheric thickness across the Shield-Platform boundary likely reveals a pre-existing difference in the lithospheric structure prior to accretion of the terranes composing the eastern Arabian Shield. Tomographic imaging of upper mantle velocities implies a single large-scale thermal anomaly underlies the Arabian Shield and is associated with Cenozoic uplift and volcanism.« less

3D structure and conductive thermal field of the Upper Rhine Graben

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Freymark, Jessica; Sippel, Judith; Scheck-Wenderoth, Magdalena; Bär, Kristian; Stiller, Manfred; Fritsche, Johann-Gerhard; Kracht, Matthias

2016-04-01

The Upper Rhine Graben (URG) was formed as part of the European Cenozoic Rift System in a complex extensional setting. At present-day, it has a large socioeconomic relevance as it provides a great potential for geothermal energy production in Germany and France. For the utilisation of this energy resource it is crucial to understand the structure and the observed temperature anomalies in the rift basin. In the framework of the EU-funded "IMAGE" project (Integrated Methods for Advanced Geothermal Exploration), we apply a data-driven numerical modelling approach to quantify the processes and properties controlling the spatial distribution of subsurface temperatures. Typically, reservoir-scale numerical models are developed for predictions on the subsurface hydrothermal conditions and for reducing the risk of drilling non-productive geothermal wells. One major problem related to such models is setting appropriate boundary conditions that define, for instance, how much heat enters the reservoir from greater depths. Therefore, we first build a regional lithospheric-scale 3D structural model, which covers not only the entire URG but also adjacent geological features like the Black Forest and the Vosges Mountains. In particular, we use a multidisciplinary dataset (e.g. well data, seismic reflection data, existing structural models, gravity) to construct the geometries of the sediments, the crust and the lithospheric mantle that control the spatial distribution of thermal conductivity and radiogenic heat production and hence temperatures. By applying a data-based and lithology-dependent parameterisation of this lithospheric-scale 3D structural model and a 3D finite element method, we calculate the steady-state conductive thermal field for the entire region. Available measured temperatures (down to depths of up to 5 km) are considered to validate the 3D thermal model. We present major characteristics of the lithospheric-scale 3D structural model and results of the 3D conductive thermal modelling of the URG and adjacent areas. We show that the Variscan crystalline crustal domains with their different radiogenic heat production influence the regional thermal field, while a thermal blanketing effect due to thick thermally low-conductive sediments causes higher temperatures in the central and northern URG. In contrast, local salt domes result in colder temperatures in parts of the southern URG.

Formation of cratonic lithosphere during the initiation of plate tectonics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Moresi, L. N.; Beall, A.; Cooper, C. M.

2017-12-01

The Earth's oldest near-surface material, the cratonic crust, is typically underlain by unusually thick Archean lithosphere (<300 km). This cratonic lithosphere likely thickened in a high compressional stress environment. Mantle convection in the hotter Archean Earth would have imparted relatively low stresses on the lithosphere, whether or not tectonics was operating, so a high stress signal from the early Earth is paradoxical. We propose that a rapid transition, from a stagnant lid Earth to the onset of plate tectonics, generated the high stresses required to thicken the cratonic lithosphere. Numerical calculations are used to demonstrate that an existing buoyant and strong layer, representing harzburgite and felsic crust, can thicken and stabilize during the lid-breaking event. The peak compressional stress experienced by lithosphere is 3-4 higher than for the stagnant lid or mobile lid regimes immediately before and after. It is plausible that the cratonic lithosphere has still not returned to this high stress-state, explaining its stability. The lid-breaking thickening event reproduces craton features previously attributed to subduction: thrust structures, assembled crustal fragments and transport of basaltic upper crust to depths required to generate felsic melt. Palaeoarchean `pre-tectonic' structures can also survive the lid-breaking event, acting as strong crustal rafts. Together, the results indicate that the signature of a catastrophic switch, from a stagnant lid Earth to the initiation of plate tectonics, has been captured and preserved in the unusual characteristics of cratonic crust and lithosphere.

Geodynamic inversion to constrain the rheology of the lithosphere: What is the effect of elasticity?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Baumann, Tobias; Kaus, Boris; Thielmann, Marcel

2016-04-01

The concept of elastic thickness (T_e) is one of the main methods to describe the integrated strength of oceanic lithosphere (e.g. Watts, 2001). Observations of the Te are in general agreement with yield strength envelopes estimated from laboratory experiments (Burov, 2007, Goetze & Evans 1979). Yet, applying the same concept to the continental lithosphere has proven to be more difficult (Burov & Diament, 1995), which resulted in an ongoing discussion on the rheological structure of the lithosphere (e.g. Burov & Watts, 2006, Jackson, 2002; Maggi et al., 2000). Recently, we proposed a new approach, which constrains rheological properties of the lithosphere directly from geophysical observations such as GPS-velocity, topography and gravity (Baumann & Kaus, 2015). This approach has the advantage that available data sets (such as Moho depth) can be directly taken into account without making the a-priori assumption that the lithosphere is thin elastic plate floating on the mantle. Our results show that a Bayesian inversion method combined with numerical thermo-mechanical models can be used as independent tool to constrain non-linear viscous and plastic parameters of the lithosphere. As the rheology of the lithosphere is strongly temperature dependent, it is even possible to add a temperature parameterisation to the inversion method and constrain the thermal structure of the lithosphere in this manner. Results for the India-Asia collision zone show that existing geophysical data require India to have a quite high effective viscosity. Yet, the rheological structure of Tibet less well constrained and a number of scenarios give a nearly equally good fit to the data. Yet, one of the assumptions that we make while doing this geodynamic inversion is that the rheology is viscoplastic, and that elastic effects do not significantly alter the large-scale dynamics of the lithosphere. Here, we test the validity of this assumption by performing synthetic forward models and retrieving the rheological parameters of these models with viscoplastic geodynamic inversions. We focus on a typical intra-oceanic subduction system as well as a typical scenario of subduction of an oceanic plate underneath a continental arc. Baumann, T. S. & Kaus, B. J. P., 2015. Geodynamic inversion to constrain thenon-linear rheology of the lithosphere, Geophys. J. Int., 202(2), 1289-1316. Burov, E. B. & Diament, M., 1995. The effective elastic thickness (Te) of continental lithosphere: What does it really mean?, J. Geophys. Res., 100, 3905-3927. Burov, E. B. & Watts, A. B., 2006. The long-term strength of continental lithosphere : jelly sandwich or crème brûlée?, GSA today, 16(1), 4-10. Burov, E. B., 2007. Crust and Lithosphere Dynamics: Plate Rheology and Mechanics, in Treatise Geophys., vol. 6, chap. 3, pp. 99-151, ed. Watts, A. B., Elsevier. Goetze, C. & Evans, B., 1979. Stress and temperature in the bending lithosphere as constrained by experimental rock mechanics, Geophys. J. Int., 59(3), 463-478. Jackson, J., 2002. Strength of the continental lithosphere: Time to abandon the jelly sandwich?, GSA today, 12(9), 4-9. Maggi, A., Jackson, J. A., McKenzie, D., & Priestley, K., 2000a. Earthquake focal depths, effective elastic thickness, and the strength of the continental lithosphere, Geology, 28, 495-498. Watts, A. B., 2001. Isostasy and Flexure of the Lithosphere, Cambridge University Press.

Relationship between the upper mantle high velocity seismic lid and the continental lithosphere

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Priestley, Keith; Tilmann, Frederik

2009-04-01

The lithosphere-asthenosphere boundary corresponds to the base of the "rigid" plates - the depth at which heat transport changes from advection in the convecting deeper upper mantle to conduction in the shallow upper mantle. Although this boundary is a fundamental feature of the Earth, mapping it has been difficult because it does not correspond to a sharp change in temperature or composition. Various definitions of the lithosphere and asthenosphere are based on the analysis of different types of geophysical and geological observations. The depth to the lithosphere-asthenosphere boundary determined from these different observations often shows little agreement when they are applied to the same region because the geophysical and geological observations (i.e., seismic velocity, strain rate, electrical resistivity, chemical depletion, etc.) are proxies for the change in rheological properties rather than a direct measure of the rheological properties. In this paper, we focus on the seismic mapping of the upper mantle high velocity lid and low velocity zone and its relationship to the lithosphere and asthenosphere. We have two goals: (a) to examine the differences in how teleseismic body-wave travel-time tomography and surface-wave tomography image upper mantle seismic structure; and (b) to summarise how upper mantle seismic velocity structure can be related to the structure of the lithosphere and asthenosphere. Surface-wave tomography provides reasonably good depth resolution, especially when higher modes are included in the analysis, but lateral resolution is limited by the horizontal wavelength of the long-period surface waves used to constrain upper mantle velocity structure. Teleseismic body-wave tomography has poor depth resolution in the upper mantle, particularly when no strong lateral contrasts are present. If station terms are used, features with large lateral extent and gradual boundaries are attenuated in the tomographic image. Body-wave models are not useful in mapping the thickness of the high velocity upper mantle lid because this type of analysis often determines wave speed perturbations from an unknown horizontal average and not absolute velocities. Thus, any feature which extends laterally across the whole region beneath a seismic network becomes invisible in the teleseismic body-wave tomographic image. We compare surface-wave and body-wave tomographic results using southern Africa as an example. Surface-wave tomographic images for southern Africa show a strong, high velocity upper mantle lid confined to depths shallower than ~ 200 km, whereas body-wave tomographic images show weak high velocity in the upper mantle extending to depths of ~ 300 km or more. However, synthetic tests show that these results are not contradictory. The absolute seismic velocity structure of the upper mantle provided by surface wave analysis can be used to map the thermal lithosphere. Priestley and McKenzie (Priestley, K., McKenzie, D., 2006. The thermal structure of the lithosphere from shear wave velocities. Earth and Planetary Science Letters 244, 285-301.) derive an empirical relationship between shear wave velocity and temperature. This relationship is used to obtain temperature profiles from the surface-wave tomographic models of the continental mantle. The base of the lithosphere is shown by a change in the gradient of the temperature profiles indicative of the depth where the mode of heat transport changes from conduction to advection. Comparisons of the geotherms determined from the conversion of surface-wave wave speeds to temperatures with upper mantle nodule-derived geotherms demonstrate that estimates of lithospheric thickness from Vs and from the nodule mineralogy agree to within about 25 km. The lithospheric thickness map for Africa derived from the surface-wave tomographic results shows that thick lithosphere underlies most of the Archean crust in Africa. The distribution of diamondiferous kimberlites provides an independent estimate of where thick lithosphere exists. Diamondiferous kimberlites generally occur where the lower part of the thermal lithosphere as indicated by seismology is in the diamond stability field.

Structural characteristics and tectonics of northeastern Tellus Regio and Meni Tessera

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Toermaenen, T.

1992-01-01

The Tellus Regio-Meni Tessera region is an interesting highland area characterized by large areas of complex ridged terrain or tessera terrain. The area was previously studied from the Venera 15/16 data, typical characteristics of complex tessera terrain of Tellus Regio were analyzed, and a formation mechanism was proposed. Apparent depths of compensation of approximately 30-50 km were calculated from Pioneer Venus gravity and topography data. These values indicate predominant Airy compensation for the area. Regional stresses and lithospheric structures were defined from analysis of surface structures, topography, and gravity data. In this work we concentrate on northeastern Tellus Regio and Meni Tessera, which are situated north and west of Tellus Regio. Structural features and relationships are analyzed in order to interpret tectonic history of the area. Study area was divided into three subareas: northeastern Tellus Regio, Meni Tessera, and the deformed plain between them.

A Polygenetic Origin for some Oceanic Lithosphere: Evidence from Forearc, Continental Margin and Ophiolite Mantle Sequences

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pearce, J. A.; Parkinson, I. J.

2003-12-01

It is a common assumption that ophiolites and oceanic lithosphere attain their structures and compositions through partial melting of mantle in a single tectonic setting and with a simple petrogenetic relationship between all the units. There is, however, growing evidence that some oceanic lithosphere and ophiolite complexes contain a record of a polygenetic history of formation. This may be apparent in crustal units (complex lava stratigraphies or cross-cutting dykes and gabbros) but the best evidence is recorded in the chrome spinel compositions of residual mantle. Among the most effective plots is that of oxygen fugacity, calculated from accurately-determined ferric iron concentrations, against Cr-number. In the ocean basins, forearc peridotites from the Izu-Bonin Mariana, Tonga and South Sandwich systems may be of two types. In the first, both peridotites and dunites have similar oxygen fugacities and a small range in Cr-number. We interpret these as mongenetic. In the second, the peridotites have low oxygen fugacities and moderate Cr-number and trend towards dunites with high oxygen fugacities and high Cr-number. We interpret these as representing mid-ocean ridge mantle lithosphere, which existed prior to a subduction event and was subsequently invaded by subduction-related melts. The time-gap between the ridge and subduction events may be millions of years or, in the case of subduction initiation, represent a continuum. At passive continental margins, such as the Galicia margin, the origin may again be monogenetic or polygenetic. In the latter case, the mantle peridotites may exhibit a trend from low Cr-number to moderate Cr-number and decreasing oxygen fugacity. We interpret these as representing orogenic peridotite uplifted during an amagmatic extensional event and invaded by MORB magma during subsequent spreading. As with forearc peridotites, the time gap between these two events may be large or there be a continuum. A surprising number of ophiolites exhibit this polygenetic character, especially those which may be linked to subduction initiation (such as the northern Semail ophiolite, Pindos, Zambales) or to ocean opening (e.g. Western Mediterranean ophiolites, Othris, Lizard). And even in essentially monogenetic ophiolites, such as the Troodos Massif, there are subtle variations that may be related to ridge jumps or other local processes. These observations raise questions over the extent to which oceanic lithosphere really is the product of 100% extension or whether it may sometimes contain relics of a more complex history.

Controls of Lithospheric Mechanical Strength on the Deformation Pattern of Tien Shan

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Y.; Xiong, X.; Zheng, Y.; Hu, X.; Zhang, Y.

2015-12-01

The Tien Shan is an outstanding example of intracontinental mountain belt, which was built rapidly and formed far away from plate boundaries. It exhibits 300~500 km in width and extends ~2000 km EW, located in central Asia. The Tien Shan is a key area for solution of the problems relating to intracontinental geodynamics. During last decades, despite a large amount of results based on various geological, geophysical and geodetic data about the Tien Shan, however, deformation mechanism remains controversial and other several principal problems related to its structure and evolution also have not been completely resolved. As for patterns of continental deformation, they are always controlled by both the forces applied to the lithosphere and by lithospheric resistance to the forces. The latter is often measured by the mechanical strength of lithosphere. The lateral variation of strength of lithosphere has been recognized to be an important factor controlling the spatial construction and temporal evolution of continent. In this study, we investigate the mechanical strength (Te) of lithosphere in the Tien Shan using wavelet coherency between Bouguer anomaly and topography. The patterns of Te variations are closely related to major tectonic boundaries and blocks. Mechanical strength exhibits a weak zone (Te~5-20km) beneath the Tien Shan while its surrounding blocks including Tarim Basin, Junggar Basin and Kazakh platform are characterized by a strong lithosphere (Te>40km). The lateral variations in mechanical strength and velocity field of horizontal movement with GPS demonstrate that strain localization appears at the margins of Tarim Basin, which is also the strong lithospheric domain. It is suggested that the weak lithosphere allows the crustal stress accumulation and the strong lithosphere helps to stress transfer. There is also a good agreement between mechanical strength and shear wave velocity structure in upper mantle. It indicates a strong domain located in the lower crust and lithospheric mantle. Combined with results of analog models, the location and style of deformation are preliminary determined and thus the related topography evolution in the Tien Shan is mainly controlled by the lateral and depth variation in lithospheric mechanical strength of surrounding areas.

Subduction-driven recycling of continental margin lithosphere.

PubMed

Levander, A; Bezada, M J; Niu, F; Humphreys, E D; Palomeras, I; Thurner, S M; Masy, J; Schmitz, M; Gallart, J; Carbonell, R; Miller, M S

2014-11-13

Whereas subduction recycling of oceanic lithosphere is one of the central themes of plate tectonics, the recycling of continental lithosphere appears to be far more complicated and less well understood. Delamination and convective downwelling are two widely recognized processes invoked to explain the removal of lithospheric mantle under or adjacent to orogenic belts. Here we relate oceanic plate subduction to removal of adjacent continental lithosphere in certain plate tectonic settings. We have developed teleseismic body wave images from dense broadband seismic experiments that show higher than expected volumes of anomalously fast mantle associated with the subducted Atlantic slab under northeastern South America and the Alboran slab beneath the Gibraltar arc region; the anomalies are under, and are aligned with, the continental margins at depths greater than 200 kilometres. Rayleigh wave analysis finds that the lithospheric mantle under the continental margins is significantly thinner than expected, and that thin lithosphere extends from the orogens adjacent to the subduction zones inland to the edges of nearby cratonic cores. Taking these data together, here we describe a process that can lead to the loss of continental lithosphere adjacent to a subduction zone. Subducting oceanic plates can viscously entrain and remove the bottom of the continental thermal boundary layer lithosphere from adjacent continental margins. This drives surface tectonics and pre-conditions the margins for further deformation by creating topography along the lithosphere-asthenosphere boundary. This can lead to development of secondary downwellings under the continental interior, probably under both South America and the Gibraltar arc, and to delamination of the entire lithospheric mantle, as around the Gibraltar arc. This process reconciles numerous, sometimes mutually exclusive, geodynamic models proposed to explain the complex oceanic-continental tectonics of these subduction zones.

Crustal Seismic Structure beneath Portugal (Western Iberia) and the role of Variscan Inheritance

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Veludo, Idalina; Afonso Dias, Nuno; Fonseca, Paulo; Matias, Luís; Carrilho, Fernando; Haberland, Christian; Villaseñor, Antonio

2017-04-01

Mainland Portugal comprises most of the Western portion of the Iberian Peninsula, in a geodynamic setting associated with the Africa-Eurasia plate boundary. The crustal structure in Portugal is the result of a complex assemblage history of continental collision and extension with most of the surface is covered by rocks dating to the Variscan orogeny, the coastal ranges dominated by Mesozoic structures and Mesocenozoic basins covering partially the mainland. The impact and extension of this complex tectonic in the structure of the Iberian Lithosphere is still a matter of discussion, especially in its western part beneath Portugal. The existing knowledge relating the observed surface geology and lithospheric structures is sparse and sometimes incoherent, the relation between shallow and deep structures and their lateral extension still widely undetermined. Some questions still pertinent are the role and influence of the several tectonic units and their contacts in the present tectonic regime and in the stress field observed today, and the relation between the anomalous seismicity and associated crustal deformation rates with the inherited structure from past orogenies. In this study we present the results of a local earthquake tomographic study, performed to image this complex crustal structure down to 20 km depth. The relocation of the onshore seismicity recorded in the period 2000-2014 with the new 3D model allows cleansing some of the alignments and their correlation with some of the main active structures in Portugal enabling for the first time to correlate a large number of tectonic features to the small magnitude seismicity pattern. The seismicity distribution also displays a complex pattern, mainly reflecting the interaction between inherited Variscan structures with more recent fault systems created during the rifting stages of the Atlantic and diapir magmatic intrusions. The complex history of the assemblage of the crust beneath Western Iberia is well-marked in the final models. The arcuate shape of the Ibero-Armorican Arc can be perceived over the general pattern of the Vp and Vp/Vs anomalies and the heterogeneity observed on the surface geology are clearly marked in the tomograms. Other significant features are the low Vp values associated with the Mesocenozoic rocks outcropping in the Lusitanian and Algarve basins, and the low Vp and high Vp/Vs values of the sedimentary cover of the Lower-Tagus and Sado Basin. Publication supported by FCT- project UID/GEO/50019/2013 - Instituto Dom Luiz.

3D Rheological Modeling of NW Intraplate Europe, Deciphering Spatial Integrated strength patterns, Mechanical Strong Layering and EET

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Beekman, F.; Hardebol, N.; Cloetingh, S.; Tesauro, M.

2006-12-01

Better understanding of 3D rheological heterogeneity of the European Lithosphere provide the key to tie the recorded intraplate deformation pattern to stress fields transmitted into plate interior from plate boundary forces. The first order strain patterns result from stresses transmitted through the European lithosphere that is marked by a patchwork of high strength variability from inherited structural and compositional heterogeneities and upper mantle thermal perturbations. As the lithospheric rheology depends primarily on its spatial structure, composition and thermal estate, the 3D strength model for the European lithosphere relies on a 3D compositional model that yields the compositional heterogeneities and an iteratively calculated thermal cube using Fouriers law for heat conduction. The accurate appraisal of spatial strength variability results from proper mapping and integration of the geophysical compositional and thermal input parameters. Therefore, much attention has been paid to a proper description of first order structural and tectonic features that facilitate compilation of the compositional and thermal input models. As such, the 3D strength model reflects the thermo-mechanical structure inherited from the Europeans polyphase deformation history. Major 3D spatial mechanical strength variability has been revealed. The East-European and Fennoscandian Craton to the NE exhibit high strength (30-50 1012 N/m) from low mantle temperatures and surface heatflow of 35-60 mW/m2 while central and western Europe reflect a polyphase Phanerozoic thermo- tectonic history. Here, regions with high rigidity are formed primarily by patches of thermally stabilized Variscan Massifs (e.g. Rhenish, Armorican, Bohemian, and Iberian Massif) with low heatflow and lithospheric thickness values (50-65 mW/m2; 110-150 km) yielding strengths of ~15-25 1012 N/m. In contrast, major axis of weakened lithosphere coincides with Cenozoic Rift System (e.g. Upper and Lower Rhine Grabens, Pannonian Basin and Massif Central) attributed to the presence of tomographically imaged plumes. This study has elucidated the memory of the present-days Europeans lithosphere induced by compositional and thermal heterogeneities. The resulting lateral strength variations has a clear signature of the pst lithospheres polyphase deformation and also entails active tectonics, tectonically induced topography and surface processes.

Lithospheric Architecture Beneath Hudson Bay

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Porritt, R. W.; Miller, M. S.; Darbyshire, F. A.

2015-12-01

Hudson Bay overlies some of the thickest Precambrian lithosphere on Earth, whose internal structures contain important clues to the earliest workings of plate formation. The terminal collision, the Trans-Hudson Orogen, brought together the Western Churchill craton to the northwest and the Superior craton to the southeast. These two Archean cratons along with the Paleo-Proterozoic Trans-Hudson internides, form the core of the North American craton. We use S to P converted wave imaging and absolute shear velocity information from a joint inversion of P to S receiver functions, new ambient noise derived phase velocities, and teleseismic phase velocities to investigate this region and determine both the thickness of the lithosphere and the presence of internal discontinuities. The lithosphere under central Hudson Bay approaches 􏰂350 km thick but is thinner (􏰂200-250 km) around the periphery of the Bay. Furthermore, the amplitude of the lithosphere-asthenosphere boundary (LAB) conversion from the S receiver functions is unusually large for a craton, suggesting a large thermal contrast across the LAB, which we interpret as direct evidence of the thermal insulation effect of continents on the asthenosphere. Within the lithosphere, midlithospheric discontinuities, significantly shallower than the base of the lithosphere, are often imaged, suggesting the mechanisms that form these layers are common. Lacking time-history information, we infer that these discontinuities reflect reactivation of formation structures during deformation of the craton.

Lithospheric velocity structure of the Anatolian plateau-Caucasus-Caspian region

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Gök, R.; Mellors, R. J.; Sandvol, E.

The Anatolian plateau-Caucasus-Caspian region is an area of complex lithospheric structure accompanied by large variations in seismic wave velocities. Despite the complexity of the region, little is known about the detailed lithospheric structure. Using data from 31 new, permanent broadband seismic stations along with results from a previous 29 temporary seismic stations and 3 existing global seismic stations in the region, a 3-D velocity model is developed using joint inversion of teleseismic receiver functions and surface waves. Both group and phase dispersion curves (Love and Rayleigh) were derived from regional and teleseismic events. Additional Rayleigh wave group dispersion curves weremore » determined using ambient noise correlation. Receiver functions were calculated using P arrivals from 789 teleseismic (30°–90°) earthquakes. The stacked receiver functions and surface wave dispersion curves were jointly inverted to yield the absolute shear wave velocity to a depth of 100 km at each station. The depths of major discontinuities (sediment-basement, crust-mantle, and lithosphere-asthenosphere) were inferred from the velocity-depth profiles at the location of each station. Distinct spatial variations in crustal and upper mantle shear velocities were observed. The Kura basin showed slow (~2.7–2.9 km/s) upper crustal (0–11 km) velocities but elevated (~3.8–3.9 km/s) velocities in the lower crust. The Anatolian plateau varied from ~3.1–3.2 in the upper crust to ~3.5–3.7 in the lower crust, while velocities in the Arabian plate (south of the Bitlis suture) were slightly faster (upper crust between 3.3 and 3.4 km/s and lower crust between 3.8 and 3.9 km/s). The depth of the Moho, which was estimated from the shear velocity profiles, was 35 km in the Arabian plate and increased northward to 54 km at the southern edge of the Greater Caucasus. Moho depths in the Kura and at the edge of the Caspian showed more spatial variability but ranged between 35 and 45 km. Upper mantle velocities were slow under the Anatolian plateau but increased to the south under the Arabian plate and to the east (4.3–4.4 km/s) under the Kura basin and Greater Caucasus. The areas of slow mantle coincided with the locations of Holocene volcanoes. Differences between Rayleigh and Love dispersions at long wavelengths reveal a pronounced variation in anisotropy between the Anatolian plateau and the Kura basin.« less

Lithospheric velocity structure of the Anatolian plateau-Caucasus-Caspian region

DOE PAGES

Gök, R.; Mellors, R. J.; Sandvol, E.; ...

2011-05-07

The Anatolian plateau-Caucasus-Caspian region is an area of complex lithospheric structure accompanied by large variations in seismic wave velocities. Despite the complexity of the region, little is known about the detailed lithospheric structure. Using data from 31 new, permanent broadband seismic stations along with results from a previous 29 temporary seismic stations and 3 existing global seismic stations in the region, a 3-D velocity model is developed using joint inversion of teleseismic receiver functions and surface waves. Both group and phase dispersion curves (Love and Rayleigh) were derived from regional and teleseismic events. Additional Rayleigh wave group dispersion curves weremore » determined using ambient noise correlation. Receiver functions were calculated using P arrivals from 789 teleseismic (30°–90°) earthquakes. The stacked receiver functions and surface wave dispersion curves were jointly inverted to yield the absolute shear wave velocity to a depth of 100 km at each station. The depths of major discontinuities (sediment-basement, crust-mantle, and lithosphere-asthenosphere) were inferred from the velocity-depth profiles at the location of each station. Distinct spatial variations in crustal and upper mantle shear velocities were observed. The Kura basin showed slow (~2.7–2.9 km/s) upper crustal (0–11 km) velocities but elevated (~3.8–3.9 km/s) velocities in the lower crust. The Anatolian plateau varied from ~3.1–3.2 in the upper crust to ~3.5–3.7 in the lower crust, while velocities in the Arabian plate (south of the Bitlis suture) were slightly faster (upper crust between 3.3 and 3.4 km/s and lower crust between 3.8 and 3.9 km/s). The depth of the Moho, which was estimated from the shear velocity profiles, was 35 km in the Arabian plate and increased northward to 54 km at the southern edge of the Greater Caucasus. Moho depths in the Kura and at the edge of the Caspian showed more spatial variability but ranged between 35 and 45 km. Upper mantle velocities were slow under the Anatolian plateau but increased to the south under the Arabian plate and to the east (4.3–4.4 km/s) under the Kura basin and Greater Caucasus. The areas of slow mantle coincided with the locations of Holocene volcanoes. Differences between Rayleigh and Love dispersions at long wavelengths reveal a pronounced variation in anisotropy between the Anatolian plateau and the Kura basin.« less

Evolution of Meso-Cenozoic lithospheric thermal-rheological structure in the Jiyang sub-basin, Bohai Bay Basin, eastern North China Craton

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xu, Wei; Qiu, Nansheng; Wang, Ye; Chang, Jian

2018-01-01

The Meso-Cenozoic lithospheric thermal-rheological structure and lithospheric strength evolution of the Jiyang sub-basin were modeled using thermal history, crustal structure, and rheological parameter data. Results indicate that the thermal-rheological structure of the Jiyang sub-basin has exhibited obvious rheological stratification and changes over time. During the Early Mesozoic, the uppermost portion of the upper crust, middle crust, and the top part of the upper mantle had a thick brittle layer. During the early Early Cretaceous, the top of the middle crust's brittle layer thinned because of lithosphere thinning and temperature increase, and the uppermost portion of the upper mantle was almost occupied by a ductile layer. During the late Early Cretaceous, the brittle layer of the middle crust and the upper mantle changed to a ductile one. Then, the uppermost portion of the middle crust changed to a thin brittle layer in the late Cretaceous. During the early Paleogene, the thin brittle layer of the middle crust became even thinner and shallower under the condition of crustal extension. Currently, with the decrease in lithospheric temperature, the top of the upper crust, middle crust, and the uppermost portion of the upper mantle are of a brittle layer. The total lithospheric strength and the effective elastic thickness ( T e) in Meso-Cenozoic indicate that the Jiyang sub-basin experienced two weakened stages: during the late Early Cretaceous and the early Paleogene. The total lithospheric strength (approximately 4-5 × 1013 N m-1) and T e (approximately 50-60 km) during the Early Mesozoic was larger than that after the Late Jurassic (2-7 × 1012 N m-1 and 19-39 km, respectively). The results also reflect the subduction, and rollback of Pacific plate is the geodynamic mechanism of the destruction of the eastern North China Craton.

Global thermal models of the lithosphere

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cammarano, F.; Guerri, M.

2017-12-01

Unraveling the thermal structure of the outermost shell of our planet is key for understanding its evolution. We obtain temperatures from interpretation of global shear-velocity (VS) models. Long-wavelength thermal structure is well determined by seismic models and only slightly affected by compositional effects and uncertainties in mineral-physics properties. Absolute temperatures and gradients with depth, however, are not well constrained. Adding constraints from petrology, heat-flow observations and thermal evolution of oceanic lithosphere help to better estimate absolute temperatures in the top part of the lithosphere. We produce global thermal models of the lithosphere at different spatial resolution, up to spherical-harmonics degree 24, and provide estimated standard deviations. We provide purely seismic thermal (TS) model and hybrid models where temperatures are corrected with steady-state conductive geotherms on continents and cooling model temperatures on oceanic regions. All relevant physical properties, with the exception of thermal conductivity, are based on a self-consistent thermodynamical modelling approach. Our global thermal models also include density and compressional-wave velocities (VP) as obtained either assuming no lateral variations in composition or a simple reference 3-D compositional structure, which takes into account a chemically depleted continental lithosphere. We found that seismically-derived temperatures in continental lithosphere fit well, overall, with continental geotherms, but a large variation in radiogenic heat is required to reconcile them with heat flow (long wavelength) observations. Oceanic shallow lithosphere below mid-oceanic ridges and young oceans is colder than expected, confirming the possible presence of a dehydration boundary around 80 km depth already suggested in previous studies. The global thermal models should serve as the basis to move at a smaller spatial scale, where additional thermo-chemical variations required by geophysical observations can be included.

Understanding lithospheric stresses in Arctic: constraints and models

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Medvedev, Sergei; Minakov, Alexander; Lebedeva-Ivanova, Nina; Gaina, Carmen

2016-04-01

This pilot project aims to model stress patterns and analyze factors controlling lithospheric stresses in Arctic. The project aims to understand the modern stresses in Arctic as well as to define the ways to test recent hypotheses about Cenozoic evolution of the region. The regions around Lomonosov Ridge and Barents Sea are of particular interest driven by recent acquisition of high-resolution potential field and seismic data. Naturally, the major contributor to the lithospheric stress distribution is the gravitational potential energy (GPE). The study tries to incorporate available geological and geophysical data to build reliable GPE. In particular, we use the recently developed integrated gravity inversion for crustal thickness which incorporates up-to-date compilations of gravity anomalies, bathymetry, and sedimentary thickness. The modelled lithosphere thermal structure assumes a pure shear extension and the ocean age model constrained by global plate kinematics for the last ca. 120 Ma. The results of this approach are juxtaposed with estimates of the density variation inferred from the upper mantle S-wave velocity models based on previous surface wave tomography studies. Although new data and interpretations of the Arctic lithosphere structure become available now, there are areas of low accuracy or even lack of data. To compensate for this, we compare two approaches to constrain GPE: (1) one that directly integrates density of modelled lithosphere and (2) one that uses geoid anomalies which are filtered to account for density variations down to the base of the lithosphere only. The two versions of GPE compared to each other and the stresses calculated numerically are compared with observations. That allows us to optimize GPE and understand density structure, stress pattern, and factors controlling the stresses in Arctic.

Effects of upper mantle heterogeneities on the lithospheric stress field and dynamic topography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Osei Tutu, Anthony; Steinberger, Bernhard; Sobolev, Stephan V.; Rogozhina, Irina; Popov, Anton A.

2018-05-01

The orientation and tectonic regime of the observed crustal/lithospheric stress field contribute to our knowledge of different deformation processes occurring within the Earth's crust and lithosphere. In this study, we analyze the influence of the thermal and density structure of the upper mantle on the lithospheric stress field and topography. We use a 3-D lithosphere-asthenosphere numerical model with power-law rheology, coupled to a spectral mantle flow code at 300 km depth. Our results are validated against the World Stress Map 2016 (WSM2016) and the observation-based residual topography. We derive the upper mantle thermal structure from either a heat flow model combined with a seafloor age model (TM1) or a global S-wave velocity model (TM2). We show that lateral density heterogeneities in the upper 300 km have a limited influence on the modeled horizontal stress field as opposed to the resulting dynamic topography that appears more sensitive to such heterogeneities. The modeled stress field directions, using only the mantle heterogeneities below 300 km, are not perturbed much when the effects of lithosphere and crust above 300 km are added. In contrast, modeled stress magnitudes and dynamic topography are to a greater extent controlled by the upper mantle density structure. After correction for the chemical depletion of continents, the TM2 model leads to a much better fit with the observed residual topography giving a good correlation of 0.51 in continents, but this correction leads to no significant improvement of the fit between the WSM2016 and the resulting lithosphere stresses. In continental regions with abundant heat flow data, TM1 results in relatively small angular misfits. For example, in western Europe the misfit between the modeled and observation-based stress is 18.3°. Our findings emphasize that the relative contributions coming from shallow and deep mantle dynamic forces are quite different for the lithospheric stress field and dynamic topography.

Piecewise delamination of Moroccan lithosphere from beneath the Atlas Mountains

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bezada, M. J.; Humphreys, E. D.; Davila, J. M.; Carbonell, R.; Harnafi, M.; Palomeras, I.; Levander, A.

2014-04-01

The elevation of the intracontinental Atlas Mountains of Morocco and surrounding regions requires a mantle component of buoyancy, and there is consensus that this buoyancy results from an abnormally thin lithosphere. Lithospheric delamination under the Atlas Mountains and thermal erosion caused by upwelling mantle have each been suggested as thinning mechanisms. We use seismic tomography to image the upper mantle of Morocco. Our imaging resolves the location and shape of lithospheric cavities and of delaminated lithosphere ˜400 km beneath the Middle Atlas. We propose discontinuous delamination of an intrinsically unstable Atlas lithosphere, enabled by the presence of anomalously hot mantle, as a mechanism for producing the imaged structures. The Atlas lithosphere was made unstable by a combination of tectonic shortening and eclogite loading during Mesozoic rifting and Cenozoic magmatism. The presence of hot mantle sourced from regional upwellings in northern Africa or the Canary Islands enhanced the instability of this lithosphere. Flow around the retreating Alboran slab focused upwelling mantle under the Middle Atlas, which we infer to be the site of the most recent delamination. The Atlas Mountains of Morocco stand as an example of large-scale lithospheric loss in a mildly contractional orogen.

South China Sea crustal thickness and lithosphere thinning from satellite gravity inversion incorporating a lithospheric thermal gravity anomaly correction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kusznir, Nick; Gozzard, Simon; Alvey, Andy

2016-04-01

The distribution of ocean crust and lithosphere within the South China Sea (SCS) are controversial. Sea-floor spreading re-orientation and ridge jumps during the Oligocene-Miocene formation of the South China Sea led to the present complex distribution of oceanic crust, thinned continental crust, micro-continents and volcanic ridges. We determine Moho depth, crustal thickness and continental lithosphere thinning (1- 1/beta) for the South China Sea using a gravity inversion method which incorporates a lithosphere thermal gravity anomaly correction (Chappell & Kusznir, 2008). The gravity inversion method provides a prediction of ocean-continent transition structure and continent-ocean boundary location which is independent of ocean isochron information. A correction is required for the lithosphere thermal gravity anomaly in order to determine Moho depth accurately from gravity inversion; the elevated lithosphere geotherm of the young oceanic and rifted continental margin lithosphere of the South China Sea produces a large lithosphere thermal gravity anomaly which in places exceeds -150 mGal. The gravity anomaly inversion is carried out in the 3D spectral domain (using Parker 1972) to determine 3D Moho geometry and invokes Smith's uniqueness theorem. The gravity anomaly contribution from sediments assumes a compaction controlled sediment density increase with depth. The gravity inversion includes a parameterization of the decompression melting model of White & McKenzie (1999) to predict volcanic addition generated during continental breakup lithosphere thinning and seafloor spreading. Public domain free air gravity anomaly, bathymetry and sediment thickness data are used in this gravity inversion. Using crustal thickness and continental lithosphere thinning factor maps with superimposed shaded-relief free-air gravity anomaly, we improve the determination of pre-breakup rifted margin conjugacy, rift orientation and sea-floor spreading trajectory. SCS conjugate margins are highly asymmetric and have several striking features such as the Macclesfield Bank, Xisha Trough, Reed Bank and Dangerous Grounds. Thin continental crust is predicted extending westwards from thin oceanic crust north of Macclesfield Bank into the Quiondongnan (QDN) basin and is interpreted as being generated ahead of westward propagating sea-floor spreading most in the Oligocene. Further south, highly thinned continental crust or possibly serpentinised exhumed mantle is predicted in the Phu Khanh Basin. Ahead of the failed propagating tip of seafloor spreading, offshore southern Vietnam, thinned continental crust is predicted for the Cuu Long and Nam Con Son Basins. Crustal thicknesses from gravity inversion confirms that the southern margin of the SCS consists of fragmented blocks of thinned continental crust separated by thinner regions of continental crust that have undergone higher degrees of stretching and thinning. The Reed Bank is predicted to have a crustal thickness of 20 to 25km, similar to that of Macclesfield Bank. The Dangerous Grounds, west of the Reed Bank, are also predicted to consist of continental crust. This region has been thinned to a higher degree than the Reed Bank, with continental crustal thickness ranging between 10 and 20km thick.

Model for the Evolution of an Oceanic Core Complex and its Hydrothermal Vent on the Ultraslow-Spreading Mid Cayman Spreading Center

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Harding, J.; Van Avendonk, H. J.; Hayman, N. W.; Grevemeyer, I.; Peirce, C.

2016-12-01

The Mid Cayman Spreading Center (MCSC) is an ultraslow-spreading center (15 mm yr-1 full rate) along the Caribbean-North American plate boundary. Despite the paradigm that ultraslow-spreading centers are amagmatic and cold, two hydrothermal vent fields have recently been discovered along the MCSC. The Beebe Vent Field is a black smoker in the northern axial deep, and the Von Damm Vent Field (VDVF) is a moderate-temperature, talc precipitating vent found atop an oceanic core complex (OCC). This OCC, "Mt. Dent", is a large (3 km high) massif that formed beneath a detachment fault, which exhumed lower crustal and upper mantle material. The CaySeis Experiment was conducted in April, 2015 in order to collect wide-angle refraction data of the MCSC crust and upper mantle. We modeled the across-axis crustal structure of Mt. Dent as well as the surrounding lithosphere using 2.5D P-wave tomography. Using this tomographic model, along with geochemistry, we propose a model for the formation and evolution of the OCC Mt. Dent and the VDVF. A detachment fault formed in a magma-poor environment due to a pulse of magmatism, producing a large gabbro body that was then exhumed and rotated into the OCC footwall. Once magmatism waned and the gabbroic body cooled, the OCC was faulted and fractured due to plate flexure and increased tectonic extensional stress in the naturally cold and thick lithosphere. These faults provide a permeable and deep network of hydrothermal pathways that mine deep lithospheric heat and expose gabbro and fresh mantle peridotite. This model is consistent with the basalt geochemistry, hydrothermal fluid geochemistry, and the distribution of brittle vs. ductile structures along the detachment shear zone. The VDVF is therefore a product of a pulse of magmatism in an overall melt-poor environment, conditions that may be found at other ultraslow-spreading ridges.

Mantle dynamics and seismic tomography

PubMed Central

Tanimoto, Toshiro; Lay, Thorne

2000-01-01

Three-dimensional imaging of the Earth's interior, called seismic tomography, has achieved breakthrough advances in the last two decades, revealing fundamental geodynamical processes throughout the Earth's mantle and core. Convective circulation of the entire mantle is taking place, with subducted oceanic lithosphere sinking into the lower mantle, overcoming the resistance to penetration provided by the phase boundary near 650-km depth that separates the upper and lower mantle. The boundary layer at the base of the mantle has been revealed to have complex structure, involving local stratification, extensive structural anisotropy, and massive regions of partial melt. The Earth's high Rayleigh number convective regime now is recognized to be much more interesting and complex than suggested by textbook cartoons, and continued advances in seismic tomography, geodynamical modeling, and high-pressure–high-temperature mineral physics will be needed to fully quantify the complex dynamics of our planet's interior. PMID:11035784

Structure and tectonics of the northwestern United States from EarthScope USArray magnetotelluric data

USGS Publications Warehouse

Bedrosian, Paul A.; Feucht, Daniel W.

2014-01-01

The magnetotelluric component of the EarthScope USArray program has covered over 35% of the continental United States. Resistivity tomography models derived from these data image lithospheric structure and provide constraints on the distribution of fluids and melt within the lithosphere. We present a three-dimensional resistivity model of the northwestern United States which provides new insight into the tectonic assembly of western North America from the Archean to present. Comparison with seismic tomography models reveals regions of correlated and anti-correlated resistivity and velocity that help identify thermal and compositional variations within the lithosphere. Recent (Neogene) tectonic features reflected in the model include the subducting Juan de Fuca–Gorda plate which can be traced beneath the forearc to more than 100 km depth, high lithospheric conductivity along the Snake River Plain, and pronounced lower-crustal and upper-mantle conductivity beneath the Basin and Range. The latter is abruptly terminated to the northwest by the Klamath–Blue Mountains Lineament, which we interpret as an important structure during and since the Mesozoic assembly of the region. This boundary is interpreted to separate hot extended lithosphere from colder, less extended lithosphere. The western edge of Proterozoic North America, as indicated by the Cretaceous initial 87Sr/86Sr = 0.706 contour, is clearly reflected in the resistivity model. We further image an Archean crustal block (“Pend Oreille block”) straddling the Washington/Idaho border, which we speculate separated from the Archean Medicine Hat block in the Proterozoic. Finally, in the modern Cascades forearc, the geometry and internal structure of the Eocene Siletz terrane is reflected in the resistivity model. The apparent eastern edge of the Siletz terrane under the Cascades arc suggests that pre-Tertiary rocks fill the Washington and Oregon back-arc.

Crustal and mantle structure of the greater Jan Mayen-East Greenland region (NE Atlantic) from combined 3D structural, S-wave velocity, and gravity modeling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tan, P.; Sippel, J.; Scheck-Wenderoth, M.; Meeßen, C.; Breivik, A. J.

2016-12-01

The study area is located between the Jan Mayen Ridge and the east coast of Greenland. It has a complex geological setting with the ultraslow Kolbeinsey and Mohn's spreading ridges, the anomalously shallow Eggvin Bank, the Jan Mayen Microcontinent (JMMC), and the tectonically active West Jan Mayen Fracture Zone (WJMFZ). In this study, we present the results of forward 3D structural, S-wave velocity, and gravity modeling which provide new insights into the deep crust and mantle structure and the wide-ranging influence of the Iceland Plume. The crustal parts of the presented 3D structural model are mainly constrained by local seismic refraction and reflection data. Accordingly, greatest crustal thicknesses (24 km) are observed on the northern boundary of the JMMC, while the average crustal thickness is 8.5 km and 4 km in the Kolbeinsey and Mohn's Ridge, respectively. The densities of the crustal parts are from previous studies. Additionally, the mantle density is derived from S-wave velocity data (between 50 and 250 km depth), while densities of the lithospheric mantle between the Moho and 50 km are calculated assuming isostatic equilibrium at 250 km depth. This is used as a starting density model which is further developed to obtain a reasonable fit between the calculated and measured (free-air) gravity fields. The observed S-wave tomographic data and the gravity modeling prove that the Iceland plume anomaly in the asthenosphere affects the lithospheric thickness and temperature, from the strongly influenced Middle Kolbeinsey Ridge, to the less affected North Kolbeinsey Ridge (Eggvin Bank), and to the little impacted Mohn's Ridge. Thus, the age-temperature relations of the different mid-ocean ridges of the study area are perturbed to different degrees controlled by the distance from the Iceland Plume. Furthermore, we find that the upper 50 km of lithospheric mantle are thermally affected by the plume only in the southwestern parts of the study area.

Active faults of the Baikal depression

USGS Publications Warehouse

Levi, K.G.; Miroshnichenko, A.I.; San'kov, V. A.; Babushkin, S.M.; Larkin, G.V.; Badardinov, A.A.; Wong, H.K.; Colman, S.; Delvaux, D.

1997-01-01

The Baikal depression occupies a central position in the system of the basins of the Baikal Rift Zone and corresponds to the nucleus from which the continental lithosphere began to open. For different reasons, the internal structure of the Lake Baikal basin remained unknown for a long time. In this article, we present for the first time a synthesis of the data concerning the structure of the sedimentary section beneath Lake Baikal, which were obtained by complex seismic and structural investigations, conducted mainly from 1989 to 1992. We make a brief description of the most interesting seismic profiles which provide a rough idea of a sedimentary unit structure, present a detailed structural interpretation and show the relationship between active faults in the lake, heat flow anomalies and recent hydrothermalism.

Application of MAGSAT to lithospheric modeling in South America

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Keller, G. R.; Lidiak, E. G. (Principal Investigator)

1983-01-01

Progress in the determination of relations of MAGSAT anomalies to lithospheric structures is reported. The prime emphasis was on a Rayleigh wave study and the determination of both group and phase velocity dispersion.

3-D electrical structure across the Yadong-Gulu rift revealed by magnetotelluric data: New insights on the extension of the upper crust and the geometry of the underthrusting Indian lithospheric slab in southern Tibet

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Gang; Wei, Wenbo; Ye, Gaofeng; Jin, Sheng; Jing, Jianen; Zhang, Letian; Dong, Hao; Xie, Chengliang; Omisore, Busayo O.; Guo, Zeqiu

2017-09-01

The approximately north-south trending Cenozoic Yadong-Gulu rift (YGR) in the eastern Lhasa block is an ideal location to investigate the extensional kinematic mechanism of the upper crust and the deformation characteristics of the Indian lithospheric slab in southern Tibet. The magnetotelluric (MT) method has been widely used in probing subsurface structures at lithospheric scale and is sensitive to high electrically conductive body (conductor). A three-dimensional (3-D) inversion of MT data was conducted to derive the east-west electrical structures across the northern segment of the YGR. The result reveals that the conductors in the middle crust are not continuous in the east-west direction. The deep conductor underneath the YGR is interpreted to result from the tearing of the Indian lithospheric slab. The upper crust to the east of the YGR is significantly intruded by underlying conductors. Based on the features of the 3-D inversion result from this study and other geophysical observations, the formation of the YGR is most likely caused by tearing of the Indian lithospheric slab through the pull of mid-lower crustal conductors that have locally weak strength beneath the YGR.

Impact of lithospheric rheology on surface topography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liao, K.; Becker, T. W.

2017-12-01

The expression of mantle flow such as due to a buoyant plume as surface topography is a classical problem, yet the role of rheological complexities could benefit from further exploration. Here, we investigate the topographic expressions of mantle flow by means of numerical and analytical approaches. In numerical modeling, both conventional, free-slip and more realistic, stress-free boundary conditions are applied. For purely viscous rheology, a high viscosity lithosphere will lead to slight overestimates of topography for certain settings, which can be understood by effectively modified boundary conditions. Under stress-free conditions, numerical and analytical results show that the magnitude of dynamic topography decreases with increasing lithosphere thickness (L) and viscosity (ηL), as L-1 and ηL-3. The wavelength of dynamic topography increases linearly with L and (ηL/ ηM) 1/3. We also explore the time-dependent interactions of a rising plume with the lithosphere. For a layered lithosphere with a decoupling weak lower crust embedded between stronger upper crust and lithospheric mantle, dynamic topography increases with a thinner and weaker lower crust. The dynamic topography saturates when the decoupling viscosity is 3-4 orders lower than the viscosity of upper crust and lithospheric mantle. We further explore the role of visco-elastic and visco-elasto-plastic rheologies.

Olivine anisotropy suggests Gutenberg discontinuity is not the base of the lithosphere

PubMed Central

Qi, Chao; Warren, Jessica M.

2016-01-01

Tectonic plates are a key feature of Earth’s structure, and their behavior and dynamics are fundamental drivers in a wide range of large-scale processes. The operation of plate tectonics, in general, depends intimately on the manner in which lithospheric plates couple to the convecting interior. Current debate centers on whether the transition from rigid lithosphere to flowing asthenosphere relates to increases in temperature or to changes in composition such as the presence of a small amount of melt or an increase in water content below a specified depth. Thus, the manner in which the rigid lithosphere couples to the flowing asthenosphere is currently unclear. Here we present results from laboratory-based torsion experiments on olivine aggregates with and without melt, yielding an improved database describing the crystallographic alignment of olivine grains. We combine this database with a flow model for oceanic upper mantle to predict the structure of the seismic anisotropy beneath ocean basins. Agreement between our model and seismological observations supports the view that the base of the lithosphere is thermally controlled. This model additionally supports the idea that discontinuities in velocity and anisotropy, often assumed to be the base of the lithosphere, are, instead, intralithospheric features reflecting a compositional boundary established at midocean ridges, not a rheological boundary. PMID:27606485

3D joint inversion modeling of the lithospheric density structure based on gravity, geoid and topography data — Application to the Alborz Mountains (Iran) and South Caspian Basin region

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Motavalli-Anbaran, Seyed-Hani; Zeyen, Hermann; Ebrahimzadeh Ardestani, Vahid

2013-02-01

We present a 3D algorithm to obtain the density structure of the lithosphere from joint inversion of free air gravity, geoid and topography data based on a Bayesian approach with Gaussian probability density functions. The algorithm delivers the crustal and lithospheric thicknesses and the average crustal density. Stabilization of the inversion process may be obtained through parameter damping and smoothing as well as use of a priori information like crustal thicknesses from seismic profiles. The algorithm is applied to synthetic models in order to demonstrate its usefulness. A real data application is presented for the area of northern Iran (with the Alborz Mountains as main target) and the South Caspian Basin. The resulting model shows an important crustal root (up to 55 km) under the Alborz Mountains and a thin crust (ca. 30 km) under the southernmost South Caspian Basin thickening northward to the Apsheron-Balkan Sill to 45 km. Central and NW Iran is underlain by a thin lithosphere (ca. 90-100 km). The lithosphere thickens under the South Caspian Basin until the Apsheron-Balkan Sill where it reaches more than 240 km. Under the stable Turan platform, we find a lithospheric thickness of 160-180 km.

Olivine anisotropy suggests Gutenberg discontinuity is not the base of the lithosphere.

PubMed

Hansen, Lars N; Qi, Chao; Warren, Jessica M

2016-09-20

Tectonic plates are a key feature of Earth's structure, and their behavior and dynamics are fundamental drivers in a wide range of large-scale processes. The operation of plate tectonics, in general, depends intimately on the manner in which lithospheric plates couple to the convecting interior. Current debate centers on whether the transition from rigid lithosphere to flowing asthenosphere relates to increases in temperature or to changes in composition such as the presence of a small amount of melt or an increase in water content below a specified depth. Thus, the manner in which the rigid lithosphere couples to the flowing asthenosphere is currently unclear. Here we present results from laboratory-based torsion experiments on olivine aggregates with and without melt, yielding an improved database describing the crystallographic alignment of olivine grains. We combine this database with a flow model for oceanic upper mantle to predict the structure of the seismic anisotropy beneath ocean basins. Agreement between our model and seismological observations supports the view that the base of the lithosphere is thermally controlled. This model additionally supports the idea that discontinuities in velocity and anisotropy, often assumed to be the base of the lithosphere, are, instead, intralithospheric features reflecting a compositional boundary established at midocean ridges, not a rheological boundary.

The lithosphere of the Antarctic continent: new insights from satellite gravity gradient data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ferraccioli, Fausto; Ebbing, Jorg; Pappa, Folker; Kern, Michael; Forsberg, Rene

2017-04-01

The GOCE+Antarctica project, part of the Support to Science (STSE) program of the European Space Agency (ESA) is a new polar geosciences research initiative that aims to investigate the thermal and compositional structure of the Antarctic lithosphere by combing satellite gravity gradients (Bouman et al., 2016), airborne gravity data compilations (Scheinert et al., 2016), seismological (e.g. An et al., 2015) and petrological models in a forward and inverse manner. This approach promises to shed new light into the fundamental interplays between Antarctic lithospheric architecture, bedrock topography, ice sheet dynamics, and also its dynamic relations with Glacial Isostatic Adjustment (GIA). Here we focus on the satellite gravity gradient signatures and superimpose these on major known tectonic and bedrock topography elements, as well as independent seismically-derived estimates of crustal thickness for the Antarctic continent. An ad hoc India up reference system was used to facilitate the initial interpretation of the satellite gravity gradient data images. The GIU component clearly reveals the marked contrast between the thinner crust and lithosphere underlying the West Antarctic Rift System and also the Weddell Sea Rift System and the thicker lithosphere of East Antarctica. Notably, the new images suggests that more distributed wide-mode lithospheric and crustal extension affects the Ross Sea Embayment and continues under the Ross Ice Shelf, but this pattern is less clear towards the Bellingshousen Embayment. This suggests that the rift system narrows considerably as it reaches the southern edge of the Antarctic Peninsula, perhaps also in response to the relatively thicker crust and potentially relatively more rigid Precambrian lithosphere of the displaced Haag-Ellsworth block, which was originally located closer to East Antarctica, prior to distributed Jurassic lithospheric and crustal extension in the Weddell Sea Rift System. In East Antarctica, the satellite gravity data arguably provides one the clearest large-scale views to date of the potential extent of the Archean to Mesoproterozoic Terre Adelie Craton, and clearly shows the contrast wrt to the crust and lithosphere underlying both the Wilkes Subglacial Basin to the east and the Sabrina Subglacial Basin to the west. This finding corroborates and also augments recent independent interpretations of aeromagnetic and airborne gravity data over the region, suggesting that the Mawson Continent is a composite lithospheric-scale entity, which was affected by several Paleoproterozoic and Mesoproterozoic orogenic events (Aitken et al., 2016). Thick crust is clearly imaged beneath the Transantarctic Mountains, the Terre Adelie Craton, the Gamburtsev Subglacial Mountains and also Eastern Dronning Maud Land, in particular beneath the recently proposed region of the Tonian Oceanic Arc Superterrane (Jacobs et al., 2015). The GIA and GIU components help delineate the edges of several of these lithospheric provinces, both in West and East Antarctica. One of the largest and previously unknown lithospheric-scale features discovered in East Antarctica from the satellite gravity gradient images is a linear feature that appears to cut across East Antarctica, potentially extending from the area of the Lutzow Holm Complex on the Indian side of East Antarctica right across the continent to South Pole. We name this feature the Trans East Antarctic Shear Zone and propose that it represents a major lithospheric scale shear zone and possibly a major suture zone that separates the Gamburtsev Province from the Eastern Dronning Maud Land Province and also appears to form the southern boundary of the composite Recovery Province. We infer based on geological data in the Lutzow Holm Complex region and formerly adjacent segments of India and Madagascar and eastern Africa that it may represent a major hitherto unrecongnised Pan-African age suture zone related to the assembly of the Gondwana supercontinent. New aerogeophysical surveys in interior East Antarctica, between the Recovery region, the Gamburtsev Province and the southern edge of the Eastern Dronning Maud Province are however required to investigate the detailed crustal architecture, evolution and also kinematics of this newly proposed shear/suture zone and to help understand its relationships with the previously proposed Gamburtsev and Shackleton Range suture zones.

Three-dimensional lithospheric electrical structure of Southern Granulite Terrain, India and its tectonic implications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Patro, Prasanta K.; Sarma, S. V. S.; Naganjaneyulu, K.

2014-01-01

crustal as well as the upper mantle lithospheric electrical structure of the Southern Granulite Terrain (SGT) is evaluated, using the magnetotelluric (MT) data from two parallel traverses: one is an 500 km long N-S trending traverse across SGT and another a 200 km long traverse. Data space Occam 3-D inversion was used to invert the MT data. The electrical characterization of lithospheric structure in SGT shows basically a highly resistive (several thousands of Ohm meters) upper crustal layer overlying a moderately resistive (a few hundred Ohm meters) lower crustal layer which in turn is underlain by the upper mantle lithosphere whose resistivity shows significant changes along the traverse. The highly resistive upper crustal layer is interspersed with four major conductive features with three of them cutting across the crustal column, bringing out a well-defined crustal block structure in SGT with individual highly resistive blocks showing correspondence to the geologically demarcated Salem, Madurai, and Trivandrum blocks. The 3-D model also brought out a well-defined major crustal conductor located in the northern half of the Madurai block. The electrical characteristics of this south dipping conductor and its close spatial correlation with two of the major structural elements, viz., Karur-Oddanchatram-Kodaikanal Shear Zone and Karur-Kamban-Painavu-Trichur Shear Zone, suggest that this conductive feature is closely linked to the subduction-collision tectonic processes in the SGT, and it is inferred that the Archean Dharwar craton/neoproterozoic SGT terrain boundary lies south of the Palghat-Cauvery shear zone. The results also showed that the Achankovil shear zone is characterized by a well-defined north dipping conductive feature. The resistive block adjoining this conductor on the southern side, representing the Trivandrum block, is shown to be downthrown along this north dipping crustal conductor relative to the Madurai block, suggesting a northward movement of Trivandrum block colliding against the Madurai block. The lithospheric upper mantle electrical structure of the SGT up to a depth of 100 km may be broadly divided into two distinctly different segments, viz., northern and southern segments. The northern lithospheric segment, over a major part, is characterized by a thick resistive upper mantle, while the southern one is characterized by a dominantly conductive medium suggesting a relatively thinned lithosphere in the southern segment.

Deep seismic reflection evidence for ancient subduction and collision zones within the continental lithosphere of northwestern Europe

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Balling, N.

2000-12-01

Deep seismic profiling experiments in the region of NW Europe (including BABEL in the Gulf of Bothnia and the Baltic Sea, Mobil Search in the Skagerrak and MONA LISA in the North Sea) have demonstrated the existence of seismic reflectors in the mantle lithosphere beneath the Baltic Shield, the Tornquist Zone and the North Sea basins. Different sets of reflectors are observed, notably dipping and sub-horizontal. Dipping, distinct reflectivity, which may be followed from Moho/Moho offsets into the deeper parts of the continental lithosphere, is of special interest because of its tectonic and geodynamic significance. Such reflectivity, observed in several places, dipping 15-35° and covering a depth range of 30-90 km, constrained by surface geological information and radiometric age data, is interpreted to represent fossil, ancient subduction and collison zones. Subduction slabs with remnant oceanic basaltic crust transformed into eclogite is assumed, in particular, to generate deep seismic reflectivity. Deep seismic evidence is presented for subduction, crustal accretion and collision processes with inferred ages from 1.9 to 1.1 Ga from the main structural provinces within the Baltic Shield including Svecofennian, Transscandinavian Igneous Belt, Gothian and Sveconorwegian. Along the southwestern border of Baltica (in the southeastern North Sea) south-dipping crustal and sub-crustal reflectivity is observed down to a depth of about 90 km, close to the lithosphere-asthenosphere boundary. These structures are interpreted to reveal a lithosphere-scale Caledonian (ca. 440 Ma) suture zone resulting from the closure of the Tornquist Sea/Thor Ocean and the amalgamation of Baltica and Eastern Avalonia. These results demonstrate that deep structures within the continental lithosphere, originating from early crust-forming plate tectonic processes, may survive for a very long time and form seismic marker reflectivity of great value in geotectonic interpretation and reconstructions. Furthermore, the depth of dipping reflectivity from ancient structures, such as subduction slabs, significantly contributes information about the thickness of the coherent lithosphere. The seismic observations and our interpretations support plate tectonic and structural models, suggesting crustal growth and amalgamation of tectonic units in the Baltic Shield and along its southwestern margin generally from the northeast (in present-day orientation) towards the southwest and west, likely to result in regional deep structural and tectonic age zonations.

The Effect of Lithospheric Discontinuities on the Composition of Lavas From the Northern Galápagos Platform Extension

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schlitzer, W.; Harpp, K. S.; Mittelstaedt, E. L.; Kurz, M. D.; Geist, D.

2011-12-01

The platform supporting the Galápagos Archipelago extends ~50 km NW toward the Galápagos Spreading Center (GSC) into the Northern Galapagos Volcanic Province (NGVP), where it underlies Pinta, Marchena, and Genovesa Islands. Approximately 45 km north of Pinta is the southern termination of a ~100-km long transform fault, at 90o50'W. The seafloor surrounding the NGVP was surveyed and dredged during the 2010 MV1007 and 2001 DRIFT04 cruises. All the large volcanoes, including the islands, have elongate bathymetric footprints with extensive submarine ridges. Lavas from this small region (<150 km in diameter) exhibit isotopic and trace element signatures that span the compositional range of the entire Galápagos Archipelago. Pinta and its submarine extension have the most enriched signatures, whereas at the eastern end of the platform extension, Genovesa is indistinguishable from normal MORB. Samples dredged around Pinta and Marchena have intermediate compositions. In contrast, lavas from the adjacent transform fault are more depleted than those from Genovesa and anywhere along the GSC for hundreds of km in both directions. Lavas from this region exhibit a range of 3He/4He (6.5-9.5 Ra), significantly lower than the high 3He/4He signature of material erupted by the plume-rich western Galápagos shield volcanoes (>25 Ra). Whereas the compositions of lavas erupted on the Nazca Plate in the NGVP require 3 or more distinct mantle endmembers to explain their compositions, our data indicate that the platform extension region only requires components previously described for the Galápagos Islands. In addition, Sm/Yb decreases abruptly along an E-W transect from Pinta to Genovesa. Gibson and Geist (2010) concluded that Sm/Yb ratios reflect variations in surface wave velocities (Villagomez et al., 2007), enabling them to predict lithospheric thickness. We apply the relationship defined by Gibson and Geist to map lithospheric thickness across our study area. Our results suggest that the lithosphere (and thus minimum melt generation depth) gets progressively shallower from Pinta to Genovesa; this phenomenon may explain unexpected Holocene volcanism in the NGVP. The wide range in Sm/Yb further suggests a complex lithospheric structure underlying the platform extension, which we propose reflects formation of the adjacent GSC transform fault within the last ~3 Ma, possibly through a series of ridge jumps as suggested by modeling of new magnetic data. We propose a model in which heterogeneous plume material with enriched and depleted components (Ito and Mahoney, 2005) is migrating toward the GSC along the base of the lithosphere, having previously lost its primordial helium signature during deep melting near the western shield volcanoes. As the material crosses the complex lithospheric thickness variations in the NGVP, melt generation becomes progressively shallower. The enriched compositions at Pinta thus result from limited, deep melting of enriched compositions owing to a thick lithospheric cap. East of Pinta, the plume melts more extensively and to shallower depths, producing progressively depleted signatures toward Genovesa.

Anomalous Structure of Oceanic Lithosphere in the North Atlantic and Arctic Oceans: A Preliminary Analysis Based on Bathymetry, Gravity and Crustal Structure

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Barantsrva, O.

2014-12-01

We present a preliminary analysis of the crustal and upper mantle structure for off-shore regions in the North Atlantic and Arctic oceans. These regions have anomalous oceanic lithosphere: the upper mantle of the North Atlantic ocean is affected by the Iceland plume, while the Arctic ocean has some of the slowest spreading rates. Our specific goal is to constrain the density structure of the upper mantle in order to understand the links between the deep lithosphere dynamics, ocean spreading, ocean floor bathymetry, heat flow and structure of the oceanic lithosphere in the regions where classical models of evolution of the oceanic lithosphere may not be valid. The major focus is on the oceanic lithosphere, but the Arctic shelves with a sufficient data coverage are also included into the analysis. Out major interest is the density structure of the upper mantle, and the analysis is based on the interpretation of GOCE satellite gravity data. To separate gravity anomalies caused by subcrustal anomalous masses, the gravitational effect of water, crust and the deep mantle is removed from the observed gravity field. For bathymetry we use the global NOAA database ETOPO1. The crustal correction to gravity is based on two crustal models: (1) global model CRUST1.0 (Laske, 2013) and, for a comparison, (2) a regional seismic model EUNAseis (Artemieva and Thybo, 2013). The crustal density structure required for the crustal correction is constrained from Vp data. Previous studies have shown that a large range of density values corresponds to any Vp value. To overcome this problem and to reduce uncertainty associated with the velocity-density conversion, we account for regional tectonic variations in the Northern Atlantics as constrained by numerous published seismic profiles and potential-field models across the Norwegian off-shore crust (e.g. Breivik et al., 2005, 2007), and apply different Vp-density conversions for different parts of the region. We present preliminary results, which we use to examine factors that control variations in bathymetry, sedimentary and crustal thicknesses in these anomalous oceanic domains.

Constraints on Composition, Structure and Evolution of the Lithosphere

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bianchini, Gianluca; Bonadiman, Costanza; Aulbach, Sonja; Schutt, Derek

2015-05-01

The idea for this special issue was triggered at the Goldschmidt Conference held in Florence (August 25-30, 2013), where we convened a session titled "Integrated Geophysical-Geochemical Constraints on Composition and Structure of the Lithosphere". The invitation to contribute was extended not only to the session participants but also to a wider spectrum of colleagues working on related topics. Consequently, a diverse group of Earth scientists encompassing geophysicists, geodynamicists, geochemists and petrologists contributed to this Volume, providing a comprehensive overview on the nature and evolution of lithospheric mantle by combining studies that exploit different types of data and interpretative approaches. The integration of geochemical and geodynamic datasets and their interpretation represents the state of the art in our knowledge of the lithosphere and beyond, and could serve as a blueprint for future strategies in concept and methodology to advance our knowledge of this and other terrestrial reservoirs.

Continent-arc collision in the Banda Arc imaged by ambient noise tomography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Porritt, Robert W.; Miller, Meghan S.; O'Driscoll, Leland J.; Harris, Cooper W.; Roosmawati, Nova; Teofilo da Costa, Luis

2016-09-01

The tectonic configuration of the Banda region in southeast Asia captures the spatial transition from subduction of Indian Ocean lithosphere to subduction and collision of the Australian continental lithosphere beneath the Banda Arc. An ongoing broadband seismic deployment funded by NSF is aimed at better understanding the mantle and lithospheric structure in the region and the relationship of the arc-continent collision to orogenesis. Here, we present results from ambient noise tomography in the region utilizing this temporary deployment of 30 broadband instruments and 39 permanent stations in Indonesia, Timor Leste, and Australia. We measure dispersion curves for over 21,000 inter-station paths resulting in good recovery of the velocity structure of the crust and upper mantle beneath the Savu Sea, Timor Leste, and the Nusa Tenggara Timur (NTT) region of Indonesia. The resulting three dimensional model indicates up to ∼25% variation in shear velocity throughout the plate boundary region; first-order velocity anomalies are associated with the subducting oceanic lithosphere, subducted Australian continental lithosphere, obducted oceanic sediments forming the core of the island of Timor, and high velocity anomalies in the Savu Sea and Sumba. The structure in Sumba and the Savu Sea is consistent with an uplifting forearc sliver. Beneath the island of Timor, we confirm earlier inferences of pervasive crustal duplexing from surface mapping, and establish a link to underlying structural features in the lowermost crust and uppermost mantle that drive upper crustal shortening. Finally, our images of the volcanic arc under Flores, Wetar, and Alor show high velocity structures of the Banda Terrane, but also a clear low velocity anomaly at the transition between subduction of oceanic and continental lithosphere. Given that the footprint of the Banda Terrane has previously been poorly defined, this model provides important constraints on tectonic reconstructions that formerly have lacked information on the lower crust and uppermost mantle.

Patterns of brittle deformation under extension on Venus

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Neumann, G. A.; Zuber, M. T.

1994-01-01

The development of fractures at regular length scales is a widespread feature of Venusian tectonics. Models of lithospheric deformation under extension based on non-Newtonian viscous flow and brittle-plastic flow develop localized failure at preferred wavelengths that depend on lithospheric thickness and stratification. The characteristic wavelengths seen in rift zones and tessera can therefore provide constraints on crustal and thermal structure. Analytic solutions were obtained for growth rates in infinitesimal perturbations imposed on a one-dimensional, layered rheology. Brittle layers were approximated by perfectly-plastic, uniform strength, overlying ductile layers exhibiting thermally-activated power-law creep. This study investigates the formation of faults under finite amounts of extension, employing a finite-element approach. Our model incorporates non-linear viscous rheology and a Coulomb failure envelope. An initial perturbation in crustal thickness gives rise to necking instabilities. A small amount of velocity weakening serves to localize deformation into planar regions of high strain rate. Such planes are analogous to normal faults seen in terrestrial rift zones. These 'faults' evolve to low angle under finite extension. Fault spacing, orientation and location, and the depth to the brittle-ductile transition, depend in a complex way on lateral variations in crustal thickness. In general, we find that multiple wavelengths of deformation can arise from the interaction of crustal and mantle lithosphere.

Plume-induced continental break-up from Red Sea to Lake Malawi: 3D numerical models of the East African Rift System

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Koptev, Alexander; Burov, Evgueni; Calais, Eric; Leroy, Sylvie; Gerya, Taras; Cloetingh, Sierd; Guillou-Frottier, Laurent

2017-04-01

We use numerical thermo-mechanical experiments in order to analyze the role of active mantle plume, far-field tectonic stresses and pre-existing lithospheric heterogeneities in structural development of the East African Rift system (EARS). It is commonly assumed that the Cenozoic rifts have avoided the cratons and follow the mobile belts which serve as the weakest pathways within the non-uniform material structured during pre-rift stages. Structural control of the pre-existing heterogeneities within the Proterozoic belts at the scale of individual faults or rifts has been demonstrated as well. However, the results of our numerical experiments show that the formation of two rift zones on opposite sides of a thick lithosphere segment can be explained without appealing to pre-imposed heterogeneities at the crustal level. These models have provided a unified physical framework to understand the development of the Eastern branch, the Western branch and its southern prolongation by the Malawi rift around thicker lithosphere of the Tanzanian and Bangweulu cratons as a result of the interaction between pre-stressed continental lithosphere and single mantle plume anomaly corresponding to the Kenyan plume. The second series of experiments has been designed in order to investigate northern segment of the EARS where Afro-Arabian plate separation is supposed to be related with the impact of Afar mantle plume. We demonstrate that whereas relatively simple linear rift structures are preferred in case of uni-directional extension, more complex rifting patterns combining one or several ridge-ridge-ridge triple junctions can form in response to bi-directional extensional far-field stresses. In particular, our models suggest that Afar triple junction represents an end-member mode of plume-induced bi-directional rifting combining asymmetrical northward traction and symmetrical EW extension of similar magnitudes. The presence of pre-existing linear weak zones appears to be not mandatory for deformation localization ultimately leading to present configuration of the Afar triple junction. Finally, for laterally extended experiments we have used parameters of the best-fit models for the southern and northern segments of the EARS in order to define the position of Kenyan plume and the velocity boundary conditions. These models cover all rifting and spreading structures associated with both Afar and Kenyan plumes: Red Sea Rift and the Aden Ridge to the north of the Afar Triple Junction; Main Ethiopian Rift running to the south that continues as the Kenyan Rift; Western Rift and its southern prolongation corresponding to Malawi rift. We argue that all these basic features associated with Cenozoic rifting in the EARS can be reproduced in a relatively simple context of the interaction between two mantle anomalies corresponding to Afar and Kenyan plumes and pre-stressed rheologically stratified continental lithosphere containing only first-order structural heterogeneities (such as Tanzanian and Bangweulu cratons).

3D lithospheric mapping of the Iberian Peninsula and surrounding Atlantic and Mediterranean margins from 3D joint inversion of potential field and elevation data.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Torne, Montserrat; Zeyen, Hermann; Jimenez-Munt, Ivone; Fernandez, Manel; Vergés, Jaume

2017-04-01

We investigate the lithospheric density structure of the Iberian Peninsula and the surrounding Atlantic and Mediterranean margins from a 3D joint inversion of free-air, geoid and elevation data, based on a Bayesian approach. In addition, the crustal structure has been further constrained by incorporating about 750 Moho values from DSS investigations and RF analysis covering the entire region. Our preliminary results shows a significant lithospheric deformation along the plate boundaries, the Bay of Biscay-Pyrenees to the North and the Azores-Gibraltar to the south, where the CMB and LAB are located at depths more than 45 and 150 km, respectively. Noteworthy is the arcuate lithospheric thickening located at the westernmost end of the Gibraltar Arc system showing the presence of the NW-to-Westward retreated Gibraltar Arc slab that has given rise to the formation of the Betics-Rif Alpine belt system and the back arc Alboran basin. To the west, the stable-slightly deformed Iberian massif shows a quasi-flat CMB and LAB topography (30 to 32 km and about 110 km, respectively). The crust and mantle lithosphere thin towards the Mediterranean and Atlantic margins, with the exception of its northern margin where lithospheric thickening extends offshore to the Gulf of Biscay. In the western Mediterranean the SE-Neogene slab retreat has resulted in a significant thinning of the crust and mantle lithosphere. Thin lithosphere is also observed in the Tagus-Horseshoe abyssal plain region where the LAB shallows to less than 90 km. This work has been funded by the Spanish projects MITE (CGL2014-59516-P) and WEME-CSIC project 201330E11.

Tomography images of the Alpine roots and surrounding upper mantle

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Plomerova, Jaroslava; Babuska, Vladislav

2017-04-01

Teleseismic body-wave tomography represents powerful tool to study regional velocity structure of the upper mantle and to image velocity anomalies, such as subducted lithosphere plates in collisional zones. In this contribution, we recapitulate 3D models of the upper mantle beneath the Alps, which developed at a collision zone of the Eurasian and African plates. Seismic tomography studies indicate a leading role of the rigid mantle lithosphere that functioned as a major stress guide during the plate collisions. Interactions of the European lithosphere with several micro-plates in the south resulted in an arcuate shape of this mountain range on the surface and in a complicated geometry of the Alpine subductions in the mantle. Early models with one bended lithosphere root have been replaced with more advanced models showing two separate lithosphere roots beneath the Western and Eastern Alps (Babuska et al., Tectonophysics 1990; Lippitsch et al., JGR 2003). The standard isotropic velocity tomography, based on pre-AlpArray data (the currently performed passive seismic experiment in the Alps and surroundings) images the south-eastward dipping curved slab of the Eurasian lithosphere in the Western Alps. On the contrary, beneath the Eastern Alps the results indicate a very steep northward dipping root that resulted from the collision of the European plate with the Adriatic microplate. Dando et al. (2011) interpret high-velocity heterogeneities at the bottom of their regional tomographic model as a graveyard of old subducted lithospheres. High density of stations, large amount of rays and dense ray-coverage of the volume studied are not the only essential pre-requisites for reliable tomography results. A compromise between the amount of pre-processed data and the high-quality of the tomography input (travel-time residuals) is of the high importance as well. For the first time, the existence of two separate roots beneath the Alps has been revealed from carefully pre-processed, mostly the ISC-bulletin data (Babuska et al., Tectonophysics 1990). Calculated relative travel-time residuals have been assigned to source clusters and filtered relative to the residual mean of each cluster of events. We expect that future 3D studies of the mantle velocities and mantle fabrics with the use of body-wave anisotropic parameters from the AlpArray data will shed a new light on tectonic development of the complex Alpine region and its surroundings.

Polychronous (Early Cretaceous to Palaeogene) emplacement of the Mundwara alkaline complex, Rajasthan, India: 40Ar/39Ar geochronology, petrochemistry and geodynamics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pande, Kanchan; Cucciniello, Ciro; Sheth, Hetu; Vijayan, Anjali; Sharma, Kamal Kant; Purohit, Ritesh; Jagadeesan, K. C.; Shinde, Sapna

2017-07-01

The Mundwara alkaline plutonic complex (Rajasthan, north-western India) is considered a part of the Late Cretaceous-Palaeogene Deccan Traps flood basalt province, based on geochronological data (mainly 40Ar/39Ar, on whole rocks, biotite and hornblende). We have studied the petrology and mineral chemistry of some Mundwara mafic rocks containing mica and amphibole. Geothermobarometry indicates emplacement of the complex at middle to upper crustal levels. We have obtained new 40Ar/39Ar ages of 80-84 Ma on biotite separates from mafic rocks and 102-110 Ma on whole-rock nepheline syenites. There is no evidence for excess 40Ar. The combined results show that some of the constituent intrusions of the Mundwara complex are of Deccan age, but others are older and unrelated to the Deccan Traps. The Mundwara alkaline complex is thus polychronous and similar to many alkaline complexes around the world that show recurrent magmatism, sometimes over hundreds of millions of years. The primary biotite and amphibole in Mundwara mafic rocks indicate hydrous parental magmas, derived from hydrated mantle peridotite at relatively low temperatures, thus ruling out a mantle plume. This hydration and metasomatism of the Rajasthan lithospheric mantle may have occurred during Jurassic subduction under Gondwanaland, or Precambrian subduction events. Low-degree decompression melting of this old, enriched lithospheric mantle, due to periodic diffuse lithospheric extension, gradually built the Mundwara complex from the Early Cretaceous to Palaeogene time.

Sutures and an Anomalous Deep Lithospheric Electrical Resistor in the Southeastern United States as Revealed by EarthScope Magnetotelluric Data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Murphy, B. S.; Egbert, G. D.

2016-12-01

We use newly acquired long-period magnetotelluric data to examine lithospheric structure beneath the modern Southern Appalachian Mountains and the adjacent Piedmont. The New York-Alabama Lineament is clearly visible both in inverse models and in the data themselves as a major Appalachian-parallel, mid- to lower-crustal conductive feature. This observation supports geologically-based interpretations of the NY-AL Lineament as a major Grenville suture. We also discern several other suture zones in our inverse models, including the Central Piedmont Suture. Interestingly, we do not observe any geoelectric signature of the Suwannee Suture. Most strikingly, we find a zone of exceptionally high resistivity (>1000 μm) that extends to a depth of more than 200 km beneath the modern Piedmont. This resistive block abuts more conductive lithosphere ( 100 μm, as would be expected for Phanerozoic lithosphere) to the northwest. The boundary between these two distinct domains coincides with the modern Appalachian topographic escarpment to within our resolution. The high resistivity values would seem to require completely dry, highly depleted lithosphere at anomalously cold temperatures; however, corresponding seismically fast lithospheric mantle that would be expected for such a structure has not been observed in any previous studies. The exact nature of this feature therefore remains uncertain at present. Regardless, as it is a persistent feature in inversions and it is also readily apparent in the impedance data, this geoelectric structure likely holds important implications for the past, present, and future tectonic evolution of the Southeastern United States.

Surface wave imaging of the Lithosphere-Asthenosphere system beneath 0-80 My seafloor of the equatorial Mid-Atlantic Ridge from the PI-LAB Experiment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rychert, C.; Harmon, N.; Kendall, J. M.; Agius, M. R.; Tharimena, S.

2017-12-01

Oceanic lithosphere is the simplest realization of the tectonic plate, yet there are several indications that the evolution of oceanic lithosphere is more complicated than simple half space cooling models, i.e. sharp seismic discontinuities at 60-80 km depth, flattening of bathymetry at > 80 My. A deeper understanding of the complexities of oceanic lithosphere requires in situ measurements, and to date much work has focused on the Pacific ocean. The PI-LAB (Passive Imaging of the Lithosphere-Asthenosphere Boundary) experiment deployed 39 ocean bottom seismometers and 39 ocean bottom magnetotelluric instruments around the equatorial Mid Atlantic ridge from 0-80 My old seafloor. We analysed Rayleigh wave dispersion at 18-143 s period using teleseismic events and Rayleigh wave and Love wave dispersion from 5-22 s period using ambient noise. We observe both fundamental mode and first higher mode Rayleigh waves at 5 - 18 s periods, with average phase velocities that range from 1.5 km/s at 5 s period to 4.31 km/s at 143 s, and fundamental mode Love waves, with average phase velocities ranging from 4.00 km/s at 5 s to 4.51 at 22 s. We invert these phase velocities for radially anisotropic shear velocity structure and find a 60 km thick fast lid for the region with velocities of 4.62 km/s, and x values up to 1.08 indicating radial anisotropy is required in the upper 200 km. We also examined the variation in phase velocity as function seafloor age across the region using the teleseismic Rayleigh wave dataset. From 25-81 s period we find low velocities beneath young seafloor ages. We find velocity systematically increases with seafloor age. At 40 My old seafloor, the phase velocities stop increasing and flatten out. At the longest periods (> 81 s) we observe no clear relationship with seafloor age, suggesting that lithospheric thickening ceases beneath seafloor > 50 My old.

Satellite tidal magnetic signals constrain oceanic lithosphere-asthenosphere boundary.

PubMed

Grayver, Alexander V; Schnepf, Neesha R; Kuvshinov, Alexey V; Sabaka, Terence J; Manoj, Chandrasekharan; Olsen, Nils

2016-09-01

The tidal flow of electrically conductive oceans through the geomagnetic field results in the generation of secondary magnetic signals, which provide information on the subsurface structure. Data from the new generation of satellites were shown to contain magnetic signals due to tidal flow; however, there are no reports that these signals have been used to infer subsurface structure. We use satellite-detected tidal magnetic fields to image the global electrical structure of the oceanic lithosphere and upper mantle down to a depth of about 250 km. The model derived from more than 12 years of satellite data reveals a ≈72-km-thick upper resistive layer followed by a sharp increase in electrical conductivity likely associated with the lithosphere-asthenosphere boundary, which separates colder rigid oceanic plates from the ductile and hotter asthenosphere.

Seismic imaging of the lithosphere beneath Hudson Bay: Episodic growth of the Laurentian mantle keel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Darbyshire, Fiona A.; Eaton, David W.; Bastow, Ian D.

2013-07-01

The Hudson Bay basin in northern Canada conceals one of the major collisional zones of the Canadian Shield, the Trans-Hudson Orogen (THO), which marks the Paleoproterozoic collision between the Archean Superior and Western Churchill cratons at ˜1.9-1.8Ga. Improved knowledge of upper mantle structure beneath the region is essential to establish the nature of the THO, specifically whether Himalayan-style plate tectonics operated in Paleoproterozoic times. Detailed seismological constraints on lithospheric architecture are also required to advance our understanding of the mechanism and timing of keel formation. We use surface wave tomography to illuminate new details of the lithospheric architecture of the Hudson Bay region, resolving both seismic wavespeed and azimuthal anisotropy. Phase velocity maps are calculated from fundamental-mode Rayleigh wave dispersion curves, then used to construct a 3D model exploring upper mantle structure to depths of ˜300km. Fast shear wavespeeds suggest a lithospheric thickness varying from ˜180km to almost 280 km beneath the Hudson Bay region. The new study confirms previous inferences that there is no correlation between crustal ages and lithospheric thickness. Patterns of shear wavespeed and azimuthal anisotropy indicate a layered lithosphere. In the uppermost mantle, both the highest velocities and the anisotropic fast directions wrap around the Bay. This structure is likely related to the formation processes of the Paleozoic intracratonic basin. At greater depth (˜70-150km) we resolve two high-wavespeed cores separated by a relatively narrow near-vertical lower-velocity curtain. This internal architecture is suggested to result from the terminal phase of a modern-style plate-tectonic collision between the Archean Superior and Churchill cratons during the Trans-Hudson orogeny, entrapping juvenile Proterozoic material. The lower lithosphere (≥160km depth) has a relatively homogeneous wavespeed structure across the region, with distinct patterns of anisotropy closely resembling the subsurface geometry of the THO. We interpret this basal layer as juvenile or reworked material accreted to the base of the existing cratonic lithosphere during or soon after the Trans-Hudson orogeny. The formation of the Laurentian keel thus likely occurred in multiple phases, with a basal layer developing in post-Archean times, during the THO.

Imaging Lithospheric Structure beneath the Indian continent

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Maurya, S.; Montagner, J. P.; Mangalampally, R. K.; Stutzmann, E.; Burgos, G.; Kumar, P.; Davuluri, S.

2015-12-01

The lithospheric structure and thickness to the LAB are the most debated issues, especially beneath continents. In this context, the structure and thickness of the Indian lithosphere has been controversial. Paleomagnetic data reveals that the Indian continent moved northwards at exceptionally high speeds (18-20 cm/year) and subsequently slowed down to 4-5 cm/year after its collision with Asia ≈40 Myr ago. This super mobility has been explained by an unusually thin Indian lithosphere (≈100 km; Kumar et al., 2007) in contradiction with the thick lithosphere that commonly underlies old cratonic nuclei. It is pertinent to note that the thermobarometric estimates on the ultramafic xenoliths from 65 Myr kimberlites of the Central India (Babu et al. 2009) suggest an approximately 175 km thick lithosphere. Also, recent results of P and S wave travel time tomography of India suggest that the lithospheric roots are not uniformly thick on a regional scale. Although high velocity roots typical of Precambrian shields are preserved beneath a few cratons of the Indian shield, they seem to have suffered attrition, in the plume ravaged regions like the NDVP and the Southern SGT (Singh et al., 2014). We assembled a new massive surface wave database towards obtaining 3D isotropic and anisotropic models for the Indian sub-continent, using surface waves. This necessitated processing of data from more than 500 seismic broadband stations across India and surrounding regions. Surface waves group and phase dispersion measurements are performed in a broad frequency range (16-250s). Our phase velocity anomaly maps recover most of the known geological structures. The cratons are associated with high velocity (4-6%) anomalies till 200 sec, with the WDC being faster than the EDC. Slow velocities in NW India and very high velocity anomalies (6-8%) beneath the central part of the Indo-Gangetic plains are possibly associated with the subducting Indian lithosphere. The LAB depths inferred from isotropic depth inversion reveal a very large variability around 120 km to 210 km thick beneath craton. Depth inversion incorporating anisotropy, is in progress. We observe that the best resolved parameters are the transversal shear wave velocities, radial anisotropy and fast axis directions. These play a key role in mapping the LAB

Oceanic lithosphere and asthenosphere - Thermal and mechanical structure

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Schubert, G.; Yuen, D. A.; Froidevaux, C.

1976-01-01

A coupled thermomechanical subsolidus model of the oceanic lithosphere and asthenosphere is developed which includes vertical heat conduction, a temperature-dependent thermal conductivity, heat advection by a horizontal and vertical mass flow that depends on depth and age, contributions of viscous dissipation or shear heating, a linear or nonlinear deformation law relating shear stress and strain rate, as well as a temperature- and pressure-dependent viscosity. The model requires a constant horizontal velocity and temperature at the surface, but zero horizontal velocity and constant temperature at great depths. The depth- and age-dependent temperature, horizontal and vertical velocities, and viscosity structure of the lithosphere and asthenosphere are determined along with the age-dependent shear stress in those two zones. The ocean-floor topography, oceanic heat flow, and lithosphere thickness are deduced as functions of ocean-floor age; seismic velocity profiles which exhibit a marked low-velocity zone are constructed from the age-dependent geotherms and assumed values of the elastic parameters. It is found that simple boundary-layer cooling determines the thermal structure at young ages, while effects of viscous dissipation become more important at older ages.

Imaging Lithospheric-scale Structure Beneath Northern Altiplano in Southern Peru and Northern Bolivia

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kumar, A.; Wagner, L. S.; Beck, S. L.; Zandt, G.; Long, M. D.

2014-12-01

The northern Altiplano plateau of southern Peru and northern Bolivia is one of the highest topographic features on the Earth, flanked by Western and Eastern Cordillera along its margin. It has strongly influenced the local and far field lithospheric deformation since the early Miocene (Masek et al., 1994). Previous studies have emphasized the importance of both the crust and upper mantle in the evolution of Altiplano plateau (McQuarrie et al., 2005). Early tomographic and receiver function studies, south of 16° S, show significant variations in the crust and upper mantle properties in both perpendicular and along strike direction of the Altiplano plateau (Dorbath et. al., 1993; Myers et al., 1998; Beck and Zandt, 2002). In order to investigate the nature of subsurface lithospheric structure below the northern Altiplano, between 15-18° S, we have determined three-dimensional seismic tomography models for Vp and Vs using P and S-wave travel time data from two recently deployed local seismic networks of CAUGHT and PULSE. We also used data from 8 stations from the PERUSE network (PERU Subduction Experiment). Our preliminary tomographic models show a complex variation in the upper mantle velocity structure with depth, northwest and southeast of lake Titicaca. We see the following trend, at ~85 km depth, northwest of lake Titicaca: low Vp and Vs beneath the Western Cordillera, high Vs beneath the Altiplano and low Vp and Vs beneath the Eastern Cordillera. This low velocity anomaly, beneath Eastern Cordillera, seems to coincide with Kimsachata, a Holocene volcano in southern Peru. At depth greater than ~85 km: we find high velocity anomaly beneath the Western Cordillera and low Vs beneath the Altiplano. This high velocity anomaly, beneath Western Cordillera, coincides with the well-located Wadati-Benioff zone seismicity and perhaps represents the subducting Nazca slab. On the southeast of lake Titicaca, in northern Bolivia, we see a consistently high velocity anomaly that continues deeper as a westward dipping high velocity structure in the upper mantle. Our further in depth modelling and tomographic constraints on Vp/Vs would allow us to better resolve the lithospheric features that we see in our preliminary tomographic models and their possible correlations with the evolution of northern Altiplano plateau.

High-resolution Teleseismic Tomography Reveals a Complex Lithospheric Structure Beneath the North Anatolian Fault

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Papaleo, E.; Cornwell, D. G.; Rawlinson, N.

2016-12-01

We present high-resolution tomography images of a major active continental strike slip fault zone, the North Anatolian Fault (NAF) in northern Turkey. Historical seismic records show that the NAF, with a length of 1500 km and a current slip rate of 25 mm/yr, is capable of producing large magnitude earthquakes that have activated different segments of the fault in a westward progression towards the study region, where the devastating Izmit and Düzce events occurred in 1999. The NAF poses a major seismic hazard to the city of Istanbul, situated close to one of the two strands into which the fault splays east of the Sea of Marmara. In order to improve our understanding of the lower crust and upper mantle properties that influence fault dynamics throughout the seismic cycle, we constrain NAF structure across the Moho in unprecedented detail by applying teleseismic tomography to data recorded by an array of 70 temporary seismic stations deployed with 7 km spacing (Dense Array for North Anatolia, DANA). High quality recordings of teleseismic earthquakes combined with the dense nature of the array allow high-resolution (i.e. horizontal and vertical resolution of 8 and 15 km, respectively) 3D seismic imaging of the velocity structure beneath the NAF. The northern branch of the NAF coincides with an abrupt change between opposite polarity velocity anomalies and can be traced to at least Moho depths ( 36 km) with a width of ≤8 km. A similar pattern of antithetic anomalies occurs over a horizontal distance of 30-50 km below the Moho and may indicate a widening shear zone as it passes from the crust into the upper mantle. We find evidence for significant along-strike variation in NAF structure over distances of ≤20 km and interpret an east-to-west narrowing of upper mantle slow velocity anomalies (from 50 to 30 km) to represent laterally variable strain focussing within the lithosphere. Our observations are consistent with the notion that the NAF marks the boundary between compositionally distinct lithospheres with different tectonic histories and reactivates the pre-existing Intra-Pontide suture zone. We discuss our results in terms of the influence of lithosphere heterogeneity on the development and evolution of global continental strike-slip fault zones and assess the applicability of current shear zone deformation models.

Generating topography through tectonic deformation of ice lithospheres: Simulating the formation of Ganymede's grooves

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bland, M. T.; McKinnon, W. B.

2010-12-01

Ganymede’s iconic topography offers clues to both the satellite’s thermal evolution, and the mechanics of tectonic deformation on icy satellites. Much of Ganymede’s surface consists of bright, young terrain, with a characteristic morphology dubbed “groove terrain”. As reviewed in Pappalardo et al. (2004), in Jupiter - The Planet, Satellites, and Magnetosphere (CUP), grooved terrain consists of sets of quasi-parallel, periodically-spaced, ridges and troughs. Peak-to-trough groove amplitudes are ~500 m, with low topographic slopes (~5°). Groove spacing is strongly periodic within a single groove set, ranging from 3-17 km; shorter wavelength deformation is also apparent in high-resolution images. Grooved terrain likely formed via unstable extension of Ganymede’s ice lithosphere, which was deformed into periodically-spaced pinches and swells, and accommodated by tilt-block normal faulting. Analytical models of unstable extension support this formation mechanism [Dombard and McKinnon 2001, Icarus 154], but initial numerical models of extending ice lithospheres struggled to produce large-amplitude, groove-like deformation [Bland and Showman 2007, Icarus 189]. Here we present simulations that reproduce many of the characteristics of Ganymede’s grooves [Bland et al. 2010, Icarus in press]. By more realistically simulating the decrease in material strength after initial fault development, our model allows strain to become readily localized into discrete zones. Such strain localization leads to the formation of periodic structures with amplitudes of 200-500 m, and wavelengths of 3-20 km. The morphology of the deformation depends on both the lithospheric thermal gradient, and the rate at which material strength decreases with increasing plastic strain. Large-amplitude, graben-like structures form when material weakening occurs rapidly with increasing strain, while lower-amplitude, periodic structures form when the ice retains its strength. Thus, extension can result in complex surface deformation, consistent with the variety of surface morphologies observed within the grooved terrain. Our modeling indicates that moderate thermal gradients (10 K km-1) may be sufficient to explain many of Ganymede’s groove morphologies. The implied heat flow (~50 mW m-2), however, is a factor of two greater than the expected radiogenic heat flux, suggesting additional energy input (e.g., tidal dissipation) may be required. Our modeling of groove formation suggests that understanding tectonic deformation on icy satellites requires a detailed understanding of the mechanical behavior of ice and ice lithospheres, and demonstrates the need for new tectonic models that include localization, realistic plasticity, and energy dissipation.

Plate Tectonics at 3.8-3.7 Ga: Field Evidence from the Isua Accretionary Complex, Southern West Greenland.

PubMed

Komiya; Maruyama; Masuda; Nohda; Hayashi; Okamoto

1999-09-01

A 1&rcolon;5000 scale mapping was performed in the Isukasia area of the ca. 3.8-Ga Isua supracrustal belt, southern West Greenland. The mapped area is divided into three units bounded by low-angle thrusts: the Northern, Middle, and Southern Units. The Southern Unit, the best exposed, is composed of 14 subunits (horses) with similar lithostratigraphy, bound by layer-parallel thrusts. Duplex structures are widespread in the Isua belt and vary in scale from a few meters to kilometers. Duplexing proceeded from south to north and is well documented in the relationship between link- and roof-thrusts. The reconstructed lithostratigraphy of each horse reveals a simple pattern, in ascending order, of greenstone with low-K tholeiitic composition with or without pillow lava structures, chert/banded iron-formation, and turbidites. The cherts and underlying low-K tholeiites do not contain continent- or arc-derived material. The lithostratigraphy is quite similar to Phanerozoic "oceanic plate stratigraphy," except for the abundance of mafic material in the turbidites. The evidence of duplex structures and oceanic plate stratigraphy indicates that the Isua supracrustal belt is the oldest accretionary complex in the world. The dominantly mafic turbidite composition suggests that the accretionary complex was formed in an intraoceanic environment comparable to the present-day western Pacific Ocean. The duplex polarity suggests that an older accretionary complex should occur to the south of the Isua complex. Moreover, the presence of seawater (documented by a thick, pillow, lava unit at the bottom of oceanic plate stratigraphy) indicates that the surface temperature was less than ca. 100 degrees C in the Early Archean. The oceanic geotherm for the Early Archean lithosphere as a function of age was calculated based on a model of transient half-space cooling at given parameters of surface and mantle temperatures of 100 degrees and 1450 degrees C, respectively, suggesting that the Archean oceanic lithosphere was rigid. These conclusions-rigidity and lateral plate movement-support the idea that the modern style of plate tectonics was in operation only 0.7-0.8 G.yr. after the formation of the Earth.

Numerical modeling of continental lithospheric weak zone over plume

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Perepechko, Y. V.; Sorokin, K. E.

2011-12-01

The work is devoted to the development of magmatic systems in the continental lithosphere over diffluent mantle plumes. The areas of tension originating over them are accompanied by appearance of fault zones, and the formation of permeable channels, which are distributed magmatic melts. The numerical simulation of the dynamics of deformation fields in the lithosphere due to convection currents in the upper mantle, and the formation of weakened zones that extend up to the upper crust and create the necessary conditions for the formation of intermediate magma chambers has been carried out. Thermodynamically consistent non-isothermal model simulates the processes of heat and mass transfer of a wide class of magmatic systems, as well as the process of strain localization in the lithosphere and their influence on the formation of high permeability zones in the lower crust. The substance of the lithosphere is a rheologic heterophase medium, which is described by a two-velocity hydrodynamics. This makes it possible to take into account the process of penetration of the melt from the asthenosphere into the weakened zone. The energy dissipation occurs mainly due to interfacial friction and inelastic relaxation of shear stresses. The results of calculation reveal a nonlinear process of the formation of porous channels and demonstrate the diversity of emerging dissipative structures which are determined by properties of both heterogeneous lithosphere and overlying crust. Mutual effect of a permeable channel and the corresponding filtration process of the melt on the mantle convection and the dynamics of the asthenosphere have been studied. The formation of dissipative structures in heterogeneous lithosphere above mantle plumes occurs in accordance with the following scenario: initially, the elastic behavior of heterophase lithosphere leads to the formation of the narrow weakened zone, though sufficiently extensive, with higher porosity. Further, the increase in the width of the weakened area with a small decrease in porosity occurs due to the increase of inelastic stresses. The longitudinal scale of the structure remain unchanged. The evolution of intraplate magmatic systems associated with weakened zones is accompanied by the formation of intermediate intracrustal magma chambers. This work was financially supported by the project #24.1.2, the program of RAS #24.

Intracontinental Deformation in the NW Iranian Plateau and Comparisons with the Northern Margin of the Tibetan Plateau

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, L.; Jiang, M.; Talebian, M.; Wan, B.; Ai, Y.; Ghods, A.; Sobouti, F.; Xiao, W.; Zhu, R.

2017-12-01

This study investigates the intracontinental deformation and its relationship with the structure of the crust and uppermost mantle in the NW Iranian plateau by combining new seismic and geological observations, to understand how this part of the plateau deformed to accommodate the Arabia-Eurasia plate collision and how the property of the lithosphere controls the deformation pattern. In contrast to the adjacent Anatolian block that exhibits westward large-scale extrusion, the northwesternmost part of the Iranian plateau shows dispersed intracontinental deformations with the development of numerous small-scale and discontinuous right-lateral strike-slip faults. The dispersed surface structures and deformation pattern correspond well to the active volcanism and seismically slow crust and uppermost mantle, and hence a weak lithosphere of the area. Further to the southeast are the western part of the Alborz Mountains and the southern Caspian Sea, both of which are characterized by stronger and more rigid lithosphere with relatively fast crust and uppermost mantle and absence of Quaternary volcanoes. A sharp Moho offset of 18 km has been imaged at the border of the Alborz and southern Caspian Sea using teleseismic receiver function data from a dense seismic array deployed under a collaborative project named "China-Iran Geological and Geophysical Survey in the Iranian Plateau (CIGSIP)". The sharp Moho offset and the minor undulations of the Moho on both sides indicate insignificant intracrustal deformation but mainly relative crustal movements between the Alborz Mountains and southern Caspian Sea, a behavior consistent with the relatively rigid nature of the lithosphere. Similar Moho offsets and lithospheric structures have been reported at the borders between the Kunlun Mountains and Qaidam or Tarim Basins in the northern margin of the Tibetan plateau, suggesting the occurrence of relative crustal movements with the effects of rigid continental lithosphere in the region. The new observations in the NW Iranian plateau combined with those in the Tibetan plateau thus provide solid evidence that intracontinental deformation is primarily controlled by the structure and properties of the continental lithosphere that may or may not have been severely altered by the collisional processes at plate margins.

Thermal evolution and exhumation of deep-level batholithic exposures, southernmost Sierra Nevada, California

USGS Publications Warehouse

Saleeby, J.; Farley, K.A.; Kistler, R.W.; Fleck, R.J.

2007-01-01

The Tehachapi complex lies at the southern end of the Sierra Nevada batholith adjacent to the Neogene-Quaternary Garlock fault. The complex is composed principally of high-pressure (8-10 kbar) Cretaceous batholithic rocks, and it represents the deepest exposed levels of a continuous oblique crustal section through the southern Sierra Nevada batholith. Over the southern ???100 km of this section, structural/petrologic continuity and geochronological data indicate that ???35 km of felsic to intermediate-composition crust was generated by copious arc magmatism primarily between 105 and 99 Ma. In the Tehachapi complex, these batholithic rocks intrude and are bounded to the west by similar-composition gneissic-textured high-pressure batholithic rocks emplaced at ca. 115-110 Ma. This lower crustal complex is bounded below by a regional thrust system, which in Late Cretaceous time tectonically eroded the underlying mantle lithosphere, and in series displaced and underplated the Rand Schist subduction assemblage by low-angle slip from the outboard Franciscan trench. Geophysical and mantle xenolith studies indicate that the remnants of this shallow subduction thrust descend northward through the crust and into the mantle, leaving the mantle lithosphere intact beneath the greater Sierra Nevada batholith. This north-dipping regional structure records an inflection in the Farallon plate, which was segmented into a shallow subduc-tion trajectory to the south and a normal steeper trajectory to the north. We combine new and published data from a broad spectrum of thermochronom-eters that together form a coherent data array constraining the thermal evolution of the complex. Integration of these data with published thermobarometric and petro-genetic data also constrains the tectonically driven decompression and exhumation history of the complex. The timing of arc magmatic construction of the complex, as denoted above, is resolved by a large body of U/Pb zircon ages. High-confidence thermochronometric data track a single retrogressing path commencing from widely established solidus conditions at ca. 100 Ma, and traversing through time-temperature space as follows: (1) Sm/Nd garnet ???770-680 ??C at ca. 102-95 Ma, (2) U/Pb titanite ???750-600 ??C at ca. 102-95 Ma, (3) Ar/Ar hornblende ???570-490 ??C at ca. 94-91 Ma, (4) Rb/Sr biotite ???390-260 ??C at ca. 90-86 Ma, (5) Ar/Ar biotite ???320-240 ??C at ca. 88-85 Ma, and (6) (U-Th)/He zircon ???230-170 ??C at ca. 88-83 Ma. Additional stratigraphic constraints place the complex at surface conditions in Paleocene-early Eocene time (ca. 66-55 Ma). Integration of these results with thermobarometric and structural data, including published data on the underlying Rand Schist, reveals a profound tectonic event whereby rapid cooling and exhumation at rates potentially as high as 100s ??C/m.y. and >5 mm/yr initiated at ca. 98 Ma and peaked between 96 and 94 Ma. Between 93 and 85 Ma, cooling rates remained high, but decelerated with or without significant exhumation. Subsequent cooling and exhumation rates are poorly constrained but were much slower and ultimately resulted in Paleocene-Eocene surface exposure. Initial rapid exhumation and cooling are hypothesized to have been driven by abrupt flattening in the corresponding segment of the Farallon plate and the resulting tectonic erosion of the underlying mantle lithosphere. Protolith as well as meta-morphic pressure-temperature and age constraints on the Rand Schist indicate its rapid low-angle subduction between 93 and 88 Ma. Comparison of the Rand Schist and Tehachapi complex pressure-temperature-time paths in conjunction with structural relations strongly suggest that the schist ascended the equivalent of ???4 kbar relative to the Tehachapi complex by low-angle normal displacement along the Rand fault between 88 and 80 Ma to attain its current underplated structural position. Such extensional tectonism is hypothesized to have been driven by slab rollback

An integrated geophysical study of north African and Mediterranean lithospheric structure

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dial, Paul Joseph

1998-07-01

This dissertation utilizes gravity and seismic waveform modeling techniques to: (1) determine models of lithospheric structure across northern African through gravity modeling and (2) determine lithospheric and crustal structure and seismic wave propagation characteristics across northern Africa and the Mediterranean region. The purpose of the gravity investigation was to construct models of lithospheric structure across northern Africa through the analysis of gravity data constrained by previous geological and geophysical studies. Three lithospheric models were constructed from Bouguer gravity data using computer modeling, and the gravity data was wavelength-filtered to investigate the relative depth and extent of the structures associated with the major anomalies. In the Atlas Mountains area, the resulting earth models showed slightly greater crustal thickness than those of previous studies if a low density mantle region is not included in the models. However, if a low density mantle region (density = 3.25 g/cm3) was included beneath the Atlas, the earth models showed little crustal thickening (38 km), in accord with previous seismic studies. The second portion of the research consisted of seismic waveform modeling of regional and teleseismic events to determine crustal and lithospheric structure across northern Africa and the Mediterranean. A total of 174 seismograms (145 at regional distances (200--1400 km) and 29 with epicentral distances exceeding 1900 km) were modeled using 1-D velocity models and a reflectivity code. At regional distances from four stations surrounding the western Mediterranean basin (MAL, TOL, PTO and AQU) and one station near the Red Sea (HLW), 1-D velocity models can satisfactorily model the relative amplitudes of both the Pnl and surface wave portions of the seismograms. Modeling of propagation paths greater than 1900 km was also conducted across northern Africa and the Mediterranean. The results indicate that the S-wave velocity model of Corchete et al. (1995) is more appropriate for the Iberian Peninsula, southwestern Mediterranean basin and northwest African coast than the other models tested. This model was better able to predict both the timing and amplitudes of the observed Sn and surface wave components on the observed seismograms. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)

Slab rupture and delamination under the Betics and Rif constrained from receiver functions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mancilla, Flor de Lis; Booth-Rea, Guillermo; Stich, Daniel; Pérez-Peña, José Vicente; Morales, José; Azañón, José Miguel; Martin, Rosa; Giaconia, Flavio

2015-11-01

We map the lithospheric structure under the westernmost Mediterranean convergent setting interpreting P-receiver functions obtained from a dense seismic network. No orogenic root occurs under the eastern and great part of the central Betics. However, the subducted South Iberian continental lithosphere is found beneath the western Betics where the Iberian Moho reaches depths of approximately 65 km, dipping gently towards the SE. Meanwhile, at the Rif, strong crustal and lithospheric thickness contrasts occur across the Nekor NW-SE sinistral fault that overlies the region of present slab tearing. East of the Nekor fault there is no orogenic root and the crust has been thinned to approximately 22 km, whilst to the west the crust reaches 55 km thickness and the Maghrebian continental lithosphere is attached to the lithospheric slab imaged by tomography under the Alboran basin. These data suggest that subduction rollback under the Alboran and Algerian basins, together with continental slab tearing or detachment producing edge delamination under the Betics and Rif have been the main tectonic mechanisms driving extension, magmatism and regional uplift in the westernmost Mediterranean since the Late Miocene until present. The surface expression of edge-delamination and slab tearing is marked by regional uplift, denudation of HP rocks in elongated core-complex type domes, late Miocene volcanism in the Eastern Betics and Rif, and by large NE-SW strike-slip transfer faults like the Alpujarras, Crevillente, Torcal or Nekor faults that accommodate strong gradients in crustal displacements. The Iberian slab is still attached to the oceanic slab imaged under the Alboran basin at the western Betics where intermediate depth seismicity, recent dextral strike-slip faulting and folding, could reflect slab tearing. Meanwhile, active faulting and differential GPS-measured displacements would mark slab tearing beneath the Rif coinciding with the trace of the sinistral Nekor fault.

Lithospheric flexural strength and effective elastic thicknesses of the Eastern Anatolia (Turkey) and surrounding region

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Oruç, Bülent; Gomez-Ortiz, David; Petit, Carole

2017-12-01

The Lithospheric structure of Eastern Anatolia and the surrounding region, including the northern part of the Arabian platform is investigated via the analysis and modeling of Bouguer anomalies from the Earth Gravitational Model EGM08. The effective elastic thickness of the lithosphere (EET) that corresponds to the mechanical cores of the crust and lithospheric mantle is determined from the spectral coherence between Bouguer anomalies and surface elevation data. Its average value is 18.7 km. From the logarithmic amplitude spectra of Bouguer anomalies, average depths of the lithosphere-asthenosphere boundary (LAB), Moho, Conrad and basement in the study area are constrained at 84 km, 39 km, 16 km and 7 km, respectively. The geometries of the LAB and Moho are then estimated using the Parker-Oldenburg inversion algorithm. We also present a lithospheric strength map obtained from the spatial variations of EET determined by Yield Stress Envelopes (YSE). The EET varies in the range of 12-23 km, which is in good agreement with the average value obtained from spectral analysis. Low EET values are interpreted as resulting from thermal and flexural lithospheric weakening. According to the lithospheric strength of the Eastern Anatolian region, the rheology model consists of a strong but brittle upper crust, a weak and ductile lower crust, and a weak lower part of the lithosphere. On the other hand, lithosphere strength corresponds to weak and ductile lower crust, a strong upper crust and a strong uppermost lithospheric mantle for the northern part of the Arabian platform.

Constraints on the subsurface structure of Europa

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Golombek, M. P.; Banerdt, W. B.

1990-02-01

The wedge-shaped bands appearing near the anti-Jovian point on Europa are tension cracks which, after formation on an intact lithosphere, have facilitated the rotation of ice-lithosphere sections decoupled from the silicate interior. Such factors as fluid pressure, surface temperature, silicate impurities in the ice, and strain rates, would have affected the processes in question. A minimum degree of differentiation is required for Europa to mechanically decouple the rotated ice lithosphere from the underlying, predominantly silicate mantle.

Lithospheric architecture beneath Hudson Bay

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Porritt, Robert W.; Miller, Meghan S.; Darbyshire, Fiona A.

2015-07-01

Hudson Bay overlies some of the thickest Precambrian lithosphere on Earth, whose internal structures contain important clues to the earliest workings of plate formation. The terminal collision, the Trans-Hudson Orogen, brought together the Western Churchill craton to the northwest and the Superior craton to the southeast. These two Archean cratons along with the Paleo-Proterozoic Trans-Hudson internides, form the core of the North American craton. We use S to P converted wave imaging and absolute shear velocity information from a joint inversion of P to S receiver functions, new ambient noise derived phase velocities, and teleseismic phase velocities to investigate this region and determine both the thickness of the lithosphere and the presence of internal discontinuities. The lithosphere under central Hudson Bay approaches ˜350 km thick but is thinner (˜200-250 km) around the periphery of the Bay. Furthermore, the amplitude of the LAB conversion from the S receiver functions is unusually large for a craton, suggesting a large thermal contrast across the LAB, which we interpret as direct evidence of the thermal insulation effect of continents on the asthenosphere. Within the lithosphere, midlithospheric discontinuities, significantly shallower than the base of the lithosphere, are often imaged, suggesting the mechanisms that form these layers are common. Lacking time-history information, we infer that these discontinuities reflect reactivation of formation structures during deformation of the craton.

Cordilleran Longevity, Elevation and Heat Driven by Lithospheric Mantle Removal

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mackay-Hill, A.; Currie, C. A.; Audet, P.; Schaeffer, A. J.

2017-12-01

Cordilleran evolution is controlled by subduction zone back-arc processes that generate and maintain high topography due to elevated uppermost mantle temperatures. In the northern Canadian Cordillera (NCC), the persisting high mean elevation long after subduction has stopped (>50 Ma) requires a sustained source of heat either from small-scale mantle convection or lithospheric mantle removal; however direct structural constraints of these processes are sparse. We image the crust and uppermost mantle beneath the NCC using scattered teleseismic waves recorded on an array of broadband seismograph stations. We resolve two sharp and flat seismic discontinuities: a downward velocity increase at 35 km that we interpret as the Moho; and a deeper discontinuity with opposite velocity contrast at 50 km depth. Based on petrologic estimates, we interpret the deeper interface as the lithosphere-asthenosphere boundary (LAB), which implies an extremely thin ( 15 km) lithospheric mantle. We calculate the temperature at the Moho and the LAB in the range 800-900C and 1200-1300C, respectively. Below the LAB, we find west-dipping features far below the LAB beneath the eastern NCC that we associate with laminar downwelling of Cordilleran lithosphere. Whether these structures are fossilized or active, they suggest that lithospheric mantle removal near the Cordillera-Craton boundary may have provided the source of heat and elevation and therefore played a role in the longevity and stability of the Cordillera.

Lithospheric structure of a nascent spreading ridge inferred from gravity data: The western Gulf of Aden

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

HéBert, HéLèNe; Deplus, Christine; Huchon, Philippe; Khanbari, Khaled; Audin, Laurence

2001-11-01

The Aden spreading ridge (Somalia/Arabia plate boundary) does not connect directly to the Red Sea spreading ridge. It propagates toward the East African Rift through the Afar depression, where the presence of a hot spot has been postulated from seismological and geochemical evidence. The spreading direction (N37°E) is highly oblique to the overall trend (N90°E) of the ridge. We present and interpret new geophysical data gathered during the Tadjouraden cruise (R/V L'Atalante, 1995) in the Gulf of Aden west of 46°E. These data allow us to study the propagation of the ridge toward the Afar and to discuss the processes of the seafloor spreading initiation. We determine the lithospheric structure of the ridge using gravity data gathered during the cruise with the constraint of available refraction data. A striking Bouguer anomaly gradient together with the identification of magnetic anomalies defines the geographical extent of oceanic crust. The inversion of the Bouguer anomaly is performed in terms of variations of crustal thickness only and then discussed with respect to the expected thermal structure of the mantle lithosphere, which should depend not only on the seafloor spreading but also on the hot spot beneath East Africa. Our results allow us to define three distinct lithospheric domains in the western Gulf of Aden. East of 44°45'E the lithosphere displays an oceanic character (thermal subsidence recorded for the last 10 Ma and constant crustal thickness). Between 43°30'E and 44°10'E the lithosphere is of continental type but locally thinned beneath the axial valley. The central domain defined between 44°10'E and 44°45'E is characterized by a transitional lithosphere which can be seen as a stretched continental crust where thick blocks are mixed with thinned crust; it displays en echelon basins that are better interpreted as extension cells rather than accretion cells.

Residual topography and gravity anomalies reveal structural controls on co-seismic slip in the 2011 Mw 9.0 Tohoku-oki earthquake

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bassett, D.; Watts, A. B.; Sandwell, D. T.; Fialko, Y. A.

2016-12-01

We performed shear wave splitting analysis on 203 permanent (French RLPB, CEA and Catalonian networks) and temporary (PYROPE and IberArray experiments) broad-band stations around the Pyrenees. These measurements considerably enhance the spatial resolution and coverage of seismic anisotropy in that region. In particular, we characterize with different shear wave splitting analysis methods the small-scale variations of splitting parameters φ and δt along three dense transects crossing the western and central Pyrenees with an interstation spacing of about 7 km. While we find a relatively coherent seismic anisotropy pattern in the Pyrenean domain, we observe abrupt changes of splitting parameters in the Aquitaine Basin and delay times along the Pyrenees. We moreover observe coherent fast directions despite complex lithospheric structures in Iberia and the Massif Central. This suggests that two main sources of anisotropy are required to interpret seismic anisotropy in this region: (i) lithospheric fabrics in the Aquitaine Basin (probably frozen-in Hercynian anisotropy) and in the Pyrenees (early and late Pyrenean dynamics); (ii) asthenospheric mantle flow beneath the entire region (imprint of the western Mediterranean dynamics since the Oligocene).

Lithospheric Structure and Active Deformation in the Salton Trough from Coseismic and Postseismic Models of the 2010 Mw 7.2 El Mayor-Cucapah Earthquake

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fielding, E. J.; Huang, M. H.; Dickinson, H.; Freed, A. M.; Burgmann, R.; Gonzalez-Ortega, J. A.; Andronicos, C.

2016-12-01

The 4 April 2010 Mw 7.2 El Mayor-Cucapah (EMC) Earthquake ruptured about 120 km along several NW-striking faults to the west of the Cerro Prieto Fault in the Salton Trough of Baja California, Mexico. We analyzed interferometric synthetic aperture radar (SAR), SAR and optical pixel offsets, and continuous and campaign GPS data to optimize an EMC coseismic rupture model with 9 fault segments, which fits the complex structure of the faults. Coseismic slip inversion with a layered elastic model shows that largely right-lateral slip is confined to upper 10 km with strong variations along strike. Near-field GPS measures slip on a north-striking normal fault that ruptured at the beginning of the earthquake, previously inferred from seismic waveforms. EMC Earthquake postseismic deformation shows the Earth's response to the large coseismic stress changes. InSAR shows rapid shallow afterslip at the north and south ends of the main ruptures. Continuous GPS from the Plate Boundary Observatory operated by UNAVCO measures the first six years of postseismic deformation, extremely rapid near the rupture. Afterslip on faults beneath the coseismic rupture cannot explain far-field displacements that are best explained by viscoelastic relaxation of the lower crust and upper mantle. We built a viscoelastic 3D finite element model of the lithosphere and asthenosphere based on available data for the region with the EMC coseismic faults embedded inside. Coseismic slip was imposed on the model, allowed to relax for 5 years, and then compared to the observed surface deformation. Systematic exploration of the viscoelastic parameters shows that horizontal and vertical heterogeneity is required to fit the postseismic deformation. Our preferred viscoelastic model has weaker viscosity layers beneath the Salton Trough than adjacent blocks that are consistent with the inferred differences in the geotherms. Defining mechanical lithosphere as rocks that have viscosities greater than 10^19 Pa s (able to sustain stresses for more than 100 years), we infer the thickness of lithosphere beneath the Salton Trough to be 32 km and 65 km beneath the Peninsula Ranges to the west. These mechanical lithosphere-asthenosphere boundaries (LABs) are shallower than the observed seismic LABs, but probably better represent the strength of the blocks in this area.

The Cascadia Subduction Zone: two contrasting models of lithospheric structure

USGS Publications Warehouse

Romanyuk, T.V.; Blakely, R.; Mooney, W.D.

1998-01-01

The Pacific margin of North America is one of the most complicated regions in the world in terms of its structure and present day geodynamic regime. The aim of this work is to develop a better understanding of lithospheric structure of the Pacific Northwest, in particular the Cascadia subduction zone of Southwest Canada and Northwest USA. The goal is to compare and contrast the lithospheric density structure along two profiles across the subduction zone and to interpet the differences in terms of active processes. The subduction of the Juan de Fuca plate beneath North America changes markedly along the length of the subduction zone, notably in the angle of subduction, distribution of earthquakes and volcanism, goelogic and seismic structure of the upper plate, and regional horizontal stress. To investigate these characteristics, we conducted detailed density modeling of the crust and mantle along two transects across the Cascadia subduction zone. One crosses Vancouver Island and the Canadian margin, the other crosses the margin of central Oregon.

Numerical modeling of Farallon Plate flat-slab subduction: Influence of lithosphere structure and rheology on slab dynamics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, X.; Currie, C. A.

2017-12-01

The subducted Farallon plate is believed to have evolved to a flat geometry underneath North America plate during Late Cretaceous, triggering Laramide deformation within the continental interior. However, the mechanism that caused the oceanic slab to flatten and the factors that control the flat-slab depth remain uncertain. In this work, we use 2D thermal-mechanical models using the SOPALE code to study the subduction dynamics from 90 Ma to 50 Ma. During this period, an oceanic plateau (Shatsky Conjugate) is inferred to have subducted beneath western North America and interacted with the continental lithosphere, including areas of thicker lithosphere such as the Colorado Plateau and Wyoming Craton. Based on seismic tomography and plate reconstruction data sets, we built a set of models to examine the influence of the structure and rheology of the oceanic and continental plates on slab dynamics. Models include a 600 km wide oceanic plateau consisting of 18 km thick crust and a 36 km thick underlying harzburgite layer, and we ran a series of model experiments to test different continental thicknesses (80 km, 120 km, & 180 km) and continental mantle lithosphere strengths (approximating conditions from wet olivine to dry olivine). Consistent with earlier studies, we find that creation of a long flat slab requires a buoyant oceanic plateau (i.e., non-eclogitized crust) and trenchward motion of the continent. In addition, our models demonstrate the upper plate has an important control on slab dynamics. A flat slab requires either a thin continent or, if the continent is thick, its mantle lithosphere must be relatively weak so that it can be displaced by the flattening slab. The depth of the flat slab is mainly controlled by two factors: (1) the continental thickness and (2) the strength of the continental mantle lithosphere. For the same initial lithosphere thickness (120 km), a shallower flat slab ( 90 km depth) occurs for the weakest mantle lithosphere ( wet olivine) compared to 120 km depth for strong ( dry) mantle lithosphere because the flat slab removes the lowermost weak lithosphere. Moreover, an even deeper slab ( 130 km) can be found underneath the weakest but thicker continental lithosphere (180 km). Future models will focus on how the flat slab may induce hydration and deformation for the overriding continental plate.

Influence of the Structural Dichotomy of Antarctic Lithosphere on Regional Glacial-Isostatic Adjustment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Klemann, V.; Rau, D.; Martinec, Z.; Wolf, D.

2009-05-01

The strong structural dichotomy between East and West Antarctica is related to the West Antarctic Rift. The rheological implications are a reduction of the elastic-lithosphere thickness by a factor of more than 2 from East to West Antarctica as well as a strongly reduced mantle viscosity below West Antarctica and the Antarctic Peninsula. For modelling glacial-isostatic adjustment, we use a global viscoelastic earth model and apply the spectral finite-element method for the solution of the field equations. Ice models ICE-5G and IJ05 are used for parameterizing the last Pleistocene deglaciation. Lateral viscosity variations in the upper mantle are derived from variations in seismic velocity by applying scaling laws. Considering also lateral variations in the lithosphere structure, we study the implications of lateral variability on the glacial-isostatic adjustment of Antarctica.

Satellite Tidal Magnetic Signals Constrain Oceanic Lithosphere-Asthenosphere Boundary Earth Tomography with Tidal Magnetic Signals

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Grayver, Alexander V.; Schnepf, Neesha R.; Kuvshinov, Alexey V.; Sabaka, Terence J.; Chandrasekharan, Manoj; Olsen, Niles

2016-01-01

The tidal flow of electrically conductive oceans through the geomagnetic field results in the generation of secondary magnetic signals, which provide information on the subsurface structure. Data from the new generation of satellites were shown to contain magnetic signals due to tidal flow; however, there are no reports that these signals have been used to infer subsurface structure. Here we use satellite-detected tidal magnetic fields to image the global electrical structure of the oceanic lithosphere and upper mantle down to a depth of about 250 km. The model derived from more than 12 years of satellite data reveals an Approximately 72 km thick upper resistive layer followed by a sharp increase in electrical conductivity likely associated with the lithosphere-asthenosphere boundary, which separates colder rigid oceanic plates from the ductile and hotter asthenosphere.

Satellite tidal magnetic signals constrain oceanic lithosphere-asthenosphere boundary

PubMed Central

Grayver, Alexander V.; Schnepf, Neesha R.; Kuvshinov, Alexey V.; Sabaka, Terence J.; Manoj, Chandrasekharan; Olsen, Nils

2016-01-01

The tidal flow of electrically conductive oceans through the geomagnetic field results in the generation of secondary magnetic signals, which provide information on the subsurface structure. Data from the new generation of satellites were shown to contain magnetic signals due to tidal flow; however, there are no reports that these signals have been used to infer subsurface structure. We use satellite-detected tidal magnetic fields to image the global electrical structure of the oceanic lithosphere and upper mantle down to a depth of about 250 km. The model derived from more than 12 years of satellite data reveals a ≈72-km-thick upper resistive layer followed by a sharp increase in electrical conductivity likely associated with the lithosphere-asthenosphere boundary, which separates colder rigid oceanic plates from the ductile and hotter asthenosphere. PMID:27704045

Topological patterns of mesh textures in serpentinites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Miyazawa, M.; Suzuki, A.; Shimizu, H.; Okamoto, A.; Hiraoka, Y.; Obayashi, I.; Tsuji, T.; Ito, T.

2017-12-01

Serpentinization is a hydration process that forms serpentine minerals and magnetite within the oceanic lithosphere. Microfractures crosscut these minerals during the reactions, and the structures look like mesh textures. It has been known that the patterns of microfractures and the system evolutions are affected by the hydration reaction and fluid transport in fractures and within matrices. This study aims at quantifying the topological patterns of the mesh textures and understanding possible conditions of fluid transport and reaction during serpentinization in the oceanic lithosphere. Two-dimensional simulation by the distinct element method (DEM) generates fracture patterns due to serpentinization. The microfracture patterns are evaluated by persistent homology, which measures features of connected components of a topological space and encodes multi-scale topological features in the persistence diagrams. The persistence diagrams of the different mesh textures are evaluated by principal component analysis to bring out the strong patterns of persistence diagrams. This approach help extract feature values of fracture patterns from high-dimensional and complex datasets.

Lithospheric structure of the Western Alps as seen by full-waveform inversion of CIFALPS teleseismic data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Beller, Stephen; Monteiller, Vadim; Operto, Stéphane; Nolet, Guust; Paul, Anne; Zhao, Liang

2017-04-01

Full-waveform inversion (FWI) is a powerful but constitutionally intensive technique that aims to recover 3D multiparameter images of the subsurface by minimising the waveform difference between the full recorded and modelled seismograms. This method has recently been adapted and successfully applied in lithospheric settings by tackling teleseismic waveform modelling with hybrid methods. For each event, a global scale simulation is performed once and for all to store the wavefield solutions on the edges of the lithospheric target. Then, for each modelling involved in the FWI process, these global scale solutions are injected within the lithospheric medium from the boundaries. We present the results of the application of teleseismic FWI to the data acquired by the CIFALPS experiment that was conducted in the Western Alps to gain new insights its lithospheric structure and geodynamic evolution of the alpine range. Nine teleseismic events were inverted to infer 3D models of density, P-wave velocity and S-wave velocity of the crust and the upper-mantle down to 200 km depth. Our models show clear evidences of continental subduction during the alpine orogeny. They outline a dipping European Moho down to 75 km depth and finely delineate the geometry of the Ivrea body at the suture between European and Adriatic plates. Deeper, in the mantle a slow S-wave velocity anomaly might indicate the location of the European slab detachment. Overall, FWI models give access to new seismic images that fill the resolution gap between smooth tomographic model and sharp receiver function images of the lithosphere and enable integrated interpretations of crustal and upper-mantle structures.

Upper mantle structure across the Trans-European Suture Zone imaged by S-receiver functions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Knapmeyer-Endrun, Brigitte; Krüger, Frank; Geissler, Wolfram H.; Passeq Working Group

2017-01-01

We present a high-resolution study of the upper mantle structure of Central Europe, including the western part of the East European Platform, based on S-receiver functions of 345 stations. A distinct contrast is found between Phanerozoic Europe and the East European Craton across the Trans-European Suture Zone. To the west, a pronounced velocity reduction with depth interpreted as lithosphere-asthenosphere boundary (LAB) is found at an average depth of 90 km. Beneath the craton, no strong and continuous LAB conversion is observed. Instead we find a distinct velocity reduction within the lithosphere, at 80-120 km depth. This mid-lithospheric discontinuity (MLD) is attributed to a compositional boundary between depleted and more fertile lithosphere created by late Proterozoic metasomatism. A potential LAB phase beneath the craton is very weak and varies in depth between 180 and 250 km, consistent with a reduced velocity contrast between the lower lithosphere and the asthenosphere. Within the Trans-European Suture Zone, lithospheric structure is characterized by strong heterogeneity. A dipping or step-wise increase to LAB depth of 150 km is imaged from Phanerozoic Europe to 20-22° E, whereas no direct connection to the cratonic LAB or MLD to the east is apparent. At larger depths, a positive conversion associated with the lower boundary of the asthenosphere is imaged at 210-250 km depth beneath Phanerozoic Europe, continuing down to 300 km depth beneath the craton. Conversions from both 410 km and 660 km discontinuities are found at their nominal depth beneath Phanerozoic Europe, and the discontinuity at 410 km depth can also be traced into the craton. A potential negative conversion on top of the 410 km discontinuity found in migrated images is analyzed by modeling and attributed to interference with other converted phases.

Lithospheric processes that enhance melting at rifts

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Elkins-Tanton, L. T.; Furman, T.

2008-12-01

Continental rifts are commonly sites for mantle melting, whether in the form of ridge melting to create new oceanic crust, or as the locus of flood basalt activity, or in the long initial period of rifting before lavas evolve fully into MORBs. The high topography in the lithosphere-asthenosphere boundary under a rift creates mantle upwelling and adiabatic melting even in the absence of a plume. This geometry itself, however, is conducive to lithospheric instability on the sides of the rifts. Unstable lithosphere may founder into the mantle, producing more complex aesthenospheric convective patterns and additional opportunities to produce melt. Lithospheric instabilities can produce additional adiabatic melting in convection produced as they sink, and they may also devolatilize as they sink, introducing the possibility of flux melting to the rift environment. We call this process upside-down melting, since devolatilization and melting proceed as the foundering lithosphere sinks, rather than while rising, as in the more familiar adiabatic decompression melting. Both adiabatic melting and flux melting would take place along the edges of the rift and may even move magmatism outside the rift, as has been seen in Ethiopia. In volcanism postdating the flood basalts on and adjacent to the Ethiopian Plateau there is evidence for both lithospheric thinning and volatile enrichment in the magmas, potentially consistent with the upside-down melting model. Here we present a physical model for the conjunction of adiabatic decompression melting to produce new oceanic crust in the rift, while lithospheric gravitational instabilities drive both adiabatic and flux melting at its margins.

Evidence for frozen melts in the mid-lithosphere detected from active-source seismic data.

PubMed

Ohira, Akane; Kodaira, Shuichi; Nakamura, Yasuyuki; Fujie, Gou; Arai, Ryuta; Miura, Seiichi

2017-11-17

The interactions of the lithospheric plates that form the Earth's outer shell provide much of the evidentiary basis for modern plate tectonic theory. Seismic discontinuities in the lithosphere arising from mantle convection and plate motion provide constraints on the physical and chemical properties of the mantle that contribute to the processes of formation and evolution of tectonic plates. Seismological studies during the past two decades have detected seismic discontinuities within the oceanic lithosphere in addition to that at the lithosphere-asthenosphere boundary (LAB). However, the depth, distribution, and physical properties of these discontinuities are not well constrained, which makes it difficult to use seismological data to examine their origin. Here we present new active-source seismic data acquired along a 1,130 km profile across an old Pacific plate (148-128 Ma) that show oceanic mid-lithosphere discontinuities (oceanic MLDs) distributed 37-59 km below the seafloor. The presence of the oceanic MLDs suggests that frozen melts that accumulated at past LABs have been preserved as low-velocity layers within the current mature lithosphere. These observations show that long-offset, high-frequency, active-source seismic data can be used to image mid-lithospheric structure, which is fundamental to understanding the formation and evolution of tectonic plates.

Interactions between propagating rifts and pre-existing linear rheological heterogeneities: insights from 3D analogue experiments of rotational extension

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Molnar, Nicolas; Cruden, Alexander

2017-04-01

Propagating rifts are a natural consequence of lithospheric plates that diverge with respect to each other about a pole of rotation. This process of "unzipping" is common in the geological record, but how rifts interact with pre-existing structures (i.e., with a non-homogeneous lithosphere) as they propagate is poorly understood. Here we report on a series of lithospheric-scale three-dimensional analogue experiments of rotational extension with in-built, variably oriented linear weak zones in the lithospheric mantle, designed to investigate the role that inherited structural or thermal weaknesses play in the localisation of strain and rifting. Surface strain and dynamic topography in the analogue models are quantified by high-resolution particle imaging velocimetry and digital photogrammetry, which allows us to characterise the spatio-temporal evolution of deformation as a function of the orientation of the linear heterogeneities in great detail. The results show that the presence of a linear zone of weakness oriented at low angles with respect to the rift axis (i.e., favourably oriented) produces strain localisation in narrow domains, which enhances the "unzipping" process prior to continental break up. Strong strain partitioning is observed when the linear heterogeneity is oriented at high angles with respect to the rift axis (i.e., unfavourably oriented). In these experiments, early sub-parallel V-shaped basins propagate towards the pole of rotation until they are abandoned and strain is transferred entirely to structures developed in the vicinity of the strongly oblique weak lithosphere zone boundary. The modelling also provides insights on how propagating rift branches that penetrate the weak linear zone boundary are aborted when strain is relayed onto structures that develop in rheologically weaker areas. The experimental results are summarised in terms of their evolution, patterns of strain localisation, and dynamic topography as a function of the lithospheric heterogeneity obliquity angle, and compared to ancient and modern examples in nature.

North American Crust and Upper Mantle Structure Imaged Using an Adaptive Bayesian Inversion

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Eilon, Z.; Fischer, K. M.; Dalton, C. A.

2017-12-01

We present a methodology for imaging upper mantle structure using a Bayesian approach that incorporates a novel combination of seismic data types and an adaptive parameterization based on piecewise discontinuous splines. Our inversion algorithm lays the groundwork for improved seismic velocity models of the lithosphere and asthenosphere by harnessing increased computing power alongside sophisticated data analysis, with the flexibility to include multiple datatypes with complementary resolution. Our new method has been designed to simultaneously fit P-s and S-p converted phases and Rayleigh wave phase velocities measured from ambient noise (periods 6-40 s) and earthquake sources (periods 30-170s). Careful processing of the body wave data isolates the signals from velocity gradients between the mid-crust and 250 km depth. We jointly invert the body and surface wave data to obtain detailed 1-D velocity models that include robustly imaged mantle discontinuities. Synthetic tests demonstrate that S-p phases are particularly important for resolving mantle structure, while surface waves capture absolute velocities with resolution better than 0.1 km/s. By treating data noise as an unknown parameter, and by generating posterior parameter distributions, model trade offs and uncertainties are fully captured by the inversion. We apply the method to stations across the northwest and north-central United States, finding that the imaged structure improves upon existing models by sharpening the vertical resolution of absolute velocity profiles and offering robust uncertainty estimates. In the tectonically active northwestern US, a strong velocity drop immediately beneath the Moho connotes thin (<70 km) lithosphere and a sharp lithosphere-asthenosphere transition; the asthenospheric velocity profile here matches observations at mid-ocean ridges. Within the Wyoming and Superior cratons, our models reveal mid-lithospheric velocity gradients indicative of thermochemical cratonic layering, but the lithosphere-asthenosphere boundary is relatively gradual. This flexible method holds promise for increasingly detailed understanding of the lithosphere-asthenosphere system.

Lithospheric Structure from Mars Global Surveyor Topography and Gravity and Implications for the Early Thermal Evolution of Mars

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Solomon, Sean C.; Zuber, Maria T.; Phillips, Roger J.; Smith, David E.; Tyler, G. Leonard; Aharonson, Oded; Balmino, Georges; Banerdt, W. B.; Head, James W.; Johnson, Catherine L.

2000-01-01

Regional variations in the thickness of the elastic lithosphere on Mars derived from a combined analysis of topography and gravity anomalies determined by Mars Global Surveyor provide new insight into the planet's thermal history.

Oceanic lithosphere and asthenosphere: The thermal and mechanical structure

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Schubert, G.; Froidevaux, C.; Yuen, D. A.

1976-01-01

A coupled thermal and mechanical solid state model of the oceanic lithosphere and asthenosphere is presented. The model includes vertical conduction of heat with a temperature dependent thermal conductivity, horizontal and vertical advection of heat, viscous dissipation or shear heating, and linear or nonlinear deformation mechanisms with temperature and pressure dependent constitutive relations between shear stress and strain rate. A constant horizontal velocity u sub 0 and temperature t sub 0 at the surface and zero horizontal velocity and constant temperature t sub infinity at great depth are required. In addition to numerical values of the thermal and mechanical properties of the medium, only the values of u sub 0, t sub 0 and t sub infinity are specified. The model determines the depth and age dependent temperature horizontal and vertical velocity, and viscosity structures of the lithosphere and asthenosphere. In particular, ocean floor topography, oceanic heat flow, and lithosphere thickness are deduced as functions of the age of the ocean floor.

Magmatic controls on axial relief and faulting at mid-ocean ridges

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Zhonglan; Buck, W. Roger

2018-06-01

Previous models do not simultaneously reproduce the observed range of axial relief and fault patterns at plate spreading centers. We suggest that this failure is due to the approximation that magmatic dikes open continuously rather than in discrete events. During short - lived events, dikes open not only in the strong axial lithosphere but also some distance into the underlying weaker asthenosphere. Axial valley relief affects the partitioning of magma between the lithosphere and asthenosphere during diking events. The deeper the valley, the more magma goes into lithospheric dikes in each event and so the greater the average opening rate of those dikes. The long-term rate of lithospheric dike opening controls faulting rate and axial depth. The feedback between axial valley depth D and lithospheric dike opening rate allows us to analytically relate steady-state values of D to lithospheric thickness HL and crustal thickness HC. A two-dimensional model numerical model with a fixed axial lithospheric structure illustrates the analytic model implications for axial faulting. The predictions of this new model are broadly consistent with global and segment-scale trends of axial depth and fault patterns with HL and HC.

Subduction initiation, recycling of Alboran lower crust, and intracrustal emplacement of subcontinental lithospheric mantle in the Westernmost Mediterranean

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Varas-Reus, María Isabel; Garrido, Carlos J.; Bosch, Delphine; Marchesi, Claudio; Hidas, Károly; Booth-Rea, Guillermo; Acosta-Vigil, Antonio

2015-04-01

Unraveling the tectonic settings and processes involved in the annihilation of subcontinental mantle lithosphere is of paramount importance for our understanding of the endurance of continents through Earth history. Unlike ophiolites -- their oceanic mantle lithosphere counterparts -- the mechanisms of emplacement of the subcontinental mantle lithosphere in orogens is still poorly known. The emplacement of subcontinental lithospheric mantle peridotites is often attributed to extension in rifted passive margins or continental backarc basins, accretionary processes in subduction zones, or some combination of these processes. One of the most prominent features of the westernmost Mediterranean Alpine orogenic arcs is the presence of the largest outcrops worldwide of diamond facies, subcontinental mantle peridotite massifs; unveiling the mechanisms of emplacement of these massifs may provide important clues on processes involved in the destruction of continents. The western Mediterranean underwent a complex Alpine evolution of subduction initiation, slab fragmentation, and rollback within a context of slow convergence of Africa and Europe In the westernmost Mediterranean, the alpine orogeny ends in the Gibraltar tight arc, which is bounded by the Betic, Rif and Tell belts that surround the Alboran and Algero-Balearic basins. The internal units of these belts are mostly constituted of an allochthonous lithospheric domain that collided and overthrusted Mesozoic and Tertiary sedimentary rocks of the Mesozoic-Paleogene, South Iberian and Maghrebian rifted continental paleomargins. Subcontinental lithospheric peridotite massifs are intercalated between polymetamorphic internal units of the Betic (Ronda, Ojen and Carratraca massifs), Rif (Beni Bousera), and Tell belts. In the Betic chain, the internal zones of the allochthonous Alboran domain include, from bottom to top, polymetamorphic rock of the Alpujarride and Malaguide complexes. The Ronda peridotite massif -- the largest outcrop (> 300 km2) of subcontinental lithospheric mantle peridotite in westernmost Mediterranean -- occurs at the basal units of the western Alpujarride. Late, intrusive mantle, high-Mg pyroxenite dykes in the Ronda peridotite (Betic Cordillera, S. Spain) show geochemical signature akin to high-pressure (> 1 GPa) segregates of high-Mg andesite and boninite found in island arc terrains and ophiolite, where they usually witness nascent subduction and/or oceanic accretion in a forearc setting. These pyroxenites point to a suprasubduction environment prior to the intracrustal emplacement of subcontinental peridotites drawing some parallels between the crustal emplacement environment of some ophiolites and that of sublithospheric mantle in the westernmost Mediterranean. Here, we present new Sr-Nd-Pb-isotopic data from a variety of crustal rocks that might account for the crustal components seen in high-Mg Ronda pyroxenites. This data allows the origin of this crustal component to be unveiled, providing fundamentally constraints on the processes involved in the emplacement of large massifs of subcontinental mantle lithosphere in the westernmost Mediterranean. In order to test the hypothesis that the crustal component in Ronda high-Mg pyroxenites was acquired during the Alpine evolution of the Betic-Rif orogen, we selected samples from crustal sections that might have been underthrusted beneath the Alboran lithospheric mantle before the putative Miocene intra-crustal emplacement of peridotites. Samples are from the western Betics and comprise sediments from the Gibraltar Arc Flysch Trough units, which forms a fold-and-thrust belt between the Iberian paleomargin and the allochthonous Alboran domain, and metasedimentary rocks from the Jubrique and Blanca units of the Alpujarride complex, which underlie and overlie the Ronda peridotite and constitute the crustal section of the Alboran lithosphere domain to which the Ronda peridotite pertains. Sr-Nd-Pb systematic of sediments strongly support Alboran geodynamic models that envisage slab roll-back as the tectonic mechanism responsible for Miocene lithospheric thinning, and consistent with a scenario where back-arc inversion leading to subduction initiation of crustal units at the front of the Alboran wedge

ALVIN investigation of an active propagating rift system, Galapagos 95.5° W

USGS Publications Warehouse

Hey, R.N.; Sinton, J.M.; Kleinrock, M.C.; Yonover, R.N.; MacDonald, K.C.; Miller, S.P.; Searle, R.C.; Christie, D.M.; Atwater, T.M.; Sleep, Norman H.; Johnson, H. Paul; Neal, C.A.

1992-01-01

ALVIN investigations have defined the fine-scale structural and volcanic patterns produced by active rift and spreading center propagation and failure near 95.5° W on the Galapagos spreading center. Behind the initial lithospheric rifting, which is propagating nearly due west at about 50 km m.y.−1, a triangular block of preexisting lithosphere is being stretched and fractured, with some recent volcanism along curving fissures. A well-organized seafloor spreading center, an extensively faulted and fissured volcanic ridge, develops ~ 10 km (~ 200,000 years) behind the tectonic rift tip. Regional variations in the chemical compositions of the youngest lavas collected during this program contrast with those encompassing the entire 3 m.y. of propagation history for this region. A maximum in degree of magmatic differentiation occurs about 9 km behind the propagating rift tip, in a region of diffuse rifting. The propagating spreading center shows a gentle gradient in magmatic differentiation culminating at the SW-curving spreading center tip. Except for the doomed rift, which is in a constructional phase, tectonic activity also dominates over volcanic activity along the failing spreading system. In contrast to the propagating rift, failing rift lavas show a highly restricted range of compositions consistent with derivation from a declining upwelling zone accompanying rift failure. The lithosphere transferred from the Cocos to the Nazca plate by this propagator is extensively faulted and characterized by ubiquitous talus in one of the most tectonically disrupted areas of seafloor known. The pseudofault scarps, where the preexisting lithosphere was rifted apart, appear to include both normal and propagator lavas and are thus more lithologically complex than previously thought. Biological communities, probably vestimentiferan tubeworms, occur near the top of the outer pseudofault scarp, although no hydrothermal venting was observed.

Enhanced Mantle Upwelling/Melting Caused Segment Propagation, Oceanic Core Complex Die Off, and the Death of a Transform Fault: The Mid-Atlantic Ridge at 21.5°N

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dannowski, A.; Morgan, J. P.; Grevemeyer, I.; Ranero, C. R.

2018-02-01

Crustal structure provides the key to understand the interplay of magmatism and tectonism, while oceanic crust is constructed at Mid-Ocean Ridges (MORs). At slow spreading rates, magmatic processes dominate central areas of MOR segments, whereas segment ends are highly tectonized. The TAMMAR segment at the Mid-Atlantic Ridge (MAR) between 21°25'N and 22°N is a magmatically active segment. At 4.5 Ma this segment started to propagate south, causing the termination of the transform fault at 21°40'N. This stopped long-lived detachment faulting and caused the migration of the ridge offset to the south. Here a segment center with a high magmatic budget has replaced a transform fault region with limited magma supply. We present results from seismic refraction profiles that mapped the crustal structure across the ridge crest of the TAMMAR segment. Seismic data yield crustal structure changes at the segment center as a function of melt supply. Seismic Layer 3 underwent profound changes in thickness and became rapidly thicker 5 Ma. This correlates with the observed "Bull's Eye" gravimetric anomaly in that region. Our observations support a temporal change from thick lithosphere with oceanic core complex formation and transform faulting to thin lithosphere with focused mantle upwelling and segment growth. Temporal changes in crustal construction are connected to variations in the underlying mantle. We propose that there is a link between the neighboring segments at a larger scale within the asthenosphere, to form a long, highly magmatically active macrosegment, here called the TAMMAR-Kane Macrosegment.

Geophysical and petrological characterization of the lithospheric mantle in Iberia, Western Mediterranean and North Africa

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fernandez, M.; Torne, M.; Carballo, A.; Jiménez-Munt, I.; Verges, J.; Villasenor, A.; Garcia-Castellanos, D.; Diaz Cusi, J.

2015-12-01

We present a geophysical and petrological study that aims to define the lithosphere structure and the variations of the chemical composition of the lithospheric mantle along three geo-transects crossing Iberia, the westernmost Mediterranean and North Africa. The modeling is based on an integrated geophysical-petrological methodology that combines elevation, gravity, geoid, surface heat flow, seismic and geochemical data. Unlike previous models, where the density of the lithospheric mantle is only temperature-dependent, the applied methodology allows inferring seismic velocities and density in the mantle down to 400 km depth from its chemical composition through self-consistent thermodynamic calculations. The first geo-transect with a length of 1100 km runs from the NE-Iberian Peninsula to the Tell-Atlas Mountains in Algeria. The second profile crosses the entire Iberian Peninsula, from the Northern Iberian Margin to the Alboran Basin. The third runs from the Iberian Massif to the Sahara Platform crossing the Betic-Rif orogenic system through the Gibraltar Strait and the Atlas Mountains. Results are compared to available tomography models and Pn-velocity data. The obtained lithospheric structure shows large lateral variations in crustal and lithospheric mantle thicknesses and mantle chemical composition. Measured low Pn velocities in the Western Mediterranean basin can be explained either by serpentinization and/or seismic anisotropy and only partly by transient thermal effects. In the Bay of Biscay low Pn velocities are explained only by serpentinization. The negative sub-lithospheric velocity anomalies imaged by tomography models below the Iberian plate and the Atlas Mountains are interpreted in terms of high-temperature/low-density regions being responsible for the high mean topography.

Orogenic structural inheritance and rifted passive margin formation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Salazar Mora, Claudio A.; Huismans, Ritske S.

2016-04-01

Structural inheritance is related to mechanical weaknesses in the lithosphere due to previous tectonic events, e.g. rifting, subduction and collision. The North and South Atlantic rifted passive margins that formed during the breakup of Western Gondwana, are parallel to the older Caledonide and the Brasiliano-Pan-African orogenic belts. In the South Atlantic, 'old' mantle lithospheric fabric resulting from crystallographic preferred orientation of olivine is suggested to play a role during rifted margin formation (Tommasi and Vauchez, 2001). Magnetometric and gravimetric mapping of onshore structures in the Camamu and Almada basins suggest that extensional faults are controlled by two different directions of inherited older Brasiliano structures in the upper lithosphere (Ferreira et al., 2009). In the South Atlantic Campos Basin, 3D seismic data indicate that inherited basement structures provide a first order control on basin structure (Fetter, 2009). Here we investigate the role of structural inheritance on the formation of rifted passive margins with high-resolution 2D thermo-mechanical numerical experiments. The numerical domain is 1200 km long and 600 km deep and represents the lithosphere and the sublithospheric mantle. Model experiments were carried out by creating self-consistent orogenic inheritance where a first phase of orogen formation is followed by extension. We focus in particular on the role of varying amount of orogenic shortening, crustal rheology, contrasting styles of orogen formation on rifted margin style, and the time delay between orogeny and subsequent rifted passive formation. Model results are compared to contrasting structural styles of rifted passive margin formation as observed in the South Atlantic. Ferreira, T.S., Caixeta, J.M., Lima, F.D., 2009. Basement control in Camamu and Almada rift basins. Boletim de Geociências da Petrobrás 17, 69-88. Fetter, M., 2009. The role of basement tectonic reactivation on the structural evolution of Campos Basin, offshore Brazil: Evidence from 3D seismic analysis and section restoration. Marine and Petroleum Geology 26, 873-886. Tommasi, A., Vauchez, A., 2001. Continental rifting parallel to ancient collisional belts: An effect of the mechanical anisotropy of the lithospheric mantle. Earth and Planetary Science Letters 185, 199-210.

Lithospheric architecture of the South-Western Alps revealed by multiparameter teleseismic full-waveform inversion

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Beller, S.; Monteiller, V.; Operto, S.; Nolet, G.; Paul, A.; Zhao, L.

2018-02-01

The Western Alps, although being intensively investigated, remains elusive when it comes to determining its lithospheric structure. New inferences on the latter are important for the understanding of processes and mechanisms of orogeny needed to unravel the dynamic evolution of the Alps. This situation led to the deployment of the CIFALPS temporary experiment, conducted to address the lack of seismological data amenable to high-resolution seismic imaging of the crust and the upper mantle. We perform a 3-D isotropic full-waveform inversion (FWI) of nine teleseismic events recorded by the CIFALPS experiment to infer 3-D models of both density and P- and S-wave velocities of the Alpine lithosphere. Here, by FWI is meant the inversion of the full seismograms including phase and amplitude effects within a time window following the first arrival up to a frequency of 0.2 Hz. We show that the application of the FWI at the lithospheric scale is able to generate images of the lithosphere with unprecedented resolution and can furnish a reliable density model of the upper lithosphere. In the shallowest part of the crust, we retrieve the shape of the fast/dense Ivrea body anomaly and detect the low velocities of the Po and SE France sedimentary basins. The geometry of the Ivrea body as revealed by our density model is consistent with the Bouguer anomaly. A sharp Moho transition is followed from the external part (30 km depth) to the internal part of the Alps (70-80 km depth), giving clear evidence of a continental subduction event during the formation of the Alpine Belt. A low-velocity zone in the lower lithosphere of the S-wave velocity model supports the hypothesis of a slab detachment in the western part of the Alps that is followed by asthenospheric upwelling. The application of FWI to teleseismic data helps to fill the gap of resolution between traditional imaging techniques, and enables integrated interpretations of both upper and lower lithospheric structures.

The Central Eurasia collision zone: insights from a neotectonic study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tunini, Lavinia; Jiménez-Munt, Ivone; Fernandez, Manel; Vergés, Jaume

2017-04-01

In this study, we explore the neotectonic deformation in the whole Central Eurasia, including both the India-Eurasia and the Arabia-Eurasia collision zones, by using the thin-sheet approach in which the lithosphere strength is calculated from the lithosphere structure and thermal regime. We investigate the relative contributions of the lithospheric structure, rheology, boundary conditions, and friction coefficient on faults on the predicted velocity and stress fields. The resulting models have been evaluated by comparing the predictions with available data on seismic deformation, stress directions and GPS velocities. A first order approximation of the velocity and stress directions is obtained, reproducing the counter-clockwise rotation of Arabia and Iran, the westward escape of Anatolia, and the eastward extrusion of the northern Tibetan Plateau. To simulate the observed extensional faults within Tibet a weaker lithosphere is required, provided by a change in the rheological parameters or a reduction of the lithosphere thickness in NE-Tibet. The temperature increase generated by the lithospheric thinning below the Tibetan Plateau would also allow reconciling the model with the high heat flow and low mantle seismic velocities observed in the area. Besides the large scale, this study offers a coherent result in regions with little or no data coverage, as in the case of the Arabia-India inter-collision zone, over large areas of Pakistan and entire Afghanistan. The study is supported by MITE (CGL2014-59516-P) and WE-ME (PIE-CSIC-201330E111) projects.

Two-stage magmatism during the evolution of the transitional Ethiopian rift

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cornwell, D. G.; England, R. W.; Maguire, P. K.; Kendall, M.; Stuart, G. W.

2008-12-01

The Ethiopian rift marks the transition between continental rifting and incipient seafloor spreading. The Ethiopia Afar Geoscientific Lithospheric Experiment (EAGLE) included a 400 km-long cross-rift profile with 97 broadband passive seismometers with the aim to investigate the change from mechanical to magmatic extension by defining the lithospheric structure and extent of magmatism beneath the rift. Complimentary studies of P-wave receiver functions, shear-wave splitting and teleseismic earthquake arrival times show that the lithospheric structure is inherently different beneath the north-western rift flank, rift valley and south- eastern rift flank, with contrasting crustal thickness and composition, upper mantle velocity and lithospheric anisotropy. Two stages of magmatic addition are interpreted: 1) a 6--18 km-thick underplate lens at the base of the crust, which probably formed synchronous with an Oligocene flood basalt event (and therefore pre-dates the adjacent rifting by ~20 Myr); and 2) a 20--30 km-wide zone of intense dyking and partial melt, which most likely pervades the entire crust beneath the rift valley and marks the locus of current rift extension. Furthermore, Precambrian collision-related lithospheric fabric is proposed to be the main source of the strong anisotropy that is observed along the entire cross-rift profile, which may be augmented by magmatism beneath the rift. An active, followed by a passive magma-assisted rifting model that is controlled by a combination of far-field plate stresses, the pre-existing lithospheric framework and magmatism is invoked to explain the rift evolution.

Lithospheric structure of the South China Sea and adjacent regions: Results from potential field modelling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Ming; Fang, Jian; Cui, Ronghua

2018-02-01

This work aims to investigate the crustal and lithospheric mantle thickness of the South China Sea (SCS) and adjacent regions. The crust-mantle interface, average crustal density, and lithospheric mantle base are calculated from free-air gravity anomaly and topographic data using an iterative inversion method. We construct a three-dimensional lithospheric model with different hierarchical layers. The satellite-derived gravity is used to invert the average crustal density and Moho (crust-mantle interface) undulations. The average crustal density and LAB (lithosphere-asthenosphere boundary) depths are further adjusted by topographic data under the assumption of local isostasy. The average difference in Moho depths between this study and the seismic measurement results is <1.5 km. The results show that in oceanic regions, the Moho depths are 7.5-30 km and the LAB depths are 65-120 km. The lithospheric thickness of the SCS basin and the adjacent regions increases from the sea basin to the continental margin with a large gradient in the ocean-continent transition zones. The Moho depths of conjugate plots during the opening of SCS, Zhongsha Islands and Reed Bank, reveal the asymmetric spreading pattern of SCS seafloor spreading. The lithospheric thinning pattern indicate two different spreading directions during seafloor spreading, which changed from N-S to NW-SE after the southward transition of the spreading axis. The lithosphere of the SCS basin and adjacent regions indicate that the SCS basin is a young basin with a stable interior lithosphere.

Inheritance vs ongoing evolution of the passive margin lithosphere in the southeastern United States: A comparison of <50Ma tectonism with tomographically imaged lithospheric structures.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wagner, L. S.; Fischer, K. M.; Hawman, R. B.; Hopper, E.; Howell, D.

2017-12-01

The southeastern United States is an archetypical passive margin, and yet significant evidence exists that this region, separated from the nearest plate boundary by thousands of kilometers and over 170 Ma, has experienced significant tectonism since the Eocene. This tectonism includes volcanism, uplift/deformation, and ongoing seismicity such as the 2011 Mw = 5.8 Mineral, VA earthquake and the 1886 M=7 Charleston, SC event. For each of these examples, numerous theories exist on their respective causes. However, there are two common themes that span all of these types of events: first, their proximity to regional terrane boundaries whose inherited structures could play a role; second, the nature of the mantle lithosphere underlying them. We present a recently completed inversion of seismic Rayleigh waves for the shear wave velocity structure of the uppermost 150 - 200 km beneath the southeastern United States. This inversion includes not only EarthScope Transportable Array data, but also the data from the 85 broadband stations installed as part of the Flex Array SouthEastern Suture of the Appalachian Mountains Experiment (SESAME). We find some evidence for structures inherited from previous episodes of rifting, accretion, and orogenesis. However, we also find several examples of mantle lithospheric structures that spatially correlate strongly with Eocene to recent tectonic activity, but do not correlate to any known inherited geometries. These examples include a small but pronounced sub-crustal low velocity anomaly beneath the Eocene volcanoes in western Virginia and eastern West Virginia, as well as evidence for mantle delamination beneath the Cape Fear Arch and uplifted portions of the Orangeburg Escarpment. We will discuss these, along with instances of recent tectonism in our study area that do not bear any obvious relationship to lithospheric structures, in order to shed light on the causes of ongoing tectonic activity in this supposedly "passive" margin setting.

The Western Edge of Cratonic North America and Topography of the Northern U.S. Rocky Mountains

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Foster, D. A.; Russo, R. M.; van der Lee, S.; Mueller, P. A.

2009-12-01

We used seismic structure of the upper mantle determined via waveform inversions of surface and regional shear waves (Beadle and van der Lee, 2007) to examine the 3-D geometry of the base of North American lithosphere at the junction between thick, stable cratonic eastern North America and the thinner, recently tectonized western part of the continent. This boundary has been affected by long-term subduction beneath North America. Variability in convergence rates and directions, and especially in slab dip, have been postulated as important controls on the configuration of the transition from thick to thin lithosphere, and on the distribution and degree of crustal deformation and volcanism in the western U.S. We show that the lithospheric thickness transition at depths of 70-130 km - defined as contours of zero shear velocity anomaly - correlates strongly with the high topography of Laramide uplifts in the northern Rockies, which lie west of this seismically defined craton edge. The transition from thick to thin lithosphere also includes an embayment symmetrically centered on the Yellowstone hotspot, offset cratonward from the surface position of the hotspot by ca. 140-180 km at depths of 130-150 km. We interpret this structure as a reduction of cratonic seismic velocities reflecting the thermal halo around the hotspot, and perhaps associated with the separation of the lower lithosphere. The steep velocity gradient (boundary) east of the hotspot occurs along the Big Horn Mountains, and distributed mountain ranges of southwestern Montana. The steep transition between thin and thick lithosphere turns sharply west along the northern margin of the Helena thrust salient-Lewis and Clark fault zone, where it may reflect the edge of the Archean Medicine Hat Block and/or the northern termination of the influence shallow Farallon slab subduction the during Laramide time. Laramide-style basement uplifts are absent north of this zone and the eastern front ranges of the Rockies in northern Montana and Alberta are located further west. South of the Yellowstone lithospheric embayment, a westward salient of high seismic velocities at 70-130 km depths coincides with near surface structures along the Cheyenne Belt, possibly representing an accreted relict subduction margin. Relationships between anomalously hot asthenosphere and thin lithosphere are widely supported for the Basin and Range Province. East of this region, the location of the western edge of thick cratonic North American lithosphere and associated transitions from high to lower topography suggests a strong relationship that dates back to Laramide subduction erosion, and subsequent influence on the thermal/chemical modifications to the lithosphere during Cenozoic and Recent times.

Transition from Subduction to Strike-Slip in the Southeast Caribbean: Effects on Lithospheric Structures and Overlying Basin Evolution

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Alvarez, T.; Mann, P.; Wood, L. J.; Vargas, C. A.; Latchman, J. L.

2013-12-01

Topography, basin structures and geomorphology of the southeast Caribbean-northeast South American margin are controlled by a 200-km-long transition from westward-directed subduction of South American lithosphere beneath the Caribbean plate, to east-west strike-slip motion of the Caribbean and South American plates. Our study of structures and basins present in the transitional area integrates a tomographic study of the lithospheric structures associated with lateral variations in the subduction of the South American lithosphere and orientation of the slab beneath the Caribbean plate as well as the evolution of overlying sedimentary basins imaged with deep-penetration seismic data kindly provided by the oil industry and Trinidad & Tobago government agencies. We use an earthquake dataset containing more than 700 events recorded by the eastern Caribbean regional seismograph network to build travel-time and attenuation tomography models used to image the mantle to depths of 100 km beneath transition zone. Approximately 10,000 km of 2D seismic reflection lines which are recorded to depths > 12 seconds TWT are used to interpret basin scale structures including tectono-stratigraphic sequences and structures which deform and displace sedimentary sequences. We use the observed satellite gravity to generate a gravity model for key sections traversing the tectonic transitional zone and to determine depth to basement in basins with sedimentary fill > 12 km. Within the study area, the dip of subducted South American oceanic lithosphere imaged on tomographic images is variable from ~44 to ~24 degrees. There is a distinct low gravity, low velocity, high attenuation, northwest - southeast trending lineation located east of Trinidad which defines the location of a Mesozoic oceanic fracture zone which accommodated the opening of the Central Atlantic during the Jurassic to Middle Cretaceous. This feature is also coincident with the present-day continent-ocean boundary and acts as a lithospheric weakness during subduction. We propose that this fracture zone is a key transition point between the subduction of South American/Atlantic oceanic lithosphere; which descends into the mantle, to the northeast, and the under-thrusting of transitional to continental South American lithosphere which resists subduction to the southwest. Maps of South American basement and its overlying Cretaceous passive margin illustrates a northwesterly basement dip with a distinct change in angle of the northwest dip across the paleo-fracture zone consistent with our tomographic model. We propose that flexure of the subducting South American plate at this location exerts a critical control on the formation and evolution of the basins and the lateral distribution of Cretaceous through Pleistocene stratigraphic fill. East of the fracture zone, the overlying strata is deformed by active subduction and accretionary prism processes with a wider zone of shortening with lower overall topography, while to the west of the fracture zone there is active oblique collision with a narrower zone of shortening and greater uplift.

Tectonics and volcanism of Eastern Aphrodite Terra: No subduction, no spreading

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hansen, Vicki L.; Keep, Myra; Herrick, Robert R.; Phillips, Roger J.

1992-01-01

Eastern Aphrodite Terra is approximately equal in size to the western North American Cordillera, from Mexico to Alaska. Its size and unique landforms make it an important area for understanding the tectonics of Venus, yet models for its formation are diametrically opposed. This region is part of the Equatorial Highlands, which was proposed as a region of lithospheric thinning, isostatic uplift, and attendant volcanism. Eastern Aphrodite Terra is dominated by circular structures within which deformation and volcanism are intimately related. These structures are marked by radial and concentric fractures, and volcanic flows that emanate from a central vent, as well as from concentric fracture sets. Cross-cutting relations between flows and concentric fracture sets indicate that outer concentric fracture sets are younger than inner fracture sets. The circular structures are joined by regional northeast- to east-trending fractures that dominantly postdate formation of the circular structures. We propose that the circular structures 'grow' outward with time. Although these structures probably represent addition of crust to the lithosphere, they do not represent significant lithospheric spreading or convergence, and the region does not mark the boundary between two distinct tectonic plates. This region is not easily explained by analogy with either terrestrial midocean rifts or subduction zones. It is perhaps best explained by upwelling of magma diapirs that blister the surface, but do not cause significant lithospheric spreading. Further study of the structural and volcanic evolution of this region using Magellan altimetry and SAR data should lead to better understanding of the tectonic evolution of this region.

Estimation of the Lithospheric Component Share in the Earth Natural Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Structure

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Malyshkov, S. Y.; Gordeev, V. F.; Polyvach, V. I.; Shtalin, S. G.; Pustovalov, K. N.

2017-04-01

Article describes the results of the atmosphere and Earth’s crust climatic and ecological parameters integrated monitoring. The estimation is made for lithospheric component share in the Earth natural pulsed electromagnetic field structure. To estimate lithospheric component we performed a round-the-clock monitoring of the Earth natural pulsed electromagnetic field background variations at the experiment location and measured the Earth natural pulsed electromagnetic field under electric shields. Natural materials in a natural environment were used for shielding, specifically lakes with varying parameters of water conductivity. Skin effect was used in the experiment - it is the tendency of electromagnetic waves amplitude to decrease with greater depths in the conductor. Atmospheric and lithospheric component the Earth natural pulsed electromagnetic field data recorded on terrain was compared against the recorded data with atmosphere component decayed by an electric shield. In summary we have demonstrated in the experiment that thunderstorm discharge originating electromagnetic field decay corresponds to the decay calculated using Maxwell equations. In the absence of close lightning strikes the ratio of field intensity recorded on terrain to shielded field intensity is inconsistent with the ratio calculated for atmospheric sources, that confirms there is a lithospheric component present to the Earth natural pulsed electromagnetic field.

Reexaming Owens Valley: Partitioning of Discrete and Distributed Transtension, Structural Controls on Magmatism, and Seismic Potential within an Active Rift Zone, Eastern California.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Levy, D. A.; Haproff, P. J.; Yin, A.

2016-12-01

Crustal-scale transtensional deformation is common in intracontinental extensional settings. However, along-strike variations in the geometry, kinematics, and linkages between rift-related faults, along with controls on local magmatic plumbing, remain inadequately examined. In this study, we conducted geologic mapping of active structures within central and northern Owens Valley of eastern California. C. Owens Valley features right-slip oblique deformation accommodated by three discrete north-south-trending faults: (1) the right-slip Owens Valley fault (OVF) and rift-bounding (2) Sierra Nevada Frontal fault (SNFF) and (3) the White-Inyo Mountains fault (WIMF). The OVF also serves as a lithospheric-scale, vertical conduit for asthenospheric-derived magma to migrate upwards and erupt at Big Pine Volcanic Field. Right-slip shear within C. Owens Valley is transferred to the SNFF of N. Owens Valley via the Poverty Hills restraining bend. In contrast to C. Owens Valley, the northern segment is dominated by distributed E-W to NE-SW-oriented extension, evidenced by normal fault scarps throughout Volcanic Tablelands and basin floor. Furthermore, the White Mountain fault which bounds N. Owens Valley to the east consists of a master west-dipping detachment fault that thinned the lithosphere, allowing for asthenospheric upwelling into the crust beneath the western rift shoulder. Subvertical, right-slip faults of the SNFF provide a conduit for magma to erupt on the surface throughout the Long Valley Caldera, Mono-Inyo Craters, and Mono Basin region. Our mapping demonstrates complex strain partitioning of discrete and distributed deformation within an alternating pure and simple shear, transtensional rift zone. Lastly, we present previously unknown relationships in Owens Valley between lithospheric-scale fault systems, seismic potential, and rift magmatism.

Crustal and lithospheric structure of the Alborz Mountains, Iran, and surrounding areas from integrated geophysical modeling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Motavalli-Anbaran, Seyed-Hani; Zeyen, Hermann; Brunet, Marie-FrançOise; Ardestani, Vahid Ebrahimzadeh

2011-10-01

Using gravity, geoid, topography and surface heat flow data, we have modeled the density and temperature distribution in the lithosphere along three profiles crossing Iran in SW-NE direction from the Arabian foreland in the SW to the South Caspian Basin and the Turan Platform to the NE. We find thin lithosphere (100-120 km) underneath central Iran, whereas thick lithosphere (up to 240 km) is found underneath Arabia, the South Caspian Basin and the Turan Platform. Crustal thickening is found under the Zagros and Alborz mountains (up to 60 km) and under the Kopet-Dagh Mountains (48 km), whereas the thin crust under the southern Caspian Sea is either an oceanic crust or a highly thinned continental one. Below the South Caspian Sea, the shape of the crust-mantle interface and the base of the lithosphere indicate a subduction of the South Caspian block toward the N-NW. Further east, under the Kopet-Dagh, no evidence for active subduction is visible. This can be explained by a rheologically very strong South Caspian block, surrounded by weaker continental lithosphere.

Thermoelastic stress in oceanic lithosphere due to hotspot reheating

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Zhu, Anning; Wiens, Douglas A.

1991-01-01

The effect of hotspot reheating on the intraplate stress field is investigated by modeling the three-dimensional thermal stress field produced by nonuniform temperature changes in an elastic plate. Temperature perturbations are calculated assuming that the lithosphere is heated by a source in the lower part of the thermal lithosphere. A thermal stress model for the elastic lithosphere is calculated by superposing the stress fields resulting from temperature changes in small individual elements. The stress in an elastic plate resulting from a temperature change in each small element is expressed as an infinite series, wherein each term is a source or an image modified from a closed-from half-space solution. The thermal stress solution is applied to midplate swells in oceanic lithosphere with various thermal structures and plate velocities. The results predict a stress field with a maximum deviatoric stress on the order of 100 MPa covering a broad area around the hotspot plume. The predicted principal stress orientations show a complicated geographical pattern, with horizontal extension perpendicular to the hotspot track at shallow depths and compression along the track near the bottom of the elastic lithosphere.

Varying Structure and Physical Properties of the Lithosphere Subducting Beneath Indonesia, Consequences on the Subduction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jacob, J.; Dyment, J.

2013-12-01

We make inferences on the structure, age and physical properties of the subducting northern Wharton Basin lithosphere by (1) modeling the structure and age of the lithosphere subducted under the Sumatra trench through three-plate reconstructions involving Australia, Antarctica, and India, and (2) superimposing the resulting fracture zones and magnetic isochrons to the geometry of the subducting plate as imaged by seismic tomography. The model of Pesicek et al. (2010) was digitized and smoothed in order to get a realistic topography of the subducting plate. The fracture zone and magnetic isochron geometry was draped on this topography assuming a N18°E direction of subduction. This model provides an effective means to study the effect of varying physical properties of the subducting lithosphere on the subduction along the Sumatra trench. 1) The age of the oceanic lithosphere determines its thickness and buoyancy, then its ability to comply with or resist subduction. We define the "subductability" of the lithosphere as the extra weight applied on the asthenosphere by the part of the bulk lithospheric density exceeding the asthenospheric density. A negative subductability means that the bulk lithospheric density is lower than the asthenospheric density, i.e. the plate will resist subduction, which is the case for lithosphere less than ~23 Ma. The area off Sumatra corresponds to oceanic lithosphere formed between 80 and 38 Ma, with a lower subductability than other areas along the Sunda Trench. 2) The spreading rate at which the oceanic lithosphere was formed has implications of the structure and composition of the oceanic crust, and therefore on its rheology. In a subduction zone, the contact between the subducting and overriding plates is often considered to be the top of the oceanic crust and the overlying sediments. The roughness of this interface and the rheology of its constitutive material are essential parameters constraining the slip of the down going plate in the seismogenic zone, and therefore the characteristics of the resulting earthquakes. Indeed the rough topography of a slow crust may offer more asperities, and therefore a more irregular slip, than the smooth topography of a fast crust. Conversely, the weak rheology of serpentines present in a slow crust would favor a regular slip, unlike the brittle magmatic rocks of the fast crust and the underlying dry olivine mantle. 3) Local features, including fracture zones and seamounts, may affect the seismic segmentation of the subduction zone. Many seamounts have been mapped in the Wharton Basin between 10°S and 15°S., their age decreasing from 136 Ma to the East to 47 Ma to the West, with anomalously younger ages in Christmas Island. Similar seamounts belonging to the same province may have existed further north and subducted in the Sunda Trench from southern Sumatra to Java and eastward. Conversely, the Roo Rise, a larger plateau located south of Eastern Java, may have more difficulty to enter the subduction, as suggested by the geometry of the Sunda Trench in this area, diverting from the regular arc by a maximum of 60 km. References Pesicek, J.D., C.H. Thurber, S. Widiyantoro, H. Zhang, H.R. DeShon, and E.R. Engdahl (2010), Sharpening the tomographic image of the subducting slab below Sumatra, the Andaman Islands and Burma, Geophys. J. Int., 182, 433-453.

Mars tectonics and volcanism

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Solomon, Sean C.

1990-01-01

The focus of this research was on three broad areas: (1) the relation between lithospheric stress in the vicinity of a growing volcano and the evolution of eruption characteristics and tectonic faulting; (2) the relation between elastic lithosphere thickness and thermal structure; and (3) a synthesis of constraints on heat flow and internal dynamics on Mars. The two reports presented are: (1) Heterogeneities in the Thickness of the Elastic Lithosphere of Mars--Constraints on Heat Flow and Internal Dynamics; and (2) State of Stress, Faulting, and Eruption Characteristics of Large Volcanoes on Mars.

Lithospheric structure of northwest Africa: Insights into the tectonic history and influence of mantle flow on large-scale deformation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Miller, Meghan S.; Becker, Thorsten

2014-05-01

Northwest Africa is affected by late stage convergence of Africa with Eurasia, the Canary Island hotspot, and bounded by the Proterozoic-age West African craton. We present seismological evidence from receiver functions and shear-wave splitting along with geodynamic modeling to show how the interactions of these tectonic features resulted in dramatic deformation of the lithosphere. We interpret seismic discontinuities from the receiver functions and find evidence for localized, near vertical-offset deformation of both crust-mantle and lithosphere-asthenosphere interfaces at the flanks of the High Atlas. These offsets coincide with the locations of Jurassic-aged normal faults that have been reactivated during the Cenozoic, further suggesting that inherited, lithospheric-scale zones of weakness were involved in the formation of the Atlas. Another significant step in lithospheric thickness is inferred within the Middle Atlas. Its location corresponds to the source of regional Quaternary alkali volcanism, where the influx of melt induced by the shallow asthenosphere appears restricted to a lithospheric-scale fault on the northern side of the mountain belt. Inferred stretching axes from shear-wave splitting are aligned with the topographic grain in the High Atlas, suggesting along-strike asthenospheric shearing in a mantle channel guided by the lithospheric topography. Isostatic modeling based on our improved lithospheric constraints indicates that lithospheric thinning alone does not explain the anomalous Atlas topography. Instead, an mantle upwelling induced by a hot asthenospheric anomaly appears required, likely guided by the West African craton and perhaps sucked northward by subducted lithosphere beneath the Alboran. This dynamic support scenario for the Atlas also suggests that the timing of uplift is contemporaneous with the recent volcanismin the Middle Atlas.

Using seismically constrained magnetotelluric inversion to recover velocity structure in the shallow lithosphere

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Moorkamp, M.; Fishwick, S.; Jones, A. G.

2015-12-01

Typical surface wave tomography can recover well the velocity structure of the upper mantle in the depth range between 70-200km. For a successful inversion, we have to constrain the crustal structure and assess the impact on the resulting models. In addition,we often observe potentially interesting features in the uppermost lithosphere which are poorly resolved and thus their interpretationhas to be approached with great care.We are currently developing a seismically constrained magnetotelluric (MT) inversion approach with the aim of better recovering the lithospheric properties (and thus seismic velocities) in these problematic areas. We perform a 3D MT inversion constrained by a fixed seismic velocity model from surface wave tomography. In order to avoid strong bias, we only utilize information on structural boundaries to combine these two methods. Within the region that is well resolved by both methods, we can then extract a velocity-conductivity relationship. By translating the conductivitiesretrieved from MT into velocities in areas where the velocity model is poorly resolved, we can generate an updated velocity model and test what impactthe updated velocities have on the predicted data.We test this new approach using a MT dataset acquired in central Botswana over the Okwa terrane and the adjacent Kaapvaal and Zimbabwe Cratons togetherwith a tomographic models for the region. Here, both datasets have previously been used to constrain lithospheric structure and show some similarities.We carefully asses the validity of our results by comparing with observations and petrophysical predictions for the conductivity-velocity relationship.

Surface-Wave Tomographic Studies of the Hudson Bay Lithosphere: Implications for Paleoproterozoic Tectonic Processes and the Assembly of the Canadian Shield

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Darbyshire, F. A.

2015-12-01

Hudson Bay is a shallow intracratonic basin that partially conceals the Trans-Hudson Orogen (THO) in northern Canada. The THO is thought to be a Himalayan-scale Paleoproterozoic orogenic event that was an important component of assembly of the Canadian Shield, marking the collision of the Archean Superior and Western Churchill plates. Until recently, only global and continental-scale seismic tomographic models had imaged the upper-mantle structure of the region, giving a broad but relatively low-resolution picture of the thick lithospheric keel. The Hudson Bay Lithospheric Experiment (HuBLE) investigated the present-day seismic structure beneath Hudson Bay and its surroundings, using a distributed broadband seismograph network installed around the periphery of the Bay and complemented by existing permanent and temporary seismographs further afield. This configuration, though not optimal for body-wave studies which use subvertical arrivals, is well-suited to surface wave tomographic techniques, with many paths crossing the Bay. As there is little seismicity in the region around the Canadian Shield, two-station measurements of teleseismic Rayleigh wave phase velocity formed the principal data set for lithospheric studies. The interstation measurements were combined in a linearized tomographic inversion for maps of phase velocity and azimuthal anisotropy at periods of 20-200 s; these maps were then used to calculate a pseudo-3D anisotropic upper-mantle shear-wavespeed model of the region. The model shows thick (~180-260 km), seismically fast lithosphere across the Hudson Bay region, with a near-vertical 'curtain' of lower wavespeeds trending NE-SW across the Bay, likely associated with more juvenile material trapped between the Archean Superior and Churchill continental cores during the THO. The lithosphere is layered, suggesting a 2-stage formation process. Seismic anisotropy patterns vary with depth; a circular pattern in the uppermost mantle wrapping around the Hudson Bay basin is superseded in the lower lithosphere by a pattern that mirrors THO-related structures within the crust; the lower layer thus likely formed when stress patterns related to the THO were still active.

Thermodynamic, geophysical and rheological modeling of the lithosphere underneath the North Atlantic Porcupine Basin (Ireland).

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Botter, C. D.; Prada, M.; Fullea, J.

2017-12-01

The Porcupine is a North-South oriented basin located southwest of Ireland, along the North Atlantic continental margin, formed by several rifting episodes during Late Carboniferous to Early Cretaceous. The sedimentary cover is underlined by a very thin continental crust in the center of the basin (<5 km) that has been generally associated with hyperextension and mantle serpentinization. From North to South lithospheric stretching factors increase drastically from 2 in the North to >10 in the South. In spite of the abundant literature, most of the oil and gas exploration in the Porcupine Basin has been targeting its northern part and is mostly restricted to relatively shallow depths, giving a restrained overview of the basin structure. Therefore, studying the thermodynamic and composition of the deep and broader structures is needed to understand the processes linked to the formation and the symmetry signature of the basin. Here, we model the present-day thermal and compositional structure of the continental crust and lithospheric mantle underneath the Porcupine basin using gravity, seismic, heat flow and elevation data. We use an integrated geophysical-petrological framework where most relevant rock properties (density, seismic velocities) are determined as a function of temperature, pressure and composition. Our modelling approach solves simultaneously the heat transfer, thermodynamic, geopotential, seismic and isostasy equations, and fit the results to all available geophysical and petrological observables (LitMod software). In this work we have implemented a module to compute self-consistently a laterally variable lithospheric elastic thickness based on mineral physics rheological laws (yield strength envelopes over the 3D volume). An appropriate understanding of local and flexural isostatic behavior of the basin is essential to unravel its tectonic history (i.e. stretching factors, subsidence etc.). Our Porcupine basin 3D model is defined by four lithological layers, representing properties from post- and syn-rift sequences to the lithospheric mantle. The computed yield strength envelopes are representative of hyperextended lithosphere and reveal the sensitivity of the lithospheric strength to the geotherm, as well as to the thickness and composition of the crust.

Shear wave velocity structure in the lithosphere and asthenosphere across the Southern California continent and Pacific plate margin using inversion of Rayleigh wave data from the ALBACORE project.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Price, A. C.; Weeraratne, D. S.; Kohler, M. D.; Rathnayaka, S.; Escobar, L., Sr.

2015-12-01

The North American and Pacific plate boundary is a unique example of past subduction of an oceanic spreading center which has involved oceanic plate capture and inception of a continental transform boundary that juxtaposes continental and oceanic lithosphere on a single plate. The amphibious ALBACORE seismic project (Asthenospheric and Lithospheric Broadband Architecture from the California Offshore Region Experiment) deployed 34 ocean bottom seismometers (OBS) on 15-35 Ma seafloor and offers a unique opportunity to compare the LAB in continental and oceanic lithosphere in one seismic study. Rayleigh waves were recorded simultaneously by our offshore array and 82 CISN network land stations from 2010-2011. Here we predict phase velocities for a starting shear wave velocity model for each of 5 regions in our study area and compare to observed phase velocities from our array in a least-squares sense that produces the best fit 1-D shear wave velocity structure for each region. Preliminary results for the deep ocean (seafloor 25-32 Ma) indicates high velocities reaching 4.5 km/s at depths of 50 km associated with the lithosphere for seafloor 25-32 Ma. A negative velocity gradient is observed below this which reaches a minimum of 4.0 km/s at 160 km depth. The mid-ocean region (age 13-25 Ma) indicates a slightly lower magnitude and shallower LVZ. The Inner Borderland displays the highest lithospheric velocities offshore reaching 4.8 km/s at 40 km depth indicating underplating. The base of the LVZ in the Borderland increases sharply from 4.0 km/s to 4.5 km/s at 80-150 km depth indicating partial melt and compositional changes. The LVZ displays a very gradual positive velocity gradient in all other regions such as the deep seafloor and continent reaching 4.5 km/s at 300 km depth. The deep ocean, Borderlands, and continental region each have unique lithospheric velocities, LAB depths, and LVZ character that indicate stark differences in mantle structure that occur on a single plate as well as across the continental margin.

Coupled anisotropic and isotropic tomography of the upper mantle beneath northern Fennoscandia - Application of a novel code AniTomo

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Munzarova, Helena; Plomerova, Jaroslava; Kissling, Edi; Vecsey, Ludek; Babuska, Vladislav

2017-04-01

Seismological investigations of the continental mantle lithosphere, particularly its anisotropic structure, advance our understanding of plate tectonics and formation of continents. Orientation of the anisotropic fabrics reflects stress fields during the lithosphere origin and its later deformations. To contribute to studies of the large-scale upper-mantle anisotropy, we have developed code AniTomo for regional anisotropic tomography. AniTomo allows a simultaneous inversion of relative travel time residuals of teleseismic P waves for 3D distribution of isotropic-velocity perturbations and anisotropy in the upper mantle. Weak hexagonal anisotropy with symmetry axis oriented generally in 3D is assumed. The code was successfully tested on a large series of synthetic datasets and synthetic structures. In this contribution we present results of the first application of novel code AniTomo to real data, i.e., relative travel-time residuals of teleseismic P waves recorded during passive seismic experiment LAPNET in the northern Fennoscandia between 2007 and 2009. The region of Fennoscandia is a suitable choice for the first application of the new code. This Precambrian region is tectonically stable and has a thick anisotropic mantle lithosphere (Plomerova and Babuska, Lithos 2010) without significant thermal heterogeneities. In the resulting anisotropic model of the upper mantle beneath the northern Fennoscandia, the strongest anisotropy and the largest velocity perturbations concentrate in the mantle lithosphere. We delimit regions of laterally and vertically consistent anisotropy in the mantle-lithospheric part of the model. In general, the identified anisotropic regions correspond to domains detected by joint interpretation of lateral variations of the P- and SKS-wave anisotropic parameters (Plomerova et al., Solid Earth 2011). Particularly, the mantle lithosphere in the western part of the volume studied exhibits a distinct and uniform fabric that is sharply separated from the surrounding regions. The eastern boundary of this region gradually shifts westward with increasing depth in the tomographic model. We connect the retrieved domain-like anisotropic structure of the mantle lithosphere in the northern Fennoscandia with preserved fossil fabrics of the Archean micro-plates, accreted during the Precambrian orogenic processes.

Strength and Deformation Rate of Plate Boundaries: The Rheological Effects of Grain Size Reduction, Structure, and Serpentinization.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Montesi, L.; Gueydan, F.

2016-12-01

Global strain rate maps reveal 1000-fold contrasts between plate interiors, oceanic or continental diffuse plate boundaries and narrow plate boundaries. Here, we show that rheological models based on the concepts of shear zone localization and the evolution of rock structure upon strain can explain these strain rate contrasts. Ductile shear zones constitute a mechanical paradox in the lithosphere. As every plastic deformation mechanism is strain-rate-hardening, ductile rocks are expected to deform at low strain rate and low stress (broad zone of deformation). Localized ductile shear zones require either a localized forcing (locally high stress) or a thermal or structural anomaly in the shear zone; either can be inherited or develop progressively as rocks deform. We previously identified the most effective process at each depth level of the lithosphere. In the upper crust and middle crust, rocks fabric controls localization. Grain size reduction is the most efficient mechanism in the uppermost mantle. This analysis can be generalized to consider a complete lithospheric section. We assume strain rate does not vary with depth and that the depth-integrated strength of the lithospheric does not change over time, as the total force is controlled by external process such as mantle convection and plate and slab buoyancy. Reducing grain size from a coarse value typical of undeformed peridotite to a value in agreement with the stress level (piezometer) while letting that stress vary from depth to depth (the integrated stress remains the same) increases the lithospheric strain rate by about a factor of 1000. This can explain the development of diffuse plate boundaries. The slightly higher strain rate of continental plate boundary may reflect development of a layered rock fabric in the middle crust. Narrow plate boundaries require additional weakening process. The high heat flux near mid-ocean ridge implies a thin lithosphere, which enhances stress (for constant integrated stress). While this can increase strain rate by another factor of 1000, another process must generate the lithospheric thickness variation in the first place. One possibility is serpentinization, which reduces the strength of the brittle crust, especially when coupled with the development of a fabric in brittle faults.

Three Dimensional Lithospheric Electrical Structure of the Tibetan Plateau as Revealed by SinoProbe Long Period Magnetotelluric Array Data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wei, Wenbo; Zhang, Letian; Jin, Sheng; Ye, Gaofeng; Jing, Jianen; Dong, Hao; Xie, Chengliang; Yin, Yaotian

2017-04-01

The on-going continent-continent collision between the Indian and Eurasian plates since 55 Ma has created the spectacular topography of the Tibetan plateau. However, many first order questions remain to be answered as to the mechanisms behind this young orogenic process. Under the auspices of the SinoProbe Project, a three dimensional (3-D) Magnetotelluric (MT) array have been deployed on the Tibetan Plateau from 2010 to 2013 to better understand this orogeny. By the end of 2013, 1099 MT stations have been completed, including 102 combined broadband MT (BBMT) and long period MT (LMT) stations. In this study, MT data of these 102 combined stations have been used to investigate the deep lithospheric electrical structure of the Tibetan Plateau. MT impedances within the period range of 10 - 50000 s were extracted to be used for 3-D inversions with the ModEM code using the standard NLCG algorithm. The resulting lithospheric electrical structure of the Tibetan Plateau shows a distinct pattern of strong variation not only vertically, but also horizontally. Conductors are found to be widespread in the middle to lower crust. But their geometries are quite complex, and not obviously consistent with the hypothesis of continuous eastward channel flow. Instead, most crustal conductors in central and southern Tibet display a pattern of N-S extension. In the depth range of the upper mantle, two more conductive regions can be identified in the southern Qiangtang Terrane and in the central Lhasa Terrane. Resistor associated with the underthrust Inidan plate can be traced beneath the Bangong-Nujiang suture in western Tibet, but only beneath the central Lhasa terrane in central Tibet. * This work was jointly supported by the grants from Project SinoProbe-01 and National Natural Science Foundation of China (41404060).

Anomalous Lower Crustal and Surface Features as a Result of Plume-induced Continental Break-up: Inferences from Numerical Models

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Beniest, A.; Koptev, A.; Leroy, S. D.

2016-12-01

Anomalous features along the South American and African rifted margins at depth and at the surface have been recognised with gravity and magnetic modelling. They include high velocity/high density bodies at lower crustal level and topography variations that are usually interpreted as aborted rifts. We present fully-coupled lithosphere-scale numerical models that permit us to explain both features in a relatively simple framework of an interaction between rheologically stratified continental lithosphere and an active mantle plume. We used 2D and 3D numerical models to investigate the impact of thermo-rheological structure of the continental lithosphere and initial plume position on continental rifting and breakup processes. Based on the results of our 2D experiments, three main types of continental break-up are revealed: A) mantle plume-induced break-up, directly located above the centre of the mantle anomaly, B) mantle plume-induced break-up, 50 to 250 km displaced from the initial plume location and C) self-induced break-up due to convection and/or slab-subduction/delamination, considerably shifted (300 to 800 km) from the initial plume position. With our 3D, laterally homogenous initial setup, we show that a complex system, with the axis of continental break-up 100's of km's shifted from the original plume location, can arise spontaneously from simple and perfectly symmetric preliminary settings. Our modelling demonstrates that fragments of a laterally migrating plume head become glued to the base of the lithosphere and remain at both sides of the newly-formed oceanic basin after continental break-up. Underplated plume material soldered into lower parts of lithosphere can be interpreted as the high-velocity/high density magmatic bodies at lower crustal levels. In the very early stages of rifting, first impingement of the vertically upwelled mantle plume to the lithospheric base leads to surface topographic variations. Given the shifted position of the final spreading centre with respect to initial plume position, these topographic variations resemble aborted rifts that are observed on passive margins. Lastly, after continuous extension and transition to the spreading state, strain rate relocalizations develop that can be interpreted as ridge jumps that are commonly observed in nature.

The effects of subduction termination on the continental lithosphere: Linking volcanism, deformation, surface uplift, and slab tearing in central Anatolia

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Delph, Jonathan R.; Abgarmi, Bijan; Ward, Kevin M.; Beck, Susan L.; Arda Ozacar, A.; Zandt, George; Sandvol, Eric; Turkelli, Niyazi; Kalafat, Dogan

2017-04-01

The lithospheric evolution of Anatolia is largely defined by processes associated with the terminal stages of subduction along its southern margin. Central Anatolia represents the transition from the subduction of oceanic lithosphere at the Aegean trench in the west to the Arabian - Eurasian continental collision in the east. In the overriding plate, this complicated transition is contemporaneous with uplift along the southern margin of central Anatolia (2 km in 6 Myr), voluminous felsic-intermediate ignimbrite eruptions (>1000 km3), extension, and tectonic deformation reflected by abundant low-magnitude seismic activity. The addition of 72 seismic stations as part of the Continental Dynamics - Central Anatolian Tectonics project, along with development of a new approach to the joint inversion of receiver functions and dispersion data, enables us obtain a high-resolution 3D shear wave velocity model of central Anatolia down to 150 km. This new velocity model has important implications for the complex interactions between the downgoing, segmenting African lithosphere and the overriding Anatolian Plate. These results reveal that the lithosphere of central Anatolia and the northern Arabian Plate is thin (<50 to 80 km). The Central Taurus Mountains, which have experienced 2 km of uplift in the past 6 Ma, are underlain by the fastest shear velocities in the region (>4.5 km/s), indicating the presence of the Cyprean slab beneath central Anatolia. Thus, uplift of the Central Taurus Mountains may be due to slab rebound after the detachment of the oceanic portion of the Cyprean slab beneath Anatolia rather than the presence of shallow asthenospheric material. These fast velocities extend to the northern margin of the Central Taurus Mountains, giving way to a NE-SW trend of very slow upper mantle shear wave velocities (<4.2 km/s) beneath the Central Anatolian Volcanic Province. These slow velocities are interpreted to be shallow, warm asthenosphere in which melt is present. The combination of a shallow asthenosphere and lithospheric-scale weaknesses associated with relict tectonic structures formed during the assembly of Anatolia are responsible for the spatial distribution of volcanism in the Central Anatolian Volcanic Province. Finally, we present a model for the evolution of central Anatolia that brings together the volcanism, extension in the Kirsehir Block, uplift of the southern margin of central Anatolia, and our seismic images.

3D Deformation and Evolution of Mediterranean Basins: Insights From Crustal and Mantle Anisotropy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lebedev, S.; Endrun, B.; Meier, T. M.; Adam, J.; Tirel, C.

2010-12-01

The slow convergence of Africa and Eurasia has been accompanied by spectacular tectonic activity within the Mediterranean. The evolution and retreat of multiple subduction zones has brought about pervasive deformation of continental back-arc basins. Continental deformation in the Mediterranean is at rates among the highest globally, and with diverse patterns and boundary conditions. Better understanding of this deformation promises important new insights into the dynamics of continents, and numerous competing models have been put forward. The lack of consensus to date is in large part due to the paucity of observational constraints on the deformation and flow within the deep crust and lithospheric mantle. Observations of seismic anisotropy provide constraints on deformation at depth. Array analysis of surface waves, in particular, can resolve variations in anisotropic fabric both laterally and as a function of depth. Analyses of other data types, including SKS splitting and Pn anisotropy, cross-validate and complement surface-wave constraints on anisotropy. Recent seismic-anisotropy imaging in the North Tyrrhenian and the Aegean indicates widespread diffuse deformation within the lithosphere, some of it with previously unknown patterns. Anisotropy shows the layering of finite strain in the crust and mantle. It reveals complex, depth-dependent flow patterns within the extending lithosphere and underlying asthenosphere. In the northern Aegean, fast shear-wave propagation directions within the mantle lithosphere are N-S, parallel to the direction of current extension. This indicates that the brittle upper crust, undergoing both stretching and bookshelf-like faulting on NE-SW trending faults, is underlain by a viscous mantle lithosphere that is flowing straight in the direction of the N-S extension. In the south-central Aegean, deforming weakly at present, anisotropic fabric in the lower crust trends parallel to the direction of paleo-extension in the Miocene; this fabric is a record of pervasive crustal flow that accompanied the exhumation of metamorphic core complexes at that time. In the North Tyrrhenian, extension over the last 10 m.y. has also caused exhumation of metamorphic rocks, with stretching lineations recording an E-W extension direction. Anisotropic fabric in both the lower crust and mantle lithosphere match this direction, confirming that viscous flow within both layers has accommodated the extension. Previously observed SKS-wave splitting in the northern and central Aegean shows predominantly NE-SW fast-propagation directions and is likely to indicate current and recent flow in the asthenosphere due to the rapid retreat of the Hellenic subduction zone. In the North Tyrrhenian, anisotropy also changes at the lithosphere-asthenosphere boundary. Whereas the lithosphere preserves the E-W trending fabric that is a record of recent extension, the asthenosphere shows NW-SE trending fabric that indicates asthenospheric flow parallel to the Apennines and the trench, probably related to the complex configuration of the subducting slabs beneath the Alps and the Apennines.

Rayleigh-wave dispersion reveals crust-mantle decoupling beneath eastern Tibet.

PubMed

Legendre, Cédric P; Deschamps, Frédéric; Zhao, Li; Chen, Qi-Fu

2015-11-09

The Tibetan Plateau results from the collision of the Indian and Eurasian Plates during the Cenozoic, which produced at least 2,000 km of convergence. Its tectonics is dominated by an eastward extrusion of crustal material that has been explained by models implying either a mechanical decoupling between the crust and the lithosphere, or lithospheric deformation. Discriminating between these end-member models requires constraints on crustal and lithospheric mantle deformations. Distribution of seismic anisotropy may be inferred from the mapping of azimuthal anisotropy of surface waves. Here, we use data from the CNSN to map Rayleigh-wave azimuthal anisotropy in the crust and lithospheric mantle beneath eastern Tibet. Beneath Tibet, the anisotropic patterns at periods sampling the crust support an eastward flow up to 100°E in longitude, and a southward bend between 100°E and 104°E. At longer periods, sampling the lithospheric mantle, the anisotropic structures are consistent with the absolute plate motion. By contrast, in the Sino-Korean and Yangtze cratons, the direction of fast propagation remains unchanged throughout the period range sampling the crust and lithospheric mantle. These observations suggest that the crust and lithospheric mantle are mechanically decoupled beneath eastern Tibet, and coupled beneath the Sino-Korean and Yangtze cratons.

Density Of The Continental Roots: Compositional And Thermal Effects

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kaban, M. K.; Schwintzer, P.; Artemieva, I.; Mooney, W. D.

We use gravity, thermal, and seismic data to examine how the density and composi- tion of lithospheric roots vary beneath the cratons. Our interpretation is based on the gravity anomalies calculated by subtracting the gravitational effects of bathymetry, to- pography, and the crust from the observed gravity field, and the residual topography that characterizes the isostatic state of the lithosphere. We distinguish the effects of temperature and compositional variations in producing lithospheric density anomalies using two independent temperature constrains: based on interpretation of the surface heat flow data and estimated from global seismic tomography data. We find that in situ lithospheric density differs significantly between individual cratons, with the most dense values found beneath Eurasia and the least dense values beneath South Africa. This demonstrates that there is not a simple compensation of thermal and composition effects. We present a new gravity anomaly map that was corrected for crustal density structure and lithospheric temperatures. This map reveals differences in lithospheric composition, that are the result of the petrologic processes that have formed and mod- ified the lithosphere. All significant negative gravity anomalies are found in cratonic regions. In contrast, positive gravity anomalies are found in two distinct regions: near ocean-continent and continent-continent subduction zones, and within some continen- tal interiors. The origin of the latter positive anomalies is uncertain.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Ben-Avraham, Z.; Nur, A.

The elevation above sea level of circum-Pacific volcanoes situated on continental crust varies greatly, not only between various chains but also within chains. Their edifice heights, however, are essentially constant with each chain. This pattern is reversed for oceanic volcanoes: The elevation circum-Pacific volcanoes situated on oceanic curst is constant within arcs, while edifice heights are greatly variable. In continents the depth to the root zones of volcanoes may be within the elastic part of the lithosphere, whereas in the oceans it may be well below the elastic part of the lithosphere. We suggest that melting, or the onset ofmore » the volcanic uprising, may be controlled in both cases primarily by pressure: in the continental lithosphere by the overburden pressure determined by depth below the local surface and in the oceanic lithosphere by the isostatically compensated pressure zone controlled by depth below sea level. The pattern seems to hold even in complex geological regions and may be used to identify the nature of the crust in such regions.« less

Lithospheric-Mantle Structure of the Kaapvaal Craton, South Africa, Derived From Thermodynamically Self-Consistent Modelling of Seismic Surface-Wave and S-wave Receiver Function, Heat-flow, Elevation, Xenolith and Magnetotelluric Observations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Muller, M. R.; Fullea, J.; Jones, A. G.; Adam, J.; Lebedev, S.; Piana Agostinetti, N.

2012-12-01

Results from recent geophysical and mantle-xenolith geochemistry studies of the Kaapvaal Craton appear, at times, to provide disparate views of the physical, chemical and thermal structure of the lithosphere. Models from our recent SAMTEX magnetotelluric (MT) surveys across the Kaapvaal Craton indicate a resistive, 220-240 km thick lithosphere for the central core of the craton. One published S-wave receiver function (SRF) study and other surface-wave studies suggest a thinner lithosphere characterised by a ~160 km thick high-velocity "lid" underlain by a low-velocity zone (LVZ) of between 65-150 km in thickness. Other seismic studies suggest that the (high-velocity) lithosphere is thicker, in excess of 220 km. Mantle xenolith pressure-temperature arrays from Mesozoic kimberlites require that the base of the "thermal" lithosphere (i.e., the depth above which a conductive geotherm is maintained) is at least 220 km deep, to account for mantle geotherms in the range 35-38 mWm-2. Richly diamondiferous kimberlites across the Kaapvaal Craton require a lithospheric thickness substantially greater than 160 km - the depth of the top of the diamond stability field. In this paper we use the recently developed LitMod software code to derive, thermodynamically consistently, a range of 1-D seismic velocity, density, electrical resistivity and temperature models from layered geochemical models of the lithosphere based on mantle xenolith compositions. In our work, the "petrological" lithosphere-asthenosphere boundary (pLAB) (i.e., the top of the fertile asthenospheric-mantle) and the "thermal" LAB (tLAB as defined above) are coincident. Lithospheric-mantle models are found simultaneously satisfying all geophysical observables: new surface-wave dispersion data, published SRFs, MT responses, surface elevation and heat-flow. Our results show: 1. All lithospheric-mantle models are characterised by a seismic LVZ with a minimum velocity at the depth of the petrological/thermal LAB. The top of the LVZ does not correspond with the LAB. 2. Thin (~160 km-thick) lithospheric-mantle models are consistent with surface elevation and heat-flow observations only for unreasonably low average crustal heat production values (~0.4 μWm-3). However, such models are inconsistent both with the surface-wave dispersion data and youngest (Group I) palaeo-geotherms defined by xenolith P-T arrays. 3. A three-layered geochemical model (consistent with mantle xenoliths), with lithospheric thickness in excess of 220 km, is required to match all geophysical constraints. 4. The chemical transition from a depleted harzburgitic composition (above) to a refertilised high-T lherzolitic composition (below) at 160 km depth produces a sharp onset of the seismic LVZ and a sharp increase in density. Synthetic SRFs will assess whether this chemical transition may account for the reported S-to-P conversion event at 160 km depth. However, in this this instance the SRF conversion event would not represent the petrological/thermal LAB.

Lithospheric-Mantle Structure of the Kaapvaal Craton, South Africa, Derived from Thermodynamically Self-Consistent Modelling of Magnetotelluric, Surface-Wave Dispersion, S-wave Receiver Function, Heat-flow, Elevation and Xenolith Observations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Muller, Mark; Fullea, Javier; Jones, Alan G.; Adam, Joanne; Lebedev, Sergei; Piana Agostinetti, Nicola

2013-04-01

Results from recent geophysical and mantle-xenolith geochemistry studies of the Kaapvaal Craton appear, at times, to provide disparate views of the physical, chemical and thermal structure of the lithosphere. Models from our recent SAMTEX magnetotelluric (MT) surveys across the Kaapvaal Craton indicate a resistive, 220-240 km thick lithosphere for the central core of the craton. One published S-wave receiver function (SRF) study and other surface-wave studies suggest a thinner lithosphere characterised by a ~160 km thick high-velocity "lid" underlain by a low-velocity zone (LVZ) of between 65-150 km in thickness. Other seismic studies suggest that the (high-velocity) lithosphere is thicker, in excess of 220 km. Mantle xenolith pressure-temperature arrays from Mesozoic kimberlites require that the base of the "thermal" lithosphere (i.e., the depth above which a conductive geotherm is maintained - the tLAB) is at least 220 km deep, to account for mantle geotherms in the range 35-38 mWm-2. Richly diamondiferous kimberlites across the Kaapvaal Craton require a lithospheric thickness substantially greater than 160 km - the depth of the top of the diamond stability field. In this paper we use the recently developed LitMod software code to derive, thermodynamically consistently, a range of 1-D electrical resistivity, seismic velocity, density and temperature models from layered geochemical models of the lithosphere based on mantle xenolith compositions. In our work, the "petrological" lithosphere-asthenosphere boundary (pLAB) (i.e., the top of the fertile asthenospheric-mantle) and the "thermal" LAB (tLAB) are coincident. Lithospheric-mantle models are found simultaneously satisfying all geophysical observables: MT responses, new surface-wave dispersion data, published SRFs, surface elevation and heat-flow. Our results show: 1. All lithospheric-mantle models are characterised by a seismic LVZ with a minimum velocity at the depth of the petrological/thermal LAB. The top of the LVZ does not correspond with the LAB. 2. Thin (~160 km-thick) lithospheric-mantle models are consistent with surface elevation and heat-flow observations only for unreasonably low average crustal heat production values (~0.4 µWm-3). However, such models are inconsistent both with the surface-wave dispersion data and youngest (Group I) palaeo-geotherms defined by xenolith P-T arrays. 3. A three-layered geochemical model, with lithospheric thickness in excess of 230 km, is required to match all geophysical and xenolith constraints. 4. The chemical transition from a depleted harzburgitic composition (above) to a refertilised high-T lherzolitic composition (below) at 160 km depth produces a sharp onset of the seismic LVZ and a sharp increase in density. Synthetic SRFs indicate that this chemical transition is able to account for the reported S-to-P conversion event at 160 km depth. In this this instance the 160 km deep SRF event does not represent the petrological/thermal LAB.

Lithosphere erosion and continental breakup: Interaction of extension, plume upwelling and melting

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lavecchia, Alessio; Thieulot, Cedric; Beekman, Fred; Cloetingh, Sierd; Clark, Stuart

2017-06-01

We present the results of thermo-mechanical modelling of extension and breakup of a heterogeneous continental lithosphere, subjected to plume impingement in presence of intraplate stress field. We incorporate partial melting of the extending lithosphere, underlying upper mantle and plume, caused by pressure-temperature variations during the thermo-mechanical evolution of the conjugate passive margin system. Effects of melting included in the model account for thermal effects, causing viscosity reduction due to host rock heating, and mechanical effects, due to cohesion loss. Our study provides better understanding on how presence of melts can influence the evolution of rifting. Here we focus particularly on the role of melting for the temporal and spatial evolution of passive margin geometry and rift migration. Depending on the lithospheric structure, melt presence may have a significant impact on the characteristics of areas affected by lithospheric extension. Pre-existing lithosphere heterogeneities determine the location of initial breakup, but in presence of plumes the subsequent evolution is more difficult to predict. For small distances between plume and area of initial rifting, the development of symmetric passive margins is favored, whereas increasing the distance promotes asymmetry. For a plume-rifting distance large enough to prevent interaction, the effect of plumes on the overlying lithosphere is negligible and the rift persists at the location of the initial lithospheric weakness. When the melt effect is included, the development of asymmetric passive continental margins is fostered. In this case, melt-induced lithospheric weakening may be strong enough to cause rift jumps toward the plume location.

Seismic structure of the lithosphere and upper mantle beneath the ocean islands near mid-oceanic ridges

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Haldar, C.; Kumar, P.; Kumar, M. Ravi

2014-05-01

Deciphering the seismic character of the young lithosphere near mid-oceanic ridges (MORs) is a challenging endeavor. In this study, we determine the seismic structure of the oceanic plate near the MORs using the P-to-S conversions isolated from quality data recorded at five broadband seismological stations situated on ocean islands in their vicinity. Estimates of the crustal and lithospheric thickness values from waveform inversion of the P-receiver function stacks at individual stations reveal that the Moho depth varies between ~ 10 ± 1 km and ~ 20 ± 1 km with the depths of the lithosphere-asthenosphere boundary (LAB) varying between ~ 40 ± 4 and ~ 65 ± 7 km. We found evidence for an additional low-velocity layer below the expected LAB depths at stations on Ascension, São Jorge and Easter islands. The layer probably relates to the presence of a hot spot corresponding to a magma chamber. Further, thinning of the upper mantle transition zone suggests a hotter mantle transition zone due to the possible presence of plumes in the mantle beneath the stations.

Deep-tow studies of the Vema Fracture Zone: 1. Tectonics of a major slow slipping transform fault and its intersection with the Mid-Atlantic Ridge

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

MacDonald, Ken. C.; Castillo, David A.; Miller, Stephen P.; Fox, Paul J.; Kastens, Kim A.; Bonatti, Enrico

1986-03-01

The Vema transform fault, which slips at a rate of 24 mm/yr, displaces the Mid-Atlantic Ridge (MAR) 320 km in a left-lateral sense. High-resolution deep-tow studies of the Vema ridge-transform intersection (RTI) and the eastern 130 km of the active transform fault reveal a complex pattern of dip-slip and strike-slip faults which evolve in time and space. At the intersection, both the neovolcanic zone and the west wall of the MAR rift valley curve counterclockwise toward the transform fault along trends approximately 30° oblique to the regional north-south trend of the spreading axis. The curving of extensional structures in the rift valley, such as normal faults and the axial zone of dike injection, appears to be related to transmission of transform related shear stresses into the spreading center domain. Intermittent locking of the American and African lithospheric plates across the RTI causes shear stresses to penetrate up to 4 km into the MAR axial neovolcanic zone where the lithosphere is relatively thin and up to 12 km into the block-faulted west wall of the rift valley where the lithosphere is thicker. The degree of shear coupling across the RTI may vary with time due to changes in the thickness of the lithosphere along the axis (0-10 km), the strength of a "mantle weld" at depth, and the presence or absence of an axial magma chamber, so that extensional structures at the RTI may be either spreading center parallel when coupling is weak or oblique when coupling is strong. Oblique extension across the RTI in addition to other factors may account for some of the down dropping of lithosphere within the deep nodal basin. The easternmost 20 km of the active transform fault zone near the RTI displays a braided network of three to nine tectonically active grabens and V-shaped furrows in a zone 2-4 km wide, interpreted to consist of interwoven Riedel shears, P shears, and oblique normal faults. Clay cake deformation experiments and deep-tow observations suggest that P shears and R shears, which are 10°-20° oblique to the transform slip direction, develop during the initial stages of transform faulting near the RTI as the newly accreted lithosphere accelerates to full plate velocity. Some of the R shears propagate along strike and intercept the oblique normal faults resulting in sharply curving scarps at the RTI. Subsequent to this merging of the two fault types, some of the R shears develop a significant component of dip slip, while other R shears merge with P shears creating a complex anastomosing fault pattern up to 4 km wide. A continuous strand within this braided pattern of faults is interpreted to be the principal transform displacement zone near the RTI. Twenty kilometers west of the RTI the active transform fault zone narrows to a furrow generally less than 100 m wide with only a few short discontinuous splays. This narrow groove cuts through thinly sedimented basalt 20-40 km west of the RTI and continues as a narrow furrow (less than 100 m wide) through up to 1.5 km of layered turbidite fill most of the way to the western RTI. Such a narrow zone of deformation typifies the mature stages of transform faulting where the lithosphere on both sides of the transform fault is relatively old, thick, and rigid and has completed its acceleration to full plate velocity. The transform fault zone is closely associated with a partially buried median ridge and widens to 1-2 km where it transects exposed portions of the ridge. The transform parallel median and transverse ridges create the highest topography associated with the transform fault and may be serpentinized ultramafic intrusions capped by displaced crustal blocks of gabbro, metagabbro, and basalt.

Formation of fold and thrust belts on Venus due to horizontal shortening of a laterally heterogeneous lithosphere

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Zuber, M. T.; Parmentier, E. M.; Neumann, G. A.

1994-01-01

An outstanding question relevant to understanding the tectonics of Venus is the mechanism of formation of fold and thrust belts, such as the mountain belts that surround Lakshmi Planum in western Ishtar Terra. These structures are typically long (hundreds of km) and narrow (many tens of km), and are often located at the margins of relatively high (km-scale) topographic rises. Previous studies have attempted to explain fold and thrust belts in various areas of Venus in the context of viscous and brittle wedge theory. However, while wedge theory can explain the change in elevation from the rise to the adjacent lowland, it fails to account for a fundamental aspect of the deformation, i.e., the topographic high at the edge of the rise. In this study we quantitatively explore the hypothesis that fold and thrust belt morphology on Venus can alternatively be explained by horizontal shortening of a lithosphere that is laterally heterogeneous, due either to a change in thickness of the lithosphere or the crust. Lateral heterogeneities in lithosphere structure may arise in response to thermal thinning or extensive faulting, while variations in crustal thickness may arise due to either spatially variable melting of mantle material or by horizontal shortening of the crust. In a variable thickness lithosphere or crust that is horizontally shortened, deformation will tend to localize in the vicinity of thickness heterogeneity, resulting in a higher component of dynamic topography there as compared to elsewhere in the shortening lithosphere. This mechanism may thus provide a simple explanation for the topographic high at the edge of the rise.

Formation of fold and thrust belts on Venus due to horizontal shortening of a laterally heterogeneous lithosphere

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zuber, M. T.; Parmentier, E. M.; Neumann, G. A.

1994-03-01

An outstanding question relevant to understanding the tectonics of Venus is the mechanism of formation of fold and thrust belts, such as the mountain belts that surround Lakshmi Planum in western Ishtar Terra. These structures are typically long (hundreds of km) and narrow (many tens of km), and are often located at the margins of relatively high (km-scale) topographic rises. Previous studies have attempted to explain fold and thrust belts in various areas of Venus in the context of viscous and brittle wedge theory. However, while wedge theory can explain the change in elevation from the rise to the adjacent lowland, it fails to account for a fundamental aspect of the deformation, i.e., the topographic high at the edge of the rise. In this study we quantitatively explore the hypothesis that fold and thrust belt morphology on Venus can alternatively be explained by horizontal shortening of a lithosphere that is laterally heterogeneous, due either to a change in thickness of the lithosphere or the crust. Lateral heterogeneities in lithosphere structure may arise in response to thermal thinning or extensive faulting, while variations in crustal thickness may arise due to either spatially variable melting of mantle material or by horizontal shortening of the crust. In a variable thickness lithosphere or crust that is horizontally shortened, deformation will tend to localize in the vicinity of thickness heterogeneity, resulting in a higher component of dynamic topography there as compared to elsewhere in the shortening lithosphere. This mechanism may thus provide a simple explanation for the topographic high at the edge of the rise.

In situ rheology of the oceanic lithosphere along the Hawaiian ridge

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pleus, A.; Ito, G.; Wessel, P.; Frazer, L. N.

2017-12-01

Much of our quantitative understanding of lithospheric rheology is based on rock deformation experiments carried out in the laboratory. The accuracy of the relationships between stress and lithosphere deformation, however, are subject to large extrapolations, given that laboratory strain rates (10-7 s-1) are much greater than geologic rates (10-15 to 10-12 s-1). In situ deformation experiments provide independent constraints and are therefore needed to improve our understanding of natural rheology. Zhong and Watts [2013] presented such a study around the main Hawaiian Islands and concluded that the lithosphere flexure requires a much weaker rheology than predicted by laboratory experiments. We build upon this study by investigating flexure around the older volcanoes of the Hawaiian ridge. The ridge is composed of a diversity of volcano sizes that loaded seafloor of nearly constant age (85+/-8 Ma); this fortunate situation allows for an analysis of flexural responses to large variations in applied loads at nearly constant age-dependent lithosphere thermal structure. Our dataset includes new marine gravity and multi-beam bathymetry data collected onboard the Schmidt Ocean Institute's R/V Falkor. These data, along with forward models of lithospheric flexure, are used to obtain a joint posterior probability density function for model parameters that control the lithosphere's flexural response to a given load. These parameters include the frictional coefficient constraining brittle failure in the shallow lithosphere, the activation energy for the low-temperature plasticity regime, and the geothermal gradient of the Hawaiian lithosphere. The resulting in situ rheological parameters may be used to verify or update those derived in the lab. Attaining accurate lithospheric rheological properties is important to our knowledge, not only of the evolution of the Hawaiian lithosphere, but also of other solid-earth geophysical problems, such as oceanic earthquakes, subduction dynamics, and coastal topographic response to sea level rise.

Stretching of Hot Lithosphe: A Significant Mode of Crustal Stretching in Southeast Asia

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

de Montserrat Navarro, A.; Morgan, J. P.; Hall, R.; White, L. T.

2017-12-01

SE Asia roughly covers roughly 15% of the Earth's surface and represents one of the most tectonically active regions in the world, yet its tectonic evolution remains relatively poorly studied and constrained in comparison with other regions. Recent episodes of extension have been associated with sedimentary basin growth and phases of crustal melting, uplift and extremely rapid exhumation of young (<7Ma) metamorphic core complexes. This is recorded by seismic imagery of basins offshore Sulawesi and New Guinea as well as through new field studies of the onshore geology in these regions. A growing body of new geochronological and biostratigraphic data provides some control on the rates of processes. We use two-dimensional numerical models to investigate the evolution of the distinctive extensional basins in SE Asia. Our models suggest that, at the onset of stretching, the lithosphere was considerably hotter than in more typically studied rift settings (e.g. Atlantic opening, East African Rift, Australia-Antarctica opening). High Moho temperatures are key in shaping the architecture of the stretched lithosphere: A) hot and week lower crust fails to transmit the stress and brittle deformation, thus resulting in a strong decoupling between crust and lithospheric mantle; B) the mode of deformation is dominated by the ductile flow and boudinage of lower crust, yielding the exhumation of one-to-several partially molten lower crustal bodies, including metamorphic core complexes; C) continental break-up is often inhibited by the ductile behaviour of the crust, and it is only achieved after considerable cooling of the lithosphere. To better constrain the extension rates in which these basins formed, we compare P-T and cooling paths of lower crustal material in a suite of models with newly available data from the Palu and Malino metamorphic core complexes in Sulawesi, Indonesia.

Structure of the Lithosphere in Central Europe: Integrated Density Modelling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bielik, M.; Grinč, M.; Zeyen, H. J.; Plašienka, D.; Pasteka, R.; Krajňák, M.; Bošanský, M.; Mikuška, J.

2014-12-01

Firstly, we present new results related to the lithospheric structure and tectonics of the Central Europe and the Western Carpathians. For geophysical study of the lithosphere in Central Europe we calculated four original 2D lithosphere-scales transects crossing this area from the West European Platform in the North to the Aegean Sea in the South and from the Adriatic Sea in the West to the East European Platform in the East. Modelling is based on the joint interpretation of gravity, geoid, topography and surface heat flow data with temperature-dependent density. Wherever possible, crustal structure is constrained by seismic data. The thickness of the lithosphere decreases from the older and colder platforms to the younger and hotter Pannonian Basin with a maximum thickness under the Eastern and Southern Carpathians. The thickness of the Carpathian arc lithosphere varies between 150 km in the North (the Western Carpathians) and about 300 km in the Vrancea zone (the Eastern and Southern Carpathian junction). In the Platform areas it is between 120 and 150 km and in the Pannonian Basin it is about 70 km. The models show that the Moesian Platform is overthrust from the North by the Southern Carpathians and from the South by the Balkanides and characterized by bending of this platform. In all transects, the thickest crust is found underneath the Carpathian Mountains or, as in the case of the Vrancea area, under their immediate foreland. The thickest crust outside the orogens is modelled for the Moesian Platform with Moho depths of up to 45 km. The thinnest crust is located under the Pannonian Basin with about 26-27 km. Secondly, our presentation deals with construction of the stripped gravity map in the Turiec Basin, which represents typical intramontane Neogene depression of the Western Carpathians. Based on this new and original gravity map corrected by regional gravity effect we were able to interpret the geological structure and tectonics of this sedimentary basin. This work was supported by the Slovak Grant Agency VEGA (grants No. 1/0095/12, 2/0067/12) and Slovak Research and Development Agency (grants No. APVV-0827-12, APVV-0194-10).

Tectonic evolution and mantle structure of the Caribbean

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

van Benthem, Steven; Govers, Rob; Spakman, Wim; Wortel, Rinus

2013-06-01

investigate whether predictions of mantle structure from tectonic reconstructions are in agreement with a detailed tomographic image of seismic P wave velocity structure under the Caribbean region. In the upper mantle, positive seismic anomalies are imaged under the Lesser Antilles and Puerto Rico. These anomalies are interpreted as remnants of Atlantic lithosphere subduction and confirm tectonic reconstructions that suggest at least 1100 km of convergence at the Lesser Antilles island arc during the past 45 Myr. The imaged Lesser Antilles slab consists of a northern and southern anomaly, separated by a low-velocity anomaly across most of the upper mantle, which we interpret as the subducted North America-South America plate boundary. The southern edge of the imaged Lesser Antilles slab agrees with vertical tearing of South America lithosphere. The northern Lesser Antilles slab is continuous with the Puerto Rico slab along the northeastern plate boundary. This results in an amphitheater-shaped slab, and it is interpreted as westward subducting North America lithosphere that remained attached to the surface along the northeastern boundary of the Caribbean plate. At the Muertos Trough, however, material is imaged until a depth of only 100 km, suggesting a small amount of subduction. The location and length of the imaged South Caribbean slab agrees with proposed subduction of Caribbean lithosphere under the northern South America plate. An anomaly related to proposed Oligocene subduction at the Nicaragua rise is absent in the tomographic model. Beneath Panama, a subduction window exists across the upper mantle, which is related to the cessation of subduction of the Nazca plate under Panama since 9.5 Ma and possibly the preceding subduction of the extinct Cocos-Nazca spreading center. In the lower mantle, two large anomaly patterns are imaged. The westernmost anomaly agrees with the subduction of Farallon lithosphere. The second lower mantle anomaly is found east of the Farallon anomaly and is interpreted as a remnant of the late Mesozoic subduction of North and South America oceanic lithosphere at the Greater Antilles, Aves ridge, and Leeward Antilles. The imaged mantle structure does not allow us to discriminate between an "Intra-Americas origin" and a "Pacific origin" of the Caribbean plate.

Tectonic evolution and mantle structure of the Caribbean

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Benthem, Steven; Govers, Rob; Spakman, Wim; Wortel, Rinus

2013-06-01

investigate whether predictions of mantle structure from tectonic reconstructions are in agreement with a detailed tomographic image of seismic P wave velocity structure under the Caribbean region. In the upper mantle, positive seismic anomalies are imaged under the Lesser Antilles and Puerto Rico. These anomalies are interpreted as remnants of Atlantic lithosphere subduction and confirm tectonic reconstructions that suggest at least 1100 km of convergence at the Lesser Antilles island arc during the past ~45 Myr. The imaged Lesser Antilles slab consists of a northern and southern anomaly, separated by a low-velocity anomaly across most of the upper mantle, which we interpret as the subducted North America-South America plate boundary. The southern edge of the imaged Lesser Antilles slab agrees with vertical tearing of South America lithosphere. The northern Lesser Antilles slab is continuous with the Puerto Rico slab along the northeastern plate boundary. This results in an amphitheater-shaped slab, and it is interpreted as westward subducting North America lithosphere that remained attached to the surface along the northeastern boundary of the Caribbean plate. At the Muertos Trough, however, material is imaged until a depth of only 100 km, suggesting a small amount of subduction. The location and length of the imaged South Caribbean slab agrees with proposed subduction of Caribbean lithosphere under the northern South America plate. An anomaly related to proposed Oligocene subduction at the Nicaragua rise is absent in the tomographic model. Beneath Panama, a subduction window exists across the upper mantle, which is related to the cessation of subduction of the Nazca plate under Panama since 9.5 Ma and possibly the preceding subduction of the extinct Cocos-Nazca spreading center. In the lower mantle, two large anomaly patterns are imaged. The westernmost anomaly agrees with the subduction of Farallon lithosphere. The second lower mantle anomaly is found east of the Farallon anomaly and is interpreted as a remnant of the late Mesozoic subduction of North and South America oceanic lithosphere at the Greater Antilles, Aves ridge, and Leeward Antilles. The imaged mantle structure does not allow us to discriminate between an "Intra-Americas origin" and a "Pacific origin" of the Caribbean plate.

Three dimensional lithospheric magnetization structures beneath Australia derived by inverse modeling of CHAMP satellite magnetic field model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Du, Jinsong; Chen, Chao; Lesur, Vincent; Li, Yaoguo; Lane, Richard; Liang, Qing; Wang, Haoran

2014-05-01

We present an inversion algorithm for magnetic anomaly data in spherical coordinates to image the three dimensional (3-D) susceptibility distributions in the lithosphere. The method assumes that remanent magnetization is absent and that the magnetic anomalies are solely the result of lateral variations in magnetic susceptibility. To take into account the curvature of the Earth, the 3-D model is comprised of a set of spherical prisms (referred to as tesseroids), each of which has a constant isotropic susceptibility. The inversion method is formulated with a specifically designed model objective function and radial weighting function in spherical coordinates. A Tikhonov regularization technique is used to obtain an optimal solution with data misfit consistent with the estimated error level. Results for regional synthetic models with different magnetized inclinations and declinations are presented to demonstrate the capability of the method to recover large scale lithospheric magnetic structures. We have applied the algoithm to study the lithospheric susceptibility structures in the Australia region using magnetic anomaly data from the GRIMM_L120v0.0 model, which is based on ten years of CHAMP satellite data. As a self-constrained inversion, the maximum depths variation of magnetization layer is estimated first and then incorporated to the three dimensional (3-D) inversion. Results showed that the susceptibility anomalies concentrate in the depth range from 25 km to 45 km, i.e., focused in the lower crust. In addition, the results showed that the susceptibilities in continental lithosphere are higher than those in oceanic lithosphere. The inverted 3-D susceptibility distribution in the region of Australia reveals significant features related to tectonics, surface heat-flux, crustal thickness and Curie isotherm depths. In general, the higher susceptibility anomalies correlate with Precambrian rocks, and the lower susceptibility anomalies correlate with younger orogenic belts, suture zones and modern uplifts. In details, the inverted susceptibility distribution shows differences in the magnetic structures between the eastern and western parts of the Yilgarn Craton, and three lower susceptibility belts from north to south in the Eromanga Basin and the Gawler Craton with high susceptibility that extend to the ocean and then to the west.

Crust and lithosphere structure in the eastern segment of the Xing-Meng orogenic belt from S-receiver function

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, R.; Wu, Q.

2013-12-01

From 2009 to 2011, a 60 station broadband seismic array extending over 1200km was deployed in northeast China (NEC) by the Institute of geophysics, China Earthquake Administration (CEA). The recently linear deployment of seismic array in Northeast China (NEC) facilitated collection of more high-quality broadband data, thus provide us an opportunity to use S-wave receiver functions to investigate its crustal and mantle lithosphere structure with high resolution. Two distinct signals with large amplitude can be identified in our imaged S receiver functions. The strong positive one from the Moho can be observed continuously at depths from 40 km beneath Great Xing'an Range to less than 30 km beneath the Songliao Basin. The imaged Moho agrees with previous estimate of crustal thickness, and the lateral variations correlate to its surface tomography. The deep negative Sp phase interpreted as from the lithosphere-asthenosphere boundary (LAB) is as shallow as ~100km in the Songliao basin, down to 140-160km in the westward of Xingmeng block. The boundary is less prominent east of the Songliao Basin. The imaged Moho and LAB structure indicate the crust and lithosphere thinning in the Songliao Basin, and the vertical thinning of LAB is more obvious, evidence in a depth variation up to 50 km. The Songliao Basin is a continental rifting where a large amount of extension occurs, and the coupling of thinning between in the crust and underlying lithosphere indicated that the lithosphere stretching may be involved to the crustal rifting. The stretching can be more explained by the pure shear regime proposed in extensional tectonics. Acknowledgments. Seismic data were collected by the by the Institute of Geophysics, China Earthquake Administration. This work was supported by the NSF of China (grants 40974061, 90814013), the Chinese government's executive program (SinoProbe-02-03) and the international cooperation project of the Ministry of Science and Technology of China (2011DFB20120).

Comprehensive analysis of Curie-point depths and lithospheric effective elastic thickness at Arctic Region

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lu, Y.; Li, C. F.

2017-12-01

Arctic Ocean remains at the forefront of geological exploration. Here we investigate its deep geological structures and geodynamics on the basis of gravity, magnetic and bathymetric data. We estimate Curie-point depth and lithospheric effective elastic thickness to understand deep geothermal structures and Arctic lithospheric evolution. A fractal exponent of 3.0 for the 3D magnetization model is used in the Curie-point depth inversion. The result shows that Curie-point depths are between 5 and 50 km. Curie depths are mostly small near the active mid-ocean ridges, corresponding well to high heat flow and active shallow volcanism. Large curie depths are distributed mainly at continental marginal seas around the Arctic Ocean. We present a map of effective elastic thickness (Te) of the lithosphere using a multitaper coherence technique, and Te are between 5 and 110 km. Te primarily depends on geothermal gradient and composition, as well as structures in the lithosphere. We find that Te and Curie-point depths are often correlated. Large Te are distributed mainly at continental region and small Te are distributed at oceanic region. The Alpha-Mendeleyev Ridge (AMR) and The Svalbard Archipelago (SA) are symmetrical with the mid-ocean ridge. AMR and SA were formed before an early stage of Eurasian basin spreading, and they are considered as conjugate large igneous provinces, which show small Te and Curie-point depths. Novaya Zemlya region has large Curie-point depths and small Te. We consider that fault and fracture near the Novaya Zemlya orogenic belt cause small Te. A series of transform faults connect Arctic mid-ocean ridge with North Atlantic mid-ocean ridge. We can see large Te near transform faults, but small Curie-point depths. We consider that although temperature near transform faults is high, but mechanically the lithosphere near transform faults are strengthened.

On the relations between cratonic lithosphere thickness, plate motions, and basal drag

USGS Publications Warehouse

Artemieva, I.M.; Mooney, W.D.

2002-01-01

An overview of seismic, thermal, and petrological evidence on the structure of Precambrian lithosphere suggests that its local maximum thickness is highly variable (140-350 km), with a bimodal distribution for Archean cratons (200-220 km and 300-350 km). We discuss the origin of such large differences in lithospheric thickness, and propose that the lithospheric base can have large depth variations over short distances. The topography of Bryce Canyon (western USA) is proposed as an inverted analog of the base of the lithosphere. The horizontal and vertical dimensions of Archean cratons are strongly correlated: larger cratons have thicker lithosphere. Analysis of the bimodal distribution of lithospheric thickness in Archean cratons shows that the "critical" surface area for cratons to have thick (>300 km) keels is >6-8 ?? 106 km2 . Extrapolation of the linear trend between Archean lithospheric thickness and cratonic area to zero area yields a thickness of 180 km. This implies that the reworking of Archean crust should be accompanied by thinning and reworking of the entire lithospheric column to a thickness of 180 km in accord with thickness estimates for Proterozoic lithosphere. Likewise, extrapolation of the same trend to the size equal to the total area of all Archean cratons implies that the lithospheric thickness of a hypothesized early Archean supercontinent could have been 350-450 km decreasing to 280-400 km for Gondwanaland. We evaluate the basal drag model as a possible mechanism that may thin the cratonic lithosphere. Inverse correlations are found between lithospheric thickness and (a) fractional subduction length and (b) the effective ridge length. In agreement with theoretical predictions, lithospheric thickness of Archean keels is proportional to the square root of the ratio of the craton length (along the direction of plate motion) to the plate velocity. Large cratons with thick keels and low plate velocities are less eroded by basal drag than small fast-moving cratons. Basal drag may have varied in magnitude over the past 4 Ga. Higher mantle temperatures in the Archean would have resulted in lower mantle viscosity. This in turn would have reduced basal drag and basal erosion, and promoted the preservation of thick (>300 km) Archean keels, even if plate velocities were high during the Archean. ?? 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.

Piecewise Delamination Drives Uplift in the Atlas Mountains Region of Morocco

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bezada, M. J.; Humphreys, E.; Martin Davila, J.; mimoun, H.; Josep, G.; Palomeras, I.

2013-12-01

The elevation of the intra-continental Atlas Mountains of Morocco and surrounding regions requires a mantle component of buoyancy, and there is consensus that this buoyancy results from an abnormally thin lithosphere. Lithospheric delamination under the Atlas Mountains and thermal erosion caused by upwelling mantle have each been suggested as thinning mechanisms. We use seismic tomography to image the upper mantle of Morocco by inverting teleseimic p-wave delay times, complemented with local delays, recorded on a dense array of stations in the Iberian peninsula and Morocco. A surface wave model provides constraint on the shallower layers. We determine the geometry of lithospheric cavities and mantle upwelling beneath the Middle Atlas and central High Atlas, and image delaminated lithosphere at ~400 km beneath the Middle Atlas. We propose discontinuous delamination of an intrinsically unstable Atlas lithosphere, enabled by the presence of anomalously hot mantle, as a mechanism for producing the imaged structures. The Atlas lithosphere was made unstable by a combination of tectonic shortening and eclogite loading during Mesozoic rifting and Cenozoic magmatism. The presence of hot mantle, sourced from regional upwellings in northern Africa or the Canary Islands, enabled the mobilization of this lithosphere. Flow around the retreating Alboran slab focused upwelling mantle under the Middle Atlas, where we image the most recent delamination. The Atlas Mountains of Morocco stand as an example of mantle-generated uplift and large-scale lithospheric loss in a mildly contractional orogen.

Shear wave splitting and shear wave splitting tomography of the southern Puna plateau

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Calixto, Frank J.; Robinson, Danielle; Sandvol, Eric; Kay, Suzanne; Abt, David; Fischer, Karen; Heit, Ben; Yuan, Xiaohui; Comte, Diana; Alvarado, Patricia

2014-11-01

We have investigated the seismic anisotropy beneath the Central Andean southern Puna plateau by applying shear wave splitting analysis and shear wave splitting tomography to local S waves and teleseismic SKS, SKKS and PKS phases. Overall, a very complex pattern of fast directions throughout the southern Puna plateau region and a circular pattern of fast directions around the region of the giant Cerro Galan ignimbrite complex are observed. In general, teleseismic lag times are much greater than those for local events which are interpreted to reflect a significant amount of sub and inner slab anisotropy. The complex pattern observed from shear wave splitting analysis alone is the result of a complex 3-D anisotropic structure under the southern Puna plateau. Our application of shear wave splitting tomography provides a 3-D model of anisotropy in the southern Puna plateau that shows different patterns depending on the driving mechanism of upper-mantle flow and seismic anisotropy. The trench parallel a-axes in the continental lithosphere above the slab east of 68W may be related to deformation of the overriding continental lithosphere since it is under compressive stresses which are orthogonal to the trench. The more complex pattern below the Cerro Galan ignimbrite complex and above the slab is interpreted to reflect delamination of continental lithosphere and upwelling of hot asthenosphere. The a-axes beneath the Cerro Galan, Cerro Blanco and Carachi Pampa volcanic centres at 100 km depth show some weak evidence for vertically orientated fast directions, which could be due to vertical asthenospheric flow around a delaminated block. Additionally, our splitting tomographic model shows that there is a significant amount of seismic anisotropy beneath the slab. The subslab mantle west of 68W shows roughly trench parallel horizontal a-axes that are probably driven by slab roll back and the relatively small coupling between the Nazca slab and the underlying mantle. In contrast, the subslab region (i.e. depths greater than 200 km) east of 68W shows a circular pattern of a-axes centred on a region with small strength of anisotropy (Cerro Galan and its eastern edge) which suggest the dominant mechanism is a combination of slab roll back and flow driven by an overlying abnormally heated slab or possibly a slab gap. There seems to be some evidence for vertical flow below the slab at depths of 200-400 km driven by the abnormally heated slab or slab gap. This cannot be resolved by the tomographic inversion due to the lack of ray crossings in the subslab mantle.

Continental lithosphere of the Arabian Plate: A geologic, petrologic, and geophysical synthesis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stern, Robert J.; Johnson, Peter

2010-07-01

The Arabian Plate originated ˜ 25 Ma ago by rifting of NE Africa to form the Gulf of Aden and Red Sea. It is one of the smaller and younger of the Earth's lithospheric plates. The upper part of its crust consists of crystalline Precambrian basement, Phanerozoic sedimentary cover as much as 10 km thick, and Cenozoic flood basalt (harrat). The distribution of these rocks and variations in elevation across the Plate cause a pronounced geologic and topographic asymmetry, with extensive basement exposures (the Arabian Shield) and elevations of as much as 3000 m in the west, and a Phanerozoic succession (Arabian Platform) that thickens, and a surface that descends to sea level, eastward between the Shield and the northeastern margin of the Plate. This tilt in the Plate is partly the result of marginal uplift during rifting in the south and west, and loading during collision with, and subduction beneath, the Eurasian Plate in the northeast. But a variety of evidence suggests that the asymmetry also reflects a fundamental crustal and mantle heterogeneity in the Plate that dates from Neoproterozoic time when the crust formed. The bulk of the Plate's upper crystalline crust is Neoproterozoic in age (1000-540 Ma) reflecting, in the west, a 300-million year process of continental crustal growth between ˜ 850 and 550 Ma represented by amalgamated juvenile magmatic arcs, post-amalgamation sedimentary and volcanic basins, and granitoid intrusions that make up as much as 50% of the Shield's surface. Locally, Archean and Paleoproterozoic rocks are structurally intercalated with the juvenile Neoproterozoic rocks in the southern and eastern parts of the Shield. The geologic dataset for the age, composition, and origin of the upper crust of the Plate in the east is smaller than the database for the Shield, and conclusions made about the crust in the east are correspondingly less definitive. In the absence of exposures, furthermore, nothing is known by direct observation about the composition of the crust north of the Shield. Nonetheless, available data indicate a geologic history for eastern Arabian crust different to that in the west. The Neoproterozic crust (˜ 815-785 Ma) is somewhat older than in the bulk of the Arabian Shield, and igneous and metamorphic activity was largely finished by 750 Ma. Thereafter, the eastern part of the Plate became the site of virtually continuous sedimentation from 725 Ma on and into the Phanerozoic. This implies that a relatively strong lithosphere was in place beneath eastern Arabia by 700 Ma in contrast to a lithospheric instability that persisted to ˜ 550 Ma in the west. Lithospheric differentiation is further indicated by the Phanerozoic depositional history with steady subsidence and accumulation of a sedimentary succession 5-14 km thick in the east and a consistent high-stand and thin to no Phanerozoic accumulation over the Shield. Geophysical data likewise indicate east-west lithospheric differentiation. Overall, the crustal thickness of the Plate (depth to the Moho) is ˜ 40 km, but there is a tendency for the crust to thicken eastward by as much as 10% from 35-40 km beneath the Shield to 40-45 km beneath eastern Arabia. The crust also becomes structurally more complex with as many as 5 seismically recognized layers in the east compared to 3 layers in the west. A coincident increase in velocity is noted in the upper-crust layers. Complementary changes are evidenced in some models of the Arabian Plate continental upper mantle, indicating eastward thickening of the lithospheric mantle from ˜ 80 km beneath the Shield to ˜ 120 km beneath the Platform, which corresponds to an overall lithospheric thickening (crust and upper mantle) from ˜ 120 km to ˜ 160 km eastward. The locus of these changes coincides with a prominent magnetic anomaly (Central Arabian Magnetic Anomaly, CAMA) in the extreme eastern part of the Arabian Shield that extends north across the north-central part of the Arabian Plate. The CAMA also coincides with a major structural boundary separating a region of northerly and northwesterly basement trends in the west from a region of northerly and northeasterly trends in the northeastern part of the Plate, and with the transition from high-stand buoyant Shield to subsided Platform. Its coincidence with geophysically indicated changes in the lower crust and mantle structure suggests that a fundamental lithospheric boundary is present in the central part of the Arabian Plate. The ages and isotopic characteristics of xenoliths brought to the surface in Cenozoic basalt eruptions indicate that the lower crust and upper mantle are largely juvenile Neoproterozoic additions, meaning that the lower crust and upper mantle formed about the same time as the upper crust. This implies that the lithospheric boundary in the central part of the Arabian Plate dates from Neoproterozoic time. We conclude that lithospheric differentiation across the Arabian Plate is long lived and has controlled much of the Phanerozoic sedimentary history of the Plate.

Using natural laboratories and modeling to decipher lithospheric rheology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sobolev, Stephan

2013-04-01

Rheology is obviously important for geodynamic modeling but at the same time rheological parameters appear to be least constrained. Laboratory experiments give rather large ranges of rheological parameters and their scaling to nature is not entirely clear. Therefore finding rheological proxies in nature is very important. One way to do that is finding appropriate values of rheological parameter by fitting models to the lithospheric structure in the highly deformed regions where lithospheric structure and geologic evolution is well constrained. Here I will present two examples of such studies at plate boundaries. One case is the Dead Sea Transform (DST) that comprises a boundary between African and Arabian plates. During the last 15- 20 Myr more than 100 km of left lateral transform displacement has been accumulated on the DST and about 10 km thick Dead Sea Basin (DSB) was formed in the central part of the DST. Lithospheric structure and geological evolution of DST and DSB is rather well constrained by a number of interdisciplinary projects including DESERT and DESIRE projects leaded by the GFZ Potsdam. Detailed observations reveal apparently contradictory picture. From one hand widespread igneous activity, especially in the last 5 Myr, thin (60-80 km) lithosphere constrained from seismic data and absence of seismicity below the Moho, seem to be quite natural for this tectonically active plate boundary. However, surface heat flow of less than 50-60mW/m2 and deep seismicity in the lower crust ( deeper than 20 km) reported for this region are apparently inconsistent with the tectonic settings specific for an active continental plate boundary and with the crustal structure of the DSB. To address these inconsistencies which comprise what I call the "DST heat-flow paradox", a 3D numerical thermo-mechanical model was developed operating with non-linear elasto-visco-plastic rheology of the lithosphere. Results of the numerical experiments show that the entire set of observations for the DSB can be explained within the classical pull-apart model assuming that (1) the lithosphere has been thermally eroded at about 20 Ma, just before the active faulting at the DST, and (2) the uppermost mantle in the region have relatively weak rheology consistent with the experimental data for wet olivine or pyroxenite. Another example is modeling of the collision of India and Eurasia in Tibet. Our recent thermo-mechanical model (see abstract by Tympel et al) reproduce well many important features of this orogeny, including observed convergence and distance of underthrusting of Indian lithosphere beneath Tibet, if long-term friction at India-Eurasia interface is about 0.04- 0.05, which is typical for oceanic subduction zones, but is unexpected low for continental setting.

Lithospheric structure and deformation of the North American continent

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tesauro, Magdala; Kaban, Mikhail; Cloetingh, Sierd; Mooney, Walter

2013-04-01

We estimate the integrated strength and elastic thickness (Te) of the North American lithosphere based on thermal, density and structural (seismic) models of the crust and upper mantle. The temperature distribution in the lithosphere is estimated considering for the first time the effect of composition as a result of the integrative approach based on a joint analysis of seismic and gravity data. We do this via an iterative adjustment of the model. The upper mantle temperatures are initially estimated from the NA07 tomography model of Bedle and Van der Lee (2009) using mineral physics equations. This thermal model, obtained for a uniform composition, is used to estimate the gravity effect and to remove it from the total mantle gravity anomalies, which are controlled by both temperature and compositional variations. Therefore, we can predict compositional variations from the residual gravity anomalies and use them to correct the initial thermal model. The corrected thermal model is employed again in the gravity calculations. The loop is repeated until convergence is reached. The results demonstrate that the lithospheric mantle is characterized by strong compositional heterogeneity, which is consistent with xenolith data. Seismic data from the USGS database allow to define P-wave velocity and thickness of each crustal layer of the North American geological provinces. The use of these seismic data and of the new compositional and thermal models gives us the chance to estimate lateral variation of rheology of the main lithospheric layers and to evaluate coupling-decoupling conditions at the layers' boundaries. In the North American Cordillera the strength is mainly localized in the crust, which is decoupled from the mantle lithosphere. In the cratons the strength is chiefly controlled by the mantle lithosphere and all the layers are generally coupled. These results contribute to the long debates on applicability of the "crème brulée" or "jelly-sandwich" models for the lithosphere structure. Intraplate earthquakes (USGS database) occur mainly in the weak regions, such as the Appalachians, and in the transition zones from low to high strength surrounding the craton. The obtained 3D strength model is used to compute Te of the North American lithosphere. This parameter is derived from the thermo-rheological model using new equations that consider variations of the Young's Modulus in the lithosphere. It shows large variability within the cratons, ranging from 70 km to >100km, while it drops to <30 km in the young Phanerozoic regions. The new crustal model is also used to compute the lateral pressure gradient (LPG) that can initiate horizontal ductile flow in the crust. In general, the crustal flow is directed away from the orogens towards adjacent weaker areas. The results show that the effects of the channel flow superimposed with the regional tectonic forces might result in additional significant horizontal and vertical movements associated with zones of compression or extension.

Anisotropy and tectonic deformation in the Ordos basin revealed by an active source seismic experiment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jun, W. S.; Wang, F.; Xu, T.

2016-12-01

With the purpose of exploring the Ordos block, western North China Craton, two controlled-source deep seismic transects were conducted across this region. The first one is a 650 km long profile oriented N-S; the second is 1530 km and is oriented E-W. The upper mantle P wave-velocity derived from these profiles features a 0.25 km/s difference between them. Being the E-W higher that the N-S. The results obtained from both seismic profiles indicate that the upper mantle beneath the Ordos block presents seismic anisotropy in terms of discrepancy in Pn-wave velocity, such as the apparent seismic velocities observed along the two reference profiles demonstrate. This result is consistent with SKS-wave splitting measurements in the interior of the Ordos block. This indicates that the compressive stress state in Ordos during the Mesozoic became an extensional stress state in the Cenozoic. The high-velocity anomaly in the uppermost mantle under the west-east profile suggests that the lithospheric mantle is still not water-rich. Unlike what happened in the NCC to east of the Taihang Mountains, where the lithosphere experienced its thinning and destruction since the Mesozoic, the lithosphere in the interior of Ordos has suffered less deformation and remained tectonically stable. Keywords: wide-angle seismic profiling, Pn phase, high-velocity anomaly, upper mantle anisotropy, Ordos block, North China Craton. ReferencesChen L., 2009. Lithospheric structure variations between the eastern and central North China Craton from S- and P-receiver function migration. Phys. Earth Planet. Inter. 173, 216-227. Gao S., Rudnick R.L., Xu W.L., et al., 2008. Recycling deep cratonic lithosphere and generation of intraplate magmatism in the North China Craton. Earth Planet. Sci. Lett. 270, 41-53. Xu T., Zhang Z.J., Gao E.G., et al., 2010. Segmentally iterative ray tracing in complex 2D and 3D heterogeneous block models. Bull. Seism. Soc. Am. 100, 841-850. Zhu R.X., Zheng T.Y., 2009. Destruction geodynamics of the North China Craton and its Paleoproterozoic plate tectonics. Chinese Sci. Bull. 54(14), 1950-1961 (in Chinese).

Crustal thickness and images of the lithospheric discontinuities in the Gibraltar arc and surrounding areas

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mancilla, Flor de Lis; Stich, Daniel; Morales, José; Martín, Rosa; Diaz, Jordi; Pazos, Antonio; Córdoba, Diego; Pulgar, Javier A.; Ibarra, Pedro; Harnafi, Mimoun; Gonzalez-Lodeiro, Francisco

2015-12-01

The Gibraltar arc and surrounding areas are a complex tectonic region and its tectonic evolution since Miocene is still under debate. Knowledge of its lithospheric structure will help to understand the mechanisms that produced extension and westward motion of the Alboran domain, simultaneously with NW-SE compression driven by Africa-Europe plates convergence. We perform a P-wave receiver function analysis in which we analyse new data recorded at 83 permanent and temporary seismic broad-band stations located in the South of the Iberian peninsula. These data are stacked and combined with data from a previous study in northern Morocco to build maps of thickness and average vP/vS ratio for the crust, and cross-sections to image the lithospheric discontinuities beneath the Gibraltar arc, the Betic and Rif Ranges and their Iberian and Moroccan forelands. Crustal thickness values show strong lateral variations in the southern Iberia peninsula, ranging from ˜19 to ˜46 km. The Variscan foreland is characterized by a relatively flat Moho at ˜31 km depth, and an average vP/vS ratio of ˜1.72, similar to other Variscan terranes, which may indicate that part of the lower crustal orogenic root was lost. The thickest crust is found at the contact between the Alboran domain and the External Zones of the Betic Range, while crustal thinning is observed southeastern Iberia (down to 19 km) and in the Guadalquivir basin where the thinning at the Iberian paleomargin could be still preserved. In the cross-sections, we see a strong change between the eastern Betics, where the Iberian crust underthrusts and couples to the Alboran crust, and the western Betics, where the underthrusting Iberian crust becomes partially delaminated and enters into the mantle. The structures largely mirror those on the Moroccan side where a similar detachment was observed in northern Morocco. We attribute a relatively shallow strong negative-polarity discontinuity to the lithosphere-asthenosphere boundary. This means relatively thin lithosphere ranging from ˜50 km thickness in southeastern Iberia and northeastern Morocco to ˜90-100 km beneath the western Betics and the Rif, with abrupt changes of ˜30 km under the central Betics and northern Morocco. Our observations support a geodynamic scenario where in western Betics oceanic subduction has developed into ongoing continental subduction/delamination while in eastern Betics this process is inactive.

Tectonic evolution and mantle structure of the Caribbean

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

van Benthem, Steven; Govers, Rob; Spakman, Wim; Wortel, Rinus

2013-04-01

In the broad context of investigating the relationship between deep structure & processes and surface expressions, we study the Caribbean plate and underlying mantle. We investigate whether predictions of mantle structure from tectonic reconstructions are in agreement with a detailed tomographic image of seismic P-wave velocity structure under the Caribbean region. In the upper mantle, positive seismic anomalies are imaged under the Lesser Antilles and Puerto Rico. These anomalies are interpreted as remnants of Atlantic lithosphere subduction and confirm tectonic reconstructions that suggest at least 1100 km of convergence at the Lesser Antilles island arc during the past ~45 Myr. The imaged Lesser-Antilles slab consists of a northern and southern anomaly, separated by a low velocity anomaly across most of the upper mantle, which we interpret as the subducted North-South America plate boundary. The southern edge of the imaged Lesser Antilles slab agrees with vertical tearing of South America lithosphere. The northern Lesser Antilles slab is continuous with the Puerto Rico slab along the northeastern plate boundary. This results in an amphitheater-shaped slab and it is interpreted as westward subducting North America lithosphere that remained attached to the surface along the northern boundary. At the Muertos Trough, however, material is imaged until a depth of only 100 km, suggesting a small amount of subduction. The location and length of the imaged South Caribbean slab agrees with proposed subduction of Caribbean lithosphere under the northern South America plate. An anomaly related to proposed Oligocene subduction at the Nicaragua rise is absent in the tomographic model. Beneath Panama, a subduction window exists across the upper mantle, which is related to the cessation of subduction of the Nazca plate under Panama since 9.5 Ma and possibly the preceding subduction of the extinct Cocos-Nazca spreading center. In the lower mantle two large anomaly patterns are imaged. The westernmost anomaly agrees with the subduction of Farallon lithosphere. The second lower mantle anomaly is found east of the Farallon anomaly and is interpreted as a remnant of the late Mesozoic subduction of North and South America oceanic lithosphere at the Greater Antilles, Aves ridge and Leeward Antilles. The imaged mantle structure does not allow us to discriminate between an 'Intra-Americas' origin and a 'Pacific origin' of the Caribbean plate.

Effect of Upper Mantle Heterogeneities on Lithosphere Stresses and Topography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Osei Tutu, A.; Steinberger, B.; Rogozhina, I.; Sobolev, S. V.

2016-12-01

The orientation and magnitude of lithosphere stresses give us knowledge about most of the processes within the Earth that are not easy to observe. It has been established (Steinberger, Schmeling, and Marquart 2001) that large contribution of the forces producing lithosphere stresses have their source origination from the buoyancies of both the upper and lower mantle acting beneath the lithosphere. The contribution of the crustal thickness to the stresses has been estimated to be less than 10% (Steinberger et al. 2001) in most region and increases in areas with high gravitational potential energy like the Himalayas. In most of these studies, the effect of the crust was determined separately by computing the gravitational potential energy from the crust (Ghosh et al. 2013) and applied as correction. (Artyushkov 1973) showed that the inhomogeneous nature of the crust contribute to the stresses observed as against using constant lithosphere thickness in most studies, due to the complexities for implementing a variable lithosphere. We seek extend the approach of Ghosh et al. (2013) by coupling the Crust 1.0 (Laske et al. 2013) to a varaible lithosphere thickness in our numerical method. Using a 3D global lithosphere-asthenosphere model (Popov and Sobolev 2008) with visco-elasto-plastic rheology, coupled at 300 km depth to a mantle modeled with a spectral technique (Hager and O'Connell, 1981), we compute lithosphere stresses and topography. we compare our model with observations; the World Stress Map, Global Strain Rate Map and the observed topgraphy. We use S40RTS seismic tomography below 300 km depth, with radial viscosity distribution (Steinberger et al 2006). To account for all the heterogeneities in the upper mantle (300 km) we used different 3D temperatures models setups. The first model is the thermal lithosphere model (Artemieva and Mooney, 2001) in continental regions and assumes half-space cooling of sea floor with age (Müller et al. 2008) for oceans. For the second model we inferred temperatures from seismic tomography SL2013sv (Schaeffer and Lebedev 2013) for separate stress predictions. We investigate the effect of Newtonian and power law rheology on stresse and also look at different deformation mechanisms; diffusion and dislocation creeps in the upper mantle on lithosphere stresses.

THE LITHOSPHERIC MAGNETIC FIELD ALONG THE NISHAN-GUYANG PROFILE, CHINA 6 datesYuan Jiehao1; Gu Zuowen1; Chen Bin1; Xu Rugang2; Wang Lie2; Wang Can1 1. Institute of Geophysics, China Earthquake Administration(IGP CEA), yjh810405@163.com 2. Anhui Earthquake Administration

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yuan, J.

2014-12-01

In order to research the lithospheric magnetic field and the magnetization structure, the geomagnetic field was surveyed along the Nishan-Guyang profile with 900 km long in the Neimenggu and Shanxi provinces in China. The distance between the adjacent geomagnetic sites is about 7 km along the profile. The geomagnetic data were analyzed, and the lithospheric magnetic field was obtained. Using the upward continuation method, the geomagnetic anomalies in different depths were obtained: the basement anomaly, the upper crust anomaly and the superficial anomaly. Basing on these geomagnetic anomalies, the magnetization structure was obtained by using the software of the ModelVision 11.0. The preliminary results show: (1) The geomagnetic anomalies have good relationship with the local geological structure. (2) The magnetization structure is related to the depth variation of the Curie interface, the values of the magnetic susceptibility, the seismic activity and the tectonic block.

Physical characteristics and evolutionary trends of continental rifts

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ramberg, I. B.; Morgan, P.

1984-01-01

Rifts may be defined as zones beneath which the entire lithosphere has ruptured in extension. They are widespread and occur in a variety of tectonic settings, and range up to 2,600 m.y. in age. The object of this review is to highlight characteristic features of modern and ancient rifts, to emphasize differences and similarities in order to help characterize evolutionary trends, to identify physical conditions favorable for initiation as well as termination of rifting, and to provide constraints for future modeling studies of rifting. Rifts are characterized on the basis of their structural, geomorphic, magmatic and geophysical features and the diverse character of these features and their evolutionary trends through time are discussed. Mechanisms of rifting are critically examined in terms of the physical characteristics and evolutionary trends of rifts, and it is concluded that while simple models can give valuable insight into specific processes of rifting, individual rifts can rarely, if ever, be characterized by well defined trends predicted by these models. More data are required to clearly define evolutionary trends, and the models require development to incorporate the effects of lithospheric heterogeneities and complex geologic histories.

Lithospheric buoyancy and continental intraplate stresses

USGS Publications Warehouse

Zoback, M.L.; Mooney, W.D.

2003-01-01

Lithospheric buoyancy, the product of lithospheric density and thickness, is an important physical property that influences both the long-term stability of continents and their state of stress. We have determined lithospheric buoyancy by applying the simple isostatic model of Lachenbruch and Morgan (1990). We determine the crustal portion of lithospheric buoyancy using the USGS global database of more than 1700 crustal structure determinations (Mooney et al., 2002), which demonstrates that a simple relationship between crustal thickness and surface elevation does not exist. In fact, major regions of the crust at or near sea level (0-200 m elevation) have crustal thicknesses that vary between 25 and 55 km. Predicted elevations due to the crustal component of buoyancy in the model exceed observed elevations in nearly all cases (97% of the data), consistent with the existence of a cool lithospheric mantle lid that is denser than the asthenosphere on which it floats. The difference between the observed and predicted crustal elevation is assumed to be equal to the decrease in elevation produced by the negative buoyancy of the mantle lid. Mantle lid thickness was first estimated from the mantle buoyancy and a mean lid density computed using a basal crust temperature determined from extrapolation of surface heat flow, assuming a linear thermal gradient in the mantle lid. The resulting values of total lithosphere thickness are in good agreement with thicknesses estimated from seismic data, except beneath cratonic regions where they are only 40-60% of the typical estimates (200-350 km) derived from seismic data. This inconsistency is compatible with petrologic data and tomography and geoid analyses that have suggested that cratonic mantle lids are ??? 1% less dense than mantle lids elsewhere. By lowering the thermally determined mean mantle lid density in cratons by 1%, our model reproduces the observed 200-350+ km cratonic lithospheric thickness. We then computed gravitational potential energy by taking a vertical integral over the computed lithosphere density. Our computed values suggest that the thick roots beneath cratons lead to strong negative potential energy differences relative to surrounding regions, and hence exert compressive stresses superimposed on the intraplate stresses derived from plate boundary forces. Forces related to this lithosphere structure thus may explain the dominance of reverse-faulting earthquakes in cratons. Areas of high elevation and a thin mantle lid (e.g., western U.S. Basin and Range, East African rift, and Baikal rift) are predicted to be in extension, consistent with the observed stress regime in these areas.

Arctic and N Atlantic Crustal Thickness and Oceanic Lithosphere Distribution from Gravity Inversion

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kusznir, Nick; Alvey, Andy

2014-05-01

The ocean basins of the Arctic and N. Atlantic formed during the Mesozoic and Cenozoic as a series of distinct ocean basins, both small and large, leading to a complex distribution of oceanic crust, thinned continental crust and rifted continental margins. The plate tectonic framework of this region was demonstrated by the pioneering work of Peter Ziegler in AAPG Memoir 43 " Evolution of the Arctic-North Atlantic and the Western Tethys" published in 1988. The spatial evolution of Arctic Ocean and N Atlantic ocean basin geometry and bathymetry are critical not only for hydrocarbon exploration but also for understanding regional palaeo-oceanography and ocean gateway connectivity, and its influence on global climate. Mapping crustal thickness and oceanic lithosphere distribution represents a substantial challenge for the Polar Regions. Using gravity anomaly inversion we have produced comprehensive maps of crustal thickness and oceanic lithosphere distribution for the Arctic and N Atlantic region, We determine Moho depth, crustal basement thickness, continental lithosphere thinning and ocean-continent transition location using a 3D spectral domain gravity inversion method, which incorporates a lithosphere thermal gravity anomaly correction (Chappell & Kusznir 2008). Gravity anomaly and bathymetry data used in the gravity inversion are from the NGA (U) Arctic Gravity Project and IBCAO respectively; sediment thickness is from a new regional compilation. The resulting maps of crustal thickness and continental lithosphere thinning factor are used to determine continent-ocean boundary location and the distribution of oceanic lithosphere. Crustal cross-sections using Moho depth from the gravity inversion allow continent-ocean transition structure to be determined and magmatic type (magma poor, "normal" or magma rich). Our gravity inversion predicts thin crust and high continental lithosphere thinning factors in the Eurasia, Canada, Makarov, Podvodnikov and Baffin Basins consistent with these basins being oceanic. Larger crustal thicknesses, in the range 20 - 30 km, are predicted for the Lomonosov, Alpha and Mendeleev Ridges. Crustal basement thicknesses of 10-15 km are predicted under the Laptev Sea which is interpreted as highly thinned continental crust formed at the eastward continuation of Eurasia Basin sea-floor spreading. Thin continental or oceanic crust of thickness 7 km or less is predicted under the North Chukchi Basin and has major implications for understanding the Mesozoic and Cenozoic plate tectonic history of the Siberian and Chukchi Amerasia Basin margins. Restoration of crustal thickness and continent-ocean boundary location from gravity inversion may be used to test and refine plate tectonic reconstructions. Using crustal thickness and continental lithosphere thinning factor maps with superimposed shaded-relief free-air gravity anomaly, we improve the determination of pre-breakup rifted margin conjugacy and sea-floor spreading trajectory within the Arctic and N Atlantic basins. By restoring crustal thickness & continental lithosphere thinning maps of the Eurasia Basin & NE Atlantic to their initial post-breakup configuration we show the geometry and segmentation of the rifted continental margins at their time of breakup, together with the location of highly-stretched failed breakup basins and rifted micro-continents. We interpret gravity inversion crustal thicknesses underneath Morris Jessop Rise & Yermak Plateau as continental crust which provided a barrier to the tectonic and palaeo-oceanic linkage between the Arctic & North Atlantic until the Oligocene. Before this time, we link the seafloor spreading within the Eurasia Basin to that in Baffin Bay.

Investigation of Lithospheric Structure in Mongolia: Insights from Insar Observations and Modelling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jing, Z.; Bihong, F.; Pilong, S.; Qiang, G.

2017-09-01

The western Mongolia is a seismically active intracontinental region, with ongoing tectonic deformation and widespread seismicity related to the far-field effects of India-Eurasia collision. During the 20th century, four earthquakes with the magnitude larger than 8 occurred in the western Mongolia and its surrounding regions, providing a unique opportunity to study the geodynamics of intracontinental tectonic deformations. The 1957 magnitude 8.3 Gobi-Altai earthquake is one of the largest seismic events. The deformation pattern of rupture zone associated with this earthquake is complex, involving left-lateral strike-slip and reverse dip-slip faulting on several distinct geological structures in a 264 × 40 km wide zone. To understand the relationship between the observed postseismic surface deformation and the rheological structure of the upper lithosphere, Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR) data are used to study the 1957 earthquake. Then we developed a postseismic model in a spherical, radially layered elastic-viscoelastic Earth based on InSAR results, and further analysed the dominant contribution to the surface deformation. This work is important for understanding not only the regional tectonics, but also the structure and dynamics of the lithosphere. SAR data were acquired from the ERS1/2 and Envisat from 1996 to 2010. Using the Repeat Orbit Interferometry Package (ROI_PAC), 124 postseismic interferograms are produced on four adjacent tracks. By stacking these interferograms, the maximum InSAR line-of-sight deformation rate along the Gobi-Altai fault zone is obtained. The main results are as follows: (1) The maximum InSAR line-of-sight deformation velocity along this large fault zone is about 6 mm/yr; (2) The modelled surface deformation suggests that the viscoelastic relaxation is the most reasonable mechanism to explain the observed surface motion; (3) The optimal model cover the Gobi-Altai seismogenic thickness is 10 km; (4) The lower bound of Maxwell viscosity of lower crust and upper mantle is approximately 9 × 1019 Pa s, and the Maxwell relaxation time corresponding to this viscosity is 95.13 years.

Structural anatomy of a dismembered ophiolite suite from Gondwana: The Manamedu complex, Cauvery suture zone, southern India

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chetty, T. R. K.; Yellappa, T.; Nagesh, P.; Mohanty, D. P.; Venkatasivappa, V.; Santosh, M.; Tsunogae, T.

2011-08-01

Detailed geological and structural mapping of the Manamedu ophiolite complex (MOC), from the south-eastern part of the Cauvery suture zone (CSZ) within the Gondwana collisional suture in southern India reveals the anatomy of a dismembered ophiolite succession comprising pyroxenite actinolite-hornblendite, hornblendite, gabbro-norite, gabbro, anorthosite, amphibolite, plagiogranite, mafic dykes, and associated pelagic sediments such as chert-magnetite bands and carbonate horizons. The magmatic foliation trajectory map shows inward dipping foliations and a variety of fold structures. Structural cross-sections of the MOC reveal gentle inward dips with repetition and omission of different lithologies often marked by curvilinear hinge lines. The succession displays imbricate thrust sheets and slices of dismembered ophiolite suites distributed along several localities within the CSZ. The MOC can be interpreted as a deformed large duplex structure associated with south-verging back thrust system, consistent with crustal-scale 'flower structure'. The nature and distribution of ophiolitic rocks in the CSZ suggest supra-subduction zone setting associated with the lithospheric subduction of the Neoproterozoic Mozambique Ocean, followed by collision and obduction during the final stage of amalgamation of the Gondwana supercontinent in the end Precambrian.

From underplating to delamination-retreat in the northern Apennines

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chiarabba, C.; Giacomuzzi, G.; Bianchi, I.; Agostinetti, N. P.; Park, J.

2014-10-01

Recordings of teleseismic earthquakes from a dense set of temporary and permanent broadband seismic stations reveal the lithospheric structure of the northern Apennines and support the scenario of a retreating detachment within the mid-crust. Lithospheric delamination appears crucial to the formation and evolution of the Apennines orogen. Receiver-function (RF) stacks outline a continuous west-dipping Ps converted phase from a positive velocity jump that we interpret as the top of the lower crust and mantle of the Adria continental lithosphere, which is descending into the shallow mantle. The correlation of seismicity with two RF profiles across the northern Apennines suggests distinct stages of lithospheric delamination. Active penetration of the detachment into the Adria lithosphere seems evident in the south/east, with induced shallow-mantle flow facilitated by slab dehydration. Penetration of the detachment in the north/west seems to have arrested, and is possibly marked by crustal underplating. This layer atop the Apennines slab is visible only down to 80 km depth and suspends above an oppositely-dipping paired positive/negative Ps converted phase in stacked receiver functions. The break in the west-dipping Adria lithosphere conflicts with a westward-subduction scenario continuous from the Oligocene. Lateral changes of deep structure and seismicity along the northern Apennines suggest that underplating of crustal material and delamination-retreat are distinct mechanisms active today in the western and eastern sectors, respectively, of the northern Apennines. Negative Ps-pulses at 100-120 km depth help to define a seismic lithosphere-asthenosphere boundary (LAB), but cross-cut a volume of high-velocity mantle rock, as inferred from tomographic models. We hypothesize that this seismic LAB is a rheological discontinuity that affects the frequency band of seismic body waves, but not the long-term viscous response that governs the evolution and eventual detachment of the continental slab.

Quasi-quantitative analysis of the lithospheric rheology across an incipient continental rift based on 3-D magnetotelluric imaging of Linfen Basin within the North China Craton

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yin, Y.; Jin, S.; Wei, W.; Ye, G.; Dong, H.; Zhang, L.

2017-12-01

The Shanxi Rift being located within the interior of the North China Craton and far from any plate boundaries has undergone dramatic deformation and seismicity during the Cenozoic. In this study, we build 3-D lithospheric resistivity model by MT array data, across the Linfen Basin which is the most active segment of this intraplate rift. Accordingly, combined with previous rock physics experimental results, we estimate the fluid contents of lower crustal granulites and upper mantle peridotites and thereby the rough distribution of lithospheric rheological strength. On the two sides of Linfen Basin, lithosphere beneath the Precambrian terranes are of high strength. By contrast, a high-conductivity nearly upright lithosphere weak zone occurs beneath the eastern margin of the Linfen Basin and appears to be connected to the high-conductivity and therefore weak lower crust just beneath the basin, probably indicating a structure of asthenospheric upwelling causing the lower crustal decoupling through lateral drag forces. The distribution of lithospheric weak zones, brittle faults, ductile shear zones and detachment structures determined from our resistivity model is in good agreement with the 8-My stage model of a previous numerical geodynamic simulation for continental rift evolution by reconstruction of the South Atlantic plate. Accordingly, we suggest that the lithospheric weak zone could be a preexisting Precambrian shear zone and has reactivated as an asthenospheric upwelling conduit under the far-field effects of Indo- Asian collision or Pacific Plate subduction since the late Mesozoic. This process could have caused the upper crustal extension and rifting through the stress regulation by the plastic lower crust, which could be the mechanism of rift formation. In summary, we suggest the Linfen segment of the Shanxi Rift, is a simple shear mode rift in the incipient stage of rift evolution, rather than a mature pure shear mode one as determined by precious seismic imaging.

The structure, isostasy and gravity field of the Levant continental margin and the southeast Mediterranean area

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Segev, Amit; Rybakov, Michael; Lyakhovsky, Vladimir; Hofstetter, Avraham; Tibor, Gidon; Goldshmidt, Vladimir; Ben Avraham, Zvi

2006-10-01

A 3-D layered structure of the Levant and the southeastern Mediterranean lithospheric plates was constructed using interpretations of seismic measurements and borehole data. Structural maps of three principal interfaces, elevation, top basement and the Moho, were constructed for the area studied. This area includes the African, Sinai and Arabian plates, the Herodotus and the Levant marine basins and the Nile sedimentary cone. In addition, an isopach map of the Pliocene sediments, as well as the contemporaneous amount of denuded rock units, was prepared to enable setting up the structural map of the base Pliocene sediment. Variable density distributions are suggested for the sedimentary succession in accord with its composition and compaction. The spatial density distribution in the crystalline crust was calculated by weighting the thicknesses of the lower mafic and the upper felsic crustal layers, with densities of 2.9 g/cm 3 and 2.77 g/cm 3, respectively. Results of the local (Airy) isostatic modeling with compensation on the Moho interface show significant deviations from the local isostasy and require variable density distribution in the upper mantle. Moving the compensation level to the base of the lithosphere (˜ 100 km depth) and adopting density variations in the mantle lithosphere yielded isostatic compensation (± 200 m) over most of the area studied. The spatial pattern obtained of a density distribution with a range of ± 0.05 g/cm 3 is supported by a regional heat flux. Simulations of the flexure (Vening Meinesz) isostasy related to the Pliocene to Recent sedimentary loading and unloading revealed concentric oscillatory negative and positive anomalies mostly related to the Nile sedimentary cone. Such anomalies may explain the rapid subsidence in the Levant Basin and the arching in central Israel, northern Sinai and Egypt during Pliocene-Recent times. Comparison between the observed (Bouguer) gravity and the calculated gravity for the constructed 3-D lithospheric structure, which has variable density distributions, provided a good match and an independent constraint for the large-scale structure suggested and confirmed an oceanic nature for the Levant Basin lithosphere.

Interactions of ice sheet evolution, sea level and GIA in a region of complex Earth structure

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gomez, N. A.; Chan, N. H.; Latychev, K.; Pollard, D.; Powell, E. M.

2017-12-01

Constraining glacial isostatic adjustment (GIA) is challenging in Antarctica, where the solid Earth deformation, sea level changes and ice dynamics are strongly linked on all timescales. Furthermore, Earth structure beneath the Antarctic Ice Sheet is characterized by significant lateral variability. A stable, thick craton exists in the east, while the west is underlain by a large continental rift system, with a relatively thin lithosphere and hot, low viscosity asthenosphere, as indicated by high resolution seismic tomography. This implies that in parts of the West Antarctic, the Earth's mantle may respond to surface loading on shorter than average (centennial, or even decadal) timescales. Accounting for lateral variations in viscoelastic Earth structure alters the timing and geometry of load-induced Earth deformation, which in turn impacts the timing and extent of the ice-sheet retreat via a sea-level feedback, as well as predictions of relative sea-level change and GIA. We explore the impact of laterally varying Earth structure on ice-sheet evolution, sea level change and Earth deformation in the Antarctic region since the Last Glacial Maximum using a newly developed coupled ice sheet - sea level model that incorporates 3-D variations in lithospheric thickness and mantle viscosity derived from recent seismic tomographic datasets. Our results focus on identifying the regions and time periods in which the incorporation of 3-D Earth structure is critical for accurate predictions of ice sheet evolution and interpretation of geological and geodetic observations. We also investigate the sensitivity to the regional Earth structure of the relative contributions to modern GIA predictions of Last Deglacial and more recent Holocene ice cover changes.

Combined constraints on the structure and physical properties of the East Antarctic lithosphere from geology and geophysics.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Reading, A. M.; Staal, T.; Halpin, J.; Whittaker, J. M.; Morse, P. E.

2017-12-01

The lithosphere of East Antarctica is one of the least explored regions of the planet, yet it is gaining in importance in global scientific research. Continental heat flux density and 3D glacial isostatic adjustment studies, for example, rely on a good knowledge of the deep structure in constraining model inputs.In this contribution, we use a multidisciplinary approach to constrain lithospheric domains. To seismic tomography models, we add constraints from magnetic studies and also new geological constraints. Geological knowledge exists around the periphery of East Antarctica and is reinforced in the knowledge of plate tectonic reconstructions. The subglacial geology of the Antarctic hinterland is largely unknown but the plate reconstructions allow the well-posed extrapolation of major terranes into the interior of the continent, guided by the seismic tomography and magnetic images. We find that the northern boundary of the lithospheric domain centred on the Gamburtsev Subglacial Mountains has a possible trend that runs south of the Lambert Glacier region, turning coastward through Wilkes Land. Other periphery-to-interior connections are less well constrained and the possibility of lithospheric domains that are entirely sub-glacial is high. We develop this framework to include a probabilistic method of handling alternate models and quantifiable uncertainties. We also show first results in using a Bayesian approach to predicting lithospheric boundaries from multivariate data.Within the newly constrained domains, we constrain heat flux (density) as the sum of basal heat flux and upper crustal heat flux. The basal heat flux is constrained by geophysical methods while the upper crustal heat flux is constrained by geology or predicted geology. In addition to heat flux constraints, we also consider the variations in friction experienced by moving ice sheets due to varying geology.

Improved Seismic Images of the Pacific Northwest Interior, With a Focus on the Region of the Columbia River Flood Basalts and Central Idaho

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stanciu, A. C.; Humphreys, E.; Clayton, R. W.

2017-12-01

We construct a P-wave model of the upper mantle based on new and previously acquired data from the USArray-TA stations and regional deployments, including the HLP, ID-OR, and the currently recording Wallowa stations. Our teleseismic arrival times are corrected for crustal structure (based on surface wave, receiver function, and controlled-source models from the region). Our modeling incorporates 3-D ray tracing and several simple considerations of radial anisotropy on travel time. As imaged previously, we find high P-wave velocity anomalies located beneath the Wallowa Mountains and beneath the Idaho Batholith in central west Idaho. Our improved imaging finds that these two anomalies are located down to 350 km depth, and are clearly separated from one another and from a shallower fast anomaly in the uppermost mantle beneath the westernmost Snake River Plain. Our preferred interpretation includes a combination of delamination and slab fragments in this region. As fast (and presumably cool) structures, these upper-mantle anomalies are thought to have a lithospheric origin. The anomaly beneath central Idaho is interpreted as the leading edge of the Farallon slab associated with the accretion of Siletzia terrane to North America. This anomaly may include some North American lithosphere that delaminated from the Laramide-thickened lithospheric mantle, perhaps related to Challis magmatism. The Wallowa anomaly is likely to represent Farallon lithosphere that delaminated during the Columbia River flood basalt event. The small anomaly between the two deeper fast anomalies, occurring at depths above 150km, could represent an isolated lithospheric fragment or a structure created by the Columbia River flood basalt event.

Lateral variations of thermo-rheological structure in SE Tibet

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jiang, X.; Gong, W.

2017-12-01

The structure and geodynamics in SE Tibet is important to developing a full understanding of tectonic evolution of the Tibetan plateau. To investigate the lithospheric structure and deformation, we present thermo-rheological models for two transects across SE Tibet. The thermal models are determined by the heat flow and P-wave velocity models. Based on thermal models, the rheological models are constructed in the weak and strong cases where the lower crust is felsic or mafic granulite and the lithospheric mantle is wet or dry peridotite. The thermal models show an obvious high-temperature anomaly within the lithosphere beneath the Chuandian block. Strong lateral heterogeneity is present in the rheological modeling and corresponds to variations of thermal models. The Chuandian block demonstrates a lower level of lithospheric strength than its neighboring regions, which is in accord with the seismogenic layer distribution. Combining with a joint analysis of SKS splitting and GPS data, the crust and mantle is decoupled at a depth below the topmost mantle in SE Tibet. The strong crust beneath the South China plate and Indochina block has two brittle load-bearing layers in the crust, indicating the system is mechanically coupled. The crust beneath the Emeishan igneous province also has two brittle load-bearing layers, but the brittle deformation is restricted to the topmost 10 km of the upper and lower crust. In contrast, only one brittle load-bearing layer resides in the upper crust with the lower crust contributing little to the lithospheric strength at the location where low-velocity-high-conductivity zones have been recognized within the crust in the Chuandian block. This indicates that the crust beneath the Chuandian block becomes decoupled, as evidenced by the crustal anisotropy pattern.

Numerical simulations of the mantle lithosphere delamination

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Morency, C.; Doin, M.-P.

2004-03-01

Sudden uplift, extension, and increased igneous activity are often explained by rapid mechanical thinning of the lithospheric mantle. Two main thinning mechanisms have been proposed, convective removal of a thickened lithospheric root and delamination of the mantle lithosphere along the Moho. In the latter case, the whole mantle lithosphere peels away from the crust by the propagation of a localized shear zone and sinks into the mantle. To study this mechanism, we perform two-dimensional (2-D) numerical simulations of convection using a viscoplastic rheology with an effective viscosity depending strongly on temperature, depth, composition (crust/mantle), and stress. The simulations develop in four steps. (1) We first obtain "classical" sublithospheric convection for a long time period (˜300 Myr), yielding a slightly heterogeneous lithospheric temperature structure. (2) At some time, in some simulations, a strong thinning of the mantle occurs progressively in a small area (˜100 km wide). This process puts the asthenosphere in direct contact with the lower crust. (3) Large pieces of mantle lithosphere then quickly sink into the mantle by the horizontal propagation of a detachment level away from the "asthenospheric conduit" or by progressive erosion on the flanks of the delaminated area. (4) Delamination pauses or stops when the lithospheric mantle part detaches or when small-scale convection on the flanks of the delaminated area is counterbalanced by heat diffusion. We determine the parameters (crustal thicknesses, activation energies, and friction coefficients) leading to delamination initiation (step 2). We find that delamination initiates where the Moho temperature is the highest, as soon as the crust and mantle viscosities are sufficiently low. Delamination should occur on Earth when the Moho temperature exceeds ˜800°C. This condition can be reached by thermal relaxation in a thickened crust in orogenic setting or by corner flow lithospheric erosion in the overriding lithosphere of subduction zones.

3D Numerical Models of the Effect of Diking on the Faulting Pattern at Incipient Continental Rifts and Steady-State Spreading Centers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tian, X.; Choi, E.; Buck, W. R.

2015-12-01

The offset of faults and related topographic relief varies hugely at both continental rifts and mid-ocean ridges (MORs). In some areas fault offset is measured in 10s of meters while in places marked by core complexes it is measured in 10s of kilometers. Variation in the magma supply is thought to control much of these differences. Magma supply is most usefully described by the ratio (M) between rates of lithospheric extension accommodated by magmatic dike intrusion and that occurring via faulting. 2D models with different values of M successfully explain much of the observed cross-sectional structure seen at rifts and ridges. However, magma supply varies along the axis of extension and the interactions between the tectonics and magmatism are inevitably three-dimensional. We investigate the consequences of this along-axis variation in diking in terms of faulting patterns and the associated structures using a 3D parallel geodynamic modeling code, SNAC. Many observed 3D structural features are reproduced: e.g., abyssal hill, oceanic core complex (OCC), inward fault jump, mass wasting, hourglass-shaped median valley, corrugation and mullion structure. An estimated average value of M = 0.65 is suggested as a boundary value for separating abyssal hills and OCCs formation. Previous inconsistency in the M range for OCC formation between 2D model results (M = 0.3˜0.5) and field observations (M < 0.3 or M > 0.5) is reconciled by the along-ridge coupling between different faulting regimes. We also propose asynchronous faulting-induced tensile failure as a new possibility for explaining corrugations seen on the surface of core complexes. For continental rifts, we will describe a suite of 2D and 3D model calculations with a range of initial lithospheric structures and values of M. In one set of the 2D models we limit the extensional tectonic force and show how this affects the maximum topographic relief produced across the rift. We are also interested in comparing models in which the value of M varies as the rift evolves with observations from real rifts and continental margins. Finally, we plan to show how the faulting pattern in 3D can depend on the distribution of dike opening rate along segments for incipient continental rifts.

Modelling of Continental Lithosphere Breakup and Rifted Margin Formation in Response to an Upwelling Divergent Flow Field Incorporating a Temperature Dependent Rheology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tymms, V. J.; Kusznir, N. J.

2005-05-01

We numerically model continental lithosphere deformation leading to breakup and sea floor spreading initiation in response to an imposed upwelling and divergent flow field applied to continental lithosphere and asthenosphere. The model is used to predict rifted continental margin lithosphere thinning and temperature structure. Model predictions are compared with observed rifted margin structure for four diverse case studies. Prior to application of the upwelling divergent flow field the continental lithosphere is undeformed with a uniform temperature gradient. The upwelling divergent flow field is defined kinematically using boundary conditions consisting of the upwelling velocity Vz at the divergence axis and the half divergence rate Vx . The resultant velocity field throughout the continuum is computed using finite element (FE) code incorporating a Newtonian temperature dependent rheology. The flow field is used to advect the continental lithosphere material and lithospheric and asthenospheric temperatures. Viscosity structure is hence modified and the velocities change correspondingly in a feedback loop. We find the kinematic boundary conditions Vz and Vx to be of first order importance. A high Vz/Vx (greater than10), corresponding to buoyancy assisted flow, leads to minimal mantle exhumation and a well defined continent ocean transition consistent with observations at volcanic margins. For Vz/Vx near unity, corresponding to plate boundary driven divergence, mantle exhumation over widths of up to 100 km is predicted which is consistent with observations at non-volcanic margins. The FE method allows the upwelling velocity Vz to be propagated upwards from the top of the asthenosphere to the Earth's surface without the requirement of imposing Vx. When continental breakup is achieved the half divergence velocity Vx can be applied at the lithosphere surface and the upwelling velocity Vz left free. We find this time and space dependent set of boundary conditions is more plausible than a constant corner flow type solution and predicts levels of depth dependent stretching and continent ocean transitions consistent with observation. Depth dependent lithosphere stretching, which is observed at rifted continental margins, is predicted to occur before continental breakup and sea-floor spreading initiation. The model may be used to predict surface heat flow and bathymetry, and to provide estimates of melt production rates and cumulative thickness. We compare model predictions with observed margin structure for four diverse rifted margins: the Lofoten Margin (a mature volcanic margin), Goban Spur (a mature non-volcanic margin), the Woodlark Basin (a neotectonic young ocean basin) and the Faroe-Shetland Basin (a failed attempt at continental breakup). This work forms part of the NERC Margins iSIMM project. iSIMM investigators are from Liverpool and Cambridge Universities, Badley Geoscience & Schlumberger Cambridge Research supported by the NERC, the DTI, Agip UK, BP, Amerada Hess Ltd, Anadarko, Conoco¬Phillips, Shell, Statoil and WesternGeco. The iSIMM team comprises NJ Kusznir, RS White, AM Roberts, PAF Christie, A Chappell, J Eccles, R Fletcher, D Healy, N Hurst, ZC Lunnon, CJ Parkin, AW Roberts, LK Smith, V Tymms & R Spitzer.

Interaction between mantle and crustal detachments: a non-linear system controlling lithospheric extension

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rosenbaum, G.; Regenauer-Lieb, K.; Weinberg, R. F.

2009-12-01

We use numerical modelling to investigate the development of crustal and mantle detachment faults during lithospheric extension. Our models simulate a wide range of rift systems with varying values of crustal thickness and heat flow, showing how strain localization in the mantle interacts with localization in the upper crust and controls the evolution of extensional systems. Model results reveal a richness of structures and deformation styles, which grow in response to a self-organized mechanism that minimizes the internal stored energy of the system by localizing deformation at different levels of the lithosphere. Crustal detachment faults are well developed during extension of overthickened (60 km) continental crust, even when the initial heat flow is relatively low (50 mW/m2). In contrast, localized mantle deformation is most pronounced when the extended lithosphere has a normal crustal thickness (30-40 km) and an intermediate (60-70 mW/m2) heat flow. Results show a non-linear response to subtle changes in crustal thickness or heat flow, characterized by abrupt and sometime unexpected switches in extension modes (e.g. from diffuse rifting to effective lithospheric-scale rupturing) or from mantle- to crust-dominated strain localization. We interpret this non-linearity to result from the interference of doming wavelengths. Disharmony of crust and mantle doming wavelengths results in efficient communication between shear zones at different lithospheric levels, leading to rupturing of the whole lithosphere. In contrast, harmonious crust and mantle doming inhibits interaction of shear zones across the lithosphere and results in a prolonged rifting history prior to continental breakup.

The delineation and interpretation of the earth's gravity field

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Marsh, Bruce D.

1989-01-01

In an attempt to understand the mechanical interaction of a growing lithosphere containing fracture zones with small and large scale mantle convection, which gives rise to geoid anomalies in oceanic regions, a series of fluid dynamical experiments is in progress to investigate: (1) the influence of lithosphere structure, fluid depth and viscosity field on the onset, scale, and evolution of sublithospheric convection; (2) the role of this convection in determining the rate of growth of lithosphere, especially in light of the flattening of the lithosphere bathymetry and heat flow at late times; and (3) combining the results of both numerical and laboratory experiments to decide the dominate factors in producing geoid anomalies in oceanic regions through the thermo-mechanical interaction of the lithosphere and subjacent mantle. The clear existence of small scale convection associated with a downward propagating solidification front (i.e., the lithosphere) and a larger scale flow associated with a discontinuous upward heat flux (i.e., a fracture zone) has been shown. The flows exist simultaneously and each may have a significant role in deciding the thermal evolution of the lithosphere and in understanding the relation of shallow mantle convection to deep mantle convection. This overall process is reflected in the geoid, gravity, and topographic anomalies in the north-central Pacific. These highly correlated fields of intermediate wavelength (approx. 200 to 2000 km) show isostatic compensation by a thin lithosphere for shorter (less than or equal to approx. 500 km), but not the longer, wavelengths. The ultimate, dynamic origin of this class of anomalies is being investigated.

New constraints on the mechanism for the formation of the Pannonian basin

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Horváth, Ferenc; Fodor, László; Balázs, Attila; Musitz, Balázs; Koroknai, Balázs

2013-04-01

The epoch making cooperation with the MIT group (especially Wiki Royden) in the 1980's on the Pannonian basin arrived at two main conclusions: i) modest to medium value of synrift crustal extension was accompanied by dramatic attenuation of the mantle lithosphere, and ii) subduction and rollback of the Alpine Tethys controlled the extrusion of Alcapa and Tisza-Dacia terranes into the Carpathian embayment. These early results already went beyond a thermomechanical model and suggested the importance of dynamic influences exerted by upper mantle flows. Recent results of SKS anisotropy determinations (Kovács et al. 2012) has been interpreted in terms of a west-east directed flow sub-parallel with the main strike of the Eastern Alps at the western and central part of the basin, and a toroidal flow around the subducted Carpathian slab more towards the east. Horváth and Faccenna (2011) have put forward the idea that inflow of upper mantle material into the Pannonian basin was derived from the sub-Adriatic lithosphere via the northern Dinaric slab window since the late Oligocene, when rollback of oceanic lithosphere commenced on the western and eastern side of Adria. The importance of Dinaric subduction in the evolution of the Pannonian basin has been spectacularly demonstrated recently by the recognition of a number of metamorphic core complexes in the Sava-zone, which were exhumed during the synrift phase of the Pannonian basin (e.g. Ustaszewski et al. 2010, Matenco et al. 2012). Inside the basin the Sava zone represents a complex transfer fault system between the Alcapa and Tisza-Dacia terranes. High quality seismic sections will be presented with new interpretation to show the complicated structural features and the massive volcanism interpreted in terms of leaky transforms. The seismic sections will also show new time constraint for the postrift fill of the basin, which shed new light on the dramatically anomalous subsidence and uplift pattern during the late Miocene to Present history of the Pannonian basin.

3D numerical simulations of multiphase continental rifting

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Naliboff, J.; Glerum, A.; Brune, S.

2017-12-01

Observations of rifted margin architecture suggest continental breakup occurs through multiple phases of extension with distinct styles of deformation. The initial rifting stages are often characterized by slow extension rates and distributed normal faulting in the upper crust decoupled from deformation in the lower crust and mantle lithosphere. Further rifting marks a transition to higher extension rates and coupling between the crust and mantle lithosphere, with deformation typically focused along large-scale detachment faults. Significantly, recent detailed reconstructions and high-resolution 2D numerical simulations suggest that rather than remaining focused on a single long-lived detachment fault, deformation in this phase may progress toward lithospheric breakup through a complex process of fault interaction and development. The numerical simulations also suggest that an initial phase of distributed normal faulting can play a key role in the development of these complex fault networks and the resulting finite deformation patterns. Motivated by these findings, we will present 3D numerical simulations of continental rifting that examine the role of temporal increases in extension velocity on rifted margin structure. The numerical simulations are developed with the massively parallel finite-element code ASPECT. While originally designed to model mantle convection using advanced solvers and adaptive mesh refinement techniques, ASPECT has been extended to model visco-plastic deformation that combines a Drucker Prager yield criterion with non-linear dislocation and diffusion creep. To promote deformation localization, the internal friction angle and cohesion weaken as a function of accumulated plastic strain. Rather than prescribing a single zone of weakness to initiate deformation, an initial random perturbation of the plastic strain field combined with rapid strain weakening produces distributed normal faulting at relatively slow rates of extension in both 2D and 3D simulations. Our presentation will focus on both the numerical assumptions required to produce these results and variations in 3D rifted margin architecture arising from a transition from slow to rapid rates of extension.

Horizontal stresses induced by vertical processes in planetary lithospheres

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Banerdt, W. B.

1993-01-01

Understanding the state of stress in the elastic lithosphere is of fundamental importance for planetary geophysics, as it is the link between the observed geologic structures on the surface and the processes which form and modify these structures. As such, it can provide valuable constraints for the difficult problem of determining interior structure and processes. On the Earth, most large scale, organized deformation can be related to lateral tectonics associated with plate dynamics; however, the tectonics on many extraterrestrial bodies (such as the Moon, Mars, and most of the outer-planet satellites) appears to be primarily vertical in nature, and the horizontal stresses induced by vertical motions and loads are expected to dominate the deformation of their lithospheres. The largest stress contributions from vertical loading come from the flexure of the lithosphere, which induces both bending moments and membrane stresses. We are concerned here only with nonflexural changes in the state of stress induced by processes such as sedimentary and volcanic deposition, erosional denudation, and changes in the thermal gradient that induce uplift or subsidence. This analysis is important both for evaluating stresses for specific regions in which the vertical stress history can be estimated, as well as for applying the proper loading conditions to global stress models. It is also of interest for providing a reference state of stress for interpreting stress measurements in the crust of the Earth.

Upper mantle beneath foothills of the western Himalaya: subducted lithospheric slab or a keel of the Indian shield?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vinnik, L.; Singh, A.; Kiselev, S.; Kumar, M. Ravi

2007-12-01

The fate of the mantle lithosphere of the Indian Plate in the India-Eurasia collision zone is not well understood. Tomographic studies reveal high P velocity in the uppermost mantle to the south of the western Himalaya, and these high velocities are sometimes interpreted as an image of subducting Indian lithosphere. We suggest that these high velocities are unrelated to the ongoing subduction but correspond to a near-horizontal mantle keel of the Indian shield. In the south of the Indian shield upper-mantle velocities are anomalously low, and relatively high velocities may signify a recovery of the normal shield structure in the north. Our analysis is based on the recordings of seismograph station NIL in the foothills of the western Himalaya. The T component of the P receiver functions is weak relative to the Q component, which is indicative of a subhorizontally layered structure. Joint inversion of the P and S receiver functions favours high uppermost mantle velocities, typical of the lithosphere of Archean cratons. The arrival of the Ps converted phase from 410 km discontinuity at NIL is 2.2 s earlier than in IASP91 global model. This can be an effect of remnants of Tethys subduction in the mantle transition zone and of high velocities in the keel of the Indian shield. Joint inversion of SKS particle motions and P receiver functions reveals a change in the fast direction of seismic azimuthal anisotropy from 60° at 80-160 km depths to 150° at 160-220 km. The fast direction in the lower layer is parallel to the trend of the Himalaya. The change of deformation regimes at a depth of 160 km suggests that this is the base of the lithosphere of the Indian shield. A similar boundary was found with similar techniques in central Europe and the Tien Shan region, but the base of the lithosphere in these regions is relatively shallow, in agreement with the higher upper-mantle temperatures. The ongoing continental collision is expressed in crustal structure: the crust beneath NIL is very thick (58 +/- 2 km), and the S velocity in the intermediate and lower crust is around 4.0 km s-1. This anomalously large velocity and thickness can be explained by scraping off the lower crust, when the Indian lithosphere underthrusts the Himalaya.

Large Impact Features on Icy Galilean Satellites

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Moore, J. M.; Schenk, P. M.; Korycansky, D. G.

2017-01-01

Impact crater morphology can be a very useful tool for probing planetary interiors, but nowhere in the solar system is a greater variety of crater morphologies observed (Fig. 1) than on the large icy Galilean satellites Ganymede and Callisto [e.g., 1- 3]. As on the rocky terrestrial planets, impact crater morphology becomes more complex with increasing size on these satellites. With increasing size, however, these same craters become less like their counterparts on the rocky planets. Several impact landforms and structures (multiring furrows, palimpsests, and central domes, for example), have no obvious analogs on any other planets. Further, several studies [e.g., 4-6] have drawn attention to impact landforms on Europa which are unusual, even by Galilean satellite standards. These radical differences in morphology suggest that impact into icy lithospheres that are mechanically distinct from silicate lithospheres may be responsible. As such, large impact structures may be important probes of the interiors of these bodies over time [e.g., 7]. The first goal of this work is to integrate and correlate the detailed morphologic and morphometric measurements and observations of craters on icy Galilean satellites [e.g., 4, 8-12] with new detailed mapping of these structures from Galileo high-resolution images. As a result, we put forward a revised crater taxonomy for Ganymede and Callisto in order to simplify the nonuniform impact crater nomenclature cluttering the literature. We develop and present an integrated model for the development of these unusual crater morphologies and their implications for the thermal evolution of these bodies.

Lithospheric structure in the Pacific geoid

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Marsh, B. D.

1984-01-01

In order that sub-lithospheric density variations be revealed with the geoid, the regional geoid anomalies associated with bathymetric variations must first be removed. Spectral techniques were used to generate a synthetic geoid by filtering the residual bathymetry assuming an Airy-type isostatic compensation model. An unbiased estimated of the admittances show that for region under study, no single compensation mechanism will explain all of the power in the geoid. Nevertheless, because topographic features are mainly coherent with the geoid, to first order an isostationally compensated lithosphere cut by major E-W fracture zones accounts for most of the power in the high degree and other SEASAT geoid in the Pacific.

Crustal and Upper Mantle Investigations Using Receiver Functions and Tomographic Inversion in the Southern Puna Plateau Region of the Central Andes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Heit, B.; Yuan, X.; Bianchi, M.; Jakovlev, A.; Kumar, P.; Kay, S. M.; Sandvol, E. A.; Alonso, R.; Coira, B.; Comte, D.; Brown, L. D.; Kind, R.

2011-12-01

We present here the results obtained using the data form our passive seismic array in the southern Puna plateau between 25°S to 28°S latitude in Argentina and Chile. In first instance we have been able to calculate P and S receiver functions in order to investigate the Moho thickness and other seismic discontinuities in the study area. The RF data shows that the northern Puna plateau has a thicker crust and that the Moho topography is more irregular along strike. The seismic structure and thickness of the continental crust and the lithospheric mantle beneath the southern Puna plateau reveals that the LAB is deeper to the north of the array suggesting lithospheric removal towards the south. Later we performed a joint inversion of teleseismic and regional tomographic data in order to study the distribution of velocity anomalies that could help us to better understand the evolution of the Andean elevated plateau and the role of lithosphere-asthenosphere interactions in this region. Low velocities are observed in correlation with young volcanic centers (e.g. Ojos del Salado, Cerro Blanco, Galan) and agree very well with the position of crustal lineaments in the region. This is suggesting a close relationship between magmatism and lithospheric structures at crustal scale coniciding with the presence of hot asthenospheric material at the base of the crust probably induced by lithospheric foundering.

Neotectonic Deformation in Central Eurasia: A Geodynamic Model Approach

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tunini, Lavinia; Jiménez-Munt, Ivone; Fernandez, Manel; Vergés, Jaume; Bird, Peter

2017-11-01

Central Eurasia hosts wide orogenic belts of collision between India and Arabia with Eurasia, with diffuse or localized deformation occurring up to hundreds of kilometers from the primary plate boundaries. Although numerous studies have investigated the neotectonic deformation in central Eurasia, most of them have focused on limited segments of the orogenic systems. Here we explore the neotectonic deformation of all of central Eurasia, including both collision zones and the links between them. We use a thin-spherical sheet approach in which lithosphere strength is calculated from lithosphere structure and its thermal regime. We investigate the contributions of variations in lithospheric structure, rheology, boundary conditions, and fault friction coefficients on the predicted velocity and stress fields. Results (deformation pattern, surface velocities, tectonic stresses, and slip rates on faults) are constrained by independent observations of tectonic regime, GPS, and stress data. Our model predictions reproduce the counterclockwise rotation of Arabia and Iran, the westward escape of Anatolia, and the eastward extrusion of the northern Tibetan Plateau. To simulate the observed extensional faults in the Tibetan Plateau, a weaker lithosphere is required, provided by a change in the rheological parameters. The southward movement of the SE Tibetan Plateau can be explained by the combined effects of the Sumatra trench retreat, a thinner lithospheric mantle, and strik-slip faults in the region. This study offers a comprehensive model for regions with little or no data coverage, like the Arabia-India intercollision zone, where the surface velocity is northward showing no deflection related to Arabia and India indentations.

Block structure and geodynamics of the continental lithosphere on plate boundaries

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gatinsky, Yu. G.; Prokhorova, T. V.; Romanyuk, T. V.; Vladova, G. L.

2009-04-01

Division of the Earth lithosphere on large plates must be considered only as the first and most general approximation in its structure hierarchy. Some transit zones or difuuse boundaries after other authors take place in lithosphere plate boundaries. The tectonic tension of plate interaction is transferred and relaxed within these zones, which consist of blocks limited by seismoactive faults. Vectors of block horizontal displacements often don't coincide with vectors of main plates and change together with changing block rigidity. As a rule the intensity the seismic energy at plate and transit zone boundaries decreases linearly with distancing from these boundaries and correlates with decreasing of velocities of block horizontal displacements. But sometimes the maximum of the energy manifestation takes place in inner parts of transit zones. Some relatively tight interblock zones established in central and east Asia are the most seismically active. They limited such blocks as Pamir, Tien Shan, Bayanhar, Shan, Japanese-Korean, as well as the north boundary of the Indian Plate. A seismic energy intensity of these zones can be compared with the energy of Pacific subduction zones. It is worthy to note that the majority catastrophic earthquakes took place in Central Asia just within interblock zones. A level of block displacement is situated mainly in the bottom or inside the Earth crust, more rare in the lithosphere mantle. Blocks with the most thick lithosphere roots (SE China, Amurian) are the most rigid and weakly deformed.

Horizontal stress in planetary lithospheres from vertical processes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Banerdt, W. B.

1991-01-01

Understanding the stress states in a lithosphere is of fundamental importance for planetary geophysics. It is closely linked to the processes which form and modify tectonic features on the surface and reflects the behavior of the planet's interior, providing a constraint for the difficult problem of determining interior structure and processes. The tectonics on many extraterrestrial bodies (Moon, Mars, and most of the outer planet satellites) appears to be mostly vertical, and the horizontal stresses induced by vertical motions and loads are expected to dominate the deformation of their lithospheres. Herein, only changes are examined in the state of stress induced by processes such as sedimentary and volcanic deposition, erosional denudation, and changes in the thermal gradient that induce uplift or subsidence. This analysis is important both for evaluating stresses for specific regions in which the vertical stress history can be estimated, as well as for applying the proper loading conditions to global stress models. All references to lithosphere herein should be understood to refer to the elastic lithosphere, that layer which deforms elastically or brittlely when subjected to geologically scaled stresses.

Boundary-layer mantle flow under the Dead Sea transform fault inferred from seismic anisotropy.

PubMed

Rümpker, Georg; Ryberg, Trond; Bock, Günter

2003-10-02

Lithospheric-scale transform faults play an important role in the dynamics of global plate motion. Near-surface deformation fields for such faults are relatively well documented by satellite geodesy, strain measurements and earthquake source studies, and deeper crustal structure has been imaged by seismic profiling. Relatively little is known, however, about deformation taking place in the subcrustal lithosphere--that is, the width and depth of the region associated with the deformation, the transition between deformed and undeformed lithosphere and the interaction between lithospheric and asthenospheric mantle flow at the plate boundary. Here we present evidence for a narrow, approximately 20-km-wide, subcrustal anisotropic zone of fault-parallel mineral alignment beneath the Dead Sea transform, obtained from an inversion of shear-wave splitting observations along a dense receiver profile. The geometry of this zone and the contrast between distinct anisotropic domains suggest subhorizontal mantle flow within a vertical boundary layer that extends through the entire lithosphere and accommodates the transform motion between the African and Arabian plates within this relatively narrow zone.

Interference of lithospheric folding in western Central Asia by simultaneous Indian and Arabian plate indentation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Smit, J. H. W.; Cloetingh, S. A. P. L.; Burov, E.; Tesauro, M.; Sokoutis, D.; Kaban, M.

2013-08-01

Large-scale intraplate deformation of the crust and the lithosphere in Central Asia as a result of the indentation of India has been extensively documented. In contrast, the impact of continental collision between Arabia and Eurasia on lithosphere tectonics in front of the main suture zone, has received much less attention. The resulting Neogene shortening and uplift of the external Zagros, Alborz, Kopeh Dagh and Caucasus Mountain belts in Iran and surrounding areas is characterised by a simultaneous onset of major topography growth at ca. 5 Ma. At the same time, subsidence accelerated in the adjacent Caspian, Turan and Amu Darya basins. We present evidence for interference of lithospheric folding patterns induced by the Arabian and Indian collision with Eurasia. Wavelengths and spatial patterns are inferred from satellite-derived topography and gravity models. The observed interference of the patterns of folding appears to be primarily the result of spatial orientation of the two indenters, differences in their convergence velocities and the thermo-mechanical structure of the lithosphere west and east of the Kugitang-Tunka Line.

Transportable seismic array tomography in southeast Australia: Illuminating the transition from Proterozoic to Phanerozoic lithosphere

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rawlinson, N.; Salmon, M.; Kennett, B. L. N.

2014-02-01

The Phanerozoic Tasmanides of eastern Australia is comprised of a series of orogenic belts that developed along the east margin of Gondwana following the breakup of the supercontinent Rodinia and subsequent formation of the Pacific Ocean. The tectonic complexities of this region have been well studied, but most work has been confined to evidence collected from the near surface, where extensive Mesozoic and Cenozoic basin cover masks large tracts of Palaeozoic basement. We apply teleseismic tomography to distant earthquake data recorded by WOMBAT - the largest transportable seismic array experiment in the southern hemisphere - to image P-wavespeed variations in the mantle lithosphere beneath the southern portion of the Tasmanides in detail. In order to seamlessly suture together the teleseismic datasets from each of the 14 sub-arrays of WOMBAT, we use P-wavespeeds from the AuSREM model to construct a laterally heterogeneous starting model that captures the long wavelength structural variations that would otherwise be lost through the use of relative arrival time residuals. Synthetic resolution tests indicate good horizontal resolution of ~ 50 km within most of the array between depths of 50-350 km. A key feature of the 3-D P-wave model is a pronounced easterly high velocity salient in the mantle lithosphere beneath the northern limit of the New England Orocline, which may indicate the presence of underpinning Proterozoic lithosphere that was instrumental in its formation. Another pronounced high velocity anomaly underlies the Curnamona Province, a large crustal block with a strong Archean provenance, which is clearly separated from the Gawler Craton to the west at upper mantle depths by a low velocity zone beneath the Adelaide Fold Belt. We also estimate the location of the eastern boundary of Precambrian Australia at depth, and show that it extends eastward further than previously thought.

Drip tectonics and the enigmatic uplift of the Central Anatolian Plateau.

PubMed

Göğüş, Oğuz H; Pysklywec, Russell N; Şengör, A M C; Gün, Erkan

2017-11-16

Lithospheric drips have been interpreted for various regions around the globe to account for the recycling of the continental lithosphere and rapid plateau uplift. However, the validity of such hypothesis is not well documented in the context of geological, geophysical and petrological observations that are tested against geodynamical models. Here we propose that the folding of the Central Anatolian (Kırşehir) arc led to thickening of the lithosphere and onset of "dripping" of the arc root. Our geodynamic model explains the seismic data showing missing lithosphere and a remnant structure characteristic of a dripping arc root, as well as enigmatic >1 km uplift over the entire plateau, Cappadocia and Galatia volcanism at the southern and northern plateau margins since ~10 Ma, respectively. Models show that arc root removal yields initial surface subsidence that inverts >1 km of uplift as the vertical loading and crustal deformation change during drip evolution.

Micro-seismicity in the Gulf of Cadiz: Is there a link between micro-seismicity, high magnitude earthquakes and active faults?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Silva, Sónia; Terrinha, Pedro; Matias, Luis; Duarte, João C.; Roque, Cristina; Ranero, César R.; Geissler, Wolfram H.; Zitellini, Nevio

2017-10-01

The Gulf of Cadiz seismicity is characterized by persistent low to intermediate magnitude earthquakes, occasionally punctuated by high magnitude events such as the M 8.7 1755 Great Lisbon earthquake and the M = 7.9 event of February 28th, 1969. Micro-seismicity was recorded during 11 months by a temporary network of 25 ocean bottom seismometers (OBSs) in an area of high seismic activity, encompassing the potential source areas of the mentioned large magnitude earthquakes. We combined micro-seismicity analysis with processing and interpretation of deep crustal seismic reflection profiles and available refraction data to investigate the possible tectonic control of the seismicity in the Gulf of Cadiz area. Three controlling mechanisms are explored: i) active tectonic structures, ii) transitions between different lithospheric domains and inherited Mesozoic structures, and iii) fault weakening mechanisms. Our results show that micro-seismicity is mostly located in the upper mantle and is associated with tectonic inversion of extensional rift structures and to the transition between different lithospheric/rheological domains. Even though the crustal structure is well imaged in the seismic profiles and in the bathymetry, crustal faults show low to negligible seismic activity. A possible explanation for this is that the crustal thrusts are thin-skinned structures rooting in relatively shallow sub-horizontal décollements associated with (aseismic) serpentinization levels at the top of the lithospheric mantle. Therefore, co-seismic slip along crustal thrusts may only occur during large magnitude events, while for most of the inter-seismic cycle these thrusts remain locked, or slip aseismically. We further speculate that high magnitude earthquake's ruptures may only nucleate in the lithospheric mantle and then propagate into the crust across the serpentinized layers.

Rayleigh wave tomography in South China from ambient seismic noise cross-correlation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xu, S.; Song, X.; Wang, L.; Xu, M.

2012-12-01

South China is a composite of continental blocks with relics of Proterozoic and late-Paleozoic sutures, and underwent complex transformations in geological history. The connection of Yangtze Block (YZB) and Cathaysian Block (CTB) around 1 Ga led to Neoproterozoic rift systems in the central South China. Subsequently, strong folding and thrusting with intracontinental shortening occurred in the central South China during Mesozoic as a response to the collision of China-Indochina with Philippine Plate. Post orogenesis during Jurassic and Cretaceous, accompanied by extension and delamination, led to the thinning of lithosphere and granite intrusion, which becomes the main mineralization process in South China. The mechanism of the intracontinental collision and boundary of YZB with CTB have been debated for a long time. Detailed lithospheric structures are important for us to understand characteristics of the continental blocks, their boundaries, and the evolution processes. We use ambient noise cross-correlation method to obtain high resolution 3-D velocity images of South China. Continuous records of 298 stations from January 2010 to June 2011 are used to retrieve Rayleigh wave Green functions between possible station pairs. Waveform and dispersion curve comparisons with earthquake-emitted Rayleigh wave indicate that the ambient noise method is efficient and reliable. Both group and phase velocity images of 0.5°×0.5° grid from 8 to 40 s are estimated. Then, shear velocities are inversed in each grid, using a recent regional S-velocity model as a constraint for deeper structures. The surface wave maps in short periods clearly delineate basins and mountains. Deeper Moho in west of South China is observed, which can be interpreted as a result of strata folding and shortening in Mesozoic or long-range effects from Indian-Asian collision in Cenozoic. The collision mode between YZB and CTB is different for Lower-YZB (L-YZB) and Upper-YZB (U-YZB): the L-YZB is a simple attachment while the CTB overthrusts over U-YZB. Strong extension and delamination in the eastern part of South China result in thinner and weaker lithosphere than in the west. Remnant materials of partial melting induced by Paleo-Pacific plate subduction form the origin of Late-Mesozoic Volcanic Belt in the Southeast China. Low velocity along the fault implies that Tanlu is a lithosphere-scale structure. We also observe a vertical low velocity zone under the previously-claimed "Hainan Island mantle plume".

Three-dimensional imaging of the S-velocity structure for the crust and the upper mantle beneath the Arabian Sea from Rayleigh wave analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Corchete, V.

2017-04-01

A 3D imaging of S-velocity for the Arabian Sea crust and upper mantle structure is presented in this paper, determined by means of Rayleigh wave analysis, for depths ranging from zero to 300 km. The crust and upper mantle structure of this region of the earth never has been the subject of a surface wave tomography survey. The Moho map performed in the present study is a new result, in which a crustal thickening beneath the Arabian Fan sediments can be observed. This crustal thickening can be interpreted as a quasi-continental oceanic transitional structure. A crustal thickness of up to 20 km also can be observed for the Murray Ridge system in this Moho map. This crustal thickening can be due to that the Murray Ridge System consists of Indian continental crust. This continental crust is extremely thinned to the southwest of this region, as shown in this Moho map. This area can be interpreted as oceanic in origin. In the depth range from 30 to 60 km, the S-velocity presents its lower values at the Carlsberg Ridge region, because it is the younger region of the study area. In the depth range from 60 to 105 km of depth, the S-velocity pattern is very similar to that shown for the previous depth range, except for the regions in which the asthenosphere is reached, for these regions appear a low S-velocity pattern. The lithosphere-asthenosphere boundary (LAB), or equivalently the lithosphere thickness, determined in the present study is also a new result, in which the lithosphere thickness for the Arabian Fan can be estimated in 60-70 km. The lower lithospheric thickness observed in the LAB map, for the Arabian Fan, shows that this region may be in the transition zone between continental and oceanic structure. Finally, a low-velocity zone (LVZ) has been determined, for the whole study area, located between the LAB and the boundary of the asthenosphere base (or equivalently the lithosphere-asthenosphere system thickness). The asthenosphere-base map calculated in the present study is also a new result.

Anisotropic Lithospheric layering in the North American craton, revealed by Bayesian inversion of short and long period data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Roy, C.; Calo, M.; Bodin, T.; Romanowicz, B. A.

2016-12-01

Competing hypotheses for the formation and evolution of continents are highly under debate, including the theory of underplating by hot plumes or accretion by shallow subduction in continental or arc settings. In order to support these hypotheses, documenting structural layering in the cratonic lithosphere becomes especially important. Studies of seismic-wave receiver function data have detected a structural boundary under continental cratons at 100-140 km depths, which is too shallow to be consistent with the lithosphere-asthenosphere boundary, as inferred from seismic tomography and other geophysical studies. This leads to the conclusion that 1) the cratonic lithosphere may be thinner than expected, contradicting tomographic and other geophysical or geochemical inferences, or 2) that the receiver function studies detect a mid-lithospheric discontinuity rather than the LAB. Recent studies (Bodin et al., 2015, Calo et al. 2016) confirmed the presence of a structural boundary under the north American craton at 100-140 km depths by taking advantage of the power of a trans-dimensional Monte Carlo Markov chain (TMCMC). They generated probabilistic 1D radially shear wave velocity profiles for selected stations in North America by jointly inverting 2 different data types (PS Receiver Functions, surface wave dispersion for Love and Rayleigh waves), which sample different volumes of the Earth and have different sensitivities to structure. The resulting 1D profiles include both isotropic and anisotropic discontinuities in the upper mantle (above 350 km depth). Here we extend this approach and include the vp/vs ratio as an unknown in the TMCMC algorithm to avoid artificial layers induced by multiples of the receiver functions. Additionally, we include SKS waveforms in the joint inversion and invert for azimuthal anisotropy to verify if layering in the anisotropic structure of the stable part of the North American continent involves significant changes in the direction of azimuthal anisotropy as suggested by Yuan and Romanowicz (2010). We recently demonstrated the power of this approach in the case of two stations located in different tectonic settings (Bodin et al., 2016. Here we extend this approach to a broader range of settings within the north American continent.

Detachments of the subducted Indian continental lithosphere based on 3D finite-frequency tomographic images

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liang, X.; Tian, X.; Wang, M.

2017-12-01

Indian plate collided with Eurasian plate at 60 Ma and there are about 3000 km crustal shortening since the continental-continental collision. At least one third of the total amount of crustal shortening between Indian and Eurasian plates could not be accounted by thickened Tibetan crust and surface erosion. It will need a combination of possible transfer of lower crust to the mantle by eclogitization and lateral extrusion. Based on the lithosphere-asthenosphere boundary images beneath the Tibetan plateau, there is also at least the same amount deficit for lithospheric mantle subducted into upper/lower mantle or lateral extrusion with the crust. We have to recover a detailed Indian continental lithosphere image beneath the plateau in order to explain this deficit of mass budget. Combining the new teleseismic body waves recorded by SANDWICH passive seismic array with waveforms from several previous temporary seismic arrays, we carried out finite-frequency tomographic inversions to image three-dimensional velocity structures beneath southern and central Tibetan plateau to examine the possible image of subducted Indian lithosphere in the Tibetan upper mantle. We have recovered a continuous high velocity body in upper mantle and piece-wised high velocity anomalies in the mantle transition zone. Based on their geometry and relative locations, we interpreted these high velocity anomalies as the subducted and detached Indian lithosphere at different episodes of the plateau evolution. Detachments of the subducted Indian lithosphere should have a crucial impact on the volcanism activities and uplift history of the plateau.

Modeling the Internal Structure of Mars Using Normal Mode Relaxation Theory

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pithawala, T. M.; Ghent, R. R.; Bills, B. G.

2010-12-01

We seek to resolve an apparent paradox between two sets of observations, which seem to suggest quite different thermal structures for the deep interior of Mars. The orbit of Phobos is observed to be accelerating along-track at a rate of (273.4 ± 1.2) 10^(-5) deg/yr^(2), which implies that the orbit is shrinking at (4.03 ± 0.03) cm/yr, and losing energy at a rate of 3.4 MW. The most likely sink for that energy is tidal dissipation within Mars, seemingly requiring a warm interior. However, static support of the gravity and topography of Mars requires a thick elastic lithosphere, indicating a relatively cool (and therefore stiff) mantle. Using normal mode relaxation theory we model the internal viscosity structure of Mars by analyzing its response to tidal forcing from Phobos. We investigate spherical axisymmetric layered viscoelastic models, seeking to satisfy what is known about planetary differentiation, to support large-scale topography via a thick elastic lithosphere, and to yield the observed tidal dissipation rate. We present a family of 4-layer models (core, mantle, lithosphere, and thin weak layer) that satisfy these constraints, and discuss the implications for Mars’ internal structure.

Seismic Attenuation Structure and Intraplate Deformation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bezada, M.; Kowalke, S.; Smale, J.

2017-12-01

It has been suggested that intraplate deformation and seismicity is localized at weak zones in the lithosphere and at rheological boundaries. Comparisons of intraplate deformation regions with mantle seismic velocity structure suggest a correlation, but are not universally accepted as compelling evidence. We present P-wave attenuation models built from records of teleseismic deep-focus earthquakes in three different regions that show significant correlation between attenuation structure and intraplate seismicity and deformation. In the eastern United States, the New Madrid, Wabash Valley, Eastern Tennessee, Central Virginia, and Carolina seismic zones all occur at or near the edges of high-Q (low attenuation) regions. In Spain, intraplate seismicity is absent from high-Q regions but relatively abundant in surrounding low-Q regions where intraplate orogeny is also observed. In Australia, where our model resolution is relatively poor owing to sparse and uneven station coverage, the Petermann and Alice Springs intraplate orogens occur near the edge of a high-Q feature roughly coinciding with the undeformed Amadeus basin. Our results suggest that lithospheric structure exerts important controls on the localization of intraplate deformation and seismicity and that seismic attenuation is a useful proxy for lithospheric strength.

The lithosphere-asthenosphere boundary beneath the Korean Peninsula from S receiver functions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, S. H.; Rhie, J.

2017-12-01

The shallow lithosphere in the Eastern Asia at the east of the North-South Gravity Lineament is well published. The reactivation of the upper asthenosphere induced by the subducting plates is regarded as a dominant source of the lithosphere thinning. Additionally, assemblage of various tectonic blocks resulted in complex variation of the lithosphere thickness in the Eastern Asia. Because, the Korean Peninsula located at the margin of the Erasian Plate in close vicinity to the trench of subducting oceanic plate, significant reactivation of the upper asthenosphere is expected. For the study of the tectonic history surrounding the Korean Peninsula, we determined the lithosphere-asthenosphere boundary (LAB) beneath the Korean Peninsula using common conversion point stacking method with S receiver functions. The depth of the LAB beneath the Korean Peninsula ranges from 60 km to 100 km and confirmed to be shallower than that expected for Cambrian blocks as previous global studies. The depth of the LAB is getting shallower to the south, 95 km at the north and 60 km at the south. And rapid change of the LAB depth is observed between 36°N and 37°N. The depth change of the LAB getting shallower to the south implies that the source of the lithosphere thinning is a hot mantle upwelling induced by the northward subduction of the oceanic plates since Mesozoic. Unfortunately, existing tectonic models can hardly explain the different LAB depth in the north and in the south as well as the rapid change of the LAB depth.

Global model for the lithospheric strength and effective elastic thickness

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tesauro, Magdala; Kaban, Mikhail K.; Cloetingh, Sierd A. P. L.

2013-08-01

Global distribution of the strength and effective elastic thickness (Te) of the lithosphere are estimated using physical parameters from recent crustal and lithospheric models. For the Te estimation we apply a new approach, which provides a possibility to take into account variations of Young modulus (E) within the lithosphere. In view of the large uncertainties affecting strength estimates, we evaluate global strength and Te distributions for possible end-member 'hard' (HRM) and a 'soft' (SRM) rheology models of the continental crust. Temperature within the lithosphere has been estimated using a recent tomography model of Ritsema et al. (2011), which has much higher horizontal resolution than previous global models. Most of the strength is localized in the crust for the HRM and in the mantle for the SRM. These results contribute to the long debates on applicability of the "crème brulée" or "jelly-sandwich" model for the lithosphere structure. Changing from the SRM to HRM turns most of the continental areas from the totally decoupled mode to the fully coupled mode of the lithospheric layers. However, in the areas characterized by a high thermal regime and thick crust, the layers remain decoupled even for the HRM. At the same time, for the inner part of the cratons the lithospheric layers are coupled in both models. Therefore, rheological variations lead to large changes in the integrated strength and Te distribution in the regions characterized by intermediate thermal conditions. In these areas temperature uncertainties have a greater effect, since this parameter principally determines rheological behavior. Comparison of the Te estimates for both models with those determined from the flexural loading and spectral analysis shows that the 'hard' rheology is likely applicable for cratonic areas, whereas the 'soft' rheology is more representative for young orogens.

Continental growth by successive accretion of oceanic lithosphere: Evidence from tilted seismic anisotropy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Babuska, V.; Plomerova, J.; Karato, S. I.

2012-04-01

Although many studies indicate that subduction-related accretion, subduction-driven magmatism and tectonic stacking are major crustal-growth mechanisms, how the mantle lithosphere forms remains enigmatic. Cook (AGU Geod. Series 1986) published a model of continental 'shingling' based on seismic reflection data indicating dipping structures in the deep crust of accreted terranes. Helmstaedt and Gurney (J. Geoch. Explor. 1995) and Hart et al. (Geology 1997) suggest that the Archean continental lithosphere consists of alternating layers of basalt and peridotite derived from subducted and obducted Archean oceanic lithosphere. Peridotite xenoliths from the Mojavian mantle lithosphere (Luffi et al., JGR 2009), as well as xenoliths of eclogites underlying the Sierra Nevada batholith in California (Horodynskij et al., EPSL 2007), are representative for oceanic slab fragments successively attached to the continent. Recent seismological findings also seem to support a model of continental lithosphere built from systems of paleosubductions of plates of ancient oceanic lithosphere (Babuska and Plomerova, AGU Geoph. Monograph 1989), or by stacking of the plates (Helmstaedt and Schulze, Geol. Soc. Aust. Spec. Publ. 1989). Seismic anisotropy in the oceanic mantle lithosphere, explained mainly by the olivine A- (or D-) type fabric (Karato et al., Annu. Rev. Earth Planet. Sci. 2008), was discovered almost a half century ago (Hess, Nature 1964). Though it is difficult to determine seismic anisotropy within an active subducting slab (e.g., Healy et al., EPSL 2009; Eberhart-Phillips and Reyners, JGR 2009), field observations and laboratory experiments indicate the oceanic olivine fabric might be preserved there to a depth of at least 200-300 km. Dipping anisotropic fabrics in domains of the European mantle lithosphere were interpreted as systems of 'frozen' paleosubductions (Babuska and Plomerova, PEPI 2006), and the lithosphere base as a boundary between a fossil anisotropy in the lithospheric mantle and an underlying seismic anisotropy related to present-day flow in the asthenosphere (Plomerova and Babuska, Lithos 2010). Deep dipping reflectors in the Slave Craton were modelled as tops of a fossil oceanic lithosphere (Bostock, Lithos 1999). Using S-wave receiver functions, Miller and Eaton (GRL 2010) also interpreted mid-lithosphere discontinuities beneath British Columbia as remnant oceanic slabs. Strong radial anisotropy from global surface-wave data (Babuska et al., PAGEOPH 1998; Khan et al., JGR 2011), as well as differences between body-wave tomography images from SH and SV waves (Eken et al., Tectonophys. 2010), both showing strong anisotropy only down to ~200 km, are in agreement with the models of inclined olivine fabrics found in Phanerozoic and Precambrian mantle lithosphere (Plomerova et al., Solid Earth 2011). Models of assemblages of microplates with their own inclined fossil fabrics do not support a lithosphere growth by simple cooling processes, which should result in horizontal fabrics. The models with dipping fabrics also contribute to mapping boundaries of individual blocks building the continental lithosphere.

Lithospheric structure of the Rio Grande rift.

PubMed

Wilson, David; Aster, Richard; West, Michael; Ni, James; Grand, Steve; Gao, Wei; Baldridge, W Scott; Semken, Steve; Patel, Paresh

2005-02-24

A high-resolution, regional passive seismic experiment in the Rio Grande rift region of the southwestern United States has produced new images of upper-mantle velocity structure and crust-mantle topography. Synthesizing these results with geochemical and other geophysical evidence reveals highly symmetric lower-crustal and upper-mantle lithosphere extensional deformation, suggesting a pure-shear rifting mechanism for the Rio Grande rift. Extension in the lower crust is distributed over a region four times the width of the rift's surface expression. Here we propose that the laterally distributed, pure shear extension is a combined effect of low strain rate and a regionally elevated geotherm, possibly abetted by pre-existing lithospheric structures, at the time of rift initiation. Distributed extension in the lower crust and mantle has induced less concentrated vertical mantle upwelling and less vigorous small-scale convection than would have arisen from more localized deformation. This lack of highly focused mantle upwelling may explain a deficit of rift-related volcanics in the Rio Grande rift compared to other major rift systems such as the Kenya rift.

Aulacogens and aulacogeosynclines: Regularities in setting and evolution

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Milanovsky, E. E.

1992-12-01

Aulacogens and aulacogeosynclinal zones represent intra-continental palaeorifts and inverted palaeorifts. They were formed in the process of the break-up of continents during the Late Proterozoic. Inversion of such basins occurred variably during the Baikalian, Caledonian, Hercynian and Alpine orogenic cycles in response to the build-up of intraplate compressional stresses emanating from orogenic belts. Aulacogens were first recognized on the stable Russian Platform where they correspond to linear, graben type depressions filled with Proterozoic sediments, often buried beneath a thick cover of Palaeozoic and younger sediments. Some aulacogens have experienced a short period of reactivation during the Palaeozoic. Aulacogeosynclines differ from the genetically related aulacogens by their greater dimensions and the amount of lithospheric extension that can go to the extent of opening of small ocean basins; consequently they are characterized by a greater degree of destruction of the continental crust, the depth of subsidence and the complexity of their post-rift development which commonly terminates with their compressional deformation, giving rise to the development of intracontinental linear folded and thrusted structures, frequently associated with low-grade metamorphism and small intrusions. Many ancient platforms are characterized by aulacogens; metaplatforms are dissected by aulacogens and aulacogeosynclines, whereas geosynclinal troughs are the precursors of geosynclinal mobil belts. Aulacogens, aulacogeosynclines and geosynclinal troughs represent a group of negative, linear structures which are characterized by an increasing degree of crustal destruction during rifting processes and increasing mobility during lithospheric contraction.

Counter-intuitive features of the dynamic topography unveiled by tectonically realistic 3D numerical models of mantle-lithosphere interactions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Burov, Evgueni; Gerya, Taras

2013-04-01

It has been long assumed that the dynamic topography associated with mantle-lithosphere interactions should be characterized by long-wavelength features (> 1000 km) correlating with morphology of mantle flow and expanding beyond the scale of tectonic processes. For example, debates on the existence of mantle plumes largely originate from interpretations of expected signatures of plume-induced topography that are compared to the predictions of analytical and numerical models of plume- or mantle-lithosphere interactions (MLI). Yet, most of the large-scale models treat the lithosphere as a homogeneous stagnant layer. We show that in continents, the dynamic topography is strongly affected by rheological properties and layered structure of the lithosphere. For that we reconcile mantle- and tectonic-scale models by introducing a tectonically realistic continental plate model in 3D large-scale plume-mantle-lithosphere interaction context. This model accounts for stratified structure of continental lithosphere, ductile and frictional (Mohr-Coulomb) plastic properties and thermodynamically consistent density variations. The experiments reveal a number of important differences from the predictions of the conventional models. In particular, plate bending, mechanical decoupling of crustal and mantle layers and intra-plate tension-compression instabilities result in transient topographic signatures such as alternating small-scale surface features that could be misinterpreted in terms of regional tectonics. Actually thick ductile lower crustal layer absorbs most of the "direct" dynamic topography and the features produced at surface are mostly controlled by the mechanical instabilities in the upper and intermediate crustal layers produced by MLI-induced shear and bending at Moho and LAB. Moreover, the 3D models predict anisotropic response of the lithosphere even in case of isotropic solicitations by axisymmetric mantle upwellings such as plumes. In particular, in presence of small (i.e. insufficient to produce solely any significant deformation) uniaxial extensional tectonic stress field, the plume-produced surface and LAB features have anisotropic linear shapes perpendicular to the far-field tectonic forces, typical for continental rifts. Compressional field results in singular sub-linear folds above the plume head, perpendicular to the direction of compression. Small bi-axial tectonic stress fields (compression in one direction and extension in the orthogonal direction) result in oblique, almost linear segmented normal or inverse faults with strike-slip components (or visa verse , strike-slip faults with normal or inverse components)

Water-rich Martian mantle can account for the elastic thickness in Amazonian era

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Katayama, I.; Matsuoka, Y.; Azuma, S.

2016-12-01

Although high water content in the Martian mantle is inferred from cosmochemistry, the direct measurements of water in the SNC meteorites are controversial, because hydrogen is a highly mobile element and the later terrestrial alteration can modify the primarily concentration in the Mars. On the one hand, water has a significant effect on the rock strength in both brittle and ductile fields; consequently, the presence of water can influence the elastic thickness that is primary controlled by stress distribution in the lithosphere. The Martian elastic lithosphere estimated from gravity and topography data indicates different thickness at the time of loading (e.g. McGovern et al. 2002). The increase of elastic thickness from Noachian to Hesperian is most likely related to the secular cooling in the Mars; however, the nearly constant elastic lithosphere in Amazonian cannot be explained by the thermal evolution alone. In this study, we applied recent rheological data to the Martian lithosphere and tested whether water can account for the elastic thickness seen in the Amazonian era. We incorporated the effect of pore fluid pressure in the brittle regime and Peierls mechanism in the ductile regime in the rheological model, which are not applied in the most previous calculation (e.g. Grott and Breuer 2008) but have a significant influence on the stress distribution in the lithosphere. Since the pore pressure reduces the effective normal stress on the fault plane, the maximum stress in the brittle regime is markedly decreased by the presence of pore fluid. The estimate of elastic lithosphere is dependent on thermal structure, and we used the heat production rate obtained from the Mars Odyssey spectrometry as thermal model (Hahn et al. 2011). Our results indicate the elastic thickness in Amazonian era of 120-170 km for dry condition and 80-110 km for wet condition. The thin elastic thickness calculated under wet environments is a result of significant reduction of flexure moment in the lithosphere. Our model indicates that water-rich Martian lithosphere can be responsible for the observed elastic thickness in Amazonian. However, the model is highly sensitive to the thermal structure and curvature, and more realistic data of heat flow targeted by the Insight mission would provide the robust water concentration in the Martian mantle.

Lithospheric Structure In Asia Based On Pp-, P-waves Data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bushenkova, N.

There is the RR-R method of tomographic inversion, which is based on joint use of teleseismic P or S refracted rays and corresponding PP or SS rays with bounce points located within a study region. This scheme allows imaging the deep seismic structure beneath "blank" areas where there are neither recording stations nor earthquakes. Uti- lization of differential travel times makes it possible to avoid the difficulty of source and station corrections, which cause problems in teleseismic tomography. The RR-R scheme has been applied to more than 10000 ray pairs from the ISC database to in- vestigate a large region from the North Arctic Ocean to the northern part of China and Mongolia. Velocity anomalies were computed in grid nodes distributed in the study 3D area according to ray density. Relatively high velocities beneath the Siberian cra- ton (positive velocity anomalies under 3 % ) observed down to the depth of 350 km are consistent with the geothermal model of Artemieva and Mooney (2001) and with global seismic tomography and may correspond to traces of thick lithosphere. A local low-velocity anomaly is imaged in the northern part of the Siberian craton at sub- lithospheric depths below 300 km. Its centre coincides with the swell of the contem- porary Putorana plateau. This isolated anomaly may be accounted for by the presence of a limited volume of hot and light mantle material that, by its buoyancy, provides a dynamic uplift of the surface. Upper mantle beneath West Siberia is dominated by low velocities which can be interpreted as a result of relatively thin lithosphere. The veloc- ity jump at the base of the lithosphere (~150 km) is smooth due to its essentially ther- mal nature. The velocity anomalies in the southern part of the study area have NW-SE trend, which corresponds to the strike of major lithospheric structures formed by suc- cessive accretion of terranes to the Siberian craton through the Paleozoic (Molnar and Tapponnier, 1975; Sengör et al., 1993; Dobretsov et al., 1996). Negative veloc- ity anomalies are related to the thin lithosphere of the Altai Mountains and the Hangai plateau (negative velocity anomalies under 3 % in the depth range 30 to 430 km). The low-velocity seismic anomaly beneath the eastern Hangai plateau can be interpreted as a mantle plume, which is consistent with other geophysical and geological data. The strong negative velocity anomaly beneath Altai reflects the present-day weak rhe- ology most likely related to conductive heating of the thinned continental lithosphere in the Late Cenozoic. The positive velocity anomaly beneath and the western Hangai plateau and Tuva corresponds to the Precambrian Mongolia-Tuva microcontinent.

3D isotropic shear wave velocity structure of the lithosphere-asthenosphere system underneath the Alpine-Mediterranean Mobile belt

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

El-Sharkawy, Amr; Weidle, Christian; Christiano, Luigia; Lebedev, Sergei; Meier, Thomas

2017-04-01

The Alpine-Mediterranean mobile belt is, tectonically, one of the most complicated and active regions in the world. Since the Mesozoic, collisions between Gondwana-derived continental blocks and Eurasia, due to the closure of a number of rather small ocean basins, have shaped the Mediterranean geology. During the late Mesozoic, it was dominated by subduction zones (e.g., in Anatolia, the Dinarides, the Carpathians, the Alps, the Apennines, and the Betics), which inverted the extensional regime, consuming the previously formed oceanic lithosphere, the adjacent passive continental margins and presumably partly also continental lithosphere. The location, distribution, and evolution of these subduction zones were mainly controlled by the continental or oceanic nature, density, and thickness of the lithosphere inherited from the Mesozoic rift after the European Variscan Orogeny. Despite the numerous studies that have attempted to characterize the lithosphere-asthenosphere structure in that area, details of the lithospheric structure and dynamics, as well as flow in the asthenosphere are, however, poorly known. A 3D shear-wave velocity structure of the lithosphere-asthenosphere system in the Mediterranean is investigated using new tomographic images obtained from surface wave tomography. An automated algorithm for inter-station phase velocity measurements is applied here to obtain both Rayleigh and Love fundamental mode phase velocities. We utilize a database consisting of more than 4000 seismic events recorded by more than 2000 broadband seismic stations within the area, provided by the European Integrated Data Archive (WebDc/EIDA) and IRIS. Moreover, for the first time, data from the Egyptian National Seismological Network (ENSN), recorded by up to 25 broad band seismic stations, are also included in the analysis. For each station pair, approximately located on the same great circle path, the recorded waveforms are cross correlated and the dispersion curves of fundamental modes are calculated from the phase of the cross correlation functions weighted in the time-frequency plane. Path average dispersion curves are obtained by averaging the smooth parts of single-event dispersion curves. A careful quality control of the resulting phase velocities is performed. We calculate maps of Love and Rayleigh phase velocity at more than 100 different periods. The phase-velocity maps provide the local phase-velocity dispersion curve for each geographical grid node of the map. Each of these local dispersion curves is inverted individually for 1D shear wave velocity model using a newly implemented Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) algorithm. The resulted 1D velocity models are then combined to construct the 3D shear-velocity model. Horizontal and vertical cross sections through the 3D isotropic model reveal significant variations in shear wave velocity with depth, and lateral changes in the crust and upper mantle structure emphasizing the processes associated with the convergence of the Eurasian and African plates. Key words: seismic tomography, Mediterranean, surface waves, particle swarm optimization.

Rheology, tectonics, and the structure of the Venus lithosphere

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Zuber, M. T.

1994-01-01

Given the absence of ground truth information on seismic structure, heat flow, and rock strength, or short wavelength gravity or magnetic data for Venus, information on the thermal, mechanical and compositional nature of the shallow interior must be obtained by indirect methods. Using pre-Magellan data, theoretical models constrained by the depths of impact craters and the length scales of tectonic features yielded estimates on the thickness of Venus' brittle-elastic lithosphere and the allowable range of crustal thickness and surface thermal gradient. The purpose of this study is to revisit the question of the shallow structure of Venus based on Magellan observations of the surface and recent experiments that address Venus' crustal rheology.

The giant Carlin gold province: A protracted interplay of orogenic, basinal, and hydrothermal processes above a lithospheric boundary

USGS Publications Warehouse

Emsbo, P.; Groves, D.I.; Hofstra, A.H.; Bierlein, F.P.

2006-01-01

Northern Nevada hosts the only province that contains multiple world-class Carlin-type gold deposits. The first-order control on the uniqueness of this province is its anomalous far back-arc tectonic setting over the rifted North American paleocontinental margin that separates Precambrian from Phanerozoic subcontinental lithospheric mantle. Globally, most other significant gold provinces form in volcanic arcs and accreted terranes proximal to convergent margins. In northern Nevada, periodic reactivation of basement faults along this margin focused and amplified subsequent geological events. Early basement faults localized Devonian synsedimentary extension and normal faulting. These controlled the geometry of the Devonian sedimentary basin architecture and focused the discharge of basinal brines that deposited syngenetic gold along the basin margins. Inversion of these basins and faults during subsequent contraction produced the complex elongate structural culminations that characterize the anomalous mineral deposit "trends." Subsequently, these features localized repeated episodes of shallow magmatic and hydrothermal activity that also deposited some gold. During a pulse of Eocene extension, these faults focused advection of Carlin-type fluids, which had the opportunity to leach gold from gold-enriched sequences and deposit it in reactive miogeoclinal host rocks below the hydrologic seal at the Roberts Mountain thrust contact. Hence, the vast endowment of the Carlin province resulted from the conjunction of spatially superposed events localized by long-lived basement structures in a highly anomalous tectonic setting, rather than by the sole operation of special magmatic or fluid-related processes. An important indicator of the longevity of this basement control is the superposition of different gold deposit types (e.g., Sedex, porphyry, Carlin-type, epithermal, and hot spring deposits) that formed repeatedly between the Devonian and Miocene time along the trends. Interestingly, the large Cretaceous Alaska-Yukon intrusion-related gold deposits (e.g., Fort Knox) are associated with the northern extension of the same lithospheric margin in the Selwyn basin, which experienced an analogous series of geologic events. ?? Springer-Verlag 2006.

Upper Mantle Structure beneath Afar: inferences from surface waves.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sicilia, D.; Montagner, J.; Debayle, E.; Lepine, J.; Leveque, J.; Cara, M.; Ataley, A.; Sholan, J.

2001-12-01

The Afar hotspot is related to one of the most important plume from a geodynamic point of view. It has been advocated to be the surface expression of the South-West African Superswell. Below the lithosphere, the Afar plume might feed other hotspots in central Africa (Hadiouche et al., 1989; Ebinger & Sleep, 1998). The processes of interaction between crust, lithosphere and plume are not well understood. In order to gain insight into the scientific issue, we have performed a surface-wave tomography covering the Horn of Africa. A data set of 1404 paths for Rayleigh waves and 473 paths for Love waves was selected in the period range 45-200s. They were collected from the permanent IRIS and GEOSCOPE networks and from the PASSCAL experiment, in Tanzania and Saudi Arabia. Other data come from the broadband stations deployed in Ethiopia and Yemen in the framework of the French INSU program ``Horn of Africa''. The results presented here come from a path average phase velocities obtained with a method based on a least-squares minimization (Beucler et al., 2000). The local phase velocity distribution and the azimuthal anisotropy were simultaneously retrieved by using the tomographic technique of Montagner (1986). A correction of the data is applied according to the crustal structure of the 3SMAC model (Nataf & Ricard, 1996). We find low velocities down to 200 km depth beneath the Red Sea, the Gulf of Aden, Afars, the Ethiopian Plateau and southern Arabia. High velocities are present in the eastern Arabia and the Tanzania Craton. The anisotropy beneath Afar seems to be complex, but enables to map the flow pattern at the interface lithosphere-asthenosphere. The results presented here are complementary to those obtained by Debayle et al. (2001) at upper-mantle transition zone depths using waveform inversion of higher Rayle igh modes.

Evaluation of existing knowledge of the tectonic history and lithospheric structure of South America

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Keller, G. R.; Lidiak, E. G. (Principal Investigator)

1980-01-01

While data is available on the lithospheric and crustal structure of the Andes region of South America, there is limited knowledge of these aspects of the eastern portion of the continent. For this reason, a surface wave dispersion study of the area was initiated. Long period seismograms were obtained for a tripartite analysis of dispersion. A flow chart of the analysis to be conducted is presented along with a preliminary geologic/tectonic map that was prepared. Efforts to characterize the provinces identified in terms of their geological and geophysical parameters continue.

Mathematical geophysics: A survey of recent developments in seismology and geodynamics

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Vlaar, N.J.

1988-01-01

This survey deals with modern methods for the determination of the structure of the Earth and for the analysis and modeling of the dynamic processes in the Earth's interior. Seismology and the three-dimensional structure of the Earth are covered in chapters devoted to waves in the three-dimensional Earth and large-scale inversion, while the discussion of convection and lithospheric processes focuses on geomagnetism, mantle convection, post-glacial rebound, and thermomechanical processes in the lithosphere. The emphasis of the work is theoretical, but the reader will find a discussion of the pertinent observational evidence.

The Lithospheric Structure of the Solonker Suture Zone and Adjacent Areas: Crustal Structure Revealed by a High-Resolution Magnetotelluric Study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ye, Gaofeng; Jin, Sheng; Wei, Wenbo; Jing, Jian'en

2017-04-01

The closure of the Paleo-Asian Ocean along the Solonker Suture Zone (SSZ) during the Late Permian and Triassic represented the final stage in the formation of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt between the Siberian Craton and the North China Craton. In order to better understand the structure and formation of this ancient subduction zone, a high-resolution magnetotelluric (MT) profile was collected with both broadband and long-period MT data. The high resolution mapping of the lithosphere achieved in this study is due to the closely spaced MT stations (2-3 km). With the 2-D resistivity model, a south-dipping conductor was detected and extends through the entire crust. The geometry of this feature provides evidence that a southward directed subduction zone formed the Solonker suture. The enhanced conductivity was interpreted to subducted sulfide-bearing graphitic sediments. The resistive body beneath the northern margin of the North China Craton indicates a thickened lithosphere caused by the southward subduction at this region, and the resistive body beneath the Solonker Suture Zone indicates the subducted oceanic lithosphere. North-dipping low resistivity features were also detected in the crust of both the North China Craton and Central Asian Orogenic Belt, and were interpreted as post-collisional thrust faults. Strong anisotropy was found beneath the suture zone, and can be explained if the high strain rate has rotated the fold axes into the dip direction.

Understanding the physics of the Yellowstone magmatic system with geodynamic inverse modelling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Reuber, Georg; Kaus, Boris

2017-04-01

The Yellowstone magmatic system is one of the largest magmatic systems on Earth. Thus, it is important to understand the geodynamic processes that drive this very complex system on a larger scale ranging from the mantle plume up to the shallow magma chamber in the upper crust. Recent geophysical results suggest that two distinct magma chambers exist: a shallow, presumably felsic chamber and a deeper and partially molten chamber above the Moho [1]. Why melt stalls at different depth levels above the Yellowstone plume, whereas dikes cross-cut the whole lithosphere in the nearby Snake River Plane is puzzling. Therefore, we employ lithospheric-scale 2D and 3D geodynamic models to test the influence of different model parameters, such as the geometry of the magma chamber, the melt fraction, the rheological flow law, the densities and the thermal structure on their influence on the dynamics of the lithosphere. The melt content and the rock densities are obtained by consistent thermodynamic modelling of whole rock data of the Yellowstone stratigraphy. We present derivations in the stress field around the Yellowstone plume, diking areas and different melt accumulations. Our model predictions can be tested with available geophysical data (uplift rates, melt fractions, stress states, seismicity). By framing it in an inverse modelling approach we can constrain which parameters (melt fractions, viscosities, geometries) are consistent with the data and which are not. [1] Huang, Hsin-Hua, et al. "The Yellowstone magmatic system from the mantle plume to the upper crust." Science 348.6236 (2015): 773-776.

Ross Ice Shelf, Antarctica: Bathymetry, Structural Geology and Ocean Circulation from New IcePod Airborne Geophysical Data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Siddoway, C. S.; Tinto, K. J.; Bell, R. E.; Padman, L.; Fricker, H. A.; Springer, S. R.

2016-12-01

Rock exposures in the Ford Ranges, Marie Byrd Land (MBL), on the eastern margin of the Ross Embayment, contain direct evidence of the geological processes that led to formation of West Antarctica's continental lithosphere. Processes include wide regional extension, volcanism, and thermal reequilibration, with creation of crustal structures that are prone to reactivation today. Marie Byrd Land is tectonically active, as is evident from Late Pleistocene to Holocene eruptive centers, englacial volcanic tephra as young as 2200 years, a site of magma propagation inferred from POLEnet seismic records, and the occurrence of a 2012 earthquake cluster of magnitude M4.4 to M5.5 north of Edward VII Peninsula. However, the lithosphere underlying the Ross Ice Shelf (RIS) is poorly known due to the thick cover of shelf ice floating on the ocean, difficult to penetrate by satellite remote sensing or other methods. Airborne geophysical data for the Ford Ranges and the Ross Ice Shelf (RIS) suggest that the rock formations and structures that underlie MBL continue beneath the RIS. Notable features known in outcrop and detected/inferred from potential fields data are Pleistocene or younger mafic volcanic centers and Cretaceous core complexes, both likely associated with wrench faults. The Ford Ranges legacy dataset that now provides a fundamental basis for sub-RIS geological interpretation is a product of research in coastal MBL led by B.P. Luyendyk from 1989 - 2006. To improve our knowledge of lithospheric evolution, identify active faults and prospective zones of volcanism/heat flow, and to determine the sub-RIS bathymetry, the RIS sector is being explored via new Icepod aerogeophysics acquisition during the ROSETTA-Ice project (Ross Ocean and ice Shelf Environment, and Tectonic setting Through Aerogeophysical surveys and modeling), now underway over this vast under-explored sector of the Ross Embayment. ROSETTA-Ice collects and employs new gravity data with magnetics to delineate sediments, bedrock geological units, and faults beneath the RIS, then model bathymetry. This poster will share preliminary results and interpretations. The improved characterization of the subglacial geology and bathymetry will aid in refinement of the tectonic framework and models of oceanographic circulation, with bearing on RIS stability.

On the initiation of subduction

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mueller, Steve; Phillips, Roger J.

1991-01-01

Estimates of shear resistance associated with lithospheric thrusting and convergence represent lower bounds on the force necessary to promote trench formation. Three environments proposed as preferential sites of incipient subduction are investigated: passive continental margins, transform faults/fracture zones, and extinct ridges. None of these are predicted to convert into subduction zones simply by the accumulation of local gravitational stresses. Subduction cannot initiate through the foundering of dense oceanic lithosphere immediately adjacent to passive continental margins. The attempted subduction of buoyant material at a mature trench can result in large compressional forces in both subducting and overriding plates. This is the only tectonic force sufficient to trigger the nucleation of a new subduction zone. The ubiquitous distribution of transform faults and fracture zones, combined with the common proximity of these features to mature subduction complexes, suggests that they may represent the most likely sites of trench formation if they are even marginally weaker than normal oceanic lithosphere.

Mantle plume influence on the Neogene uplift and extension of the US western Cordillera?

USGS Publications Warehouse

Parsons, T.; Thompson, G.A.; Sleep, Norman H.

1994-01-01

Despite its highly extended and thinned crust, much of the western Cordillera in the United States is elevated more than 1km above sea level. Therefore, this region cannot be thought of as thick crust floating isostatically in a uniform mantle; rather, the lithospheric mantle and/or the upper asthenosphere must vary in thickness or density across the region. Utilizing crustal thickness and density constraints, the residual mass defcicit that must occur in the mantle lithosphere and asthenosphere beneath the western Cordillera was modelled. A major hot spot broke out during a complex series of Cenozoic tectonic events that included lithospheric thickening, back-arc extension, and transition from subduction to a transform plate boundary. It is suggested that many of the characteristics that make the western Cordillera unique among extensional provinces can be attributed to the mantle plume that created the Yellowstone hot spot. -Authors

The role of long-term strain history on the generation and amplification of inherited heterogeneities in continental lithosphere extensional settings

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Morena Salerno, V.; Capitanio, Fabio A.

2017-04-01

The Earth's lithosphere is characters by various types of heterogeneities, at different scales and located at variable depth. They can be represented at crustal level by remnants of earlier tectonics evolution, such as previous orogenetic structures, remains of passive margins and magmatic bodies intrusion, or at deeper level by mantle anisotropies. These heterogeneities can severely affect the stress and strain localization in subsequent continental lithospheric extension and rift basins evolution, hence contributing to the formation of diverse and complex rift basin types and architectures. In order to explain the difference in rift basin and passive margin types, their subsidence patterns and melt production, previous studies have exanimated the role of initial heterogeneities, rheological layering, geothermal gradients, and extension rates during a single rifting event. However, this approach does not consider the previous strain history of many basins that are characterized by multiple rifting events. In this study we use numerical models of a pristine lithosphere undergoing two rifting events separated by cooling, to show the effect of early events on later evolution. The strain histories are controlled by the variation of velocity of boundary displacement during two rifting events. We use both fast and slow first rifting events, followed by a cooling period, producing diverse mechanical heterogeneities at Moho level that represent inherited initial conditions for the second rifting event. These inherited heterogeneities range from several small perturbations distributed along the numerical domain at the end of the slowest first rifting event, to a single large perturbation at the end of first fastest rifting event. In the second rifting event, the inherited heterogeneities are amplified at different degree and time, depending on the velocity of boundary displacement used. To highlight the role of previous strain history, we parametrize the inherited heterogeneities by calculating localization indexes for all the models at the onset of the second rifting event. This calculation embeds the inherited rheology from the previous rift event. We show that the lithosphere progressively localises along the inherited heterogeneities leading to the formation of various rift basin types, ranging from narrow to wide to hyperextended and with variation degrees of symmetry. Our result show that rift basin types and structural styles are strongly affected by inherited heterogeneities generated from previous rifting events, showing cases in which the previous strain history cannot be neglected. The subsidence patterns and melt production result to be very sensitive to the strain history, the type of inherited heterogeneities and their interplay with variation of boundary displacement velocity. Our numerical simulations replicate the first-order features of rift basins and provide a general framework to assess the inherited heterogeneities' role in the interpretation of extensional basins and their evolution.

REVIEW ARTICLE: Geophysical signatures of oceanic core complexes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Blackman, Donna K.; Canales, J. Pablo; Harding, Alistair

2009-08-01

Oceanic core complexes (OCCs) provide access to intrusive and ultramafic sections of young lithosphere and their structure and evolution contain clues about how the balance between magmatism and faulting controls the style of rifting that may dominate in a portion of a spreading centre for Myr timescales. Initial models of the development of OCCs depended strongly on insights available from continental core complexes and from seafloor mapping. While these frameworks have been useful in guiding a broader scope of studies and determining the extent of OCC formation along slow spreading ridges, as we summarize herein, results from the past decade highlight the need to reassess the hypothesis that reduced magma supply is a driver of long-lived detachment faulting. The aim of this paper is to review the available geophysical constraints on OCC structure and to look at what aspects of current models are constrained or required by the data. We consider sonar data (morphology and backscatter), gravity, magnetics, borehole geophysics and seismic reflection. Additional emphasis is placed on seismic velocity results (refraction) since this is where deviations from normal crustal accretion should be most readily quantified. However, as with gravity and magnetic studies at OCCs, ambiguities are inherent in seismic interpretation, including within some processing/analysis steps. We briefly discuss some of these issues for each data type. Progress in understanding the shallow structure of OCCs (within ~1 km of the seafloor) is considerable. Firm constraints on deeper structure, particularly characterization of the transition from dominantly mafic rock (and/or altered ultramafic rock) to dominantly fresh mantle peridotite, are not currently in hand. There is limited information on the structure and composition of the conjugate lithosphere accreted to the opposite plate while an OCC forms, commonly on the inside corner of a ridge-offset intersection. These gaps preclude full testing of current models. However, with the data in hand there are systematic patterns in OCC structure, such as the 1-2 Myr duration of this rifting style within a given ridge segment, the height of the domal cores with respect to surrounding seafloor, the correspondence of gravity highs with OCCs, and the persistence of corrugations that mark relative (palaeo) slip along the exposed detachment capping the domal cores. This compilation of geophysical results at OCCs should be useful to investigators new to the topic but we also target advanced researchers in our presentation and synthesis of findings to date.

Subduction of the Indian lithosphere beneath Tibet and deformation of the Tibetan crust and mantle, imaged with broad-band surface waves

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Agius, Matthew R.; Lebedev, Sergei

2013-04-01

Seismic deployments over the last two decades have produced dense broadband data coverage across the Tibetan Plateau. Yet, the lithospheric dynamics of Tibet remains enigmatic, with even its basic features debated and with very different end-member models still advocated today. Most body-wave tomographic models do not resolve any high-velocity anomalies in the upper mantle beneath central and northern Tibet, which motivated the inference that the Indian lithosphere may sink into deep mantle beneath the Himalayas in the south, with parts of it possibly extruded laterally eastward. In contrast, surface-wave tomographic models all show pronounced high-velocity anomalies beneath much of Tibet at depths around 200 km. Uncertainties over the shapes and amplitudes of the anomalies, however, contribute to the uncertainty of their interpretations, ranging from the subduction of India or Asia to the extreme viscous thickening of the Tibetan lithosphere. Within the lithosphere itself, a low-viscosity layer in the mid-lower crust is evidenced by many observations. It is still unclear, however, whether this layer accommodates a large-scale channel flow (which may have uplifted eastern Tibet, according to one model) or if, instead, deformation within it is similar to that observed at the surface. Broad-band surface waves provide resolving power from the upper crust down to the asthenosphere, for both the isotropic-average shear-wave speeds (characterising the composition and thermal state of the lithosphere) and the radial and azimuthal shear-wave anisotropy (indicative, in an actively deforming region, of the current and recent flow). We measured highly accurate Love- and Rayleigh-wave phase-velocity curves in broad period ranges (up to 5-200 s) for a few tens of pairs and groups of stations across Tibet, combining, in each case, hundreds to thousands of inter-station measurements made with cross-correlation and waveform-inversion methods. Robust shear-velocity profiles were then determined by extensive series of non-linear inversions, designed to constrain the depth-dependent ranges of isotropic-average shear speeds and radial anisotropy consistent with the data. Temperature anomalies in the upper mantle were estimated from shear-velocity using pre-computed petro-physical relationships. Azimuthal anisotropy in the crust and upper mantle was determined by surface-wave tomography and, also, by sub-array analysis targeting the anisotropy amplitude. Our results show that the prominent high-velocity anomalies in the upper mantle are most consistent with the presence of subducted Indian lithosphere beneath much of Tibet. The large estimated thermal anomalies within the high-velocity features match those to be expected within subducted India. The morphology of India's subduction beneath Tibet is complex and shows pronounced west-east variations. Beneath eastern and northeastern Tibet, in particular, the subducted Indian lithosphere appears to have subducted, at a shallow angle, hundreds of km NNE-wards. Azimuthal anisotropy beneath Tibet is distributed in multiple layers with different fast-propagations directions, which accounts for the complexity of published shear-wave splitting observations. The fast directions within the mid-lower crust are parallel to the extensional components of the current strain rate field at the surface, consistent with similar deformation through the entire ­crust, rather than channel flow. Anisotropy within the asthenosphere beneath northeastern Tibet (sandwiched between the Tibetan lithosphere above and the subducted Indian lithosphere below) indicates SSW-NNE flow, parallel to the direction of motion of the Indian Plate, including its subducted leading edge.

Oceanic core complexes in the Philippine Sea: results from Japan's extended continental shelf mapping

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ohara, Y.; Yoshida, T.; Nishizawa, A.

2013-12-01

The United Nations Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf (CLCS) issued its recommendations on Japan's extended continental shelf in April 2012, confirming Japan's rights over the vast areas within the Philippine Sea and Pacific Plates. Japan submitted information on the limits of its continental shelf beyond the EEZ to the CLCS on November 2008, which was the result of 25 years of nation's continental shelf survey project since 1983, involving all of Japan's agency relevant to geosciences. The huge geological and geophysical data obtained through the project give the scientists unprecedented opportunity to study the geology and tectonics of the Philippine Sea and Pacific Plates. In this contribution, we show such an example from the Philippine Sea Plate, relevant to the global mid-ocean ridge problem. Oceanic core complexes (OCC) are dome-shaped bathymetric highs identified in mid-ocean ridges, interpreted as portions of the lower crust and/or upper mantle denuded via low-angle detachment faulting. OCCs are characterized morphologically by axis-normal striations (corrugations, or mullion structure) on the dome, and exposures of mantle peridotite and/or lower crustal gabbro. A strikingly giant OCC (named 'Godzilla Megamullion') was discovered in the Parece Vela Basin by the continental shelf survey project in 2001. Godzilla Megamullion is morphologically the largest OCC in the world, consisting mainly of fertile mantle peridotite along its entire length of over 125 km. Following its discovery in 2001, several academic cruises investigated the structure in detail, providing numerous important findings relevant to mid-ocean ridge tectono-magmatic processes and Philippine Sea evolution, including the slow- to ultraslow-spreading environment for denudation of the detachment fault (< 2.5 cm/y) and associated decreasing degree of partial melting of the peridotites towards the termination of Godzilla Megamullion. In addition to Godzilla Megamullion, several potential OCCs have been discovered in the Philippine Sea Plate by the continental shelf survey project. These are: (1) the ones in the Shikoku Basin spreading axis at around 24 degrees north, (2) the Chaotic Terrain in the Parece Vela Basin, (3) Chaotic Terrain in the West Philippine Basin, near the CBF Rift (formerly known as the Central Basin Fault), (4) Chaotic Terrain in the Kita-Daito Basin, (5) the one in the Shikoku Basin floor to the east of Kyushu-Palau Ridge at 25 degrees north, (6) the Higashi-Ryusei Spur of the Kyushu-Palau Ridge at 26 degrees north, and (7) the one in the Daito Ridge adjoining to the Kida-Daito Basin. OCCs are commonly developed in slow-spreading ridges, providing excellent opportunities as tectonic windows to study the composition and structure of deep oceanic lithosphere. The OCCs in the Philippine Sea Plate in turn provide the opportunities to study the backarc basin lithosphere as well as the continental lithosphere (at the above examples 6 and 7). Although Godzilla Megamullion has been studied very well, the other OCCs are not well documented yet. The next step is to focus on these interesting targets to understand the lithospheric process in the Philippine Sea Plate.

Seismic evidence for depth-dependent metasomatism in cratons

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Eeken, Thomas; Goes, Saskia; Pedersen, Helle A.; Arndt, Nicholas T.; Bouilhol, Pierre

2018-06-01

The long-term stability of cratons has been attributed to low temperatures and depletion in iron and water, which decrease density and increase viscosity. However, steady-state thermal models based on heat flow and xenolith constraints systematically overpredict the seismic velocity-depth gradients in cratonic lithospheric mantle. Here we invert for the 1-D thermal structure and a depth distribution of metasomatic minerals that fit average Rayleigh-wave dispersion curves for the Archean Kaapvaal, Yilgarn and Slave cratons and the Proterozoic Baltic Shield below Finland. To match the seismic profiles, we need a significant amount of hydrous and/or carbonate minerals in the shallow lithospheric mantle, starting between the Moho and 70 km depth and extending down to at least 100-150 km. The metasomatic component can consist of 0.5-1 wt% water bound in amphibole, antigorite and chlorite, ∼0.2 wt% water plus potassium to form phlogopite, or ∼5 wt% CO2 plus Ca for carbonate, or a combination of these. Lithospheric temperatures that fit the seismic data are consistent with heat flow constraints, but most are lower than those inferred from xenolith geothermobarometry. The dispersion data require differences in Moho heat flux between individual cratons, and sublithospheric mantle temperatures that are 100-200 °C less beneath Yilgarn, Slave and Finland than beneath Kaapvaal. Significant upward-increasing metasomatism by water and CO2-rich fluids is not only a plausible mechanism to explain the average seismic structure of cratonic lithosphere but such metasomatism may also lead to the formation of mid-lithospheric discontinuities and would contribute to the positive chemical buoyancy of cratonic roots.

Seismic Velocity Structure and Depth-Dependence of Anisotropy in the Red Sea and Arabian Shield from Surface Wave Analysis

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Hansen, S; Gaherty, J; Schwartz, S

2007-07-25

We investigate the lithospheric and upper mantle structure as well as the depth-dependence of anisotropy along the Red Sea and beneath the Arabian Peninsula using receiver function constraints and phase velocities of surface waves traversing two transects of stations from the Saudi Arabian National Digital Seismic Network. Frequency-dependent phase delays of fundamental-mode Love and Rayleigh waves, measured using a cross-correlation procedure, require very slow shear velocities and the presence of anisotropy throughout the upper mantle. Linearized inversion of these data produce path-averaged 1D radially anisotropic models with about 4% anisotropy in the lithosphere, increasing to about 4.8% anisotropy across themore » lithosphere-asthenosphere boundary (LAB). Models with reasonable crustal velocities in which the mantle lithosphere is isotropic cannot satisfy the data. The lithospheric lid, which ranges in thickness from about 70 km near the Red Sea coast to about 90 km beneath the Arabian Shield, is underlain by a pronounced low-velocity zone with shear velocities as low as 4.1 km/s. Forward models, which are constructed from previously determined shear-wave splitting estimates, can reconcile surface and body wave observations of anisotropy. The low shear velocity values are similar to many other continental rift and oceanic ridge environments. These low velocities combined with the sharp velocity contrast across the LAB may indicate the presence of partial melt beneath Arabia. The anisotropic signature primarily reflects a combination of plate- and density-driven flow associated with active rifting processes in the Red Sea.« less

Deformation Partitioning: The Missing Link Between Outcrop-Scale Observations And Orogen-Scale Processes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Attia, S.; Paterson, S. R.; Jiang, D.; Miller, R. B.

2017-12-01

Structural studies of orogenic deformation fields are mostly based on small-scale structures ubiquitous in field exposures, hand samples, and under microscopes. Relating deformation histories derived from such structures to changing lithospheric-scale deformation and boundary conditions is not trivial due to vast scale separation (10-6 107 m) between characteristic lengths of small-scale structures and lithospheric plates. Rheological heterogeneity over the range of orogenic scales will lead to deformation partitioning throughout intervening scales of structural development. Spectacular examples of structures documenting deformation partitioning are widespread within hot (i.e., magma-rich) orogens such as the well-studied central Sierra Nevada and Cascades core of western North America: (1) deformation partitioned into localized, narrow, triclinic shear zones separated by broad domains of distributed pure shear at micro- to 10 km scales; (2) deformation partitioned between plutons and surrounding metamorphic host rocks as shown by pluton-wide magmatic fabrics consistently oriented differently than coeval host rock fabrics; (3) partitioning recorded by different fabric intensities, styles, and orientations established from meter-scale grid mapping to 100 km scale domainal analyses; and (4) variations in the causes of strain and kinematics within fold-dominated domains. These complex, partitioned histories require synthesized mapping, geochronology, and structural data at all scales to evaluate partitioning and in the absence of correct scaling can lead to incorrect interpretations of histories. Forward modeling capable of addressing deformation partitioning in materials containing multiple scales of rheologically heterogeneous elements of varying characteristic lengths provides the ability to upscale the large synthesized datasets described above to plate-scale tectonic processes and boundary conditions. By comparing modeling predictions from the recently developed self-consistent Multi-Order Power-Law Approach (MOPLA) to multi-scale field observations, we constrain likely paleo-tectonic controls of orogenic structural evolution rather than predicting a unique, but likely incorrect deformation history.

Differences in the lithosphere seismic structure along the Brazilian continental margin in the South Atlantic from travel time seismic tomography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Peres Rocha, M.; Azevedo, P. A. D.; Assumpcao, M.; Franca, G. S.; Marotta, G. S.

2016-12-01

Results of the P-wave travel-time seismic tomography method allowed observing differences in the seismic behavior of the lithosphere along the Brazilian continental margin in the South Atlantic. High velocity anomalies have predominance in the northern portion, which extends from the Rio de Janeiro to Alagoas States (between latitudes -22.5 and -8.5), and low velocity anomalies in the southern portion, which extends from Rio de Janeiro to Rio Grande do Sul States (between latitudes -30 and -22.5). Low velocities coincide spatially with the offshore high seismicity areas, as indicated by Assumpção (1998) and at the high velocities with low seismicity regions. The high velocity anomalies at northern portion are related to the cratonic and low-stretched lithosphere of San Francisco block that was connected to the Congo block before the opening of the Atlantic Ocean. Low velocities can be assigned to more weakened lithosphere, where it started the South Atlantic Ocean opening process. The oldest lithosphere in the South Atlantic, indicated by the magnetic anomalies of the oceanic floor, is higher in the southern part than in the northern part, suggesting that the continents in this region were separating, while the northern region was still connected to Africa, which could explain the lithospheric stretching process.

Spreading continents kick-started plate tectonics.

PubMed

Rey, Patrice F; Coltice, Nicolas; Flament, Nicolas

2014-09-18

Stresses acting on cold, thick and negatively buoyant oceanic lithosphere are thought to be crucial to the initiation of subduction and the operation of plate tectonics, which characterizes the present-day geodynamics of the Earth. Because the Earth's interior was hotter in the Archaean eon, the oceanic crust may have been thicker, thereby making the oceanic lithosphere more buoyant than at present, and whether subduction and plate tectonics occurred during this time is ambiguous, both in the geological record and in geodynamic models. Here we show that because the oceanic crust was thick and buoyant, early continents may have produced intra-lithospheric gravitational stresses large enough to drive their gravitational spreading, to initiate subduction at their margins and to trigger episodes of subduction. Our model predicts the co-occurrence of deep to progressively shallower mafic volcanics and arc magmatism within continents in a self-consistent geodynamic framework, explaining the enigmatic multimodal volcanism and tectonic record of Archaean cratons. Moreover, our model predicts a petrological stratification and tectonic structure of the sub-continental lithospheric mantle, two predictions that are consistent with xenolith and seismic studies, respectively, and consistent with the existence of a mid-lithospheric seismic discontinuity. The slow gravitational collapse of early continents could have kick-started transient episodes of plate tectonics until, as the Earth's interior cooled and oceanic lithosphere became heavier, plate tectonics became self-sustaining.

Seismic constraints of thinning and fragmenting continental lithosphere beneath the Korean Peninsula

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, S.; Tauzin, B.; Tkalcic, H.; Rhie, J.

2017-12-01

Modification of the continental lithosphere is still an enigmatic process. The Korean Peninsula (KP) is one of ideal place to depict the process by interactions with subducting oceanic slabs. We detect a significant thickness change (>50 km) of the continental lithosphere beneath the KP that is confirmed by two independent approaches: (1) 3D imaging using ambient noise analysis and (2) receiver function CCP stacking. A series of transdimensional and hierarchical Bayesian joint inversions is performed to obtain a high-resolution 3D model from different types of surface wave dispersion data. For the stacking of receiver function waveforms, the coda waveforms of crustal multi-modes (PpPs and PpSs) are combined together to better image the lithosphere-asthenosphere boundary. We estimate the relatively deeper rooted lithosphere (>100 km) in the southwestern part of the KP compared to shallower surrounding regions. The lithospheric structure is underlain by lower velocity anomalies (Vs<4.1 km/s), which extends from back-arc regions near subducting slabs horizontally and connects to low velocity anomalies in the deeper upper mantle vertically. The imaged features clearly show that the effect of the oceanic slab subduction is a key factor controlling the modification process. We further examine the implication for the occurrence of intraplate volcanoes and the relationship to the mantle transition zone heterogeneities due to stagnant slabs in the northeast Asia.

The changing face of the lithosphere-asthenosphere boundary: Imaging continental-scale patterns in upper mantle structure across the contiguous U.S. with Sp converted waves

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hopper, E.; Fischer, K. M.

2017-12-01

The contiguous U.S.A. is a rich tapestry of tectonism spanning over two billion years. On the broadest scale, this complex history can be simplified to three regimes: the tectonically active western U.S., the largely quiescent Archean and Proterozoic cratons of the central U.S., and the Phanerozoic orogen and rifted margin of the eastern U.S. The transitions between these regions can be clearly observed with Sp converted wave images of the uppermost mantle. We use common conversion point stacked Sp waves recorded by EarthScope's Transportable Array and other permanent and temporary broadband stations to image the transition from a strong, sharp velocity decrease in the shallow upper mantle of the western U.S. (the lithosphere-asthenosphere boundary, or LAB) to deeper, more diffuse features moving east that largely lie within the lithosphere. Only sparse, localized, weak phases are seen at LAB depths beneath the cratonic interior. This transition is clearly revealed by cluster analysis, which also shows the eastern U.S. as more similar to the western U.S. than the ancient interior, particularly beneath New England. In the western U.S., the observed strong LAB indicates a large enough velocity decrease to imply that melt has ponded beneath the lithosphere. We compare western U.S. LAB properties to the age distribution of most recent volcanism from NavDat. While LAB properties vary widely within a given age range, their distributions indicate a relationship between age of surface volcanism and LAB phase strength and breadth. LAB depth does not appear to have a clear correlation. In general, the LAB is strongest and broadest beneath zones that have been magmatically active in the last 50 Myr, suggesting an observable fraction of melt that is distributed over a depth range of 10's of kilometers, perhaps due to variations in the degree of thermochemical erosion of the lithosphere even on very local scales. The LAB is strongest and broadest for magmatic ages of 5-10 Ma, but beneath the youngest volcanism (<5 Ma), the LAB is seen as significantly weaker, suggesting more complete destruction of the high velocity lid. The timescale of these changes in LAB character suggests the presence and possibly production of melt in the asthenosphere for many 10's of Myr after surface volcanism ceases.

Interaction between mantle and crustal detachments: A nonlinear system controlling lithospheric extension

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rosenbaum, Gideon; Regenauer-Lieb, Klaus; Weinberg, Roberto F.

2010-11-01

We use numerical modeling to investigate the development of crustal and mantle detachments during lithospheric extension. Our models simulate a wide range of extensional systems with varying values of crustal thickness and heat flow, showing how strain localization in the mantle interacts with localization in the upper crust and controls the evolution of extensional systems. Model results reveal a richness of structures and deformation styles as a response to a self-organized mechanism that minimizes the internal stored energy of the system by localizing deformation. Crustal detachments, here referred as low-angle normal decoupling horizons, are well developed during extension of overthickened (60 km) continental crust, even when the initial heat flow is relatively low (50 mW m-2). In contrast, localized mantle deformation is most pronounced when the extended lithosphere has a normal crustal thickness (30-40 km) and an intermediate heat flow (60-70 mW m-2). Results show a nonlinear response to subtle changes in crustal thickness or heat flow, characterized by abrupt and sometimes unexpected switches in extension modes (e.g., from diffuse extensional deformation to effective lithospheric-scale rupturing) or from mantle- to crust-dominated strain localization. We interpret this nonlinearity to result from the interference of doming wavelengths in the presence of multiple necking instabilities. Disharmonic crust and mantle doming wavelengths results in efficient communication between shear zones at different lithospheric levels, leading to rupturing of the whole lithosphere. In contrast, harmonic crust and mantle doming inhibits interaction of shear zones across the lithosphere and results in a prolonged history of extension prior to continental breakup.

A shear-wave velocity model of the European upper mantle from automated inversion of seismic shear and surface waveforms

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Legendre, C.; Meier, T.; Lebedev, S.; Friederich, W.; Viereck-Götte, L.

2012-04-01

Broadband waveforms recorded at stations in Europe and surrounding regions were inverted for shear-wave velocity of the European upper mantle. For events between 1995 and 2007 seismograms were collected from all permanent stations for which data are available via the data centers ORFEUS, GEOFON, ReNaSs and IRIS. In addition, we incorporated data from temporary experiments, including SVEKALAPKO, TOR, Eifel Plume, EGELADOS and other projects. Automated Multimode Inversion of surface and S-wave forms was applied to extract structural information from the seismograms, in the form of linear equations with uncorrelated uncertainties. Successful waveform fits for about 70,000 seismograms yielded over 300,000 independent linear equations that were solved together for a three-dimensional tomographic model. Resolution of the imaging is particularly high in the mantle lithosphere and asthenosphere. The highest velocities in the mantle lithosphere of the East European Craton are found at about 150 km depth. There are no indications for a large scale deep cratonic root below about 330 km depth. Lateral variations within the cratonic mantle lithosphere are resolved by our model as well. The locations of diamond bearing kimberlites correlate with reduced S-wave velocities in the cratonic mantle lithosphere. This anomaly is present in regions of both Proterozoic and Archean crust, pointing to an alteration of the mantle lithosphere after the formation of the craton. Strong lateral changes in S-wave velocity are found at the western margin of the East European Craton and hint to erosion of cratonic mantle lithosphere beneath the Scandes by hot asthenosphere. The mantle lithosphere beneath Western Europe and between the Tornquist-Teyissere Zone and the Elbe Line shows moderately high velocities and is of an intermediate character, between cratonic lithosphere and the thin lithosphere of central Europe. In central Europe, Caledonian and Variscian sutures are not associated with strong lateral changes in the lithosphere-asthenosphere system. Cenozoic anorogenic intraplate volcanism in central Europe and the Circum Mediterranean is found in regions of shallow asthenosphere and close to sharp gradients in the depth of the lithosphere-asthenosphere boundary. Low-velocity anomalies extending vertically from shallow upper mantle down to the transition zone are found beneath the Massive Central, Sinai, Canary Islands and Iceland.

Mantle dynamics in the Mediterranean

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Faccenna, Claudio; Becker, Thorsten W.

2016-04-01

The Mediterranean offers a unique avenue to study the driving forces of tectonic deformation within a complex mobile belt. Lithospheric dynamics are affected by slab rollback and collision of two large, slowly moving plates, forcing fragments of continental and oceanic lithosphere to interact. Here, we review the rich and growing set of constraints from geological reconstructions, geodetic data, and crustal and upper mantle heterogeneity imaged by structural seismology. We discuss a conceptual and quantitative framework for the causes of surface deformations. Exploring existing and newly developed tectonic and numerical geodynamic models, we illustrate the role of mantle convection on surface geology. A coherent picture emerges which can be outlined by two, almost symmetric, upper mantle convection cells. The down-wellings are found in the centre of the Mediterranean, and are associated with the descent of the Tyrrhenian and the Hellenic slabs. During plate convergence, these slabs migrated, driving return flow of the asthenosphere from the backarc regions. These currents can be found at large distance from the subduction zones, and are at present expressed in two upwellings beneath Anatolia and eastern Iberia. This convection system provides an explanation for the general pattern of seismic anisotropy in the Mediterranean, the first-order Anatolia and Adria microplate kinematics, and the positive dynamic topography of Anatolia and Eastern Iberia. More generally, it is an illustration of upper mantle, small-scale convection leading to intraplate deformation and complex plate boundary reconfiguration at the westernmost terminus of the Tethyan collision.

Receiver Function Imaging of Crustal and Lithospheric Structure Beneath the Jalisco Block and Western Michoacan, Mexico.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Reyes Alfaro, G.; Cruz-Atienza, V. M.; Perez-Campos, X.; Reyes Dávila, G. A.

2014-12-01

We used a receiver function technique for imaging western Mexico, a unique area with several active seismic and volcanic zones like the triple junction of Rivera, Cocos and North American plates and the Colima volcano complex (CVC), the most active in Mexico. Clear images of the distribution of the crust and the lithosphere-asthenosphere boundary are obtained using P-to-S receiver functions (RF) from around ~80 broadband stations recorded by the Mapping the Rivera Subduction Zone (MARS), the Colima Volcano Deep Seismic Experiment (CODEX) and a local network (RESCO) that allowed us to considerably increase the teleseismic database used in the project. For imaging, we constructed several 2-D profiles of depth transformed RFs to delineate the seismic discontinuities of the region. Low seismic velocities associated with the Michoacan-Guanajuato and the Mascota-Ayutla-Tapalpa volcanic fields are also observed. Most impressive, a large and well delineated magma body 100 km underneath CVC is recognized along a surely related depression of the moho discontinuity just above it. We bring more tools for a better understanding of the deep processes that ultimately control eruptive behavior in the region.

Upper-mantle deformation beneath the Pyrenean domain inferred from SKS splitting in northern Spain and southern France

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bonnin, Mickaël; Chevrot, Sébastien; Gaudot, Ianis; Haugmard, Méric

2017-08-01

We performed shear wave splitting analysis on 203 permanent (French RLPB, CEA and Catalonian networks) and temporary (PyrOPE and IberArray experiments) broad-band stations around the Pyrenees. These measurements considerably enhance the spatial resolution and coverage of seismic anisotropy in that region. In particular, we characterize with different shear wave splitting analysis methods the small-scale variations of splitting parameters ϕ and δt along three dense transects crossing the western and central Pyrenees with an interstation spacing of about 7 km. While we find a relatively coherent seismic anisotropy pattern in the Pyrenean domain, we observe abrupt changes of splitting parameters in the Aquitaine Basin and delay times along the Pyrenees. We moreover observe coherent fast directions despite complex lithospheric structures in Iberia and the Massif Central. This suggests that two main sources of anisotropy are required to interpret seismic anisotropy in this region: (i) lithospheric fabrics in the Aquitaine Basin (probably frozen-in Hercynian anisotropy) and in the Pyrenees (early and late Pyrenean dynamics); (ii) asthenospheric mantle flow beneath the entire region (imprint of the western Mediterranean dynamics since the Oligocene).

Upper-Mantle Deformation Beneath the Pyrenean Domain Inferred from SKS Splitting in Northern Spain and Southern France

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bonnin, M. J. A.; Chevrot, S.; Gaudot, I.; Haugmard, M.

2017-12-01

We performed shear wave splitting analysis on 203 permanent (French RLPB, CEA and Catalonian networks) and temporary (PYROPE and IberArray experiments) broad-band stations around the Pyrenees. These measurements considerably enhance the spatial resolution and coverage of seismic anisotropy in that region. In particular, we characterize with different shear wave splitting analysis methods the small-scale variations of splitting parameters φ and δt along three dense transects crossing the western and central Pyrenees with an interstation spacing of about 7 km. While we find a relatively coherent seismic anisotropy pattern in the Pyrenean domain, we observe abrupt changes of splitting parameters in the Aquitaine Basin and delay times along the Pyrenees. We moreover observe coherent fast directions despite complex lithospheric structures in Iberia and the Massif Central. This suggests that two main sources of anisotropy are required to interpret seismic anisotropy in this region: (i) lithospheric fabrics in the Aquitaine Basin (probably frozen-in Hercynian anisotropy) and in the Pyrenees (early and late Pyrenean dynamics); (ii) asthenospheric mantle flow beneath the entire region (imprint of the western Mediterranean dynamics since the Oligocene).

Satellite gravity gradient views help reveal the Antarctic lithosphere

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ferraccioli, F.; Ebbing, J.; Pappa, F.; Kern, M.; Forsberg, R.

2017-12-01

Here we present and analyse satellite gravity gradient signatures derived from GOCE and superimpose these on tectonic and bedrock topography elements, as well as seismically-derived estimates of crustal thickness for the Antarctic continent. The GIU satellite gravity component images the contrast between the thinner crust and lithosphere underlying the West Antarctic Rift System and the Weddell Sea Rift System and the thicker lithosphere of East Antarctica. The new images also suggest that more distributed wide-mode lithospheric and crustal extension affects both the Ross Sea Embayment and the less well known Ross Ice Shelf segment of the rift system. However, this pattern is less clear towards the Bellingshousen Embayment, indicating that the rift system narrows towards the southern edge of the Antarctic Peninsula. In East Antarctica, the satellite gravity data provides new views into the Archean to Mesoproterozoic Terre Adelie Craton, and clearly shows the contrast wrt to the crust and lithosphere underlying both the Wilkes Subglacial Basin to the east and the Sabrina Subglacial Basin to the west. This finding augments recent interpretations of aeromagnetic and airborne gravity data over the region, suggesting that the Mawson Continent is a composite lithospheric-scale entity, which was affected by several Paleoproterozoic and Mesoproterozoic orogenic events. Thick crust is imaged beneath the Transantarctic Mountains, the Terre Adelie Craton, the Gamburtsev Subglacial Mountains and also Eastern Dronning Maud Land, in particular beneath the recently proposed region of the Tonian Oceanic Arc Superterrane. The GIA and GIU components help delineate the edges of several of these lithospheric provinces. One of the most prominent lithospheric-scale features discovered in East Antarctica from satellite gravity gradient imaging is the Trans East Antarctic Shear Zone that separates the Gamburtsev Province from the Eastern Dronning Maud Land Province and appears to form the southern boundary of the Recovery Province. We propose, based on geological data in the Lutzow Holm Complex region and formerly adjacent segments of India, Madagascar and eastern Africa that it may represent a major Pan-African age suture and/or shear zone related to Gondwana assembly.

The long-term strength of Europe and its implications for plate-forming processes.

PubMed

Pérez-Gussinyé, M; Watts, A B

2005-07-21

Field-based geological studies show that continental deformation preferentially occurs in young tectonic provinces rather than in old cratons. This partitioning of deformation suggests that the cratons are stronger than surrounding younger Phanerozoic provinces. However, although Archaean and Phanerozoic lithosphere differ in their thickness and composition, their relative strength is a matter of much debate. One proxy of strength is the effective elastic thickness of the lithosphere, Te. Unfortunately, spatial variations in Te are not well understood, as different methods yield different results. The differences are most apparent in cratons, where the 'Bouguer coherence' method yields large Te values (> 60 km) whereas the 'free-air admittance' method yields low values (< 25 km). Here we present estimates of the variability of Te in Europe using both methods. We show that when they are consistently formulated, both methods yield comparable Te values that correlate with geology, and that the strength of old lithosphere (> or = 1.5 Gyr old) is much larger (mean Te > 60 km) than that of younger lithosphere (mean Te < 30 km). We propose that this strength difference reflects changes in lithospheric plate structure (thickness, geothermal gradient and composition) that result from mantle temperature and volatile content decrease through Earth's history.

Magma-assisted rifting in Ethiopia.

PubMed

Kendall, J-M; Stuart, G W; Ebinger, C J; Bastow, I D; Keir, D

2005-01-13

The rifting of continents and evolution of ocean basins is a fundamental component of plate tectonics, yet the process of continental break-up remains controversial. Plate driving forces have been estimated to be as much as an order of magnitude smaller than those required to rupture thick continental lithosphere. However, Buck has proposed that lithospheric heating by mantle upwelling and related magma production could promote lithospheric rupture at much lower stresses. Such models of mechanical versus magma-assisted extension can be tested, because they predict different temporal and spatial patterns of crustal and upper-mantle structure. Changes in plate deformation produce strain-enhanced crystal alignment and increased melt production within the upper mantle, both of which can cause seismic anisotropy. The Northern Ethiopian Rift is an ideal place to test break-up models because it formed in cratonic lithosphere with minor far-field plate stresses. Here we present evidence of seismic anisotropy in the upper mantle of this rift zone using observations of shear-wave splitting. Our observations, together with recent geological data, indicate a strong component of melt-induced anisotropy with only minor crustal stretching, supporting the magma-assisted rifting model in this area of initially cold, thick continental lithosphere.

Lithospheric Shear Velocity Structure of South Island, New Zealand from Rayleigh Wave Tomography of Amphibious Array Data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ball, J. S.; Sheehan, A. F.; Stachnik, J. C.; Lin, F. C.; Collins, J. A.

2015-12-01

We present the first 3D shear velocity model extending well offshore of New Zealand's South Island, imaging the lithosphere beneath Campbell and Challenger plateaus. Our model is constructed via linearized inversion of both teleseismic (18 -70 s period) and ambient noise-based (8 - 25 s period) Rayleigh wave dispersion measurements. We augment an array of 29 ocean-bottom instruments deployed off the South Island's east and west coasts in 2009-2010 with 28 New Zealand land-based seismometers. The ocean-bottom seismometers and 4 of the land seismometers were part of the Marine Observations of Anisotropy Near Aotearoa (MOANA) experiment, and the remaining land seismometers are from New Zealand's permanent GeoNet array. Major features of our shear wave velocity (Vs) model include a low-velocity (Vs<4.3km/s) body extending to at least 75km depth beneath the Banks and Otago peninsulas, a high-velocity (Vs~4.7km/s) upper mantle anomaly underlying the Southern Alps to a depth of 100km, and discontinuous lithospheric velocity structure between eastern and western Challenger Plateau. Using the 4.5km/s contour as a proxy for the lithosphere-asthenosphere boundary, our model suggests that the lithospheric thickness of Challenger Plateau is substantially greater than that of Campbell Plateau. The high-velocity anomaly we resolve beneath the central South Island exhibits strong spatial correlation with subcrustal earthquake hypocenters along the Alpine Fault (Boese et al., 2013). The ~400km-long low velocity zone we image beneath eastern South Island underlies Cenozoic volcanics and mantle-derived helium observations (Hoke et al., 2000) on the surface. The NE-trending low-velocity zone dividing Challenger Plateau in our model underlies a prominent magnetic discontinuity (Sutherland et al., 1999). The latter feature has been interpreted to represent a pre-Cretaceous crustal boundary, which our results suggest may involve the entire mantle lithosphere.

Apparent Susceptibility Contrast Distribution of Continental Lithosphere in China and Its Surroundings: Implications to Regional Tectonics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Du, J.; Chen, C.; Sun, S.; Zhang, Y.; Liang, Q.

2015-12-01

Lithospheric magnetic field characterizes response of magnetic properties of rocks, which are mainly dependent on mineral and temperature variations. Hence, lithospheric magnetic structure brings important information to understand tectonic and thermal processes in the crust and uppermost mantle. In particular, the reliable global geomagnetic field models with large-scales based on satellite magnetic measurements provide regional view of the lithospheric magnetic structure. Here, with smallest and flattest constraints we use the inversion method based on the single layer model to calculate the spatial distribution of apparent susceptibility of continental lithosphere in China and its surroundings. It should be noted that: (1) magnetic anomaly data we used has removed the effect of global oceanic remanent magnetization, (2) the error of magnetic anomaly data is estimated from statistical analysis among MF7, GRIMM_L120, CHAOS5 and CM5 models, (3) the magnetic layer is bounded by the bottom of sediment and the Moho from CRUST1.0 model and is discretized into ellipsoidal prisms with equal angles in latitude and longitude, and (4) an adaptive subdivision & Gauss-Legendre quadrature with fixed order is adopted to solve the forward problem and IGRF11 is utilized as inducing field model. Since the missing longest wavelength components in the lithospheric magnetic field models and the so-called magnetic annihilators, the Apparent Susceptibility Contrast (ASC) distribution is obtained. The ASC distribution has obvious variations and illustrates the mosaic continent with old blocks, orogenic belts, rework fragments and also earthquake regions/zones. Moreover, the ASC distribution provides new insights and evidences of the destruction of North China Craton and geodynamic processes of Tibetan plateau and Baikal rift etc. This study is supported by China Postdoctoral Science Foundation (Grant No.: 2015M572217) and Natural Science Fund of Hubei Province (Grant No.: 2015CFB361).

Earth's structure and evolution inferred from topography, gravity, and seismicity.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Watkinson, A. J.; Menard, J.; Patton, R. L.

2016-12-01

Earth's wavelength-dependent response to loading, reflected in observed topography, gravity, and seismicity, can be interpreted in terms of a stack of layers under the assumption of transverse isotropy. The theory of plate tectonics holds that the outermost layers of this stack are mobile, produced at oceanic ridges, and consumed at subduction zones. Their toroidal motions are generally consistent with those of several rigid bodies, except in the world's active mountain belts where strains are partitioned and preserved in tectonite fabrics. Even portions of the oceanic lithosphere exhibit non-rigid behavior. Earth's gravity-topography cross-spectrum exhibits notable variations in signal amplitude and character at spherical harmonic degrees l=13, 116, 416, and 1389. Corresponding Cartesian wavelengths are approximately equal to the respective thicknesses of Earth's mantle, continental mantle lithosphere, oceanic thermal lithosphere, and continental crust, all known from seismology. Regional variations in seismic moment release with depth, derived from the global Centroid Moment Tensor catalog, are also evident in the crust and mantle lithosphere. Combined, these observations provide powerful constraints for the structure and evolution of the crust, mantle lithosphere, and mantle as a whole. All that is required is a dynamically consistent mechanism relating wavelength to layer thickness and shear-strain localization. A statistically-invariant 'diharmonic' relation exhibiting these properties appears as the leading order approximation to toroidal motions on a self-gravitating body of differential grade-2 material. We use this relation, specifically its predictions of weakness and rigidity, and of folding and shear banding response as a function of wavelength-to-thickness ratio, to interpret Earth's gravity, topography, and seismicity in four-dimensions. We find the mantle lithosphere to be about 255-km thick beneath the Himalaya and the Andes, and the long-wavelength (l < 14) low-amplitude portion of Earth's gravity field to be consistent with loading of the mesosphere by subducted slabs. The Earth that emerges from this work might be characterized as a self-gravitating, self-peeling onion.

Lithospheric Structure and Seismotectonics of Central East Antarctica

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Reading, A. M.

2006-12-01

The lithosphere of central East Antarctica, the sector of the continent between 30°E - 120°E, is investigated using seismic methods including receiver function and shear-wave splitting analysis. Data from the broadband stations of the temporary SSCUA deployment (in the continental interior) are used together with records from the permanent GSN stations (on the coast) to carry out the first studies of crustal depth and structure, and patterns of seismic anisotropy across this region. The depth of the Moho is found to be 42 km (+/- 2 km) beneath Mawson station with similar structures extending southward across the Rayner province as far south as Beaver Lake. The Fisher Terrane is characterised by a crustal shear wavespeed profile showing few discontinuties with the Moho at a similar depth to the Rayner. South of Fisher, the crust becomes much shallower, with the Moho at 32 km depth. This shallow crust extends across the Lambert glacier to the Prydz coast and the Lambert Terrane. The characteristic crustal wavespeed profiles provide baseline structure for mapping the extent of the terrance beneath the Antarctic Ice Sheet in future deployments. Observations of seismic anisotropy are less well- defined but, at a reconnaissance level, show fast directions parallel to the present day coastline. This may be controlled by rift-related influences on the lithosphere associated with the breakup of East Gondwana. The seismicity is confirmed to be extremely low. The only seismogenic forces on the Antarctic plate in this region are acting at the boundary between the continental and oceanic lithosphere west of 50°E and east of 100°E and represent a superposition of tectonic and glaciogenic controls. The Lambert Glacier region shows little or no seismotectonic activity in the continental interior or on the oceanic margin.

Can We Probe the Conductivity of the Lithosphere and Upper Mantle Using Satellite Tidal Magnetic Signals?

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Schnepf, N. R.; Kuvshinov, A.; Sabaka, T.

2015-01-01

A few studies convincingly demonstrated that the magnetic fields induced by the lunar semidiurnal (M2) ocean flow can be identified in satellite observations. This result encourages using M2 satellite magnetic data to constrain subsurface electrical conductivity in oceanic regions. Traditional satellite-based induction studies using signals of magnetospheric origin are mostly sensitive to conducting structures because of the inductive coupling between primary and induced sources. In contrast, galvanic coupling from the oceanic tidal signal allows for studying less conductive, shallower structures. We perform global 3-D electromagnetic numerical simulations to investigate the sensitivity of M2 signals to conductivity distributions at different depths. The results of our sensitivity analysis suggest it will be promising to use M2 oceanic signals detected at satellite altitude for probing lithospheric and upper mantle conductivity. Our simulations also suggest that M2 seafloor electric and magnetic field data may provide complementary details to better constrain lithospheric conductivity.

Crustal rheology controls on the Tibetan plateau formation during India-Asia convergence

PubMed Central

Chen, Lin; Capitanio, Fabio A.; Liu, Lijun; Gerya, Taras V.

2017-01-01

The formation of the Tibetan plateau during the India-Asia collision remains an outstanding issue. Proposed models mostly focus on the different styles of Tibetan crustal deformation, yet these do not readily explain the observed variation of deformation and deep structures along the collisional zone. Here we use three-dimensional numerical models to evaluate the effects of crustal rheology on the formation of the Himalayan-Tibetan orogenic system. During convergence, a weaker Asian crust allows strain far north within the upper plate, where a wide continental plateau forms behind the orogeny. In contrast, a stronger Asian crust suppresses the plateau formation, while the orogeny accommodates most of the shortening. The stronger Asian lithosphere is also forced beneath the Indian lithosphere, forming a reversed-polarity underthrusting. Our results demonstrate that the observed variations in lithosphere deformation and structures along the India-Asia collision zone are primarily controlled by the strength heterogeneity of the Asian continental crust. PMID:28722008

Variation of the subsidence parameters, effective thermal conductivity, and mantle dynamics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Adam, C.; King, S. D.; Vidal, V.; Rabinowicz, M.; Jalobeanu, A.; Yoshida, M.

2015-09-01

The subsidence of young seafloor is generally considered to be a passive phenomenon related to the conductive cooling of the lithosphere after its creation at mid-oceanic ridges. Recent alternative theories suggest that the mantle dynamics plays an important role in the structure and depth of the oceanic lithosphere. However, the link between mantle dynamics and seafloor subsidence has still to be quantitatively assessed. Here we provide a statistical study of the subsidence parameters (subsidence rate and ridge depth) for all the oceans. These parameters are retrieved through two independent methods, the positive outliers method, a classical method used in signal processing, and through the MiFil method. From the subsidence rate, we compute the effective thermal conductivity, keff, which ranges between 1 and 7 W m-1 K-1. We also model the mantle flow pattern from the S40RTS tomography model. The density anomalies derived from S40RTS are used to compute the instantaneous flow in a global 3D spherical geometry. We show that departures from the keff = 3 Wm-1K-1 standard value are systematically related to mantle processes and not to lithospheric structure. Regions characterized by keff > 3 Wm-1K-1 are associated with mantle uplifts (mantle plumes or other local anomalies). Regions characterized by keff < 3 Wm-1K-1 are related to large-scale mantle downwellings such as the Australia-Antarctic Discordance (AAD) or the return flow from the South Pacific Superswell to the East Pacific Rise. This demonstrates that mantle dynamics plays a major role in the shaping of the oceanic seafloor. In particular, the parameters generally considered to quantify the lithosphere structure, such as the thermal conductivity, are not only representative of this structure but also incorporate signals from the mantle convection occurring beneath the lithosphere. The dynamic topography computed from the S40RTS tomography model reproduces the subsidence pattern observed in the bathymetry. Overall we find a good correlation between the subsidence parameters derived from the bathymetry and the dynamic topography. This demonstrates that these parameters are strongly dependent on mantle dynamics.

Rheological structure of the lithosphere in plate boundary strike-slip fault zones

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chatzaras, Vasileios; Tikoff, Basil; Kruckenberg, Seth C.; Newman, Julie; Titus, Sarah J.; Withers, Anthony C.; Drury, Martyn R.

2016-04-01

How well constrained is the rheological structure of the lithosphere in plate boundary strike-slip fault systems? Further, how do lithospheric layers, with rheologically distinct behaviors, interact within the strike-slip fault zones? To address these questions, we present rheological observations from the mantle sections of two lithospheric-scale, strike-slip fault zones. Xenoliths from ˜40 km depth (970-1100 ° C) beneath the San Andreas fault system (SAF) provide critical constraints on the mechanical stratification of the lithosphere in this continental transform fault. Samples from the Bogota Peninsula shear zone (BPSZ, New Caledonia), which is an exhumed oceanic transform fault, provide insights on lateral variations in mantle strength and viscosity across the fault zone at a depth corresponding to deformation temperatures of ˜900 ° C. Olivine recrystallized grain size piezometry suggests that the shear stress in the SAF upper mantle is 5-9 MPa and in the BPSZ is 4-10 MPa. Thus, the mantle strength in both fault zones is comparable to the crustal strength (˜10 MPa) of seismogenic strike-slip faults in the SAF system. Across the BPSZ, shear stress increases from 4 MPa in the surrounding rocks to 10 MPa in the mylonites, which comprise the core of the shear zone. Further, the BPSZ is characterized by at least one order of magnitude difference in the viscosity between the mylonites (1018 Paṡs) and the surrounding rocks (1019 Paṡs). Mantle viscosity in both the BPSZ mylonites and the SAF (7.0ṡ1018-3.1ṡ1020 Paṡs) is relatively low. To explain our observations from these two strike-slip fault zones, we propose the "lithospheric feedback" model in which the upper crust and lithospheric mantle act together as an integrated system. Mantle flow controls displacement and the upper crust controls the stress magnitude in the system. Our stress data combined with data that are now available for the middle and lower crustal sections of other transcurrent fault systems support the prediction for constant shear strength (˜10 MPa) throughout the lithosphere; the stress magnitude is controlled by the shear strength of the upper crustal faults. Fault rupture in the upper crust induces displacement rate loading of the upper mantle, which in turn, causes strain localization in the mantle shear zone beneath the strike-slip fault. Such forced localization leads to higher stresses and strain rates in the shear zone compared to the surrounding rocks. Low mantle viscosity within the shear zone is critical for facilitating mantle flow, which induces widespread crustal deformation and displacement loading. The lithospheric feedback model suggests that strike-slip fault zones are not mechanically stratified in terms of shear stress, and that it is the time-dependent interaction of the different lithospheric layers - rather than their relative strengths - that governs the rheological behavior of the plate boundary, strike-slip fault zones.

Developing Regionalized Models of Lithospheric Thickness and Velocity Structure Across Eurasia and the Middle East from Jointly Inverting P-Wave and S-Wave Receiver Functions with Rayleigh Wave Group and Phase Velocities

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-09-01

modeling of regional waveforms at station ANTO , in UNIFIED region #14. The velocity models (left) and the corresponding predictions (middle and right) are...models, Geophy. J. Int. 118: 245–254. Rychert, C. A. and P. M. Shearer (2009). A global view of the lithosphere-asthenosphere boundary, Science 324 : 495

Joint inversion of teleseismic receiver functions and magnetotelluric data using a genetic algorithm: Are seismic velocities and electrical conductivities compatible?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Moorkamp, M.; Jones, A. G.; Eaton, D. W.

2007-08-01

Joint inversion of different kinds of geophysical data has the potential to improve model resolution, under the assumption that the different observations are sensitive to the same subsurface features. Here, we examine the compatibility of P-wave teleseismic receiver functions and long-period magnetotelluric (MT) observations, using joint inversion, to infer one-dimensional lithospheric structure. We apply a genetic algorithm to invert teleseismic and MT data from the Slave craton; a region where previous independent analyses of these data have indicated correlated layering of the lithosphere. Examination of model resolution and parameter trade-off suggests that the main features of this area, the Moho, Central Slave Mantle Conductor and the Lithosphere-Asthenosphere boundary, are sensed to varying degrees by both methods. Thus, joint inversion of these two complementary data sets can be used to construct improved models of the lithosphere. Further studies will be needed to assess whether the approach can be applied globally.

Ivrea mantle wedge and arc of the Western Alps (I): Geophysical evidence for the deep structure

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kissling, Edi; Schmid, Stefan M.; Diehl, Tobias

2017-04-01

The construction of five crustal-scale profiles across the Western Alps and the Ivrea mantle wedge integrates up-to-date geological and geophysical information and reveals important along strike changes in the overall structure of the crust of the Western Alpine arc (Schmid et al. 2017). The 3D crustal model of the Western Alps represented by these cross sections is based on recent P-velocity local earthquake tomography that compliments the previously existing wealth of geophysical information about lithosphere structure in the region. As part of Adria mantle lithosphere exhibiting strong upward bending toward the plate boundary along the inner arc of the Western Alps, the well-known Ivrea body plays a crucial role in our tectonic model. Until recently, however, the detailed 3D geometry of this key structure was only poorly constrained. In this study we present a review of the many seismic data in the region and we document the construction of our 3D lithosphere model by principles of multidisciplinary seismic tomography. Reference: Stefan M. Schmid, Edi Kissling, Douwe J.J. van Hinsbergen, Giancarlo Molli (2017). Ivrea mantle wedge and arc of the Western Alps (2): Kinematic evolution of the Alps-Apennines orogenic system. Abstract Volume EGU 2017.

Evidence for retrograde lithospheric subduction on Venus

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sandwell, David T.; Schubert, Gerald

1992-01-01

Though there is no plate tectonics per se on Venus, recent Magellan radar images and topographic profiles of the planet suggest the occurrence of the plate tectonic processes of lithospheric subduction and back-arc spreading. The perimeters of several large coronae (e.g., Latona, Artemis, and Eithinoha) resemble Earth subduction zones in both their planform and topographic profile. The planform of arcuate structures in Eastern Aphrodite were compared with subduction zones of the East Indies. The venusian structures have radii of curvature that are similar to those of terrestrial subduction zones. Moreover, the topography of the venusian ridge/trench structures is highly asymmetric with a ridge on the concave side and a trough on the convex side; Earth subduction zones generally display the same asymmetry.

Constraints on the lithospheric structure of Venus from mechanical models and tectonic surface features

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Zuber, Maria T.

1987-01-01

The evidence for the extensional or compressional origins of some prominent Venusian surface features disclosed by radar images is discussed. Using simple models, the hypothesis that the observed length scales (10-20 km and 100-300 km) of deformations are controlled by dominant wavelengths arising from unstable compression or extension of the Venus lithosphere is tested. The results show that the existence of tectonic features that exhibit both length scales can be explained if, at the time of deformation, the lithosphere consisted of a crust that was relatively strong near the surface and weak at its base, and an upper mantle that was stronger than or nearly comparable in strength to the upper crust.

Global Mapping of Oceanic and Continental Shelf Crustal Thickness and Ocean-Continent Transition Structure

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kusznir, Nick; Alvey, Andy; Roberts, Alan

2017-04-01

The 3D mapping of crustal thickness for continental shelves and oceanic crust, and the determination of ocean-continent transition (OCT) structure and continent-ocean boundary (COB) location, represents a substantial challenge. Geophysical inversion of satellite derived free-air gravity anomaly data incorporating a lithosphere thermal anomaly correction (Chappell & Kusznir, 2008) now provides a useful and reliable methodology for mapping crustal thickness in the marine domain. Using this we have produced the first comprehensive maps of global crustal thickness for oceanic and continental shelf regions. Maps of crustal thickness and continental lithosphere thinning factor from gravity inversion may be used to determine the distribution of oceanic lithosphere, micro-continents and oceanic plateaux including for the inaccessible polar regions (e.g. Arctic Ocean, Alvey et al.,2008). The gravity inversion method provides a prediction of continent-ocean boundary location which is independent of ocean magnetic anomaly and isochron interpretation. Using crustal thickness and continental lithosphere thinning factor maps with superimposed shaded-relief free-air gravity anomaly, we can improve the determination of pre-breakup rifted margin conjugacy and sea-floor spreading trajectory during ocean basin formation. By restoring crustal thickness & continental lithosphere thinning to their initial post-breakup configuration we show the geometry and segmentation of the rifted continental margins at their time of breakup, together with the location of highly-stretched failed breakup basins and rifted micro-continents. For detailed analysis to constrain OCT structure, margin type (i.e. magma poor, "normal" or magma rich) and COB location, a suite of quantitative analytical methods may be used which include: (i) Crustal cross-sections showing Moho depth and crustal basement thickness from gravity inversion. (ii) Residual depth anomaly (RDA) analysis which is used to investigate OCT bathymetric anomalies with respect to expected oceanic values. This includes flexural backstripping to produce bathymetry corrected for sediment loading. (iii) Subsidence analysis which is used to determine the distribution of continental lithosphere thinning. (iv) Joint inversion of time-domain deep seismic reflection and gravity anomaly data which is used to determine lateral variations in crustal basement density and velocity across the OCT, and to validate deep seismic reflection interpretations of Moho depth. The combined interpretation of these independent quantitative measurements is used to determine crustal thickness and composition across the ocean-continent-transition. This integrated approach has been validated on the Iberian margin where ODP drilling provides ground-truth of ocean-continent-transition crustal structure, continent-ocean-boundary location and magmatic type.

Structure, mechanical properties and evolution of the lithosphere below the northwest continental margin of India

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rao, G. Srinivasa; Kumar, Manish; Radhakrishna, M.

2018-02-01

The continental breakup history at the northwest continental margin of India remained conjectural due to lack of clearly discernable magnetic anomaly identifications and the presence of several enigmatic structural/basement features whose structure was partly obscured by the Late Cretaceous Deccan magmatic event. In this study, a detailed analysis of the existing seismic and seismological data covering both onshore and offshore areas of the northwest Indian margin along with 3-D/2-D constrained potential field (gravity, magnetic and geoid) modeling has been carried out. The crustal structure and lithosphere-asthenosphere boundary (LAB) delineated across the margin provided valuable insights on the mechanism of continental extension. An analysis of the residual geoid anomaly (degree-10) map and the modeled LAB below Deccan volcanic province (DVP) revealed significant variation in upper mantle characteristics between the northwest (NW) and south central (SC) parts of DVP having thinner lithosphere in the NW part. The depth to LAB ranges 80-130 km at the margin with gradual thinning towards the western offshore having sharp gradient in the south (SC part of DVP) and gentle gradient in the north (NW part of DVP). The Moho configuration obtained from seismically constrained 3-D gravity inversion reveals that Moho depths vary 34-42 km below DVP and gradually thins to 16-20 km in the western offshore. The effective elastic thickness (Te) map computed through 3-D flexural modeling indicates that the Te values are in general lower in the region and range 12-25 km. Such lower Te values could be ascribed to the combined effect of the lithosphere stretching during Gondwana fragmentation in the Mesozoic and subsequent thermal influence of the Reunion plume. Based on the crustal stretching factors (β), Te estimates and the modeled lithosphere geometry at the margin in this study, we propose that the lithosphere below Laxmi-Gop basin region (β > 3.0) had undergone continuous stretching since India-Madagascar rifting ( 88 Ma) /much prior to this event. However, this continuous stretching did not lead to breakup. Due to syn-rift cooling, the developed necking zone (brittle-ductile deformation) got ceased and led to the development of a new necking zone between Seychelles and Laxmi Ridge. Subsequent stretching between Seychelles and the Laxmi Ridge contemporaneous with the Deccan flood basalts eruption led to the seafloor spreading in the Western Basin (anomaly C28n). Thus, the Laxmi Ridge became a continental sliver.

Control of lithosphere structure on surface deformation in the Central Barents Sea: insights from dynamical modeling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gac, Sebastien; Faleide, Jan Inge

2014-05-01

The Barents Sea is located in the Northern European Arctic. The Eastern Barents Sea features one of the deepest sedimentary basins in the world whereas large parts of the Western Barents Sea is covered by a shallow sedimentary platform. Seismic tomography data (Levshin et al., 2007; Ritzmann and Faleide, 2009) show slower S-wave velocity in the upper mantle beneath the East Barents Sea compared to the West Barents Sea, indicating a steep deepening of the Lithosphere-Asthenosphere Boundary (LAB) in the Central Barents Sea from West to East. Additionally, the Central Barents Sea is marked by a South-North succession of regularly-spaced inverted structures (uplifted domes) such as the Fedinsky High and the Sentralbanken High. The origin of these inverted structures is under debate. The interpretation of recent seismic data in the Central Barents Sea suggests that part of the inversion is contemporaneous with the Late-Triassic-Early Jurassic westwards thrusting of Novaya Zemlya. This suggests that the origin of domes might be linked to compressional events on the eastern side of the Barents Sea. A 2D thermo-mechanical model of lithosphere shortening is used to explore the effect of LAB geometry on the surface deformation in the Central Barents Sea. The model is based on a Lagrangian finite element method (Gac et al., 2013). The model consists of a crust - mantle lithosphere characterized by non-linear temperature and pressure dependent visco-elastic-plastic rheologies. The mechanical model is coupled with a thermal model taking into account heat advection and diffusion. Sedimentation and gravity are also taken into account. Contractional boundary conditions are applied on vertical sides of the model resulting in buckling of the crust. Several models are run for different geometry of the LAB. Preliminary results are shown. 3D conceptual models are then proposed to explain the 3D distribution of inverted structures in the Central Barents Sea. REFERENCES: Gac, S., Huismans, R.S., Simon, N.S.C., Podladchikov, Y,Y, and Faleide, J.I., 2013. Formation of intra-cratonic basins by lithospheric shortening and phase changes: a case study from the ultra-deep East Barents Sea basin. Terra Nova, DOI: 10.1111/ter.12057. Levshin, A.L., Schweitzer, J., Weidle, C., Shapiro, N.M., and Ritzwoller, M.H., 2007. Surface wave tomography of the Barents Sea and surrounding region. Geophys. J. Int., 170, 441-459. Ritzmann, O., and Faleide, J.I., 2009. The crust and mantle lithosphere in the Barents Sea/Kara Sea region. Tectonophysics, 470, 89-104.

Strain localisation in the continental lithosphere, a scale-dependent process

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jolivet, Laurent; Burov, Evguenii

2013-04-01

Strain localisation in continents is a general question tackled by specialists of various disciplines in Earth Sciences. Field geologists working at regional scale are able to describe the succession of events leading to the formation of large strain zones that accommodate large displacement within plate boundaries. On the other end of the spectrum, laboratory experiments provide numbers that quantitatively describe the rheology of rock material at the scale of a few mm and at deformation rates up to 8-10 orders of magnitude faster than in nature. Extrapolating from the scale of the experiment to the scale of the continental lithosphere is a considerable leap across 8-10 orders of magnitude both in space and time. It is however quite obvious that different processes are at work for each scale considered. At the scale of a grain aggregate diffusion within individual grains, dislocation or grain boundary sliding, depending on temperature and fluid conditions, are of primary importance. But at the scale of a mountain belt, a major detachment or a strike-slip shear zone that have accommodated tens or hundreds of kilometres of relative displacement, other parameters will take over such as structural softening and the heterogeneity of the crust inherited from past tectonic events that have juxtaposed rock units of very different compositions and induced a strong orientation of rocks. Once the deformation is localised along major shear zones, grain size reduction, interaction between rocks and fluids and metamorphic reactions and other small-scale processes tend to further localise the strain. Because the crust is colder and more lithologically complex this heterogeneity is likely much more prominent in the crust than in the mantle and then the relative importance of "small-scale" and "large-scale" parameters will be very different in the crust and in the mantle. Thus, depending upon the relative thickness of the crust and mantle in the deforming lithosphere, the role of each mechanism will have more or less important consequences on strain localisation. This complexity sometimes leads to disregard of experimental parameters in large-scale thermo-mechanical models and to use instead ad hoc "large-scale" numbers that better fit the observed geological history. The goal of the ERC RHEOLITH project is to associate to each tectonic process the relevant rheological parameters depending upon the scale considered, in an attempt to elaborate a generalized "Preliminary Rheology Model Set for Lithosphere" (PReMSL), which will cover the entire time and spatial scale range of deformation.

Textures in spinel peridotite mantle xenoliths using micro-CT scanning: Examples from Canary Islands and France

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bhanot, K. K.; Downes, H.; Petrone, C. M.; Humphreys-Williams, E.

2017-04-01

Spinel pyroxene-clusters, which are intergrowths of spinel, orthopyroxene and clinopyroxene in mantle xenoliths, have been investigated through the use of micro-CT (μ-CT) in this study. Samples have been studied from two different tectonic settings: (1) the northern Massif Central, France, an uplifted and rifted plateau on continental lithosphere and (2) Lanzarote in the Canary Islands, an intraplate volcanic island on old oceanic lithosphere. μ-CT analysis of samples from both locations has revealed a range of spinel textures from small < 2 mm microcrystals which can be either spatially concentrated or distributed more evenly throughout the rock with a lineation, to large 4-12 mm individual clusters with ellipsoidal complex vermicular textures in random orientation. Microprobe analyses of pyroxenes inside and outside the clusters show broadly similar compositions. Spinel-pyroxene clusters are the result of a transition of shallow lithospheric mantle from the garnet stability field to the spinel stability field. Both the northern Massif Central and Lanzarote are regions that have experienced significant lithospheric thinning. This process provides a mechanism where the sub-solidus reaction of olivine + garnet = orthopyroxene + clinopyroxene + spinel is satisfied by providing a pathway from garnet peridotite to spinel peridotite. We predict that such textures would only occur in the mantle beneath regions that show evidence of thinning of the lithospheric mantle. Metasomatic reactions are seen around spinel-pyroxene clusters in some Lanzarote xenoliths, so metasomatism post-dated cluster formation.

3-D Upper-Mantle Shear Velocity Model Beneath the Contiguous United States Based on Broadband Surface Wave from Ambient Seismic Noise

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xie, Jun; Chu, Risheng; Yang, Yingjie

2018-05-01

Ambient noise seismic tomography has been widely used to study crustal and upper-mantle shear velocity structures. Most studies, however, concentrate on short period (< 50 s) surface wave from ambient noise, while studies using long period surface wave from ambient noise are limited. In this paper, we demonstrate the feasibility of using long-period surface wave from ambient noise to study the lithospheric structure on a continental scale. We use broadband Rayleigh wave phase velocities to obtain a 3-D V S structures beneath the contiguous United States at period band of 10-150 s. During the inversion, 1-D shear wave velocity profile is parameterized using B-spline at each grid point and is inverted with nonlinear Markov Chain Monte Carlo method. Then, a 3-D shear velocity model is constructed by assembling all the 1-D shear velocity profiles. Our model is overall consistent with existing models which are based on multiple datasets or data from earthquakes. Our model along with the other post-USArray models reveal lithosphere structures in the upper mantle, which are consistent with the geological tectonic background (e.g., the craton root and regional upwelling provinces). The model has comparable resolution on lithosphere structures compared with many published results and can be used for future detailed regional or continental studies and analysis.

P-wave velocity structure of the uppermost mantle beneath Hawaii from traveltime tomography

USGS Publications Warehouse

Tilmann, F.J.; Benz, H.M.; Priestley, K.F.; Okubo, P.G.

2001-01-01

We examine the P-wave velocity structure beneath the island of Hawaii using P-wave residuals from teleseismic earthquakes recorded by the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory seismic network. The station geometry and distribution of events makes it possible to image the velocity structure between ~ 40 and 100 km depth with a lateral resolution of ~ 15 km and a vertical resolution of ~ 30 km. For depths between 40 and 80 km, P-wave velocities are up to 5 per cent slower in a broad elongated region trending SE-NW that underlies the island between the two lines defined by the volcanic loci. No direct correlation between the magnitude of the lithospheric anomaly and the current level of volcanic activity is apparent, but the slow region is broadened at ~ 19.8??N and narrow beneath Kilauea. In the case of the occanic lithosphere beneath Hawaii, slow seismic velocities are likely to be related to magma transport from the top of the melting zone at the base of the lithosphere to the surface. Thermal modelling shows that the broad elongated low-velocity zone cannot be explained in terms of conductive heating by one primary conduit per volcano but that more complicated melt pathways must exist.

Quantitative Restoration of the Evolution of Mantle Structures Using Data Assimilation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ismail-Zadeh, A.; Schubert, G.; Tsepelev, I.

2008-12-01

Rapid progress in imaging deep Earth structures and in studies of physical and chemical properties of mantle rocks facilitates research in assimilation of data related to mantle dynamics. We present a quantitative approach to assimilation of geophysical and geodetic data, which allows for incorporating observations and unknown initial conditions for mantle temperature and flow into a three-dimensional dynamic model in order to determine the initial conditions in the geological past. Once the conditions are determined the evolution of mantle structures can be restore backward in time. We apply data assimilation techniques to model the evolution of mantle plumes and lithospheric slabs. We show that the geometry of the mantle structures changes with time diminishing the degree of surface curvature of the structures, because the heat conduction smoothes the complex thermal surfaces of mantle bodies with time. Present seismic tomography images of mantle structures do not allow definition of the sharp shapes of these structures. Assimilation of mantle temperature and flow to the geological past instead provides a quantitative tool to restore thermal shapes of prominent structures in the past from their diffusive shapes at present.

Origin of the lithospheric stress field

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lithgow-Bertelloni, Carolina; Guynn, Jerome H.

2004-01-01

An understanding of the tectonic stress field is geologically important because it is the agent that preserves in the crust a memory of dynamical processes. In an effort to elucidate the origin of the present state of stress of the lithosphere we use a finite element model of the Earth's lithosphere to calculate stresses induced by mantle flow, crustal heterogeneity, and topography and compare these to observations of intraplate stresses as given by the World Stress Map. We explore two models of lithospheric heterogeneity, one based directly on seismic and other observational constraints (Crust 2.0), and another that assumes isostatic compensation. Mantle tractions are computed from two models of mantle density heterogeneity: a model based on the history of subduction of the last 180 Myr, which has proved successful at accurately reproducing the present-day geoid and Cenozoic plate velocities, and a model inferred from seismic tomography. We explore the effects of varying assumptions for the viscosity structure of the mantle, and the effects of lateral variations in viscosity in the form of weak plate boundaries. We find that a combined model that includes both mantle and lithospheric sources of stress yields the best match to the observed stress field (˜60% variance reduction), although there are many regions where agreement between observed and predicted stresses is poor. The stress field produced by mantle tractions alone shows a greater degree of long-wavelength structure than is apparent in the stress observations but agrees very well with observations in some areas where radial mantle tractions are particularly strong such as in southeast Asia and the western Pacific. The stress field produced by lithospheric heterogeneity alone depends strongly on the assumed crustal model: Whereas the isostatically compensated model yields very poor agreement with observations, the model based on Crust 2.0 matches the observations about as well as mantle tractions alone and matches very well in certain areas where the influence of high topography is very important (e.g., Andes, East Africa). A possible interpretation of our results is that the stress field is significantly influenced by lateral variations in the viscosity of the mantle, which leads to variable amounts of decoupling between lithosphere and mantle, allowing the mantle signature to dominate in some areas and the crustal signature to dominate in others. The poor fit between the isostatically compensated crustal model and observations and the large differences between the two crustal models point toward the importance of dynamic topography and remaining uncertainties in crustal structure and rheology. We also consider the possibility that observations of stress from the shallow crust may not reflect the state of stress of the entire plate; stresses in the upper plate may be at least partially decoupled from broader-scale plate driving forces by lateral and vertical variations in lithospheric rheology.

Crust and Upper Mantle Structure Beneath Tibet and SW China From Seismic Tomography and Array Analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

van der Hilst, R. D.; Li, C.; Yao, H.; Sun, R.; Meltzer, A. S.

2007-12-01

We will present a summary of the results of our seismological studies of crust and upper mantle heterogeneity and anisotropy beneath Tibet and SW China with data from temporary (PASSCAL) arrays as well as other regional, national, and global networks. In 2003 and 2004 MIT and CIGMR (Chengdu Institute of Geology and Mineral Resources) operated a 25 station array (3-component, broad band seismometers) in Sichuan and Yunnan provinces, SW China; during the same period Lehigh University (also in collaboration with CIGMR) operated a 75 station array in east Tibet. Data from these arrays allow delineation of mantle structure in unprecedented detail. We focus our presentation on results of two lines of seismological study. Travel time tomography (Li et al., PEPI, 2006; EPSL, 2007) with hand-picked phase arrivals from recordings at regional arrays, and combined with data from over 1,000 stations in China and with the global data base due to Engdahl et al. (BSSA, 1998), reveals substantial the structural complexity of the upper mantle beneath SE Asia. In particular, structures associated with subduction of the Indian plate beneath the Himalayas vary significantly from west Tibet (where the plate seems to have underthrusted the entire plateau) to east Tibet (where P-wave tomography provides no evidence for the presence of fast lithosphere beneath the Plateau proper). Further east, fast structures appear in the upper mantle transition zone, presumably related to stagnation of slab fragments associated with subduction of the Pacific plate. (2) Surface wave array tomography (Yao et al., GJI, 2006, 2007), using ambient noise interferometry and traditional (inter station) dispersion analysis, is used to delineate the 3-D structure of the crust and lithospheric mantle at length scales as small as 100 km beneath the MIT and Lehigh arrays. This analysis reveals a complex spatial distribution of intra-crustal low velocity zones (which may imply that crustal-scale faults influence the pattern of middle/lower crustal flow). We will also show preliminary results of surface wave inversion for azimuthal anisotropy, which - combined with previous results from shear wave splitting (Lev et al., EPSL, 2006) - give insight into the deformation of the upper mantle beneath the area under study.

Hierarchical segmentation of the Malawi Rift: The influence of inherited lithospheric heterogeneity and kinematics in the evolution of continental rifts

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Laó-Dávila, Daniel A.; Al-Salmi, Haifa S.; Abdelsalam, Mohamed G.; Atekwana, Estella A.

2015-12-01

We used detailed analysis of Shuttle Radar Topography Mission-digital elevation model and observations from aeromagnetic data to examine the influence of inherited lithospheric heterogeneity and kinematics in the segmentation of largely amagmatic continental rifts. We focused on the Cenozoic Malawi Rift, which represents the southern extension of the Western Branch of the East African Rift System. This north trending rift traverses Precambrian and Paleozoic-Mesozoic structures of different orientations. We found that the rift can be hierarchically divided into first-order and second-order segments. In the first-order segmentation, we divided the rift into Northern, Central, and Southern sections. In its Northern Section, the rift follows Paleoproterozoic and Neoproterozoic terrains with structural grain that favored the localization of extension within well-developed border faults. The Central Section occurs within Mesoproterozoic-Neoproterozoic terrain with regional structures oblique to the rift extent. We propose that the lack of inherited lithospheric heterogeneity favoring extension localization resulted in the development of the rift in this section as a shallow graben with undeveloped border faults. In the Southern Section, Mesoproterozoic-Neoproterozoic rocks were reactivated and developed the border faults. In the second-order segmentation, only observed in the Northern Section, we divided the section into five segments that approximate four half-grabens/asymmetrical grabens with alternating polarities. The change of polarity coincides with flip-over full-grabens occurring within overlap zones associated with ~150 km long alternating border faults segments. The inherited lithospheric heterogeneity played the major role in facilitating the segmentation of the Malawi Rift during its opening resulting from extension.

Investigation of the Low Velocity Zone Beneath the Southern Basin and Range

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Savage, B.; Helmberger, D. V.

2003-12-01

Following the work by Helmberger (1973), we use waveform recordings of P arrivals at distances from 6o to 20o to investigate the structure of the low velocity zone (LVZ) or asthenosphere. In contrast to the previous study, broadband data (TriNet and BDSN) is used at a much smaller station spacing providing higher along path and depth resolution. For this study, a well recorded earthquake in the central Gulf of California (Mw 6.3) produces transitions from PnL to P410 across all of California and western Nevada. The nature of these transitions indicates the thickness and gradients of the LVZ and the lithosphere. Initial findings show large variations of lithosphere and LVZ structure from east to west below California. By varying the lithosphere compressional velocity and depth of the LVZ in 1-D models, a database of synthetics waveforms is created to guide the development of realistic 2-D (along path) and 3-D (against azimuth) description of the lithosphere and asthenosphere. The character of the P arrivals changes dramatically near 9-11o with the emergence of a higher frequencies over-printing the longer-period PnL arrivals. Coastal California stations show these arrivals at the shortest distances, 9o indicating the lithosphere velocity and gradient below the LVZ are high. This is in opposition to those arrivals on the east which do not record the high frequency arrivals until 11o. As the distances reach 13o, a large amplitude, high frequency phase is present 10-15 seconds behind the initial P arrival. The emergence of the large secondary phase occurs at different distances across California with a pattern similar to before. At this distance, a change in the apparent velocity of the first arrival also occurs. Further in distance, the width of the initial P arrival and the energy following, or lack thereof, points to the shape of the underlying LVZ. Coastal stations and those in the central portion of California show larger amplitude arrivals following the initial P arrival than do those to the east. These large secondary arrivals may be due to larger than expected velocity jumps at the bottom of or just below the LVZ. Mapping the transition from the lithosphere to the asthenosphere, fine structure and lateral variation, should prove invaluable for tectonic reconstruction efforts, now in progress.

Determining OCT structure and COB Location of the Omani Gulf of Aden Continental Margin from Gravity Inversion, Residual Depth Anomaly and Subsidence Analysis.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cowie, Leanne; Kusznir, Nick; Leroy, Sylvie; Manatshal, Gianreto

2013-04-01

Knowledge and understanding of the ocean-continent transition (OCT) structure and continent-ocean boundary (COB) location, the distribution of thinned continental crust and lithosphere, its distal extent and the start of unequivocal oceanic crust are of critical importance in evaluating rifted continental margin formation and evolution. In order to determine the OCT structure and COB location for the eastern Gulf of Aden, along the Oman margin, we use a combination of gravity inversion, subsidence analysis and residual depth anomaly (RDA) analysis. Gravity inversion has been used to determine Moho depth, crustal basement thickness and continental lithosphere thinning; subsidence analysis has been used to determine the distribution of continental lithosphere thinning; and RDAs have been used to investigate the OCT bathymetric anomalies with respect to expected oceanic bathymetries at rifted margins. The gravity inversion method, which is carried out in the 3D spectral domain, incorporates a lithosphere thermal gravity anomaly and includes a correction for volcanic addition due to decompression melting. Reference Moho depths used in the gravity inversion have been calibrated against seismic refraction Moho depths. RDAs have been calculated by comparing observed and age predicted oceanic bathymetries, using the thermal plate model predictions from Crosby and McKenzie (2009). RDAs have been computed along profiles and have been corrected for sediment loading using flexural back-stripping and decompaction. In addition, gravity inversion crustal basement thicknesses together with Airy isostasy have been used to predict a synthetic RDA. The RDA results show a change in RDA signature and may be used to estimate the distal extent of thinned continental crust and where oceanic crust begins. Continental lithosphere thinning has been determined using flexural back-stripping and subsidence analysis assuming the classical rift model of McKenzie (1978) with a correction for volcanic addition due to decompression melting based on White & McKenzie (1989). Gravity inversion and the "synthetic" gravity derived RDA both show generally normal thickness oceanic crust, with some localised thin oceanic crust. Continental lithosphere thinning factors determined from gravity inversion and subsidence analysis are in good agreement and have been used to constrain COB location along the profile lines. These techniques show that the OCT in the eastern Gulf of Aden, is relatively narrow, with the distance between the COB and the margin hinge measuring less than 100km.

Construction and destruction of some North American cratons

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Snyder, D. B.; Humphreys, G.

2015-12-01

Construction histories of Archean cratons remain poorly understood; their destruction is even less clear because of, by definition, its rarity. By assembling geophysical and geochemical data in 3-D lithosphere models, a clearer understanding of the geometry of major structures within the Rae, Slave and Wyoming cratons of central North America is now possible. Little evidence exists of subducted slabs similar to modern oceanic lithosphere in these construction histories whereas underthrusting and wedging of proto-continental lithosphere is inferred from multiple dipping discontinuities. Archean continental building blocks may resemble the modern lithosphere of Ontong-Java-Hikurangi oceanic plateau. Radiometric dating of xenoliths provides estimates of rock types and ages at depth beneath sparse kimberlite occurrences. These ages can be correlated to surface rocks. The 3.6-2.6 Ga Rae, Slave and Wyoming cratons comprise smaller continental terranes that 'cratonized' during a granitic bloom at 2.61-2.55 ga. Cratonization probably represents the final differentiation of early crust into a relatively homogeneous, uniformly thin (35-42 km), tonalite-trondhjemite-granodiorite crust with pyroxenite layers near the Moho atop depleted lithospheric mantle. Peak thermo-tectonic events at 1.86-1.7 Ga broadly metasomatized, mineralized and recrystallized mantle and lower crustal rocks, apparently making mantle peridotite more 'fertile' and conductive by introducing or concentrating sulfides or graphite throughout the lithosphere at 80-120 km depths. This metasomatism may have also weakened the lithosphere or made it more susceptible to tectonic or chemical erosion. The arrival of the subducted Shatsky Rise conjugate at the Wyoming craton at 65-75 Ma appears to have eroded and displaced the thus weakened base of the craton below 140-160 km. This replaced old refertilized continental mantle with new depleted oceanic mantle. Is this the same craton?

Understanding the Yellowstone magmatic system using 3D geodynamic inverse models

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kaus, B. J. P.; Reuber, G. S.; Popov, A.; Baumann, T.

2017-12-01

The Yellowstone magmatic system is one of the largest magmatic systems on Earth. Recent seismic tomography suggest that two distinct magma chambers exist: a shallow, presumably felsic chamber and a deeper much larger, partially molten, chamber above the Moho. Why melt stalls at different depth levels above the Yellowstone plume, whereas dikes cross-cut the whole lithosphere in the nearby Snake River Plane is unclear. Partly this is caused by our incomplete understanding of lithospheric scale melt ascent processes from the upper mantle to the shallow crust, which requires better constraints on the mechanics and material properties of the lithosphere.Here, we employ lithospheric-scale 2D and 3D geodynamic models adapted to Yellowstone to better understand magmatic processes in active arcs. The models have a number of (uncertain) input parameters such as the temperature and viscosity structure of the lithosphere, geometry and melt fraction of the magmatic system, while the melt content and rock densities are obtained by consistent thermodynamic modelling of whole rock data of the Yellowstone stratigraphy. As all of these parameters affect the dynamics of the lithosphere, we use the simulations to derive testable model predictions such as gravity anomalies, surface deformation rates and lithospheric stresses and compare them with observations. We incorporated it within an inversion method and perform 3D geodynamic inverse models of the Yellowstone magmatic system. An adjoint based method is used to derive the key model parameters and the factors that affect the stress field around the Yellowstone plume, locations of enhanced diking and melt accumulations. Results suggest that the plume and the magma chambers are connected with each other and that magma chamber overpressure is required to explain the surface displacement in phases of high activity above the Yellowstone magmatic system.

Implications for anomalous mantle pressure and dynamic topography from lithospheric stress patterns in the North Atlantic Realm

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schiffer, Christian; Nielsen, Søren Bom

2016-08-01

With convergent plate boundaries at some distance, the sources of the lithospheric stress field of the North Atlantic Realm are mainly mantle tractions at the base of the lithosphere, lithospheric density structure and topography. Given this, we estimate horizontal deviatoric stresses using a well-established thin sheet model in a global finite element representation. We adjust the lithospheric thickness and the sub-lithospheric pressure iteratively, comparing modelled in plane stress with the observations of the World Stress Map. We find that an anomalous mantle pressure associated with the Iceland and Azores melt anomalies, as well as topography are able to explain the general pattern of the principle horizontal stress directions. The Iceland melt anomaly overprints the classic ridge push perpendicular to the Mid Atlantic ridge and affects the conjugate passive margins in East Greenland more than in western Scandinavia. The dynamic support of topography shows a distinct maximum of c. 1000 m in Iceland and amounts <150 m along the coast of south-western Norway and 250-350 m along the coast of East Greenland. Considering that large areas of the North Atlantic Realm have been estimated to be sub-aerial during the time of break-up, two components of dynamic topography seem to have affected the area: a short-lived, which affected a wider area along the rift system and quickly dissipated after break-up, and a more durable in the close vicinity of Iceland. This is consistent with the appearance of a buoyancy anomaly at the base of the North Atlantic lithosphere at or slightly before continental breakup, relatively fast dissipation of the fringes of this, and continued melt generation below Iceland.

Double subduction of continental lithosphere, a key to form wide plateau

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Replumaz, Anne; Funiciello, Francesca; Reitano, Riccardo; Faccenna, Claudio; Balon, Marie

2016-04-01

The mechanisms involved in the creation of the high and wide topography, like the Tibetan Plateau, are still controversial. In particular, the behaviour of the indian and asian lower continental lithosphere during the collision is a matter of debate, either thickening, densifying and delaminating, or keeping its rigidity and subducting. But since several decades seismicity, seismic profiles and global tomography highlight the lithospheric structure of the Tibetan Plateau, and make the hypotheses sustaining the models more precise. In particular, in the western syntaxis, it is now clear that the indian lithosphere subducts northward beneath the Hindu Kush down to the transition zone, while the asian one subducts southward beneath Pamir (e.g. Negredo et al., 2007; Kufner et al., 2015). Such double subduction of continental lithospheres with opposite vergence has also been inferred in the early collision time. Cenozoic volcanic rocks between 50 and 30 Ma in the Qiangtang block have been interpreted as related to an asian subduction beneath Qiangtang at that time (De Celles et al., 2011; Guillot and Replumaz, 2013). We present here analogue experiments silicone/honey to explore the subduction of continental lithosphere, using a piston as analogue of far field forces. We explore the parameters that control the subductions dynamics of the 2 continental lithospheres and the thickening of the plates at the surface, and compare with the Tibetan Plateau evolution. We show that a continental lithosphere is able to subduct in a collision context, even lighter than the mantle, if the plate is rigid enough. In that case the horizontal force due to the collision context, modelled by the piston push transmitted by the indenter, is the driving force, not the slab pull which is negative. It is not a subduction driving by the weight of the slab, but a subduction induced by the collision, that we could call "collisional subduction".

Mars: Lithospheric Flexure of the Tharsis Montes Volcanoes and the Evolutionary Relationship to Their Tectonic History

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chute, H.; Dombard, A. J.; Byrne, P. K.

2017-12-01

Lithospheric flexure associated with Arsia, Pavonis, and Ascraeus Montes has been previously studied to constrain the timeline and breadth of endogenic surface features surrounding these volcanoes. Here, we simulate the radial extent of two specific load-related features: annular graben and flank terraces. Detailed mapping of Ascraeus Mons (the youngest of the three volcanoes) showed a phase of compression of the edifice, forming the terraces and an annulus of graben immediately off the flanks, followed by a period of extension that formed additional graben superposed on the terraces on the lower flanks of the edifice. This transition from compression to extension on the lower flanks has been difficult to reconcile in mechanical models. We explore, with finite-element simulations, the effects of a thermal anomaly associated with an intrusive crustal underplate, which results in locally thinning the lithosphere (in contrast to past efforts that assumed a constant-thickness lithosphere). We find that it is primarily the horizontal extent of this thermal anomaly that governs how the lithosphere flexes under a volcano, as well as the transition from flank compression to a tight annulus of extensional stresses. Specifically, we propose that the structures on Ascraeus may be consistent with an early stage of volcanic growth accompanied by an underplate about the same width as the edifice that narrowed as volcanism waned, resulting in an inward migration of the extensional horizontal stresses from the surrounding plains onto the lower flanks. By linking the surface strains on the volcano with the volcano-tectonic evolution predicted by our flexure model, we can further constrain a more accurate timeline for the tectonic history of Ascraeus Mons. More broadly, because these tectonic structures are commonly observed, our results provide a general evolutionary model for large shield volcanoes on Mars.

Probing the structure of the sub-Salinia mantle lithosphere using spinel lherzolite xenoliths from Crystal Knob, Santa Lucia Range, California

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Quinn, D. P.; Saleeby, J.; Ducea, M. N.; Luffi, P. I.

2013-12-01

We present the first petrogenetic analysis of a suite of peridotite xenoliths from the Crystal Knob volcanic neck in the Santa Lucia Range, California. The neck was erupted during the Plio-Pleistocene through the Salinia terrane, a fragment of the Late Cretaceous southern Sierra-northwest Mojave supra-subduction core complex that was displaced ~310 km in the late Cenozoic along the dextral San Andreas fault. The marginal tectonic setting makes these xenoliths ideal for testing different models of upper-mantle evolution along the western North American plate boundary. Possible scenarios include the early Cenozoic underplating of Farallon-plate mantle lithosphere nappes (Luffi et al., 2009), Neogene slab window opening (Atwater and Stock, 1998), and the partial subduction and stalling of the Monterey microplate (Pisker et al., 2012). The xenoliths from Crystal Knob are spinel lherzolites, which sample the mantle lithosphere underlying Salinia, and dunite cumulates apparently related to the olivine-basalt host. Initial study is focused on the spinel lherzolites: these display an allotriomorphic granular texture with anisotropy largely absent. However, several samples exhibit a weak shape-preferred orientation in elongate spinels. Within each xenolith, the silicate phases are in Fe-Mg equilibrium; between samples, Mg# [molar Mg/(Mg+Fe)*100] ranges from 87 to 91. Spinels have Cr# [molar Cr/(Cr+Al)*100] ranging from 10 to 27. Clinopyroxene Rb-Sr and Sm-Nd radiogenic isotope data show that the lherzolites are depleted in large-ion lithophile (LIL) elements, with uniform enrichment in 143Nd (ɛNd from +10.3 to +11.0) and depletion in 87Sr (87/86Sr of .702). This data rules out origin in the continental lithosphere, such as that observed in xenoliths from above the relict subduction interface found at at Dish Hill and Cima Dome in the Mojave (Luffi et al., 2009). The Mesozoic mantle wedge, which is sampled by xenoliths from beneath the southern Sierra Nevada batholith (Ducea and Saleeby, 1998), is also ruled out as a source locale. The isotopic data are consistent with oceanic mantle originating from either the Farallon plate (underplated during Paleocene shallow subduction) or the Monterey plate (partially subducted during the Miocene). Ascended asthenosphere, presumably of slab-window origin, is also a possible source. Pyroxene Ca-Mg exchange geothermometry is in progress and will enable thermal modeling and comparisons with contemporary heat flow data. These results, along with trace-element analysis of clinopyroxene crystals, will be used to distinguish between the possible sources of LIL-depleted mantle in the sub-Salinia mantle lithosphere. The full petrogenetic survey of these xenoliths adds a distal constraint to the makeup of the mantle lithosphere beneath the western North American margin.

Integrating shear velocity observations of the Hudson Bay

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Porritt, R. W.; Miller, M. S.; Darbyshire, F. A.

2013-12-01

Hudson Bay is the core of the Laurentia craton of North America. This region contains some of the thickest lithosphere globally, reaching 250-300 km depth. Previous studies have shown that much of this region is composed of amalgamated proto-continents including the Western Churchill and Superior provinces and that much of the structure of these constituents has been retained since the Trans-Hudson Orogen at 1.8 Ga. Using the Hudson Bay Lithospheric Experiment (HuBLE) and other permanent and POLARIS broadband seismic data, we image the region with S to P receiver functions, joint inversion of P to S receiver functions with surface waves, and teleseismic S and P wave travel-times. The receiver function imaging reveals a persistent mid-lithospheric layer at ~80 km depth under all stations, but a variable lithospheric thickness. The teleseismic S delay times show a pattern of early arrivals around the center of the network, beneath Hudson Bay where the lithosphere is thickest, while the P delay times are early in the Superior province relative to the Western Churchill province. This suggests higher Vp/Vs ratios in the Superior province, which is evidence that stacked oceanic plates formed this province. The relatively flat Moho imaged by earlier receiver function studies and the lower mantle Vp/Vs of the Western Churchill province provides evidence of formation by plume head extraction. The joint inversion shows an LAB that is typically a broad discontinuity spanning ~20-30 km at ~220 km depth suggesting a primarily thermal boundary zone. The mid-lithospheric layer is composed of increasing velocity from the ~40 km depth Moho defined by H-k stacking of PRFs to a broad, constant velocity lithospheric lid spanning 80-200 km depth. We suggest this mid-lithospheric layer represents the mantle lithosphere of the proto-continents prior to collision and the lid formed due to post-collisional cooling. The integration of these seismic datasets furthers our understanding of plate tectonic and non-tectonic processes during the Archean formation of Laurentia craton.

Effective elastic thickness of Africa and its relationship to other proxies for lithospheric structure and surface tectonics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pérez-Gussinyé, M.; Metois, M.; Fernández, M.; Vergés, J.; Fullea, J.; Lowry, A. R.

2009-09-01

Detailed information on lateral variations in lithospheric properties can aid in understanding how surface deformation relates to deep Earth processes. The effective elastic thickness, Te, of the lithosphere is a proxy for lithospheric strength. Here, we present a new Te map of the African lithosphere estimated from coherence analysis of topography and Bouguer anomaly data. The latter data set derives from the EGM 2008 model, the highest resolution gravity database over Africa, enabling a significant improvement in lateral resolution of Te. The methodology used for Te estimation improves upon earlier approaches by optimally combining estimates from several different window sizes and correcting for an estimation bias term. Our analysis finds that Te is high, ~ 100 km, in the West African, Congo, Kalahari and Tanzania cratons. Of these, the Kalahari exhibits the lowest Te. Based in part on published seismic and mineral physics constraints, we suggest this may reflect modification of Kalahari lithosphere by anomalously hot asthenospheric mantle. Similarly, the Tanzania craton exhibits relatively lower Te east of Lake Victoria, where a centre of seismic radial anisotropy beneath the craton has been located and identified with a plume head, thus suggesting that here too, low Te reflects modification of cratonic lithosphere by an underlying hot mantle. The lowest Te in Africa occurs in the Afar and Main Ethiopian rifts, where lithospheric extension is maximum. In the western Ethiopian plateau a local Te minimum coincides with published images of a low P and S seismic velocity anomaly extending to ~ 400 km depth. Finally, the Darfur, Tibesti, Hoggar and Cameroon line volcanic provinces are characterised by low Te and no deep-seated seismic anomalies in the mantle. Corridors of relatively low Te connect these volcanic provinces to the local Te minima within the western Ethiopian plateau. We interpret the low Te to indicate thinner lithosphere within the corridors than in the surrounding cratons. We speculate that these corridors may provide potential conduits for hot asthenospheric material to flow from the western Ethiopian plateau to the volcanic provinces of central and western Africa.

Effective elastic thickness of Africa and its relationship to other proxies for lithospheric structure and surface tectonics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Perez-Gussinye, M.; Metois, M.; Fernandez, M.; Verges, J.; Fullea, J.; Lowry, A. R.

2009-12-01

Detailed information on lateral variations in lithospheric properties can aid in understanding how surface deformation relates to deep Earth processes. The effective elastic thickness, Te, of the lithosphere is a proxy for lithospheric strength. Here, we present a new Te map of the African lithosphere estimated from coherence analysis of topography and Bouguer anomaly data. The latter data set derives from the EGM 2008 model, the highest resolution gravity database over Africa, enabling a significant improvement in lateral resolution of Te. The methodology used for Te estimation improves upon earlier approaches by optimally combining estimates from several different window sizes and correcting for an estimation bias term. Our analysis finds that Te is high, ~ 100 km, in the West African, Congo, Kalahari and Tanzania cratons. Of these, the Kalahari exhibits the lowest Te. Based in part on published seismic and mineral physics constraints, we suggest this may reflect modification of Kalahari lithosphere by anomalously hot asthenospheric mantle. Similarly, the Tanzania craton exhibits relatively lower Te east of Lake Victoria, where a centre of seismic radial anisotropy beneath the craton has been located and identified with a plume head, thus suggesting that here too, low Te reflects modification of cratonic lithosphere by an underlying hot mantle. The lowest Te in Africa occurs in the Afar and Main Ethiopian rifts, where lithospheric extension is maximum. In the western Ethiopian plateau a local Te minimum coincides with published images of a low P and S seismic velocity anomaly extending to ~400 km depth. Finally, the Darfur, Tibesti, Hoggar and Cameroon line vo provinces lcanic are characterised by low Te and no deep-seated seismic anomalies in the mantle. Corridors of relatively low Te connect these volcanic provinces to the local Te minima within the western Ethiopian plateau. We interpret the low Te to indicate thinner lithosphere within the corridors than in the surrounding cratons. We speculate that these corridors may provide potential conduits for hot asthenospheric material to flow from the western Ethiopian plateau to the volcanic provinces of central and western Africa.

The Main Ethiopian Rift: a Narrow Rift in a Hot Craton?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gashawbeza, E.; Keranen, K.; Klemperer, S.; Lawrence, J.

2008-12-01

The Main Ethiopian Rift (MER) is a classic example of a narrow rift, but a synthesis of our results from the EAGLE (Ethiopia-Afar Geoscientific Lithospheric Experiment Phase I broadband experiment) and from the EBSE experiment (Ethiopia Broadband Seismic Experiment) suggests the MER formed in thin, hot, weak continental lithosphere, in strong contrast with predictions of the Buck model of modes of continental lithospheric extension. Our joint inversion of receiver functions and Rayleigh-wave group velocities yields shear-wave velocities of the lowermost crust and uppermost mantle across the MER and the Ethiopian Plateau that are significantly lower than the equivalent velocities in the Eastern and Western branches of the East African Rift System. The very low shear-wave velocities, high electrical conductivity in the lower-crust, and high shear-wave splitting delay times beneath a very broad region of the MER and the Ethiopian Plateau indicate that the lower-crust is hot and likely contains partial melt. Our S-receiver function data demonstrate shallowing of the lithosphere-asthenosphere boundary from 90 km beneath the northwestern Ethiopian Plateau to 60 km beneath the MER. Although we lack good spatial resolution on the lithosphere-asthenosphere boundary, the region of thinned lithosphere may be intermediate in width between the narrow surface rift (< 100 km) and the broader zone of strain in the lower crust (~ 300 km). The MER developed as a narrow rift at the surface, localized along the Neoproterozoic suture that joined East and West Gondwana. However, a far broader of lower crust and uppermost mantle remains thermally weakened since the Oligocene formation of the flood basalts by the Afar plume head. If the lithosphere- asthenosphere boundary is indeed a strain marker then lithospheric mantle deformation is localized beneath the surface rift. The development of both the Eastern/Western branches of the East African Rift System to the south and of the MER in the north as narrow rifts, despite vastly different lithospheric strength profiles, indicates that inherited structure, rather than rheological stratification, is the primary control on the mode of extension in these continental rifts.

Low lower crustal velocity across Ethiopia: Is the Main Ethiopian Rift a narrow rift in a hot craton?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Keranen, Katie M.; Klemperer, Simon L.; Julia, Jordi; Lawrence, Jesse F.; Nyblade, Andy A.

2009-05-01

The Main Ethiopian Rift (MER) is a classic narrow rift that developed in hot, weak lithosphere, not in the initially cold, thick, and strong lithosphere that would be predicted by common models of rift mode formation. Our new 1-D seismic velocity profiles from Rayleigh wave/receiver function joint inversion across the MER and the Ethiopian Plateau indicate that hot lower crust and upper mantle are present throughout the broad region affected by Oligocene flood basalt volcanism, including both the present rift and the adjacent Ethiopian Plateau hundreds of kilometers from the rift valley. The region of hot lithosphere closely corresponds to the region of flood basalt volcanism, and we interpret that the volcanism and thermal perturbation were jointly caused by impingement of the Afar plume head. Across the affected region, Vs is 3.6-3.8 km/s in the lowermost crust and ≤4.3 km/s in the uppermost mantle, both ˜0.3 km/s lower than in the eastern and western branches of the East African Rift System to the south. We interpret the low Vs in the lower crust and upper mantle as indicative of hot lithosphere with partial melt. Our results lead to a hybrid rift mode, in which the brittle upper crust has developed as a narrow rift along the Neoproterozoic suture between East and West Gondwana, while at depth lithospheric deformation is distributed over the broad region (˜400 km wide) thermally perturbed by the broad thermal upwelling associated with the Afar plume head. Development of both the East African Rift System to the south (in cold, strong lithosphere) and the MER to the north (in hot, weak lithosphere) as narrow rifts, despite their vastly different initial thermal states and depth-integrated lithospheric strength, indicates that common models of rift mode formation that focus only on temperature, thickness, and vertical strength profiles do not apply to these classic continental rifts. Instead, inherited structure and associated lithospheric weaknesses are the primary control on the mode of extension.

Low lower crustal velocity across Ethiopia: Is the Main Ethiopian Rift a narrow rift in a hot craton?

USGS Publications Warehouse

Keranen, K.M.; Klemperer, S.L.; Julia, J.; Lawrence, J. F.; Nyblade, A.A.

2009-01-01

[1] The Main Ethiopian Rift (MER) is a classic narrow rift that developed in hot, weak lithosphere, not in the initially cold, thick, and strong lithosphere that would be predicted by common models of rift mode formation. Our new 1-D seismic velocity profiles from Rayleigh wave/receiver function joint inversion across the MER and the Ethiopian Plateau indicate that hot lower crust and upper mantle are present throughout the broad region affected by Oligocene flood basalt volcanism, including both the present rift and the adjacent Ethiopian Plateau hundreds of kilometers from the rift valley. The region of hot lithosphere closely corresponds to the region of flood basalt volcanism, and we interpret that the volcanism and thermal perturbation were jointly caused by impingement of the Afar plume head. Across the affected region, Vs is 3.6-3.8 km/s in the lowermost crust and ???4.3 km/s in the uppermost mantle, both ??0.3 km/s lower than in the eastern and western branches of the East African Rift System to the south. We interpret the low Vs in the lower crust and upper mantle as indicative of hot lithosphere with partial melt. Our results lead to a hybrid rift mode, in which the brittle upper crust has developed as a narrow rift along the Neoproterozoic suture between East and West Gondwana, while at depth lithospheric deformation is distributed over the broad region (??400 km wide) thermally perturbed by the broad thermal upwelling associated with the Afar plume head. Development of both the East African Rift System to the south (in cold, strong lithosphere) and the MER to the north (in hot, weak lithosphere) as narrow rifts, despite their vastly different initial thermal states and depth-integrated lithospheric strength, indicates that common models of rift mode formation that focus only on temperature, thickness, and vertical strength profiles do not apply to these classic continental rifts. Instead, inherited structure and associated lithospheric weaknesses are the primary control on the mode of extension. ?? 2009 by the American Geophysical Union.

Water in the Cratonic Mantle Lithosphere

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Peslier, A. H.

2016-01-01

The fact that Archean and Proterozoic cratons are underlain by the thickest (>200 km) lithosphere on Earth has always puzzled scientists because the dynamic convection of the surrounding asthenosphere would be expected to delaminate and erode these mantle lithospheric "keels" over time. Although density and temperature of the cratonic lithosphere certainly play a role in its strength and longevity, the role of water has only been recently addressed with data on actual mantle samples. Water in mantle lithologies (primarily peridotites and pyroxenites) is mainly stored in nominally anhydrous minerals (olivine, pyroxene, garnet) where it is incorporated as hydrogen bonded to structural oxygen in lattice defects. The property of hydrolytic weakening of olivine [4] has generated the hypothesis that olivine, the main mineral of the upper mantle, may be dehydrated in cratonic mantle lithospheres, contributing to its strength. This presentation will review the distribution of water concentrations in four cratonic lithospheres. The distribution of water contents in olivine from peridotite xenoliths found in kimberlites is different in each craton (Figure 1). The range of water contents of olivine, pyroxene and garnet at each xenolith location appears linked to local metasomatic events, some of which occurred later then the Archean and Proterozoic when these peridotites initially formed via melting. Although the low olivine water contents (<10 ppm wt H2O) at > 6 GPa at the base of the Kaapvaal cratonic lithosphere may contribute to its strength, and prevent its delamination, the wide range of those from Siberian xenoliths is not compatible with providing a high enough viscosity contrast with the asthenophere. The water content in olivine inclusions from Siberian diamonds, on the other hand, have systematically low water contents (<20 ppm wt H2O). The xenoliths may represent a biased sample of the cratonic lithosphere with an over-­abundance of metasomatized peridotites with high water contents. The olivine inclusions, however, may have been protected from metasomatism by their host diamond and record the overall low olivine water content of the cratonic lithosphere. Water may thus still play a role in cratonic keel longevity.

Flow, melt and fossil seismic anisotropy beneath Ethiopia

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hammond, James; Kendall, J.-Michael; Wookey, James; Stuart, Graham; Keir, Derek; Ayele, Atalay

2014-05-01

Ethiopia is a region where continental rifting gives way to oceanic spreading. Yet the role that pre-existing lithospheric structure, melt, mantle flow or active upwellings may play in this process is debated. Measurements of seismic anisotropy are often used to attempt to understand the contribution that these mechanisms may play. In this study we use new data in Afar, Ethiopia along with legacy data across Ethiopia, Djibouti and Yemen to obtain estimates of mantle anisotropy using SKS-wave splitting. We show that two layers of anisotropy exist, and use shear-wave splitting tomography to invert for these. We show that fossil anisotropy with fast directions oriented northeast-southwest may be preserved in the lithosphere away from the rift. Beneath the Main Ethiopian Rift and parts of Afar, anisotropy due aligned melt due to sharp changes in lithospheric thickness dominate the shear-wave splitting signal in the mantle. Beneath Afar, away from lithospheric topography, melt pockets associated with the crustal magma storage dominate the signal and little anisotropy is seen in the uppermost mantle suggesting melt retains no preferential alignment, possibly due to a lack of mantle lithosphere. These results show the important role melt plays in weakening the lithosphere and imply that as rifting evolves passive upwelling sustains extension. A dominant northeast-southwest anisotropic fast direction is observed in a deeper layer across all of Ethiopia. This suggests that a conduit like plume is absent beneath Afar today, rather a broad flow from the southwest dominates in the upper mantle.

Structure of the lithosphere-asthenosphere system in the vicinity of the Tristan da Cunha hot spot as seen by surface waves

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bonadio, Raffaele; Geissler, Wolfram H.; Ravenna, Matteo; Lebedev, Sergei; Celli, Nicolas L.; Jokat, Wilfried; Jegen, Marion; Sens-Schönfelder, Christoph; Baba, Kiyoshi

2017-04-01

Tristan da Cunha is a volcanic island located above a hotspot in the South Atlantic. The deep mantle plume origin of the hotspot volcanism at the island is supported by anomalous geochemical data (Rohde et al., 2013 [1]) and global seismological evidences (French and Romanovicz, 2015 [2]). However, until recently, due to lack of local geophysical data in the South Atlantic and especially around Tristan da Cunha, the existence of a plume has not yet been confirmed. Therefore, an Ocean Bottom Seismometer experiment was carried out in 2012 and 2013 in the vicinity of the archipelago, with the aim of obtaining geophysical data that may help to get some more detailed insights into the structure of the upper mantle, possibly confirming the existence of a plume. In this work we study the shear wave velocity structure of the lithosphere-asthenosphere system beneath the Island. Rayleigh surface wave phase velocity dispersion curves have been obtained using a recent powerful implementation of the inter-station cross-correlation method (Meier et al., 2004 [3]; Soomro et al., 2016 [4]). The measured dispersion curves are used to invert for the 1D shear wave velocity structure beneath the study area and to obtain phase velocity tomographic maps. Our results show a pronounced low shear wave velocity anomaly between 70 and 120 km depth beneath the area; the lid shows high velocity, suggesting a cold, depleted and dehydrated shallow lithosphere, while the deeper lithosphere shows a velocity structure similar to young or rejuvenated Pacific oceanic lithosphere (Laske et al., 2011 [5]; Goes et al., 2012 [6]). Below the base of the lithosphere, shear wave velocities appear to be low, suggesting thermal effects and partial melting (as confirmed by petrological data). Decreasing velocities within the lithosphere south-westward reflect probably a thermal imprint of an underlying mantle plume. References [1] J.K. Rohde, P. van den Bogaard, K. Hoernle, F. Hauff, R. Werner, Evidence for an age progression along the Tristan-Gough volcanic track from new 40Ar/ 39Ar ages on phenocryst phases, Tectonophysics, Volume 604, p. 60-71 (2013). [2] S. French and B. Romanowicz, Broad plumes rooted at the base of the Earth's mantle beneath major hotspots, Nature, 525(7567), 95-99 (2015). [3] T. Meier, K. Dietrich, B. Stockhert and H. Harjes, One-dimensional models of shear wave velocity for the eastern Mediterranean obtained from the inversion of Rayleigh wave phase velocities and tectonic implications, Earth and Planetary Science Letters, 249(3), 415-424 (2004). [4] R.A. Soomro, C. Weidle, L. Cristiano, S. Lebedev, T. Meier and PASSEQ Working Group, Phase velocities of Rayleigh and Love waves in central and northern Europe from automated, broad-band, interstation measurements, Geophys. J. Int. (2016) 204, 517-534. [5] G. Laske, A. Markee, J.A. Orcutt, C.J. Wolfe, J.A. Collins and S.C. Solomon, R.S. Detrick, D. Bercovici and E.H. Hauri, Asymmetric shallow mantle structure beneath the Hawaiian Swell-evidence from Rayleigh waves recorded by the PLUME network, Geophys. J. Int. (2011) 187, 1725-1742. [6] S. Goes, J. Armitage, N. Harmon, H. Smith and R. Huismans, Low seismic velocities below mid-ocean ridges: Attenuation versus melt retention, Journal of geophysical research, Vol. 117, B12403, (2012).

The evolution of passive rifting: contributions from field and laboratory studies to the interpretation of modelling results

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Piccardo, Giovanni; Ranalli, Giorgio

2015-04-01

Direct field/laboratory, structural/petrologic investigations of mantle lithosphere from orogenic peridotites in Alpine-Apennine ophiolites provide significant constraints to the rift evolution of the Jurassic Ligurian Tethys ocean (Piccardo et al., 2014, and references therein). These studies have shown that continental extension and passive rifting were characterized by an important syn-rift "hidden" magmatic event, pre-dating continental break-up and sea-floor spreading. Occurrence of km-scale bodies of reactive spinel-harzburgites and impregnated plagioclase-peridotites, formed by melt/peridotite interaction, and the lack of any extrusive counterpart, show that the percolating magmas remained stored inside the mantle lithosphere. Petrologic-geochemical data/modelling and mineral Sm/Nd age constraints evidence that the syn-rift melt infiltration and reactive porous-flow percolation through the lithosphere were induced by MORB-type parental liquids formed by decompression melting of the passively upwelling asthenosphere. Melt thermal advection through, and melt stagnation within the lithosphere, heated the mantle column to temperatures close to the dry peridotite solidus ("asthenospherization" of mantle lithosphere). Experimental results of numerical/analogue modelling of the Ligurian rifting, based on field/laboratory constraints, show that: (1) porous flow percolation of asthenospheric melts resulted in considerable softening of the mantle lithosphere, decreasing total strength TLS from 10 to 1 TN m-1 as orders of magnitude (Ranalli et al. 2007), and (2) the formation of an axial lithospheric mantle column, with softened rheological characteristics (Weakened Lithospheric Mantle - WLM), induced necking instability in the extending lithosphere and subsequent active upwelling of the asthenosphere inside the WLM zone (Corti et al., 2007). Therefore, the syn-rift hidden magmatism (melt thermo-chemical-mechanical erosion, melt thermal advection and melt storage) caused important compositional and rheological modifications in the mantle lithosphere and played a fundamental role in the evolution of rifting, favouring, in particular, faster divergence of future continental margins and active upwelling of deeper/hotter asthenosphere. Active divergent forces probably changed the extension regime from passive to active rifting (as envisaged by Huismans et al., 2001). Accordingly, melt thermal advection and melt storage, and the rheological modifications induced in the mantle lithosphere, had a fundamental role in the evolution of the Ligurian rifting (Piccardo, 2014; Piccardo et al., 2014). Observations from the natural laboratory are pivotal when interpreting modelling results on the formation of rifted continental margins by extension of continental lithosphere leading to seafloor spreading. The rheological characteristics of the melt-modified mantle lithosphere can provide natural constraints for the interpretation of variously termed components ("oceanic lithosphere, Huismans & Beaumont, 2014; "oceanic and syn-rift lithospheric mantle", Whitmarsh & Manatschal, 2012), located in some models at non-oceanic, sub-continental settings, either below the extending continental crust or between the sub-continental lithosphere and the upwelling asthenosphere. Corti, G., Piccardo, G.B., Ranalli, G., et al., 2007. J. Geodynamics, 43, 465-483. Huismans, R.S., Beaumont, C., 2014. EPSL, 407, 148-162. Huismans, R.S., Podladchikov, Y.Y., Cloetingh, S., 2001, J. Geophys. Res. 106(11), 271-291. Piccardo, G.B., 2014. Geol. Soc. London, Spec. Publ., online 413, http://dx.doi.org/10.1144/SP413.7. Piccardo, G.B., et al., 2014. Earth-Science Reviews, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.earscirev.2014.07.002. Ranalli, G., Piccardo, G.B., Corona-Chavez, P., 2007. J. Geodynamics, 43, 450-464. Whitmarsh, R.B., Manatschal, G., 2012. Roberts & Bally (eds), http://eprints.soton.ac.uk/id/eprint/358832.

Lithosphere destabilization by melt percolation during pre-oceanic rifting: Evidence from Alpine-Apennine ophiolitic peridotites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Piccardo, Giovanni; Ranalli, Giorgio

2017-04-01

Orogenic peridotites from Alpine-Apennine ophiolite Massifs (Lanzo, Voltri, External and Internal Ligurides, - NW Italy, and Mt. Maggiore - Corsica) derive from the mantle lithosphere of the Ligurian Tethys. Field/structural and petrologic/geochemical studies provide constraints on the evolution of the lithospheric mantle during pre-oceanic passive rifting of the late Jurassic Ligurian Tethys ocean. Continental rifting by far-field tectonic forces induced extension of the lithosphere by means of km-scale extensional shear zones that developed before infiltration of melts from the asthenosphere (Piccardo and Vissers, 2007). After significant thinning of the lithosphere, the passively upwelling asthenosphere underwent spinel-facies decompression melting along the axial zone of the extensional system. Silica-undersaturated melt fractions percolated through the lithospheric mantle via diffuse/focused porous flow and interacted with the host peridotite through pyroxenes-dissolving/olivine-precipitating melt/rock reactions. Pyroxene dissolution and olivine precipitation modified the composition of the primary silica-undersaturated melts into derivative silica-saturated melts, while the host lithospheric spinel lherzolites were transformed into pyroxene-depleted/olivine-enriched reactive spinel harzburgites and dunites. The derivative liquids interacted through olivine-dissolving/orthopyroxene+plagioclase-crystallizing reactions with the host peridotites that were impregnated and refertilized (Piccardo et al., 2015). The saturated melts stagnated and crystallized in the shallow mantle lithosphere (as testified by diffuse interstitial crystallization of euhedral orthopyroxene and anhedral plagioclase) and locally ponded, forming orthopyroxene-rich/olivine-free gabbro-norite pods (Piccardo and Guarnieri, 2011). Reactive and impregnated peridotites are characterized by high equilibration temperatures (up to 1250 °C) even at low pressure, plagioclase-peridotite facies conditions. This indicates that thermal advection by percolation of hot asthenospheric melts significantly heated the lithospheric mantle column above the melting asthenosphere. Numerical and analogue models show that infiltration of melts results in considerable softening of mantle rocks. Total ithospheric strength can be decreased from 10 to 1 TN m-1 as orders of magnitude and the sin-rift thermo-mechanical erosion of the lithospheric mantle induces significant rheological softening along the axial zone of extension (Corti et al., 2007; Ranalli et al., 2007). Softening of the lithospheric mantle may lead to whole lithospheric failure and consequently to transition from continental extension to oceanic spreading. Therefore, rheological softening caused destabilization of the lithospheric mantle between the future continental margins (Piccardo et al., 2014; Piccardo, 2016) of the Ligurian Tethys. The wedge of destabilized lithosphere favored faster divergence of the continental blocks and enhanced doming and thermal buoyancy of deeper/hotter asthenosphere that rose between the future continental margins and originated aggregated MORB melts (i.e., the oceanic magmatism that formed olivine-gabbro intrusions and pillowed basalt extrusions). Lithosphere destabilization by melt percolation can play a fundamental role in the geodynamic evolution of lithosphere extension causing transition from continental extension to continental break-up to oceanic spreading. Corti, G., Bonini, M., Innocenti, F., Manetti, P., Piccardo, G.B., Ranalli, G., 2007. Journal of Geodynamics, 43, 465-483. Piccardo, G.B., Padovano, M., Guarnieri, L. 2014. Earth-Science Reviews, 138, 409-434. Piccardo, G.B., 2016. Gondwana Research, 39, 230-249. Piccardo, G.B., Vissers, R.L.M., 2007. Journal of Geodynamics, 43, 417-449. Piccardo, G.B., Guarnieri, L., 2011. Lithos, 124, 210-214. Ranalli, G., Piccardo, G.B., Corona-Chavez, P., 2007. Journal of Geodynamics, 43, 450-464.

Lithospheric Structure of the Arabian Shield from the Joint Inversion of Receiver Function and Surface-Wave Dispersion Observations

DTIC Science & Technology

2006-04-01

These microplates are separated by four ophiolite-bearing suture zones of two types: the Bir Umq and Yanbu sutures, formed by island-arc-island...Am., 82, 1453- 1474,1992. (UNCLASSIFIED) Coleman, R. G., Ophiolites. Ancient Oceanic Lithosphere ?, 229 pp., Springer-Verlag, Berlin, 1977...African microplate accretion of the Arabian shield, Bull. Seism. Soc. Am. 96, 817-826, 1985. (UNCLASSIFIED) Su, W., R. L. Woodward, and A. M

Lithospheric strength across the ocean-continent transition in the NW of the Iberian Peninsula

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Martín-Velázquez, Silvia; Martín-González, Fidel

2014-05-01

The main objective of this work is to investigate the relation between the strength of the lithosphere and the observed pattern of seismicity across the ocean-continent transition in the NW margin of the Iberian Peninsula. The seismicity is diffuse in this intraplate area, far from the seismically active margin of the plate: the Eurasia-African plate boundary, where convergence occurs at a rate of 4-5mm/year. The earthquake epicentres are mainly limited to an E-W trending zone (onshore seismicity is more abundant than offshore), and most earthquakes occur at depths less than 30 km, however, offshore depths are up to 150 km). Moreover, one of the problems to unravel in this area is that the seismotectonic interpretations of the anomalous seismicity in the NW peninsular are contradictory. The temperature and strength profiles have been modelled in three domains along the non-volcanic rifted West Iberian Margin: 1) the oceanic lithosphere of the Iberian Abyssal Plain, 2) the oceanic lithosphere near the ocean-continent transition of the Galicia Bank, and 3) the continental lithosphere of the NW Iberian Massif. The average bathymetry and topography have been used to fit the thermal structures of the three types of lithospheres, given that the heat flow and heat production values show a varied range. The geotherms, together with the brittle and ductile rheological laws, have been used to calculate the strength envelopes in different stress regimes (compression, shear and tensile). The continental lithosphere-asthenosphere boundary is located at 123 km and several brittle-ductile transitions appear in the crust and the mantle. However, the oceanic lithospheres are thinner (110 km near the Galicia Bank and 87 km in the Iberian Abbysal Plain) and more simple (brittle behaviour in the crust and upper mantle). The earthquake distribution is best explained by lithospheres with dry compositions and shear or tensile stress regimes. These results are similar can be compared to those of the Gulf of Cadiz oceanic-continental transition near the Eurasia-African plate boundary (Neves and Neves, 2009), and they contribute to complete the knowledge about seismicity and lithospheric strength in the ocean-continent transition of the Iberian Peninsula. References Neves M.C., Neves, R.G.M., 2009. Flexure and seismicity across the ocean-continent transition in the Gulf of Cadiz. Journal of Geodynamics, 47, 119-129.

Joint Inversion for Lithospheric Structures: Implications for the Growth and Deformation in Northeastern Tibetan Plateau

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Deng, Yangfan; Li, Jiangtao; Song, Xiaodong; Zhu, Lupei

2018-05-01

Several geodynamic models have been proposed for the deformation mechanism of Tibetan Plateau (TP), but it remains controversial. Here we applied a method of joint inversion of receiver functions and surface wave dispersions with P wave velocity constraint to a dense linear array in the NE Tibet. The results show that the geological blocks, separated by major faults at the surface, are characterized by distinct features in the crust, the Moho, and the uppermost mantle. The main features include crustal low-velocity zones (LVZs) with variable strengths, anomalous Vp/Vs ratios that are correlated with LVZs, a large Moho jump, and other abrupt changes near major faults, strong mantle lithosphere anomalies, and correlation of crustal and mantle velocities. The results suggest a lithospheric-scale deformation of continuous shortening as well as localized faulting, which is affected by the strength of the lithosphere blocks. The thickened mantle lithosphere can be removed, which facilitates the formation of middle-lower crustal LVZ and flow. However, such flow is likely a consequence of the deformation rather than a driving force for the outward growth of the TP. The proposed model of TP deformation and growth can reconcile the continuous deformation within the blocks and major faults at the surface.

Lithospheric low-velocity zones associated with a magmatic segment of the Tanzanian Rift, East Africa

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Plasman, M.; Tiberi, C.; Ebinger, C.; Gautier, S.; Albaric, J.; Peyrat, S.; Déverchère, J.; Le Gall, B.; Tarits, P.; Roecker, S.; Wambura, F.; Muzuka, A.; Mulibo, G.; Mtelela, K.; Msabi, M.; Kianji, G.; Hautot, S.; Perrot, J.; Gama, R.

2017-07-01

Rifting in a cratonic lithosphere is strongly controlled by several interacting processes including crust/mantle rheology, magmatism, inherited structure and stress regime. In order to better understand how these physical parameters interact, a 2 yr long seismological experiment has been carried out in the North Tanzanian Divergence (NTD), at the southern tip of the eastern magmatic branch of the East African rift, where the southward-propagating continental rift is at its earliest stage. We analyse teleseismic data from 38 broad-band stations ca. 25 km spaced and present here results from their receiver function (RF) analysis. The crustal thickness and Vp/Vs ratio are retrieved over a ca. 200 × 200 km2 area encompassing the South Kenya magmatic rift, the NTD and the Ngorongoro-Kilimanjaro transverse volcanic chain. Cratonic nature of the lithosphere is clearly evinced through thick (up to ca. 40 km) homogeneous crust beneath the rift shoulders. Where rifting is present, Moho rises up to 27 km depth and the crust is strongly layered with clear velocity contrasts in the RF signal. The Vp/Vs ratio reaches its highest values (ca. 1.9) beneath volcanic edifices location and thinner crust, advocating for melting within the crust. We also clearly identify two major low-velocity zones (LVZs) within the NTD, one in the lower crust and the second in the upper part of the mantle. The first one starts at 15-18 km depth and correlates well with recent tomographic models. This LVZ does not always coexist with high Vp/Vs ratio, pleading for a supplementary source of velocity decrease, such as temperature or composition. At a greater depth of ca. 60 km, a mid-lithospheric discontinuity roughly mimics the step-like and symmetrically outward-dipping geometry of the Moho but with a more slanting direction (NE-SW) compared to the NS rift. By comparison with synthetic RF, we estimate the associated velocity reduction to be 8-9 per cent. We relate this interface to melt ponding, possibly favouring here deformation process such as grain-boundary sliding (EAGBS) due to lithospheric strain. Its geometry might have been controlled by inherited lithospheric fabrics and heterogeneous upper mantle structure. We evidence that crustal and mantle magmatic processes represent first order mechanisms to ease and locate the deformation during the first stage of a cratonic lithospheric breakup.

Lithospheric Structure of Antarctica and Implications for Geological and Cryospheric Evolution

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wiens, Douglas; Heeszel, David; Sun, Xinlei; Lloyd, Andrew; Nyblade, Andrew; Anandakrishnan, Sridhar; Aster, Richard; Chaput, Julien; Huerta, Audrey; Hansen, Samantha; Wilson, Terry

2013-04-01

Recent broadband seismic deployments, including the AGAP/GAMSEIS array of 24 broadband seismographs over the Gamburtsev Subglacial Mountains (GSM) in East Antarctica and the POLENET/ANET deployment of 33 seismographs across much of West Antarctica, reveal the detailed crust and upper mantle structure of Antarctica for the first time. The seismographs operate year-around even in the coldest parts of Antarctica, due to novel insulated boxes, power systems, and modified instrumentation developed in collaboration with the IRIS PASSCAL Instrument Center. We analyze the data using several different techniques to develop high-resolution models of Antarctic seismic structure. We use Rayleigh wave phase velocities at periods of 20-180 s determined using a modified two-plane wave decomposition of teleseismic Rayleigh waves to invert for the three dimensional shear velocity structure. In addition, Rayleigh wave group and phase velocities obtained by ambient seismic noise correlation methods provide constraints at shorter periods and shallower depths. Receiver functions provide precise estimates of crustal structure beneath the stations, and P and S wave tomography provides models of upper mantle structure down to ~ 500 km depth along transects of greater seismic station density. The new seismic results show that the high elevations of the GSM are supported by thick crust (~ 55 km), and are underlain by thick Precambrian continental lithosphere that initially formed during Archean to mid-Proterozoic times. The absence of lithospheric thermal anomalies suggests that the mountains were formed by a compressional orogeny during the Paleozoic, thus providing a locus for ice sheet nucleation throughout a long period of geological time. Within West Antarctica, the crust and lithosphere are extremely thin near the Transantarctic Mountain Front and topographic lows such as the Bentley Trench and Byrd Basin, which represent currently inactive Cenozoic rift systems. Slow seismic velocities beneath Marie Byrd Land at asthenospheric depths suggest a major thermal anomaly, possibly due to a mantle plume. Volcanic earthquakes detected in this region indicate the presence of currently active magma systems. The results suggest large lateral changes in parameters needed for glaciological models, including lithospheric thickness, mantle viscosity, and heat flow. Extremely high heat flow is predicted for much of West Antarctica, consistent with recent results from the WAIS ice drilling. Using the seismic results to estimate mantle viscosity, we find several orders of magnitude difference in viscosity between East and West Antarctica, with lowest viscosities found beneath Marie Byrd Land and the West Antarctic Rift System. Realistic glacial isostatic adjustment models must take these large lateral variations into account.

Orogenic plateau magmatism of the Arabia-Eurasia collision zone

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Allen, M. B.; Neill, I.; Kheirkhah, M.; van Hunen, J.; Davidson, J. P.; Meliksetian, Kh.; Emami, M. H.

2012-04-01

Magmatism is a common feature of high plateaux created during continental collision, but the causes remain enigmatic. Here we study Pliocene-Quaternary volcanics from the active Arabia-Eurasia collision zone, to determine the chemistry of these rocks and their relations to faulting and deeper lithospheric structure. The great majority of the centres lie within the overriding Eurasian plate in Iran, eastern Turkey and Armenia , implying that mantle fertilised by pre-collision subduction processes plays a significant role in magma generation. The composition of the Pliocene-Quaternary centres is extremely variable, ranging from OIB-like alkali basalts, to intermediate types resembling mature continental arc lavas, to potassic and even ultrapotassic lavas. These centres are erupted across a mosaic of pre-Cenozoic suture zones and heterogeneous lithospheric blocks. The chemical diversity implies a range of partial melting conditions operating on lithospheric and perhaps sub-lithospheric sources. Published data show a thick (>200 km) lithospheric keel beneath the Arabia-Eurasia suture, thinning to near normal thicknesses (~120 km) across much of central and northern Iran. Thin mantle lithosphere under eastern Turkey (max. ~30 km) may relate to the region's juvenile, accretionary lithosphere. These variable thicknesses are constraints on the cause of the melting in each area, and the degree of variation suggests that no one mechanism applies across the plateau. Various melting models have been suggested. Break-off of the subducted Neo-Tethyan oceanic slab is supported by tomographic data, which may have permitted melting related to adiabatic ascent of hot asthenosphere under areas where the lithosphere is thin. This seems a less plausible mechanism where the lithosphere is at normal or greater than normal thickness. The same problem applies to postulated lower lithosphere delamination. Isolated pull-aparts may account for the location of some centres, but are not generally applicable as melt triggers. Enigmatic lavas are erupted over the thick lithosphere of Kurdistan Province, Iran. These alkali basalts and basanites have the chemical characteristics of small degree (<1%) melts in the garnet stability field. Most possess supra-subduction zone chemistry (La/Nb = 1-3), but this signature is highly variable. Similar La/Nb variability occurs in the basic lavas of Damavand volcano in the Alborz Mountains of northern Iran. Modelling suggests the depletion of residual amphibole during the progression of partial melting can explain the observed La/Nb range. This melting may occur as the result of lithospheric thickening. At depths of ~90 km, amphibole-bearing peridotite crosses an experimentally-determined "backbend" in its solidus. Melting can continue while the source remains hydrated. Such "compression" melting may apply to parts of other orogenic plateaux, including Tibet.

The stress field below the NE German Basin: effects induced by the Alpine collision

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Marotta, A. M.; Bayer, U.; Scheck, M.; Thybo, H.

2001-02-01

We use a thin-sheet approach for a viscous lithosphere to investigate the effects induced by the Alpine collision on the vertical deformation and regional stress in northern Europe, focusing on the NE German Basin. New seismic studies indicate a flexural-type deep crustal structure under the basin, which may be induced by compressive forces transmitted from the south and related to Alpine tectonics. Finite element techniques are used to solve the vertical deformation and stress field for a viscous European lithosphere with horizontal rheological heterogeneities. Our results support the idea that a relatively strong lithosphere below the northern margin of the German Basin at the transition into the Baltic Shield may explain the characteristic regional stress field, especially the fan-like pattern that is observed within the region.

Upper mantle Q and thermal structure beneath Tanzania, East Africa from teleseismic P wave spectra

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Venkataraman, Anupama; Nyblade, Andrew A.; Ritsema, Jeroen

2004-08-01

We measure P wave spectral amplitude ratios from deep-focus earthquakes recorded at broadband seismic stations of the Tanzania network to estimate regional variation of sublithospheric mantle attenuation beneath the Tanzania craton and the eastern branch of the East African Rift. One-dimensional profiles of QP adequately explain the systematic variation of P wave attenuation in the sublithospheric upper mantle: QP ~ 175 beneath the cratonic lithosphere, while it is ~ 80 beneath the rifted lithosphere. By combining the QP values and a model of P wave velocity perturbations, we estimate that the temperature beneath the rifted lithosphere (100-400 km depth) is 140-280 K higher than ambient mantle temperatures, consistent with the observation that the 410 km discontinuity in this region is depressed by 30-40 km.

Impact of lithosphere rheology on the dynamic topography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Burov, Evgueni; Gerya, Taras; Koptev, Alexander

2014-05-01

Dynamic topography is a key observable signature of the Earth's and planetary (e.g. Venus) mantle dynamics. In general view, it reflects complex mantle flow patterns, and hence is supposed to correlate at different extent with seismic tomography, SKS fast orientations, geodetic velocity fields and geoid anomalies. However, identification of dynamic topography had no systematic success, specifically in the Earth's continents. Here we argue that lithosphere rheology, in particular, rheological stratification of continents, results in modulation of dynamic topography, converting commonly expected long-wavelength/small amplitude undulations into short-wavelength surface undulations with wide amplitude spectrum, superimposed onto "tectonic" topography. These ideas are explored in 3D using unprecedentedly high resolution numerical experiments (grid step size 2-3 km for 1500x1500x600 km computational area) incorporating realistic rheologically stratified lithosphere. Such high resolution is actually needed to resolve small-scale crustal faulting and inter-layer coupling/uncoupling that shape surface topography. The results reveal strikingly discordant, counterintuitive features of 3D dynamic topography, going far beyond the inferences from previous models. In particular, even weak anisotropic tectonic stress field results both in large-scale small-amplitude dynamic topography and in strongly anisotropic short-wavelength (at least in one direction) dynamic topography with wide amplitude range (from 100 to 2000-3000 m), including basins and ranges and large-scale linear normal and strike-slip faults. Even very slightly pre-stressed strong lithosphere yields and localizes deformation much easier , than un-prestressed one, in response to plume impact and mantle flow. The results shed new light on the importance of lithosphere rheology and active role of lithosphere in mantle-lithosphere interactions as well as on the role of mantle flow and far-field stresses in tectonic-scale deformation. We show, for example, that crustal fault patterns initiated by plume impact are rapidly re-organized in sub-linear rifts and spreading centers, which orientation is largely dictated (e.g., perpendicular to) by the direction of the tectonic far-field stress field, as well as the plume-head material soon starts to flow along the sub-linear rifted shear zones in crustal and mantle lithosphere further amplifying their development. The final surface deformation and mantle flow patterns rapidly loose the initial axisymmetric character and take elongated sub-linear shapes whereas brittle deformation at surface is amplified and stabilized by coherent flow of mantle/plume-head material from below. These "tectonically" looking dynamic topography patterns are quite different from those expected from conventional models as well as from those directly observed, for example, on Venus where plume-lithosphere interactions produce only axisymmetric coronae domal-shaped features with radiating extensional rifts, suggesting that the Venusian lithosphere is rheologically too weak , and its crust is too thin, to produce any significant impact on the dynamic topography.

Out-of-plane reflections - are they evidence for deep subducted lithosphere?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schumacher, Lina; Thomas, Christine

2015-04-01

Subduction zones form dominant tectonic features on the Earth and have complex three-dimensional structures. Tomographic inversions for P- and S-wave seismic velocities in the Earth's mantle give impressive images of slabs descending into the deep Earth. However, direct observations of deep slabs are scarce but necessary to make statements concerning physical parameters, structural differences within the slab and its behavior with depth. The main objective of this study is to investigate the geometry, physical parameters and structural differences of subducted lithosphere by investigating seismic P-wave arrivals that reflect off the base of the slab using seismic array techniques. The great circle paths of the source-receiver combinations used do not intersect the slab and serve as reference. We focus on the North pacific region by using earthquakes from Japan, the Philippines and the Hindukush recorded at North American networks (e.g. USArray, Alaska and Canada). The data cover a period from 2000-2012 with a minimum magnitude of 5.6 Mw and depths below 100 km. We are looking for reflections from the slab region that would arrive at the stations with deviating backazimuths. Information on slowness, backazimuth and travel time of the observed out-of-plane arrivals is used to backtrace the wave to its scattering location and to map seismic heterogeneities associated with subduction zones. The reflection points give an idea for the 3D structures within the mantle. Assuming only single scattering in the backtracing algorithm, most out-of-plane signals have to travel as P*P and only a few as S*P phases, due to their timing. Taking into account the radiation pattern of each event in direction of the great circle path and towards the calculated reflection point, it is possible to compare the polarities of the out-of-plane signals with P and/or PP. Furthermore, we analyze the out-of-plane waveforms in the beam trace of the observed slowness and backazimuth by cross-correlating them with great circle path phases and applying a systematic frequency analysis. Since the backtracing results are used for the further analysis of the signals, it is important to know how robust the backtracing routine is. We therefore analyze synthetic seismograms for 3D models with and without slab like heterogeneities. The result helps us to understand the depth dependent thermal behavior of sinking lithosphere, its internal structure and the extent to which it is seismically visible.

The Role of the Mantle on Structural Reactivation at the Plate Tectonics Scale (Invited)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vauchez, A. R.; Tommasi, A.

2009-12-01

During orogeny, rifting, and in major strike-slip faults, the lithospheric mantle undergoes solid-state flow to accommodate the imposed strain. This deformation occurs mostly through crystal plasticity processes, like dislocation creep, and results in the development of a crystallographic preferred orientation (CPO) of olivine and pyroxene. Because these minerals, especially olivine, display strongly anisotropic physical properties, their preferred orientation confers anisotropic properties at the scale of the rock. When the deformation event comes to its end, the CPO are "frozen" and remain stable for millions or even billions years if no other deformation subsequently affects the lithospheric mantle. This means that anisotropic properties preserving a memory of previous deformation events may subsist in the continental mantle over very long periods of time. One of the main consequences of a well-developed olivine CPO is an anisotropic mantle viscosity and hence a deformation dependant on the orientation of the tectonic solicitations relative to the orientation of the olivine CPO inherited from the past orogenic events. The most obvious expression of this anisotropic mechanical behaviour is the influence of the inherited tectonic fabric on continental rifting. Most continental rifts that lead to successful continental breakup, like in the early Atlantic or the western Indian systems, formed parallel to ancient collisional belts. Moreover, the early stages of deformation in these systems are characterized by a transtensional strain regime involving a large component of strike-slip shearing parallel to the inherited fabric. The link between the lithospheric mantle fabric and the rift structure is further supported by seismic anisotropy measurements in major rifts (e.g., the East-African Rift) or at passive continental margins (e.g., the Atlantic Ocean) that show fast split S-waves polarized in a direction parallel to both the inherited fabric and the trend of the rift, and by the analysis of the CPO in mantle xenoliths collected in such areas. These observations are consistent with recent multi-scale numerical models showing that olivine CPO frozen in the lithospheric mantle result in an anisotropic mechanical behaviour. In a plate submitted to extension, CPO-induced anisotropy favours the reactivation in transtension of lithospheric-scale strike slip faults that are oblique to the imposed tensional stresses. Further investigation is needed to constrain the role of an inherited mechanical anisotropy of the lithosphere during compressional events and the possible feedbacks between an anisotropic viscous deformation of the lithospheric mantle and the seismic cycle. In both cases, crust-mantle coupling is likely for large-scale structures and mantle CPO may influence the kinematics of tectonic systems, at least during the initial stages of their evolution.

Gravity signals from the lithosphere in the Central European Basin System

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yegorova, T.; Bayer, U.; Thybo, H.; Maystrenko, Y.; Scheck-Wenderoth, M.; Lyngsie, S. B.

2007-01-01

We study the gravity signals from different depth levels in the lithosphere of the Central European Basin System (CEBS). The major elements of the CEBS are the Northern and Southern Permian Basins which include the Norwegian-Danish Basin (NDB), the North-German Basin (NGB) and the Polish Trough (PT). An up to 10 km thick sedimentary cover of Mesozoic-Cenozoic sediments, hides the gravity signal from below the basin and masks the heterogeneous structure of the consolidated crust, which is assumed to be composed of domains that were accreted during the Paleozoic amalgamation of Europe. We performed a three-dimensional (3D) gravity backstripping to investigate the structure of the lithosphere below the CEBS. Residual anomalies are derived by removing the effect of sediments down to the base of Permian from the observed field. In order to correct for the influence of large salt structures, lateral density variations are incorporated. These sediment-free anomalies are interpreted to reflect Moho relief and density heterogeneities in the crystalline crust and uppermost mantle. The gravity effect of the Moho relief compensates to a large extent the effect of the sediments in the CEBS and in the North Sea. Removal of the effects of large-scale crustal inhomogeneities shows a clear expression of the Variscan arc system at the southern part of the study area and the old crust of Baltica further north-east. The remaining residual anomalies (after stripping off the effects of sediments, Moho topography and large-scale crustal heterogeneities) reveal long wavelength anomalies, which are caused mainly by density variations in the upper mantle, though gravity influence from the lower crust cannot be ruled out. They indicate that the three main subbasins of the CEBS originated on different lithospheric domains. The PT originated on a thick, strong and dense lithosphere of the Baltica type. The NDB was formed on a weakened Baltica low-density lithosphere formed during the Sveco-Norwegian orogeny. The major part of the NGB is characterized by high-density lithosphere, which includes a high-velocity lower crust (relict of Baltica passive margin) overthrusted by the Avalonian terrane. The short wavelength pattern of the final residuals shows several north-west trending gravity highs between the Tornquist Zone and the Elbe Fault System. The NDB is separated by a gravity low at the Ringkøbing-Fyn high from a chain of positive anomalies in the NGB and the PT. In the NGB these anomalies correspond to the Prignitz (Rheinsberg anomaly), the Glueckstadt and Horn Graben, and they continue further west into the Central Graben, to join with the gravity high of the Central North Sea.

High-frequency Po/So guided waves in the oceanic lithosphere: I-long-distance propagation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kennett, B. L. N.; Furumura, T.

2013-12-01

In many parts of the ocean high-frequency seismic energy is carried to very great distances from the source. The onsets of the P and S energy travel with speeds characteristic of the mantle lithosphere. The complex and elongated waveforms of such Po and So waves and their efficient transport of high frequencies (>10 Hz) have proved difficult to explain in full. Much of the character can be captured with stratified models, provided a full allowance is made for reverberations in the ocean and the basal sediments. The nature of the observations implies a strong scattering environment. By analysing the nature of the long-distance propagation we are able to identify the critical role played by shallow reverberations in the water and sediments, and the way that these link with propagation in a heterogeneous mantle. 2-D finite difference modelling to 10 Hz for ranges over 1000 km demonstrates the way in which heterogeneity shapes the wavefield, and the way in which the properties of the lithosphere and asthenosphere control the nature of the propagation processes. The nature of the Po and So phases are consistent with pervasive heterogeneity in the oceanic lithosphere with a horizontal correlation length (˜10 km) much larger than the vertical correlation length (˜0.5 km).

A multidisciplinary study in the geodynamic active western Eger rift (Central Europe): The Quaternary volcanic complex Mytina and the recent CO2-degassing zone Hartousov

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Flechsig, C.; Heinicke, J.; Kaempf, H. W.; Nickschick, T.; Mrlina, J.

2013-12-01

The Eger rift (Central Europe) belongs to the European Cenozoic rift system and represents an approximately 50 km wide and 300 km long ENE-WSW striking continental rift that formed during the Upper Cretaceous-Tertiary transition. This rift zone is one of the most active seismic regions in Central Europe. Especially, the western part of the Eger rift area is dominated by ongoing hidden magmatic processes in the intra-continental lithospheric mantle. Besides of known quaternary volcanoes, these processes take place in absence of any presently active volcanism at the surface. However, they are expressed by a series of phenomena distributed over a relatively large area, like occurrence of repeated earthquake swarms, surface exhalation of mantle-derived and CO2-enriched fluids at mofettes and mineral springs, and enhanced heat flow. At present this is the only known intra-continental region where such deep-seated, active lithospheric processes currently occur. The aim of the project is to investigate the tectonic/geologic near surface structure and the degassing processes of the mofette field of Hartousov, where soil gas measurements (concentration and flux rate) in an area of appr. 3x2 km traced a permeable NS extended segment of a fault zone and revealed highly permeable Diffuse Degassing Structures (DDS). The second target is volcanic environment of the Quaternary volcanic complex Mytina maar and the cinder cone Zelezna hurka/Eisenbühl. The investigations are intended to clarify: a) the spatio-temporal reconstruction of the maar complex, and the palaeo volcanic scenario (geological model, tectonic settings, distribution of pyroclastica, b) the geological structure and the tectonic control of the recent degassing zone, and c) the comperative interpretation of both regions in the consideration of potential future volcanic risk assessment in sub-regions of the western Eger Rift. To investigate both regions the following methods are used: geoelectrics, geomagnetics, shallow seismics, gravity and CO2-soil gas measurements, petrographic/petrophysical and remote sensing data. The results will be serve as for better understanding of geologic, volcanic and tectonic settings of the two regions as well as for the preparation of the ICDP drilling project 'Drilling the Eger rift' with a multidisciplinary approach consisting of geophysical, geochemical and other disciplines to understand the role of crustal fluid activity for swarm earthquake generation.

Proterozoic orogens in southern Peninsular India: Contiguities and complexities

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chetty, T. R. K.; Santosh, M.

2013-12-01

The Precambrian terranes of southern Peninsular India have been central to discussions on the history of formation and breakup of supercontinents. Of particular interest are the Proterozoic high grade metamorphic orogens at the southern and eastern margins of the Indian shield, skirting the 3.4 Ga Dharwar craton which not only preserve important records of lower crustal processes and lithospheric geodynamics, but also carry imprints of the tectonic framework related to the assembly of the major Neoproterozoic supercontinents - Rodinia and Gondwana. These Proterozoic orogens are described as Southern Granulite Terrane (SGT) in the southern tip and the Eastern Ghats Mobile Belt (EGMB) in the eastern domains of the peninsula. The contiguity of these orogens is broken for a distance of ˜400 km and disappears in the Bay of Bengal. These orogens expose windows of middle to lower crust with well-preserved rock records displaying multiple tectonothermal events and multiphase exhumation paths.Recent studies in these orogens have led to the recognition of discrete crustal blocks or terranes separated by major shear zone systems, some of which represent collisional sutures. The SGT and EGMB carry several important features such as fold-thrust tectonics, regional granulite facies metamorphism of up to ultrahigh-temperature conditions in some cases, multiple P-T paths, development of lithospheric shear zones, emplacement of ophiolites, presence of alkaline and anorthositic complexes, development of crustal-scale "flower structures", transpressional strains, and reactivation tectonics. A heterogeneous distribution of different metamorphic and magmatic assemblages with distinct spatial and temporal strain variations in shaping the fabric elements in different blocks is identified. Both EGMB and SGT share a common transpressional deformation history during the latest Neoproterozoic characterized by the steepening of the initial low angle crustal scale structures leading to a subvertical grain conducive to reactivation tectonics. Our synthesis of the spatial distribution, geometry, kinematics and the transpressional strain of the shear zone systems provides insights into the tectono-metamorphic history of the Proterozoic orogens of southern India and their contiguity and complexities. Recent understanding of subduction, accretion and collisional history along these zones together with a long lived transpressional tectonic regime imply that these orogens witnessed identical tectonic regimes at different times in Earth history, although the major and common structural architecture was built during the final assembly of the Gondwana supercontinent.

Martian canyons and African rifts: Structural comparisons and implications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Frey, H. V.

1978-01-01

The resistant parts of the canyon walls of the Martian rift complex Valled Marineris were used to infer an earlier, less eroded reconstruction of the major roughs. The individual canyons were then compared with individual rifts of East Africa. When measured in units of planetary radius, Martian canyons show a distribution of lengths nearly identical to those in Africa, both for individual rifts and for compound rift systems. A common mechanism which scales with planetary radius is suggested. Martian canyons are significantly wider than African rifts. The overall pattern of the rift systems of Africa and Mars are quite different in that the African systems are composed of numerous small faults with highly variable trend. On Mars the trends are less variable; individual scarps are straighter for longer than on earth. This is probably due to the difference in tectonic histories of the two planets: the complex history of the earth and the resulting complicated basement structures influence the development of new rifts. The basement and lithosphere of Mars are inferred to be simple, reflecting a relatively inactive tectonic history prior to the formation of the canyonlands.

Northeastward growth of the Tibetan Plateau along the Tibet-Ordos transition zone-revealed from Liupanshan deep seismic reflection profile

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gao, R.; Wang, H.; Guo, X.; Li, W.; Li, H.; Hou, H.; Xiong, X.; Xu, X.; Liang, H.; Li, Q.

2015-12-01

Most previous studies of the Tibetan Plateau have focused on the processes of crustal thickening and subsequent lateral extrusion to account for the outward growth of the plateau. However, lithospheric structure across the tectonic boundaries of the Tibetan Plateau has not yet been fully imaged and, therefore, how geological structures evolved in association with the lateral expansion of the northeastern margin in particular remains unclear. Here, together with interpretation of regional geological and geophysical data, we employ a recently acquired 165 km-long deep seismic reflection image that crosses the Liupan shan (Fig. 1) northeastern flank of the Tibetan Plateau to show that crustal shortening, structural integrity, and topographic relief are strongly correlated. The resulting stratigraphic "architecture" suggests that crustal shortening is a primary driver for plateau uplift and expansion of northeastern Tibet and decoupled crustal deformation owing to differential structural integrity is accommodated during the subsequent northeastward growth of the plateau. Figure 1.Showing the seismic reflection line location and the topographic relief of the northeastern Tibetan Plateau and the western Ordos basin (KF: Kunlun Fault; LP Shan: Liupan Shan; HF: Haiyuan Fault; YTSF: Yangtongshan Fault; NSS-LSF: Niushou Shan-Luoshan Fault)XG Shan: Xiaoguan Shan; YJD: Yanjiadian Diorite; GS: Guanshan Shan; CCP: Caochuanpu; LS Complex: Longshan Complex)

Deformation Mechanism of the Northern Tibetan Plateau as Revealed by Magnetotelluric Data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Letian; Wei, Wenbo; Jin, Sheng; Ye, Gaofeng; Xie, Chengliang

2017-04-01

As a unique geologic unit on the northern margin of the Tibetan Plateau, the Qaidam Basin plays a significant role in constraining the vertical uplift and horizontal expansion of the northern and northeastern Tibetan Plateau. However, due to its complex evolution history and difficult logistic condition, deformation mechanism of the lithosphere beneath the Qaidam Basin is still highly debated. To better understand the lithospheric electrical structure and deformation mechanism of the Qaidam Basin, A 250 km long, NE-SW directed Magnetotelluric (MT) profile was finished in the northern portion of the Basin, which is roughly perpendicular to the thrust fault systems on the western and eastern margins of the Basin, as well as anticlinorium systems within the Basin. The profile consists of 20 broad-band MT stations and 5 long-period MT stations. Original time series data is processed with regular robust routines. Dimensionality and regional strike direction are determined for the dataset through data analysis. Based on the analysis results, 2D inversions were performed to produce a preferred model of the lithospheric electrical structure beneath the northern Qaidam Basin. Uncertainty analysis of the 2D inversion model was also conducted based on a data resampling approach. The outcome 2D electrical model was further used to estimate the distribution of temperature and melt fraction in the upper mantle based on laboratory-determined relationships between the electrical conductivity and temperature of nominally anhydrous minerals and basaltic melt by using the mixing law of Hashin-Shtrikman's bounds. All these results suggest that: (1) the crust-mantle boundary is imaged as a conductive layer beneath the western Qaidam Basin, with its temperature estimated to be 1200-1300 °C and melt fraction 5-8%, indicating decoupling deformation of the crust and upper mantle. (2) A large-scale east-dipping conductor is imaged beneath the eastern Qaidam Basin. This conductor extends from the upper crust to the upper mantle, implying vertical coherent deformation of the lithosphere. Melt fraction of this conductive region is estimated to be as high as 10%, which might accommodates a major portion of the thrust deformation on the boundary between the Qaidam Basin and the Qilian Block. (3) Two different end-member deformation mechanisms, namely the decoupling deformation and vertical coherent deformation are both active on the northern margin of the Tibetan Plateau, and both play a significant role in controlling the uplift and expansion of the northern Tibetan Plateau. *This work was funded by National Natural Science Foundation of China (41404060, 41404059).

Mantle dynamics in the Mediterranean

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Faccenna, Claudio; Becker, Thorsten W.; Auer, Ludwig; Billi, Andrea; Boschi, Lapo; Brun, Jean Pierre; Capitanio, Fabio A.; Funiciello, Francesca; Horvåth, Ferenc; Jolivet, Laurent; Piromallo, Claudia; Royden, Leigh; Rossetti, Federico; Serpelloni, Enrico

2014-09-01

The Mediterranean offers a unique opportunity to study the driving forces of tectonic deformation within a complex mobile belt. Lithospheric dynamics are affected by slab rollback and collision of two large, slowly moving plates, forcing fragments of continental and oceanic lithosphere to interact. This paper reviews the rich and growing set of constraints from geological reconstructions, geodetic data, and crustal and upper mantle heterogeneity imaged by structural seismology. We proceed to discuss a conceptual and quantitative framework for the causes of surface deformation. Exploring existing and newly developed tectonic and numerical geodynamic models, we illustrate the role of mantle convection on surface geology. A coherent picture emerges which can be outlined by two, almost symmetric, upper mantle convection cells. The downwellings are found in the center of the Mediterranean and are associated with the descent of the Tyrrhenian and the Hellenic slabs. During plate convergence, these slabs migrated backward with respect to the Eurasian upper plate, inducing a return flow of the asthenosphere from the back-arc regions toward the subduction zones. This flow can be found at large distance from the subduction zones and is at present expressed in two upwellings beneath Anatolia and eastern Iberia. This convection system provides an explanation for the general pattern of seismic anisotropy in the Mediterranean, first-order Anatolia, and Adria microplate kinematics and may contribute to the high elevation of scarcely deformed areas such as Anatolia and eastern Iberia. More generally, the Mediterranean is an illustration of how upper mantle, small-scale convection leads to intraplate deformation and complex plate boundary reconfiguration at the westernmost terminus of the Tethyan collision.

The uniquely high-temperature character of Cullinan diamonds: A signature of the Bushveld mantle plume?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Korolev, N. M.; Kopylova, M.; Bussweiler, Y.; Pearson, D. G.; Gurney, J.; Davidson, J.

2018-04-01

The mantle beneath the Cullinan kimberlite (formerly known as "Premier") is a unique occurrence of diamondiferous cratonic mantle where diamonds were generated contemporaneously and shortly following a mantle upwelling that led to the formation of a Large Igneous Province that produced the world's largest igneous intrusion - the 2056 Ma Bushveld Igneous Complex (BIC). We studied 332 diamond inclusions from 202 Cullinan diamonds to investigate mantle thermal effects imposed by the formation of the BIC. The overwhelming majority of diamonds come from three parageneses: (1) lithospheric eclogitic (69%), (2) lithospheric peridotitic (21%), and (3) sublithospheric mafic (9%). The lithospheric eclogitic paragenesis is represented by clinopyroxene, garnet, coesite and kyanite. Main minerals of the lithospheric peridotitic paragenesis are forsterite, enstatite, Cr-pyrope, Cr-augite and spinel; the sublithospheric mafic association includes majorite, CaSiO3 phases and omphacite. Diamond formation conditions were calculated using an Al-in-olivine thermometer, a garnet-clinopyroxene thermometer, as well as majorite and Raman barometers. The Cullinan diamonds may be unique on the global stage in recording a cold geotherm of 40 mW/m2 in cratonic lithosphere that was in contact with underlying convecting mantle at temperatures of 1450-1550 °C. The studied Cullinan diamonds contain a high proportion of inclusions equilibrated at temperatures exceeding the ambient 1327 °C adiabat, i.e. 54% of eclogitic diamonds and 41% of peridotitic diamonds. By contrast, ≤ 1% of peridotitic diamond inclusions globally yield equally high temperatures. We propose that the Cullinan diamond inclusions recorded transient, slow-dissipating thermal perturbations associated with the plume-related formation of the 2 Ga Bushveld igneous province. The presence of inclusions in diamond from the mantle transition zone at 300-650 km supports this view. Cullinan xenoliths indicative of the thermal state of the cratonic lithosphere at 1.2 Ga are equilibrated at the relatively low temperatures, not exceeding adiabatic. The ability of diamonds to record super-adiabatic temperatures may relate to their entrainment from the deeper, hotter parts of the upper mantle un-sampled by the kimberlite in the form of xenoliths or their equilibration in a younger lithosphere after a decay of the thermal disturbance.

Variations in Crustal Structure, Lithospheric Flexural Strength, and Isostatic Compensation Mechanisms of Mars

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ding, M.; Lin, J.; Zuber, M. T.

2014-12-01

We analyze gravity and topography of Mars to investigate the spatial variations in crustal thickness, lithospheric strength, and mechanisms of support of prominent topographic features on Mars. The latest gravity model JGMRO110c (released in 2012) from the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter mission has a spatial block size resolution of ~97 km (corresponding to degree-110), enabling us to resolve crustal structures at higher spatial resolution than those determined from previous degree-80 and 85 gravity models [Zuber et al., 2000; McGovern et al., 2002, 2004; Neumann et al., 2004; Belleguic et al., 2005]. Using the latest gravity data, we first inverted for a new version of crustal thickness model of Mars assuming homogeneous crust and mantle densities of 2.9 and 3.5 g/cm3. We calculated "isostatic" topography for the Airy local isostatic compensation mechanism, and "non-isostatic" topography after removing the isostatic part. We find that about 92% of the Martian surface is in relatively isostatic state, indicating either relatively small lithospheric strength and/or small vertical loading. Relatively isostatic regions include the hemispheric dichotomy, Hellas and Argyre Planitia, Noachis and Arabia Terra, and Terra Cimmeria. In contrast, regions with significant amount of non-isostatic topography include the Olympus, Ascraeus, Arsia, Pavonis, Alba, and Elysium Mons, Isidis Planitia and Valles Marineris. Their relatively large "non-isostatc topography" implies relatively strong lithospheric strength and large vertical loading. Spectral analysis of the admittance and correlation relationship between gravity and topography were conducted for the non-isostatic regions using the localized spectra method [Wieczorek and Simons, 2005, 2007] and thin-shell lithospheric flexural approximation [Forsyth, 1985; McGovern et al., 2002, 2004]. The best-fitting models reveal significant variations in the effective lithospheric thickness with the greatest values for the Olympus Mon, Valles Marineris, and Isidis Planitia; reduced values for the Ascraeus, Arsis, and Pavonis Mons; and smallest values for the Alba and Elysium Mons. Our models also suggest that there could be significant sub-surface loading underneath the Olympus, Ascraeus, Arsia, and Pavonis Mons, and Isidis Planitia.

Seismic anisotropy of 70 Ma Pacific-plate upper mantle

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mark, H. F.; Lizarralde, D.; Collins, J. A.; Miller, N. C.; Hirth, G.; Gaherty, J. B.; Evans, R. L.

2017-12-01

We present a new measurement of seismic anisotropy and velocity gradients in the Pacific-plate upper mantle based on data from the NoMelt experiment. The seismic velocity structure of oceanic lithosphere reflects the processes involved in its formation at mid-ocean ridges and subsequent evolution off-axis. Increasing mantle depletion with depth due to melt extraction predicts negative velocity gradients, as does cooling with age. Alignment of olivine by corner flow predicts azimuthal anisotropy. Some models predict the strength of anisotropy should decrease with depth. Measurements of uppermost mantle velocities have not fully verified these predictions. Observations of direct Pn phases demonstrate that positive velocity gradients exist; and anisotropy measurements, while consistent with strain-induced olivine alignment, vary widely and generally suggest weaker fabric development than is observed in ophiolite samples. These discrepancies raise questions about the extent to which mantle structure evolves through time due to processes such as cracking and alteration, and hinder the use of seismic measurements to make more detailed inferences on aspects of lithospheric formation processes. We have measured anisotropy and vertical velocity gradients to 10 km below the Moho on 70 Ma lithosphere between the Clarion and Clipperton fracture zones. The lithosphere at the study site has not been obviously affected by tectonic or magmatic events since its formation. We find 6.2% anisotropy at the Moho with a mean velocity of 8.14 km/s and the fast direction parallel to paleospreading. Velocity gradients are estimated at 0.02 km/s/km in the fast direction and near 0 km/s/km in the slow direction. The gradient estimates can be explained by aligned microcracks oriented perpendicular to spreading that close with depth. Cracks are expected to close by 10 km below the Moho. At that depth the strength of anisotropy increases to 9%, close to the strength estimated from ophiolite fabrics. These results are consistent with observed olivine fabrics and the predicted effects of lithospheric formation processes, and suggest that lithospheric evolution is modest even at 70 Ma, involving microcracks oriented by a stress field consistent with thermal contraction.

The Relation Between Plate Spreading Rate, Crustal Thickness and Axial Relief at Mid-Ocean Ridges

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Z.; Buck, W. R.

2017-12-01

Variations in axial valley relief and in faulting at plate spreading centers are clearly related to magma supply and axial lithospheric structure. Previous models that consider the interaction of magmatic dikes with lithospheric stretching do not successfully reproduce both of these trends. We present the first model that reproduces these trends by making simple assumptions about the partitioning of magma between dikes, gabbros and extrusives. A key concept is that dikes open not only in the brittle axial lithosphere but also into the underlying ductile crust, where they cool to form gabbro. The amount of gabbro so intruded depends on magma pressure that is related to axial relief. The deeper the valley the less magma goes into gabbros and the more magma is available for dikes to accommodate plate separation. We define the fraction of plate separation rate accommodated by dikes as M. If M<1 then part of the plate separation occurs as fault offset which deepens the axial valley. This axial deepening decreases the amount of magma go into gabbros and this increases M. If the valley reaches the depth where M =1 then the faulting ceases and the valley stays at that depth. However, even if M<1, the valley depth cannot increase without limit. Through a distributed pattern of tectonic faults, the valley depth reaches a maximum possible depth that depends on the thickness of the axial lithosphere. If M < 1, where the axial depth reaches this tectonic limit, then moderate to large offset faults can develop. If M = 1 before the depth reaches the tectonic limit, normal faults only develop in response to oscillations in magma supply and fault offset is proportional to the amount of extruded lava. We have derived analytic expressions relates axial lithospheric thickness (HL) and crustal thickness (Hc) to axial valley depth. We then used a 2D model numerical model with a fixed axial lithospheric structure to show that the analytic model predictions are reasonable. Finally, we describe themo-mechanical models that allow us to relate plate spreading rate and crustal thickness and to axial valley depth.

The CHAOS-4 geomagnetic field model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Olsen, Nils; Lühr, Hermann; Finlay, Christopher C.; Sabaka, Terence J.; Michaelis, Ingo; Rauberg, Jan; Tøffner-Clausen, Lars

2014-05-01

We present CHAOS-4, a new version in the CHAOS model series, which aims to describe the Earth's magnetic field with high spatial and temporal resolution. Terms up to spherical degree of at least n = 85 for the lithospheric field, and up to n = 16 for the time-varying core field are robustly determined. More than 14 yr of data from the satellites Ørsted, CHAMP and SAC-C, augmented with magnetic observatory monthly mean values have been used for this model. Maximum spherical harmonic degree of the static (lithospheric) field is n = 100. The core field is expressed by spherical harmonic expansion coefficients up to n = 20; its time-evolution is described by order six splines, with 6-month knot spacing, spanning the time interval 1997.0-2013.5. The third time derivative of the squared radial magnetic field component is regularized at the core-mantle boundary. No spatial regularization is applied to the core field, but the high-degree lithospheric field is regularized for n > 85. CHAOS-4 model is derived by merging two submodels: its low-degree part has been derived using similar model parametrization and data sets as used for previous CHAOS models (but of course including more recent data), while its high-degree lithospheric field part is solely determined from low-altitude CHAMP satellite observations taken during the last 2 yr (2008 September-2010 September) of the mission. We obtain a good agreement with other recent lithospheric field models like MF7 for degrees up to n = 85, confirming that lithospheric field structures down to a horizontal wavelength of 500 km are currently robustly determined.

Lithospheric structure of Iberia and Morocco using finite-frequency Rayleigh wave tomography from earthquakes and seismic ambient noise

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Palomeras, I.; Villaseñor, A.; Thurner, S.; Levander, A.; Gallart, J.; Harnafi, M.

2017-05-01

We present a new 3-D shear velocity model of the western Mediterranean from the Pyrenees, Spain, to the Atlas Mountains, Morocco, and the estimated crustal and lithospheric thickness. The velocity model shows different crustal and lithospheric velocities for the Variscan provinces, those which have been affected by Alpine deformation, and those which are actively deforming. The Iberian Massif has detectable differences in crustal thickness that can be related to the evolution of the Variscan orogen in Iberia. Areas affected by Alpine deformation have generally lower velocities in the upper and lower crust than the Iberian Massif. Beneath the Gibraltar Strait and surrounding areas, the crustal thickness is greater than 50 km, below which a high-velocity anomaly (>4.5 km/s) is mapped to depths greater than 200 km. We identify this as a subducted remnant of the NeoTethys plate referred to as the Alboran and western Mediterranean slab. Beneath the adjacent Betic and Rif Mountains, the Alboran slab is still attached to the base of the crust, depressing it, and ultimately delaminating the lower crust and mantle lithosphere as the slab sinks. Under the adjacent continents, the Alboran slab is surrounded by low upper mantle shear wave velocities (Vs < 4.3) that we interpret as asthenosphere that has replaced the continental margin lithosphere which was viscously removed by Alboran plate subduction. The southernmost part of the model features an anomalously thin lithosphere beneath the Atlas Mountains that could be related to lateral flow induced by the Alboran slab.

The nature of orogenic crust in the central Andes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Beck, Susan L.; Zandt, George

2002-10-01

The central Andes (16°-22°S) are part of an active continental margin mountain belt and the result of shortening of the weak western edge of South America between the strong lithospheres of the subducting Nazca plate and the underthrusting Brazilian shield. We have combined receiver function and surface wave dispersion results from the BANJO-SEDA project with other geophysical studies to characterize the nature of the continental crust and mantle lithospheric structure. The major results are as follows: (1) The crust supporting the high elevations is thick and has a felsic to intermediate bulk composition. (2) The relatively strong Brazilian lithosphere is underthrusting as far west (65.5°W) as the high elevations of the western part of the Eastern Cordillera (EC) but does not underthrust the entire Altiplano. (3) The subcrustal lithosphere is delaminating piecemeal under the Altiplano-EC boundary but is not completely removed beneath the central Altiplano. The Altiplano crust is characterized by a brittle upper crust decoupled from a very weak lower crust that is dominated by ductile deformation, leading to lower crustal flow and flat topography. In contrast, in the high-relief, inland-sloping regions of the EC and sub-Andean zone, the upper crust is still strongly coupled across the basal thrust of the fold-thrust belt to the underthrusting Brazilian Shield lithosphere. Subcrustal shortening between the Altiplano and Brazilian lithosphere appears to be accommodated by delamination near the Altiplano-EC boundary. Our study suggests that orogenic reworking may be an important part of the "felsification" of continental crust.

Lithospheric Strength and Stress State: Persistent Challenges and New Directions in Geodynamics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hirth, G.

2017-12-01

The strength of the lithosphere controls a broad array of geodynamic processes ranging from earthquakes, the formation and evolution of plate boundaries and the thermal evolution of the planet. A combination of laboratory, geologic and geophysical observations provides several independent constraints on the rheological properties of the lithosphere. However, several persistent challenges remain in the interpretation of these data. Problems related to extrapolation in both scale and time (rate) need to be addressed to apply laboratory data. Nonetheless, good agreement between extrapolation of flow laws and the interpretation of microstructures in viscously deformed lithospheric mantle rocks demonstrates a strong foundation to build on to explore the role of scale. Furthermore, agreement between the depth distribution of earthquakes and predictions based on extrapolation of high temperature friction relationships provides a basis to understand links between brittle deformation and stress state. In contrast, problems remain for rationalizing larger scale geodynamic processes with these same rheological constraints. For example, at face value the lab derived values for the activation energy for creep are too large to explain convective instabilities at the base of the lithosphere, but too low to explain the persistence of dangling slabs in the upper mantle. In this presentation, I will outline these problems (and successes) and provide thoughts on where new progress can be made to resolve remaining inconsistencies, including discussion of the role of the distribution of volatiles and alteration on the strength of the lithosphere, new data on the influence of pressure on friction and fracture strength, and links between the location of earthquakes, thermal structure, and stress state.

Compositional Heterogeneity and Spatial Segmentation of Suprasubduction (ssz-type) Ophiolites: Evidence From The Kamchatka Arc

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Osipenko, A.; Krylov, K.

In ophiolite complexes from the Eastern Asian accretion belts the spatial heterogeneity of geochemical parameters for different components of an ophiolite sequence is estab- lished: restite mantle-derived peridotites, cumulative layered complex and volcanics. This heterogeneity is displayed as at a regional level (tens - hundred km), and at a level of local structures (hundred i - first tens km). As a rule, distinction is observed on a complex of geochemical parameters (concentration and form of REE spectra, EPG distribution, isotope characteristics, Cr-spinel and pyroxene composition etc.). Revealed at once in several suprasubduction-type ophiolite belts (Kamuikotan, Philip- pines New Guinea etc.), the spatial variations of geochemical parameters have not gradual, and discrete character. For an explanation of the reasons of ophiolite com- positional heterogeneity several mechanisms are offered: (1) tectonical overlapping of various fragments of lithosphere; (2) different specify of deep processes, resulting to compositional heterogeneity of rocks from the same lithosphere level; 3) hetero- geneity of the upper mantle and/or mantle metasomatism; 4) evolution of ophiolites (Shervais, 2001) and/or center of magma generation (mixture of continuous series of melt portions, separated during different stages of progressive mantle source melting (Bazylev et al., 2001)); 5) preservations of relict blocks of low lithosphere and upper mantle from the previous stage in suprasubduction conditions. The authors consider regional geochemical heterogeneity and segmentation of suprasubduction ophiolites (SSZ-type) on an example of peridotites from the Eastern Kamchatka ophiolite belt (EKOB), where sublongitude zones, crossed the basic geological structures of a penin- sula (including EROB) were allocated earlier. For each of zones the complex of geo- chemical attributes, steady is established within the limits of a zone, but distinct from of the characteristics of other zones. Among the factors causing an unequal degree of partial melting of peridotites, a main role play a geothermal regime and composition of fluid phase (first of all, the role of water fluid is great). These parameters, in turn, are supervised by a geodynamic regime of magma generation (such characteristics as speed of subduction and geometry of a subducted plate) and finally determine speed of uplift from the diapir in mantle, depth of the termination of partial melting, amount of 1 extracted melt, form and capacity of the magma chamber etc. The local heterogeneity in SSZ-ophiolites is considered on an example of a complex of the Kamchatka Cape Peninsula - the largest ophiolite complex in EKOB. Isotope, geochemical and miner- alogical study have shown, that a part, prevailing on volume, of this complex consist suprasubduction-type magmatic rocks (restite high-depleted harzburgites and related layered cumulative complex), whereas peridotites of harzburgite-lherzolite series and high-grade metabasites (retrograde eclogites and garnet amphibolites) composition- ally correspond to series of N-MORB and Ò-MORB-type. The presence in ophiolite of the Kamchatka Cape Peninsula alongside with high-depleted harzburgites as well moderately- and low-depleted peridotites of harzburgite-lherzolite series allows to as- sume, that Late Mesozoic suprasubduction ophiolites were formed on peridotitic basis of abyssal type. Thus the transformation of "oceanic" substrate was not complete, that has allowed to be kept relict peridotites of lherzolitic type and high-pressure metamor- phics. Probably it reflects pulsing character of geodynamics of suprasubduction-type ophiolite formation, it is possible is connected with "jumping" of spreading axes in suprasubduction conditions. During followed multistage napping in a northeast direc- tion in the Upper Cretaceous time disintegrated fragments of both mantle complexes were tectonically concurrent. In the report the alternative versions of tectonic models of development are also discussed for the Eastern Kamchatka ophiolites. 2

3D numerical modeling of India-Asia-like collision

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

-Erika Püsök, Adina; Kaus, Boris; Popov, Anton

2013-04-01

One of the most striking features of plate tectonics and lithospheric deformation is the India-Asia collision zone, which formed when the Indian continent collided with Eurasia, around 50 million years ago. The rise of the abnormally thick Tibetan plateau, the deformation at its Eastern and Western syntaxes, the transition from subduction to collision and uplift and the interaction of tectonics and climate are processes not fully understood. Though various geophysical methods have been employed to shed light on the present structure of the Indian-Asian lithosphere, the driving mechanisms that uplifted the Tibetan plateau remain highly controversial and different hypotheses imply contradictory scenarios. Models for double crustal thickness include: wholescale underthrusting of Indian lithospheric mantle under Tibet (Argand model), distributed homogeneous shortening or the thin-sheet model (England and Houseman, 1986), slip-line field model to also explain extrusion of Eastern side of Tibet away from Indian indentor (Tapponier and Molnar, 1976) or lower crustal flow models for the exhumation of the Himalayan units and lateral spreading of the Tibetan plateau (Royden et al., 1998, Beaumont et al., 2004). The thin-sheet model has emerged as a more successful (or at least more widely used) model, but one of its major shortcomings is that it cannot simultaneously represent channel flow and gravitational collapse of the mantle lithosphere (Lechmann et al., 2011), since these mechanisms require the lithosphere to interact with the underlying mantle, or to have a vertically non-homogeneous rheology. Of those who favour a layered structure of the lithosphere beneath Tibet, some attribute the lack of substantial seismicity underneath the Moho as evidence that all the strength of the lithosphere resides in the upper crust and the mantle is weak - the crème brulée model (Jackson, 2002), while others point out that some processes can be well explained if the crust resides above a strong mantle lithosphere - the jelly sandwich model (Burov and Watts, 2006). 3D models are thus needed to investigate these hypotheses. However, fully 3D models of the dynamics of continent collision zones have only been developed very recently, and presently most research groups have relied on certain explicit assumptions for their codes. Here, we employ the parallel 3D code LaMEM (Lithosphere and Mantle Evolution Model), with a finite difference staggered grid solver, which is capable of simulating lithospheric deformation while simultaneously taking mantle flow and a free surface into account. We here report on first lithospheric and upper-mantle scale simulations in which the Indian lithosphere is indented into Asia. Acknowledgements. Funding was provided by the European Research Council under the European Community's Seventh Framework Program (FP7/2007-2013) / ERC Grant agreement #258830. Numerical computations have been performed on JUQUEEN of the Jülich high-performance computing center. • Beaumont, C., Jamieson, R.A., Nguyen, M.H., Medvedev, S.E., 2004. Crustal channel flows: 1. Numerical models with applications to the tectonics of the Himalayan-Tibetan orogeny. J. Geophys. Res. 109, B06406. • Burov, E. & Watts, W.S., 2006. The long-term strength of continental lithosphere: "jelly sandwich" or "crème brûlée"?. GSA Today, 16, doi: 10.1130/1052-5173(2006)1016<1134:TLTSOC>1132.1130.CO;1132. • England P., Houseman, G., 1986. Finite strain calculations of continental deformation. 2. Comparison with the India-Asia collision zone. J. Geophys. Res.- Solid Earth and Planets 91 (B3), 3664-3676. • Jackson, J., 2002. Strength of the continental lithosphere: time to abandon the jelly sandwich?. GSA Today, September, 4-10. • Lechmann, S.M., May, D.A., Kaus, B.J.P., Schmalholz, S.M., 2011. Comparing thin-sheet models with 3D multilayer models for continental collision. Geophy. Int. J. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-246X.2011.05164.x • Royden, L.H., Burchfiel, B.C., King, R.W., Wang, E., Chen, Z.L., Shen, F., Liu, Y.P., 1997. Surface deformation and lower crustal flow in eartern Tibet. Science 276 (5313), 788-790. • Tapponier, P., Molnar, P., 1976. Slip-line field-theory and large-scale continental tectonics. Nature 264 (5584), 319-324.

Peering into the deep: Illuminating the crustal evolution of the Eucla basement and its relationship to the Albany-Fraser Orogen of southwest Australia.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hartnady, Michael; Kirkland, Chris; Clark, Chris; Spaggiari, Catherine; Smithies, Hugh

2017-04-01

The Albany-Fraser Orogen is a 1200 km long east to northeasterly trending Palaeoproterozoic to Mesoproterozoic orogenic belt that defines the southern to southeastern margin of the West Australian Craton (WAC). The belt records a long and complex geological history spanning the break-up of Nuna between 2000 and 1700 Ma and amalgamation of Rodinia between 1300 and 1000 Ma. Recent geochronological, geochemical and isotopic work has shown that the Albany-Fraser Orogen formed through a protracted period of reworking of the margin of the Archean Yilgarn Craton (part of the WAC) with various additions of mantle-derived material. The Cretaceous Bight and Cenozoic Eucla Basins partially overlie the northeastern part of the Albany-Fraser Orogen and completely cover 1000 km of crystalline basement (the Eucla basement) that separates the belt from the South Australian Craton. This basement constitutes the glue between the major building blocks of Proterozoic Australia, yet, its geological history is poorly understood. New drill cores penetrating the basement have intersected interlayered granitic and gabbroic rocks that yield U-Pb zircon dates that are dissimilar to any magmatic ages from units within the adjoining Albany-Fraser Orogen, with the exception of the youngest, 1190-1125 Ma magmatic suite. In addition, mantle-like hafnium and neodymium isotopic signatures indicate that the rocks of the Eucla basement are dominated by new juvenile addition, and may represent an allochthonous terrane of oceanic heritage. New ɛHf contour maps for the Albany-Fraser Orogen and Eucla basement highlight this difference. Time-slicing the isotopic dataset reveals a pattern of Palaeoproterozoic juvenile magmatism sub-perpendicular to the present day structural grain in the belt. If this marks the presence of an older lithospheric structure then it demonstrates the power that time-constrained isotopic mapping provides for illuminating lithospheric architecture through time. This may be particularly useful for unravelling crustal evolution in regions with complex tectonic histories.

Seismological Constraints on Lithospheric Evolution in the Appalachian Orogen

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fischer, K. M.; Hopper, E.; Hawman, R. B.; Wagner, L. S.

2017-12-01

Crust and mantle structures beneath the Appalachian orogen, recently resolved by seismic data from the EarthScope SESAME Flexible Array and Transportable Array, provide new constraints on the scale and style of the Appalachian collision and subsequent lithospheric evolution. In the southern Appalachians, imaging with Sp and Ps phases reveals the final (Alleghanian) suture between the crusts of Laurentia and the Gondwanan Suwannee terrane as a low angle (<15°) southward-dipping interface that soles into a flat-lying mid-crustal detachment. The suture location near the top of the crust coincides closely with the northern limit of the Suwannee terrane reconstructed from its lower Paleozoic shelf strata (Boote and Knapp, 2016). The observed suture geometry implies over 300 km of head-on shortening across a plate boundary structure similar in scale to the Himalayan mid-crustal detachment. While the suture and other structures from the Alleghanian collision are preserved in the upper and mid-crust, the lower crust and mantle lithosphere beneath this region have been significantly modified by later processes. Ps receiver functions, wavefield migration and SsPmp modeling reveal that crustal thickness reaches a maximum of 58 km (beneath high elevations in the Blue Ridge terrane) and decreases to 29-35 km (beneath lower elevations in the Carolina and Suwannee terranes). Given metamorphic estimates of unroofing (Duff and Kellogg, 2017) isostatic arguments indicate crustal thicknesses were 15-25 km larger at the end of the orogeny, indicating a thick crustal root across the region. The present-day residual crustal root beneath the Blue Ridge mountains is estimated to have a density contrast with the mantle of only 104±20 kg/m3. This value is comparable to other old orogens but lower than values typical of young or active orogens, indicating a loss of lower crustal buoyancy over time. At mantle depths, the negative shear velocity gradient that marks the transition from lithosphere to asthenosphere, as illuminated by Sp phases, varies across the Appalachian orogen. This boundary is shallow beneath the northeastern U.S. and in the zone of Eocene volcanism in Virginia, where low velocity anomalies occur in the upper mantle. These correlations suggest recent active lithosphere-asthenosphere interaction.

Seismic and thermal structure of the crust and uppermost mantle beneath Antarctica from inversion of multiple seismic datasets

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wiens, D.; Shen, W.; Anandakrishnan, S.; Aster, R. C.; Gerstoft, P.; Bromirski, P. D.; Dalziel, I.; Hansen, S. E.; Heeszel, D.; Huerta, A. D.; Nyblade, A.; Stephen, R. A.; Wilson, T. J.; Winberry, J. P.; Stern, T. A.

2017-12-01

Since the last decade of the 20th century, over 200 broadband seismic stations have been deployed across Antarctica (e.g., temporary networks such as TAMSEIS, AGAP/GAMSEIS, POLENET/ANET, TAMNNET and RIS/DRIS by U.S. geoscientists as well as stations deployed by Japan, Britain, China, Norway, and other countries). In this presentation, we discuss our recent efforts to build reference crustal and uppermost mantle shear velocity (Vs) and thermal models for continental Antarctica based on those seismic arrays. By combing the high resolution Rayleigh wave dispersion maps derived from both ambient noise and teleseismic earthquakes, together with P receiver function waveforms, we develop a 3-D Vs model for the crust and uppermost mantle beneath Central and West Antarctica to a depth of 200 km. Additionally, using this 3-D seismic model to constrain the crustal structure, we re-invert for the upper mantle thermal structure using the surface wave data within a thermodynamic framework and construct a 3-D thermal model for the Antarctic lithosphere. The final product, a high resolution thermal model together with associated uncertainty estimates from the Monte Carlo inversion, allows us to derive lithospheric thickness and surface heat flux maps for much of the continent. West Antarctica shows a much thinner lithosphere ( 50-90 km) than East Antarctica ( 130-230 km), with a sharp transition along the Transantarctic Mountains (TAM). A variety of geological features, including a slower/hotter but highly heterogeneous West Antarctica and a much faster/colder East Antarctic craton, are present in the 3-D seismic/thermal models. Notably, slow seismic velocities observed in the uppermost mantle beneath the southern TAM are interpreted as a signature of lithospheric foundering and replacement with hot asthenosphere. The high resolution image of these features from the 3-D models helps further investigation of the dynamic state of Antarctica's lithosphere and underlying asthenosphere and provides key constraints on the interaction between the solid Earth and the West Antarctic Ice Sheet.

Geometry of the Arabia-Somalia Plate Boundary into Afar: Preliminary Results from the Seismic Profile Across the Asal Rift (Djibouti)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vergne, J.; Doubre, C.; Mohamed, K.; Tiberi, C.; Leroy, S.; Maggi, A.

2010-12-01

In the Afar Depression, the Asal-Ghoubbet Rift in Djibouti is a young segment on land at the propagating tip of the Aden Ridge. This segment represents an ideal laboratory to observe the mechanisms of extension and the structural evolutions involved, from the continental break-up to the first stage of oceanic spreading. However, we lack first order information about the crustal and upper mantle structure in this region, which for example prevent detailed numerical modeling of the deformations observed at the surface from GPS or InSAR. Moreover the current permanent network is not well suited to precisely constrain the ratio of seismic/aseismic deformation and to characterize the active deformation and the rifting dynamics. Since November 2009 we have maintained a temporary network of 25 seismic stations deployed along a 150 km-long profile. Because we expect rapid variations of the lithospheric structure across the 10 km-wide central part of the rift, we gradually decreased the inter-stations spacing to less than 1 km in the middle section of the profile. In order to obtain a continuous image of the plate boundary, from the topographic surface to the upper mantle, several techniques and methods will be applied: P and S wave receiver functions, tomographies based on body waves, surface waves and seismic noise correlation, anisotropy, and finally a gravity-seismic joint inversion. We present some preliminary results deduced from the receiver functions applied to the data acquired during the first months of the experiment. We migrate several sets of receiver functions computed in various frequency bands to resolve both mantle interfaces and fine scale structures within the thin crust in the center of the rift. These first images confirm a rapid variation of the Moho depth on both sides of the rift and a very complex lithospheric structure in the central section with several low velocity zones within the top 50km that might correspond to magma lenses.

Thermal anomalies and magmatism due to lithospheric doubling and shifting

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vlaar, N. J.

1983-11-01

We present some thermal and magmatic consequences of the processes of lithospheric doubling and lithospheric shifting. Lithospheric doubling concerns the obduction of a cold continental or old oceanic lithospheric plate over a young and hot oceanic lithosphere/upper mantle system, including an oceanic ridge. Lithospheric shifting concerns the translation and rotation of a lithospheric plate relative to the upper mantle. In both cases the resulting thermal state of the upper mantle below the obducting or shifting lithosphere may be perturbed relative to a "normal" continental or oceanic geothermal situation. The perturbed geothermal state gives rise to a density inversion at depth and thus induces a vertical gravitational instability which favours magmatism. We speculate about the magmatic consequences of this situation and infer that in the case of lithospheric doubling our model may account for the petrology and geochemistry of the resulting magma. The original layering and composition of the overridden young oceanic lithosphere may strongly influence magmatic processes. We dwell shortly on the genesis of kimberlites within the framework of our lithospheric doubling model and on magmatism in general. Lithospheric recycling is inherent to the mechanism of lithospheric doubling.

Zircon U-Pb dating, Hf analysis from the Horoman perdiotite -age constraint for lithospheric process, and tectonic juxtaposition of collision root zone-

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Okamoto, K.; Yi, K.; Wang, K. L.; Chung, S. L.

2017-12-01

Hidaka metamorphic belt, Hokkaido, Japan is known as youngest arc-arc collision in the world. It ncludes the youngest granulite and the Horoman peridotite complex in the highest grade zone. Age of these rocks have been determined by various methods (K-Ar, U-Pb, Rb-Sr). However, the age of Horoman peridotite complex has not been determined yet. Only Yoshikawa et al 1993) reported the cooling age of the complex as 23 Ma according to whole rock Rb-Sr isochron. This study has performed U-Pb dating of zircons from the Horoman peridotite, and from the paragneiss surrounding the peridotite complex in order to determine the intrusive age of the Horoman peridotite complex into the lower crustal conditions. Several zircon grains were separated from the peridotite. All zircons are homogeneous exhibiting different age group; 267-278 Ma, 33-40 Ma and 18-20 Ma. Hf isotope analysis indicates that the 267-278 Ma is juvenile age and other two are recycled. As a result of this measurement, rims of the zircons from the gneisses show that 238U-206Pb ages are 20 Ma and detrital cores are ranging from 580-510 Ma, 60-50 Ma, 46-40 Ma and 27 Ma. The rim ages are from the gneiss suffered amphibolite facies and granulite faices, and there is a consistancy with zircon rim ages (19 Ma) from the granulite (Kemp et al 2007, Usuki et al 2006 and so on). That is, granulite faices metamorphism was coeval to regional metamorphism in the lower crust at 20 Ma. The zircon ages from the peridotite was probably related to local hydration related to precipitation of phlogopite at 20 Ma, I type magma infiltration at 40 Ma and lithosphere formation at 270 Ma. It is considered that the Horoman peridotite complex was part of the lithosphere at 270 Ma, and the joined as subarc mantle prior to I type magma activity at 40 Ma, aud suffered local hydration and regional metamorphism at 20 Ma. Ref. Kemp, A.I.S., et al., 2007, Geology, 35, 807-810; Usuki, T. et al, 2006, Island Arc, 14, 503-516.

The Solarya Volcano-Plutonic Complex (NW Turkey): Petrography, Petrogenesis and Tectonic Implications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ünal, Alp; Kamacı, Ömer; Altunkaynak, Şafak

2014-05-01

The post collisional magmatic activity produced several volcano-plutonic complexes in NW Anatolia (Turkey) during the late Oligocene- Middle Miocene. One of the major volcano-plutonic complexes, the Solarya volcano-plutonic complex is remarkable for its coeval and cogenetic plutonic (Solarya pluton), hypabysal and volcanic rocks of Early Miocene (24-21 Ma) age. Solarya pluton is an epizonal pluton which discordantly intruded into metamorphic and nonmetamorphic basement rocks of Triassic age. It is a N-S trending magmatic body covering an area of 220 km2,approximatelly 20 km in length and 10 km in width. Based on the field and petrographic studies, three main rock groups distinguished in Solarya pluton; K-feldspar megacrystalline granodiorite, microgranite-granodiorite and haplogranite. Porphyritic and graphic-granophyric textures are common in these three rock groups. Pluton contains magmatic enclaves and syn-plutonic dykes of dioritic composition. Hypabyssal rocks are represented by porphyritic microdiorite and porphyritic quartz-diorite. They form porphyry plugs, sheet inrusions and dykes around the pluton. Porphyrites have microcrystalline-cryptocrystalline groundmass displaying micrographic and granophyric textures. Petrographically similar to the hypabyssal rocks, volcanic rocks are formed from andesitic and dasitic lavas and pyroclastic rocks. Plutonic, hypabyssal and volcanic rocks of Solarya volcano-plutonic complex show similar major-trace element and Sr-Nd-Pb isotopic compositions, indicating common magmatic evolution and multicomponent melt sources including mantle and crustal components. They are mainly metaluminous, medium to high-K calc alkaline rocks and display enrichment in LILE and depletion in Nb, Ta, P and Ti. They have initial 87Sr/86Sr values of 0.70701- 0.70818 and 143Nd/144Nd values of 0.51241-0.51250. These geochemical characteristics and isotopic signatures are considered to reflect the composition of the magmas derived from a metasomatized lithospheric mantle beneath NW Anatolia and from the overlying crust. Compositional variations in Solarya volcano-plutonic complex are interpreted as a result of AFC. Convective removal or partial delamination of the base of mantle lithosphere and asthenospheric upwelling can be considered as possible mechanisms to provide melting of subcontinental lithospheric mantle metasomatized by earlier subduction, resulting in post collisional magmatic activity in NW Anatolia and the adjacent regions.

Deep Structure of the Earth and Concentration of Metals in the Lithosphere: A Geodynamic Approach

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Taylor, Patrick T.; Kutina, J.; Pei, R.

2004-01-01

A discussion of and introduction to satellite-altitude geopotential fields studies and their interpretation with emphasis on results from metalliferous regions will be given. The magnetic and gravimetric measurements from satellite altitudes show heterogeneity in deeper parts of the lithosphere. These patterns of magnetic anomalies do not only reveal the largest iron ore deposits such as Kiruna, Sweden and Kursk, Russia, but also linear features indicating structural discontinuities. Changes of magnetic amplitude of these patterns are caused by intersecting transverse fractures localizing magmatism and concentration of metals. The role of trans-regional mantle-rooted structural discontinuities in the concentration of metals will be discussed and a new type of mineral prognosis map will be presented. Deep-rooted structural discontinuities, defined by combination of geological and geophysical criteria, with spacing of several hundred kilometers, reveal a quite uniform pattern in the deeper parts of the lithosphere. As these structures provide favorable pathways for the ascent of heat, magmas and ore-forming fluids, their recognition is of crucial importance and can be used in the compilation of a new type of mineral prognosis map. Examples are shown from the United States, Canada, China, Burma, South America, Europe and Australia. The European example includes a pattern of east west trending structural discontinuities or belts and their junction with the NW-trending Tornqvist-Teisseyre Line. The Upper Silesian-Cracovian Zn-Pb district occurs along one of the latitudinal belts. Leslaw Teper of the University of Silesia has been invited to show the fractures in crystalline basement beneath the sediments hosting the Zn-Pb ores.

Link of grabens and reactivated mantle boundaries in western Bohemian Massif

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Babuska, Vladislav; Plomerova, Jaroslava; Vecsey, Ludek; Munzarova, Helena

2015-04-01

To study relations between mantle and crustal fabrics in the Bohemian Massif (BM), we model 3D anisotropy of the mantle lithosphere by inverting and interpreting jointly P-wave travel-time deviations and shear-wave splitting parameters of teleseismic waves recorded at portable and permanent stations operating in the BM for more than 20 years. Changes in orientation of the large-scale anisotropy in the mantle lithosphere, caused by systematic preferred orientation of olivine, identify boundaries of domains representing original micro-plates assembled during the Variscan orogeny. Consistent anisotropy of the mantle-lithosphere domains, with distinct changes at their boundaries, documents rigidity and a long memory of pervasive olivine fabrics. Some of the palaeo-plate boundaries represent weak elements of the assemblage that can be later rejuvenated. This is why graben structures in the western BM developed above the identified mantle boundaries. The Eger (Ohře) Rift (ER) originated above the ENE oriented mantle suture between the Saxothuringian (ST) in the north-west and the Moldanubian (MD) and Teplá-Barrandian (TB) in the south-east. The most significant graben structure, accompanied by a rich Cenozoic volcanic activity, developed above the central part of the ST/TB suture that witnessed a subduction down to ~150 km, as documented by findings of microdiamonds in ST granulites. The smaller-scale NNW oriented Cheb-Domažlice Graben (CDG) is located above the mantle boundary between the western rim of the TB and the MD. Unlike the suture beneath the ER, this boundary does not show any sign of a deep subduction and it is characterized by a less well developed graben structure and a weak volcanic activity. In both grabens we observe local shifts between the equivalent crustal and mantle boundaries of the units as large as ~20 km. The shift indicates a Variscan detachment of the crust from the mantle lithosphere. Cenozoic rifting and the graben structures developed preferably above the mantle boundaries, often away from the boundaries of the crustal units.

Lithospheric buckling and far-foreland deformation during the Laramide and Appalachian orogenies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tikoff, B.; Siddoway, C. S.

2017-12-01

Major intraplate tectonics within North America (Laurentia) occurs during times of major orogenesis along the plate margins. During mountain building, typical structures of the hinterland are an orogenic plateau and fold-and-thrust belts, while in the far foreland (intraplate) areas long-wavelength ( 200 km or longer) folds and fault-reactivation features form. Long-wavelength folds are evident in both the Appalachian and Laramide orogenic forelands, with the stratigraphy recording the timing of the uplift. This contribution examines the model of lithospheric buckling - periodic folding associated with a horizontal endload on the edge of the plate - based on scaled, physical experiments and corroborated by numerical models. The Laramide (75-55 Ma) intraplate orogen in the classical location in Wyoming contains basement-cored arches spaced 200 km apart, for which the mechanism of uplift is questioned. Seismic evidence obtained for the Bighorn uplift, Wyoming, obtained by the EarthScope Bighorn project, shows an upwarp of the Moho beneath, but oblique to the trend of the surface exposure of the basement arch. Both the surface and Moho exhibit approximately the same structural relief. The seismic data exhibit no evidence for a regionally continuous decollement, nor is there evidence of rotation of structural markers within these features, of the type that is observed in the detached fold-and-thrust belt. The intraplate region affected by long-wavelength folding includes western Wyoming, with continuation of some features across the E-W-oriented Cheyenne belt (e.g., Rock Springs-Douglas Creek arch), Colorado Plateau, and High Plains east of the Rocky Mountains, where surface and subsurface structures display a series of anticlinal arches ("plains-type" folds). Appalachian mountain building also caused long-wavelength folding, with a spacing consistent with lithospheric buckling, mostly associated with the Devonian Acadian orogeny. The Laramide arches in the High Plains seem to occur on arches inherited from the Appalachian orogeny, suggesting the permanence of these lithospheric buckles once they have formed.

Widespread melt/rock interaction and seismic properties of the lithosphere above mantle plumes: A petrological and microstructural study of mantle xenoliths from French Polynesia

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tommasi, A.; Godard, M.

2002-12-01

In addition to thermal erosion, plume/lithosphere interaction may induce significant changes in the lithosphere chemical composition. To constrain the extent of this process in an oceanic environment and its consequences on the lithosphere seismic properties, we studied the relationship between petrological processes and microstructure in mantle xenoliths from the Austral-Cook, Society and Marquesas islands. Olivine forsterite contents in our sp-peridotites vary continuously from Fo91 to Fo83, the lowest Fo being observed in dunites and wehrlites. Yet, their high Ni content (up to 2500 ppm) precludes a cumulate origin. These rocks are rather interpreted as resulting from melt/rock reactions involving olivine precipitation and pyroxene dissolution, the dunites indicating high melt-rock ratios. Moreover, wehrlites display poikiloblastic diopside enclosing corroded olivines. Late crystallization of clinopyroxene, also observed in lherzolites, may result from a near-solidus melt-freezing reaction occurring at the boundary of a partial melting domain developed at the expenses of lithospheric mantle. These data suggest that the lithosphere above a mantle plume undergoes a complex sequence of magmatic processes that significantly change its composition. Yet, crystal preferred orientations and thus seismic anisotropy are little affected by these processes. Lherzolites and harzburgites, independent from composition, show high-temperature porphyroclastic microstructures and strong olivine CPO. Although dunites and wehrlites display annealing microstructures to which is associated a progressive dispersion of the olivine CPO, very weak CPO are limited to a few dunites and wehrlites, suggesting that CPO destruction is restricted to domains of intense magma-rock interaction due to localized flow or accumulation of magmas. Conversely, the compositional changes result in lower seismic velocities for P- and S-waves. Relative to normal mantle, seismic anomalies may attain -2.5 percent and be equivalent to those observed below the Deccan, Parana, or Ontong Java mesozoic LIPs.

Widespread melt/rock interaction and seismic properties of the lithosphere above mantle plumes: Evidence from mantle xenoliths from French Polynesia

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tommasi, A.; Godard, M.; Coromina, G.; Dautria, J. M.; Barczus, H.

2003-04-01

In addition to thermal erosion, plume/lithosphere interaction may induce significant changes in the lithosphere chemical composition. To constrain the extent of this process in an oceanic environment and its consequences on the lithosphere seismic properties, we studied the relationship between petrological processes and microstructure in mantle xenoliths from the Austral-Cook, Society and Marquesas islands. Olivine forsterite contents in our sp-peridotites vary continuously from Fo91 to Fo83, the lowest Fo being observed in dunites and wehrlites. Yet, their high Ni content (up to 2500 ppm) precludes a cumulate origin. These rocks are rather interpreted as resulting from melt/rock reactions involving olivine precipitation and pyroxene dissolution, the dunites indicating high melt-rock ratios. Moreover, wehrlites display poikiloblastic diopside enclosing corroded olivines. Late crystallization of clinopyroxene, also observed in lherzolites, may result from a near-solidus melt-freezing reaction occurring at the boundary of a partial melting domain developed at the expenses of lithospheric mantle. These data suggest that the lithosphere above a mantle plume undergoes a complex sequence of magmatic processes that significantly change its composition. Yet, crystal preferred orientations and thus seismic anisotropy are little affected by these processes. Lherzolites and harzburgites, independent from composition, show high-temperature porphyroclastic microstructures and strong olivine CPO. Although dunites and wehrlites display annealing microstructures to which is associated a progressive dispersion of the olivine CPO, very weak CPO are limited to a few dunites and wehrlites, suggesting that CPO destruction is restricted to domains of intense magma-rock interaction due to localized flow or accumulation of magmas. Conversely, the compositional changes result in lower seismic velocities for P- and S-waves. Relative to normal mantle, seismic anomalies may attain -2.5 (2.2) percent for P (S) waves and be equivalent to those observed below the Deccan, Parana, or Ontong Java mesozoic LIPs.

Seismic anisotropy and compositionally induced velocity anomalies in the lithosphere above mantle plumes: a petrological and microstructural study of mantle xenoliths from French Polynesia

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tommasi, Andréa; Godard, Marguerite; Coromina, Guilhem; Dautria, Jean-Marie; Barsczus, Hans

2004-11-01

In addition to thermal erosion, plume/lithosphere interaction may induce significant changes in the lithosphere chemical composition. To constrain the extent of this process in an oceanic environment and its consequences on the lithosphere seismic properties, we investigated the relationship between petrological processes and microstructure in mantle xenoliths from different hotspots tracks in South Pacific Superswell region: the Austral-Cook, Society, and Marquesas islands in French Polynesia. Olivine forsterite contents in the studied spinel peridotites vary continuously from Fo91 to Fo83. Dunites and wehrlites display the lowest forsterite contents. Their microstructure and high Ni contents preclude a cumulate origin, suggesting that these rocks result from melt/rock reactions involving olivine precipitation and pyroxene dissolution. In addition, lherzolites and wehrlites display evidence of late crystallization of clinopyroxene, which may result from a near-solidus melt-freezing reaction. These data suggest that the lithosphere above a mantle plume undergoes a complex sequence of magmatic processes that significantly change its composition. These compositional changes, particularly iron enrichment in olivine, result in lower P- and S-waves velocities. Relative to normal lithospheric mantle, compositionally induced seismic anomalies may attain -2.2% for S-waves and -1% for P-waves. Smaller negative anomalies for P-waves are due to a higher sensitivity to modal composition. Conversely, crystal-preferred orientations (CPO) and seismic anisotropy are little affected by these processes. Lherzolites and harzburgites, independent from composition, show high-temperature porphyroclastic microstructures and strong olivine CPO. Dunites and wehrlites display annealing microstructures to which is associated a progressive dispersion of the olivine CPO. Very weak, almost random olivine CPO is nevertheless rare, suggesting that CPO destruction is restricted to domains of intense magma-rock interaction due to localized flow or accumulation of magmas.

Gravity and magnetic modelling in the Vrancea Zone, south-eastern Carpathians: Redefinition of the edge of the East European Craton beneath the south-eastern Carpathians

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bocin, A.; Stephenson, R.; Matenco, L.; Mocanu, V.

2013-11-01

A 2D gravity and magnetic data model has been constructed along a 71 km densely observed profile, called DACIA PLAN GRAV MAN's. The profile crosses part of the nappe pile of the south-eastern Carpathians and includes the seismically active Vrancea Zone and was acquired with the objective to illuminate the basement structure and affinity in this area. The modelling approach was to create an initial model from well constrained geological information, integrate it with previous seismic ray tracing and tomographic models and then alter it outside the a priori constraints in order to reach the best fit between observed and calculated potential field anomalies. The results support a realignment of the position of the TTZ (Tornquist-Teisseyre Zone), the profound tectonic boundary within Europe that separates Precambrian cratonic lithosphere of the East European Craton (EEC) from younger accreted lithosphere of Phanerozoic mobile belts to its west. The TTZ is shown to lie further to the south-west than was previously inferred within Romania, where it is largely obscured by the Carpathian nappes. The crust of the EEC beneath the south-eastern Carpathians is inferred to terminate along a major crustal structure lying just west of the Vrancea seismogenic zone. The intermediate depth seismicity of the Vrancea Zone therefore lies within the EEC lithosphere, generally supporting previously proposed models invoking delamination of cratonic lithosphere as the responsible mechanism.

Deformation and seismicity associated with continental rift zones propagating toward continental margins

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lyakhovsky, V.; Segev, A.; Schattner, U.; Weinberger, R.

2012-01-01

We study the propagation of a continental rift and its interaction with a continental margin utilizing a 3-D lithospheric model with a seismogenic crust governed by a damage rheology. A long-standing problem in rift-mechanics, known as thetectonic force paradox, is that the magnitude of the tectonic forces required for rifting are not large enough in the absence of basaltic magmatism. Our modeling results demonstrate that under moderate rift-driving tectonic forces the rift propagation is feasible even in the absence of magmatism. This is due to gradual weakening and "long-term memory" of fractured rocks that lead to a significantly lower yielding stress than that of the surrounding intact rocks. We show that the style, rate and the associated seismicity pattern of the rift zone formation in the continental lithosphere depend not only on the applied tectonic forces, but also on the rate of healing. Accounting for the memory effect provides a feasible solution for thetectonic force paradox. Our modeling results also demonstrate how the lithosphere structure affects the geometry of the propagating rift system toward a continental margin. Thinning of the crystalline crust leads to a decrease in the propagation rate and possibly to rift termination across the margin. In such a case, a new fault system is created perpendicular to the direction of the rift propagation. These results reveal that the local lithosphere structure is one of the key factors controlling the geometry of the evolving rift system and seismicity pattern.

Evidence for Moho-lower crustal transition depth diking and rifting of the Sierra Nevada microplate

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Smith, Kenneth D.; Kent, Graham M.; Seggern, David P.; Driscoll, Neal W.; Eisses, Amy

2016-10-01

Lithospheric rifting most often initiates in continental extensional settings where "breaking of a plate" may or may not progress to sea floor spreading. Generally, the strength of the lithosphere is greater than the tectonic forces required for rupture (i.e., the "tectonic force paradox"), and it has been proposed that rifting requires basaltic magmatism (e.g., dike emplacement) to reduce the strength and cause failure, except for the case of a thin lithosphere (<30 km thick). Here we isolate two very similar and unprecedented observations of Moho-lower crustal transition dike or fluid injection earthquake swarms under southern Sierra Valley (SV: 2011-2012) and North Lake Tahoe (LT: 2003-2004), California. These planar distributions of seismicity can be interpreted to define the end points, and cover 25% of the length, of an implied 56 km long structure, each striking N45°W and dipping 50°NE. A single event at 30 km depth that locates on the implied dipping feature between the two swarms is further evidence for a single Moho-transition depth structure. We propose that basaltic or fluid emplacement at or near Moho depths weakens the upper mantle lid, facilitating lithospheric rupture of the Sierra Microplate. Similar to the LT sequence, the SV event is also associated with increased upper crustal seismicity. An 27 October 2011, Mw 4.7 earthquake occurred directly above the deep SV sequence at the base of the upper crustal seismogenic zone ( 15 km depth).

The Processes Producing the Actively Uplifting Mackenzie Mountains in the Yukon and Northwest Territories, Canada

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rasmussen, B.; Aster, R. C.; Schutt, D.

2016-12-01

The actively uplifting and seismically active Mackenzie Mountains in the Yukon and Northwest Territories of Canada exist nearly 800 km from the Pacific plate subduction zone. As such, it is clear that traditional subduction zone orogenic mechanics are not at play. This mountain range may present a model for uplift of other ranges distant from plate boundaries, such as the Rockies or Ancestral Rockies. Due to its remote location, this region's lithospheric structure is poorly constrained. However, two hypotheses have been developed recently. The first proposes that stress from the Yakutat Indentor as it subducts under North America at the Gulf of Alaska is transferred deep inland through the upper crust, and that the lower crust and mantle lithosphere are very weak. As this weak lithosphere meets the strong Canadian Craton, lateral translation turns into uplift, forming the Mackenzies (Mazzotti and Hyndman, 2002, Geology, v. 30, no.6). Alternatively, it may be that mantle flow from the north is deflected eastward by the Yakutat slab, producing large scale mantle flow and stress which propagates through the crust to uplift the Mackzenzie Mountains without an abnormally weak lithosphere (Finzel, 2015, Geophys. Res. Lett., 42, 4350-4358). Both cases imply distinct isotropic and anisotropic structure that will be constrained through Rayleigh wave tomography. Notably, we will take advantage of the recent deployment of several Earthscope Transportable Array stations nearby, and some preliminary data from the ongoing Mackenzie Mountains Earthscope Project.

Crustal and Mantle Structure beneath the Okavango and Malawi Rifts and Its Geodynamic Implications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gao, S. S.; Liu, K. H.; Yu, Y.; Reed, C. A.; Mickus, K. L.; Moidaki, M.

2017-12-01

To investigate crustal and mantle structure beneath the young and incipient sections of the East African Rift System and provide constraints on rifting models, a total of 50 broadband seismic stations were placed along three profiles across the Okavango and Malawi rifts, with a total length of about 2500 km. Results to date suggest minor crustal thinning and nearly normal seismic velocities in the upper mantle beneath both rifts. The thickness of the mantle transition zone is comparable to the global average, suggesting the lack of thermal upwelling from the lower mantle beneath the rifts. In addition, shear-wave splitting analysis found no anomalies in either the fast polarization orientation or the splitting time associated with the rifts, and thus has ruled out the existence of small-scale mantle convection or plume-related mantle flow beneath the rifts. While the Okavango rift has long been recognized to be located in a Precambrian orogenic zone between the Kalahari and Congo cratons, our results suggest that the Malawi Rift is also developing along the western edge of a lithospheric block with relatively greater thickness relative to the surrounding area. Those seismological and gravity modeling results are consistent with a passive rifting model, in which rifts develop along pre-existing zones of lithospheric weakness, where rapid variations of lithospheric thickness is observed. Lateral variations of dragging stress applied to the bottom of the lithosphere are the most likely cause for the initiation and development of both rifts.

Lithospheric thickness variations across the North Anatolian Fault Zone

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Thompson, D. A.; Rost, S.; Cornwell, D. G.; Houseman, G.; Turkelli, N.; Teoman, U.; Altuncu Poyraz, S.; Kahraman, M.; Gulen, L.; Utkucu, M.; Williams, J. R.

2017-12-01

The North Anatolian Fault Zone (NAFZ) is a major continental strike-slip fault zone, similar in size and scale to the San Andreas system, that extends 1200km across Turkey. These type of faults may broaden significantly with depth or penetrate as narrow features all the way to the lithosphere-asthenosphere boundary (LAB), potentially providing pathways for fluids and magma to shallower levels. The Dense Array for North Anatolia (DANA) was a 73 station broadband seismic network arranged in a rectangular grid (7km station spacing) deployed to image the deep structure of the fault zone. We present here new S-receiver function images that map out both the depth to the Moho and to negative velocity gradients commonly ascribed to the LAB, with preliminary results suggesting lithospheric thicknesses on the order of 80-100km for the region.

Lu-Hf isotope constraints on plume-lithosphere interaction during emplacement of the Bushveld Large Igneous Province at 2.06 Ga: Implications for the structure and evolution of the Kaapvaal Craton's lithospheric mantle

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zirakparvar, N. A.; Mathez, E. A.; Rajesh, H.; Vervoort, J. D.; Choe, S.

2016-12-01

The Bushveld Large Igneous Province (B-LIP) comprises a diverse array of >30 magma bodies that intruded the Kaapvaal Craton at 2.06 Ga. In this talk we use zircon and bulk-rock Lu-Hf isotope data to show that the B-LIP formed in response to the arrival of a plume(s) from the deep mantle. New zircon Hf isotope compositions for four B-LIP bodies yield intrusion-specific average ɛHf (2.06 Ga) values that range from -20.7 ± 2.8 to -2.7 ± 2.8, largely consistent with literature zircon data for other B-LIP intrusions. Bulk-rock solution ɛHf (2.06 Ga) values for a variety of B-LIP intrusions range from -2.1 ± 0.2 to -10.6 ± 0.2. Because the most radiogenic Hf isotope compositions across the entire B-LIP are nearly primordial with an ɛHf (2.06 Ga) close to 0, it is likely that the heat source of the B-LIP was a plume(s) from deep mantle. The Hf isotope data further suggests that individual intrusions in the B-LIP can be grouped into four categories based on their ultimate sources: 1) melts generated in subduction and plume modified continental lithospheric mantle; 2) melts generated by melting of a mafic-ultramafic reservoir composed of older ( 2.7 Ga) plume-related material trapped in the Kaapvaal lithosphere; 3) melts generated in the mid- to upper crust; and 4) melts generated from the 2.06 Ga mantle plume itself. The presence of 2.7 Ga mafic-ultramafic material in the Kaapvaal lithosphere may have acted to strengthen the lithosphere so that it was able to resist being dispered by the arrival of the B-LIP plume at 2.06 Ga. Because the B-LIP extends into a 2.7 Ga aged suture zone between the Kaapvaal and Zimbabwe cratons, it is also possible to understand the role of the lithospheric mantle in producing the Lu-Hf signatures observed in the various B-LIP intrusions as a function of two different types of the continental lithosphere: The very old lithosphere comprising the Kaapvaal Craton and the somewhat younger lithosphere comprising the suture zone. A basic observation is that the Hf isotope signature of the plume source is only directly expressed in B-LIP bodies that intruded the suture zone, providing further evidence that the craton was already underlain by thick lithospheric mantle at the time of B-LIP magmatism.

Constraints on the Lithospheric Strength at Volcanic Rifted Margins from the Geometry of Seaward Dipping Reflectors Using Analytic and Numerical Models

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tian, X.; Buck, W. R.

2017-12-01

Seaward dipping reflectors (SDRs) are found at many rifted margins. Drilling indicates SDRs are interbedded layers of basalts and sediments. Multi-channel seismic reflection data show SDRs with various width (2 100 km), thickness (1 15 km) and dip angles (0 30). Recent studies use analytic thin plate models (AtPM) to describe plate deflections under volcanic loads. They reproduce a wide range of SDRs structures without detachment faulting. These models assume that the solidified dikes provide downward loads at the rifting center. Meanwhile, erupted lava flows and sediments fill in the flexural depression and further load the lithosphere. Because the strength of the lithosphere controls the amount and wavelength of bending, the geometries of SDRs provide a window into the strength of the lithosphere during continental rifting. We attempt to provide a quantitative mapping between the SDR geometry and the lithospheric strength and thickness during rifting. To do this, we first derive analytic solutions to two observables that are functions of effective elastic thickness (Te). One observable (Xf) is the horizontal distance for SDRs to evolve from flat layers to the maximum bent layers. Another observable is the ratio between the thickness and the tangent of the maximum slope of SDRs at Xf. We then extend the AtPM to numerical thin plate models (NtPM) with spatially restricted lava flows. AtPM and NtPM show a stable and small relative difference in terms of the two observables with different values of Te. This provides a mapping of Te between NtPM and AtPM models. We also employ a fully two-dimensional thermal-mechanical treatment with elasto-visco-plastic rheology to simulate SDRs formation. These models show that brittle yielding due to bending can reduce the Te of the lithosphere by as much as 50% of the actual brittle lithospheric thickness. Quantification of effects of plastic deformation on bending allow us to use Te to link SDRs geometries to brittle lithospheric thickness. From published seismic reflection data, we obtain a global map of Te at volcanic rifted margins that ranges from 2 12 km using the AtPM and NtPM mapping. The corresponding brittle lithospheric thickness ranges from 6 20 km. In addition, preliminary results show Te increases along a given margin with distance away from a Large Igneous Province.

Implications of a-priori constraints in transdimensional Bayesian inversion for continental lithospheric layering

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Roy, Corinna; Calo, Marco; Bodin, Thomas; Romanowicz, Barbara

2017-04-01

Competing hypotheses for the formation and evolution of continents are highly under debate, including the theory of underplating by hot plumes or accretion by shallow subduction in continental or arc settings. In order to support these hypotheses, documenting structural layering in the cratonic lithosphere becomes especially important. Studies of seismic-wave receiver function data have detected a structural boundary under continental cratons at 100-140 km depths, which is too shallow to be consistent with the lithosphere-asthenosphere boundary, as inferred from seismic tomography and other geophysical studies. This leads to the conclusion that 1) the cratonic lithosphere may be thinner than expected, contradicting tomographic and other geophysical or geochemical inferences, or 2) that the receiver function studies detect a mid-lithospheric discontinuity rather than the LAB. Recent studies (Bodin et al., 2015, Calò et al. 2016) confirmed the presence of a structural boundary under the North American craton at 100-140 km depths by taking advantage of the power of a trans-dimensional Monte Carlo Markov chain (TMCMC). They generated probabilistic 1D radially shear wave velocity profiles for selected stations in North America by jointly inverting 2 different data types (PS Receiver Functions, surface wave dispersion for Love and Rayleigh waves), which sample different volumes of the Earth and have different sensitivities to 
structure. In fact, they found at least one, and in some cases several additional mid-lithospheric discontinuities (MLD) at intermediate depths in the stable part of the craton. Such discontinuities are not present in the active western part of the US. However, in their Bayesian approach, they made two major assumptions: First, they fixed the Vp/Vs ratio to a constant, averaged value for crust and mantle. Second, they added constraints on the crustal discontinuity depths in the prior distribution of the shear wave velocity. Given these strong assumptions, the question came up whether the observed MLDs are real features or only artifacts resulting from these assumptions, in spite of the fact that the Ps converted phase constraints are included using a waveform cross-convolution approach, which should be able to handle crustal multiples, in contrast to a standard RF inversion. We investigated these concerns by including the Vp/Vs ratio as a random variable in the Bayesian approach. By performing simulations on synthetic Earth models, we can demonstrate that a variable/fixed Vp/Vs ratio has little effect on posterior distribution of VSV, but that the imposed constraints can introduce artificial layers in depth. Nevertheless, we can confirm the overall structure found by Calò et al. 2016. Here, we also include SKS waveforms in the joint inversion and invert for azimuthal anisotropy to verify if layering in the anisotropic structure of the stable part of the North American continent is marked by significant changes in the direction of azimuthal anisotropy as found by Yuan and Romanowicz (2010). We recently demonstrated the power of this approach in the case of two stations located in different tectonic settings (Bodin et al., 2016). Here we extend this approach to a broader range of settings within the North American continent.

Un exemple de volcanisme calco-alcalin de type orogénique mis en place en contexte de rifting (Cambrien de l'oued Rhebar, Meseta occidentale, Maroc)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

El Hadi, Hassan; Tahiri, Abdelfatah; Simancas Cabrera, Fernando; González Lodeiro, Francisco; Azor Pérez, Antonio; Jesús Martínez Poyatos, David

2006-03-01

The Middle Cambrian calc-alkaline Oued Rhebar volcanic complex (western Meseta, Morocco) compares with rocks originated in orogenic contexts. The La/Nb ratios are relatively high (5.2), suggesting a lithospheric mantle origin. The La/Ta ratios, higher than 26, and the negative Nb anomaly indicate a lithospheric source contaminated by the continental crust. These rocks were generated in the Mesetian Mid-Cambrian rift and would have inherited their orogenic signature from the partial melting of a previously metasomatized mantle. To cite this article: H. El Hadi et al., C. R. Geoscience 338 (2006).

Non-linear 3-D Born shear waveform tomography in Southeast Asia

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Panning, Mark P.; Cao, Aimin; Kim, Ahyi; Romanowicz, Barbara A.

2012-07-01

Southeast (SE) Asia is a tectonically complex region surrounded by many active source regions, thus an ideal test bed for developments in seismic tomography. Much recent development in tomography has been based on 3-D sensitivity kernels based on the first-order Born approximation, but there are potential problems with this approach when applied to waveform data. In this study, we develop a radially anisotropic model of SE Asia using long-period multimode waveforms. We use a theoretical 'cascade' approach, starting with a large-scale Eurasian model developed using 2-D Non-linear Asymptotic Coupling Theory (NACT) sensitivity kernels, and then using a modified Born approximation (nBorn), shown to be more accurate at modelling waveforms, to invert a subset of the data for structure in a subregion (longitude 75°-150° and latitude 0°-45°). In this subregion, the model is parametrized at a spherical spline level 6 (˜200 km). The data set is also inverted using NACT and purely linear 3-D Born kernels. All three final models fit the data well, with just under 80 per cent variance reduction as calculated using the corresponding theory, but the nBorn model shows more detailed structure than the NACT model throughout and has much better resolution at depths greater than 250 km. Based on variance analysis, the purely linear Born kernels do not provide as good a fit to the data due to deviations from linearity for the waveform data set used in this modelling. The nBorn isotropic model shows a stronger fast velocity anomaly beneath the Tibetan Plateau in the depth range of 150-250 km, which disappears at greater depth, consistent with other studies. It also indicates moderate thinning of the high-velocity plate in the middle of Tibet, consistent with a model where Tibet is underplated by Indian lithosphere from the south and Eurasian lithosphere from the north, in contrast to a model with continuous underplating by Indian lithosphere across the entire plateau. The nBorn anisotropic model detects negative ξ anomalies suggestive of vertical deformation associated with subducted slabs and convergent zones at the Himalayan front and Tien Shan at depths near 150 km.

Lithospheric-folding-based understanding on the origin of the back-arc basaltic magmatism beneath Jeju volcanic island, Korea

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yun, S.; Shin, Y.; CHOI, K.; Koh, J.; Nakamura, E.; Na, S.

2012-12-01

Jeju Island is an intraplate volcanic island located at the eastern margin on the East Asia behind the Ryukyu Trench, the collisional/subduction boundary between the Eurasian plate and Philippine Sea plate. It is a symmetrical shield volcano, having numerous monogenetic cinder cones, over 365, on the Mt. Halla volcanic edifice. The basement rock mainly consists of Precambrian gneiss, Mesozoic granite and volcanic rocks. Unconsolidated sedimentary rock is found between basement rock and surface lava. The lava plateau is composed of voluminous basaltic lava flows, which extend to the coast region with a gentle slope. Based on the evidence obtained from volcanic stratigraphy, paleontology, and geochronology, the age of the Jeju basalts ranges from the early Pleistocene to Holocene(Historic). The alkaline and tholeiitic basalts exhibits OIB composition from intraplate volcanism which is not associated with plate subduction, while the basement xenolith contained in the volcanic rock indicates that there were volcanic activities associated with the Mesozoic plate subduction. The Geochemical characteristics have been explained with the plume model, lithospheric mantle origin, and melting of shallow asthenosphere by the rapid change of stress regimes between the collision of the India-Eurasia plates and subduction of the Pacific plate, while there has not been any geophysical investigation to disclose it. Compression near collisional plate boundaries causes lithospheric folding which results in the decrease of pressure beneath the ridge of the fold while the pressure increases beneath trough. The decompression beneath lithosphere is likely to accelerate basaltic magmatism along and below the ridge. We investigate the subsurface structure beneath Jeju volcanic island, South Korea and its vicinity and propose an alternative hypothesis that the basaltic magma beneath the island could be caused by episodic lithospheric folding. Unlike the prevailing hypothesis of the intraplate basaltic magmatism that requires extending lithosphere, ours can explain how the basaltic magma could be generated at the back-arc regions without the extension. A schematic diagram illustrating the magma formation beneath Arc and Back-arc regions due to the lithospheric folding: Basaltic magma could be generated at upper mantle beneath ridge of the lithospheric fold by decompression and pre-existing high temperature.

Familiar Phases: Receiver Function Study of the Lithospheric Structure Across the Eastern Margin of the Superior Craton

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Levin, V. L.; Servali, A.; Dunham, B.; Klaser, M.

2015-12-01

A 1200 km long array of seismic observatories from James Bay to the Atlantic coast covers nearly 2 Ga in time, from the Archean Superior Province to the Paleozoic Appalachian Orogen. We use traditional (P-to-SV) receiver function analysis for detailed characterization of the lithospheric mantle along the array, focusing on the 5-15 s delay range where direct conversions from within the lithosphere and crustal multiples are expected.Superior craton sites show exceptionaly clear receiver functions dominated by the first crustal multiple. Also, a negative phase consistent with impedance decrease at the Mid-Lithospheric Discontinuity (~8 s delay) is observed north of 51°N, within the La Grande and Opinaca terranes of the Superior province. In the Opatica terrane further south we see a positive phase at similar delays instead. This implies a downward impedance increase 70-80 km deep within the lithosphere, consistent with the Hales discontinuity. In the Abitibi terrane just north of the Grenville Front we see evidence for two impedance drops in the 60-130 km depth range. Within the Proterozoic Grenvile province receiver functions vary with direction at individual sites, and lack regional consistency. Crustal multiples are noticeably weaker. South of 49°N we once again find negative phases in the 8-10 s delay range. While weak and directionally-dependent in the central Grenville province, these phases are clear near the Appalachian Front (AF), and are followed by positive phases, suggesting thin low-velocity layers in the lower part of the lithosphere. Similarity of receiver function signatures on opposite sides of the AF suggests continuity of the lithosphere beneath it.South of the AF and north of the Norumbega Fault Zone (NFZ) in Maine we find positive phases at ~10 s delays. The implied increase in impedance at ~75 km depth is puzzling. We also find previously-reported weak negative phases in the 6-8 s delay range. South of the NFZ a strong negative phase at ~9 s delay likely marks the bottom of the lithosphere.

Antarctic Lithosphere Studies: Progress, Problems and Promise

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dalziel, I. W. D.; Wilson, T. J.

2017-12-01

In the sixty years since the International Geophysical Year, studies of the Antarctic lithosphere have progressed from basic geological observations and sparse geophysical measurements to continental-scale datasets of radiometric dates, ice thickness, bedrock topography and characteristics, seismic imaging and potential fields. These have been augmented by data from increasingly dense broadband seismic and geodetic networks. The Antarctic lithosphere is known to have been an integral part, indeed a "keystone" of the Pangea ( 250-185Ma) and Gondwanaland ( 540-180 Ma) supercontinents. It is widely believed to have been part of hypothetical earlier supercontinents Rodinia ( 1.0-0.75 Ga) and Columbia (Nuna) ( 2.0-1.5 Ga). Despite the paucity of exposure in East Antarctica, the new potential field datasets have emboldened workers to extrapolate Precambrian geological provinces and structures from neighboring continents into Antarctica. Hence models of the configuration of Columbia and its evolution into Rodinia and Gondwana have been proposed, and rift-flank uplift superimposed on a Proterozoic orogenic root has been hypothesized to explain the Gamburtsev Subglacial Mountains. Mesozoic-Cenozoic rifting has imparted a strong imprint on the West Antarctic lithosphere. Seismic tomographic evidence reveals lateral variation in lithospheric thickness, with the thinnest zones within the West Antarctic rift system and underlying the Amundsen Sea Embayment. Upper mantle low velocity zones are extensive, with a deeper mantle velocity anomaly underlying Marie Byrd Land marking a possible mantle plume. Misfits between crustal motions measured by GPS and GIA model predictions can, in part, be linked with the changes in lithosphere thickness and mantle rheology. Unusually high uplift rates measured by GPS in the Amundsen region can be interpreted as the response of regions with thin lithosphere and weak mantle to late Holocene ice mass loss. Horizontal displacements across the TAM, which show a velocity gradient that points towards the reconstructed LGM ice load in West Antarctica, rather than radially away from it as expected, coincides with an extreme gradient in lithosphere thickness and shear wave speed, suggesting that GIA-induced mantle flow along the viscosity gradient may be driving the motions.

Interference of lithospheric folding in Central Asia by simultaneous Indian and Arabian plate indentation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Smit, J. H. W.; Cloetingh, S. A. P. L.; Burov, E.; Sokoutis, D.; Kaban, M.; Tesauro, M.; Burg, J.-P.

2012-04-01

Although large-scale folding of the crust and the lithosphere in Central Asia as a result of the indentation of India has been extensively documented, the impact of continental collision between Arabia and Eurasia has been largely overlooked. The resulting Neogene shortening and uplift of the Zagros, Albors, Kopet Dagh and Kaukasus mountain belts in Iran and surrounding areas is characterised by a simultaneous onset of major topography growth at ca. 5 Ma. At the same time, the adjacent Caspian, Turan and Amu Darya basins underwent an acceleration in subsidence. It is common knowledge that waves with different orientations will interfere with each other. Folding, by its nature similar to a standing wave, is not likely to be an exception. We demonstrate that collision of the Eurasian plate with the Arabian and Indian plates generates folding of the Eurasian lithosphere in two different directions and that interaction between both generates characteristic interference patterns that can be recognised from the regional gravity signal. We present evidence for interference of lithospheric folding patterns induced by Arabian and Indian collision with Eurasia. Wavelengths (from 50 to 250 km) and spatial patterns are inferred from satellite-derived topography and gravity models and attest for rheologically stratified lithosphere with relatively strong mantle rheology (thickness of strong mechanical core on the order of 40-50 km) and less competent crust (thickness of the mechanical core on the order of 10-15 km). The observations are compared with inferences from numerical and analogue tectonic experiments for a quantitative assessment of factors such as lithosphere rheology and stratification, lateral variations in lithosphere strength, thermo-mechanical age and distance to the plate boundary on the activity of folding as a mechanism of intra-plate deformation in this area. The observed interference of the patterns of folding appears to be primarily the result of spatial orientation of the two indenters, differences in their convergence velocities and the thermo-mechanical structure of the lithosphere west and east of the Kugitang-Tunka line.

Crustal and lithospheric structure of the Alborz Mountains (Iran) and surrounding areas from integrated geophysical modeling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Motavallianbaran, S.; Zeyen, H. J.; Brunet, M.; Ardestani, V. E.

2010-12-01

The tectonic evolution of Alborz Mountains (northern Iran) and the South Caspian Basin as well as its transition into the Scythian and Turan platforms are yet an unsolved and debated problem. Using gravity, geoid, topography and surface heat flow data, we have modeled the density and temperature distribution in the lithosphere along three profiles crossing Iran in SW-NE direction from the Arabian foreland in the SW to the South Caspian Basin and the Turan Platform to the NE. We found thin lithosphere (100-120 km) underneath Central Iran, whereas thick lithosphere (up to 260 km), is found underneath Arabia, the South Caspian Basin and the Turan Platform. Crustal thickening is found under the Zagros and Alborz Mountains (up to 58 km) and under the Kopet-Dagh Mountains (48 km), whereas the thin crust under the southern Caspian Sea is interpreted as oceanic crust. Modeling result of Profile I is shown below with the crust in gray scale (darker gray: higher density) and the lithospheric mantle with color-coded temperatures. Since some previous studies argued for the absence of a root under the Alborz, we tested different models to see whether it is possible to explain the data without a root beneath the Alborz and finally we found that it is impossible to fit the calculated data to the measured ones with a geologically reasonable model. Below the South Caspian Sea, the form of the crust-mantle interface and the base of the lithosphere indicate a subduction of the South Caspian block towards the N-NW. Further east, under the Kopet-Dagh, no evidence for active subduction is visible. Based on the temperature distribution, we calculated the vertically integrated rock rigidity along the profiles. It shows that a rheologically very strong South Caspian block is surrounded by weaker continental lithosphere which may explain the rigid-block subduction of the South Caspian block on the one hand and internal deformation of the lithosphere under the Kopet-Dagh on the other hand.

Seismicity in Azerbaijan and Adjacent Caspian Sea

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Panahi, Behrouz M.

2006-03-23

So far no general view on the geodynamic evolution of the Black Sea to the Caspian Sea region is elaborated. This is associated with the geological and structural complexities of the region revealed by geophysical, geochemical, petrologic, structural, and other studies. A clash of opinions on geodynamic conditions of the Caucasus region, sometimes mutually exclusive, can be explained by a simplified interpretation of the seismic data. In this paper I analyze available data on earthquake occurrences in Azerbaijan and the adjacent Caspian Sea region. The results of the analysis of macroseismic and instrumental data, seismic regime, and earthquake reoccurrence indicatemore » that a level of seismicity in the region is moderate, and seismic event are concentrated in the shallow part of the lithosphere. Seismicity is mostly intra-plate, and spatial distribution of earthquake epicenters does not correlate with the plate boundaries.« less

Destruction of the North China Craton: Lithosphere folding-induced removal of lithospheric mantle?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Kai-Jun

2012-01-01

High heat flow, high surface topography, and widespread volcanism indicate that the lithospheric mantle of typical cratonic character of the North China Craton has been seriously destroyed in its eastern half. However, the mechanism of this process remains open to intense debate. Here lithosphere folding-induced lithospheric mantle removal is proposed as a new mechanism for the destruction of the craton. Four main NNE-SSW-striking lithospheric-scale anticlines and synclines are recognized within North China east of the Helan fold-and-thrust belt. The lithosphere folding occurred possibly during the Late Triassic through Jurassic when the Yangzi Craton collided with the North China Craton. It was accompanied or followed by lithospheric dripping, and could have possibly induced the lithosphere foundering of the North China Craton. The lithosphere folding would have modified the lithosphere morphology, creating significant undulation in the lithospheric base and thus causing variations of the patterns of the small-scale convection. It also could have provoked the formation of new shear zones liable to impregnation of magma, producing linear incisions at the cratonic base and resulting in foundering of lithospheric mantle blocks. Furthermore, it generated thickening of the lithosphere or the lower crust and initiated the destabilization and subsequent removal of the lithospheric mantle.

Deformation of Tibetan Crust and Mantle and the Uplift of the Plateau: Insights from Broadband Surface Waves

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Agius, M. R.; Lebedev, S.

2013-12-01

Seismic deployments over the last two decades have produced dense broadband data coverage across the Tibetan Plateau. Yet, the lithospheric dynamics of Tibet is still debated, with very different end-member models advocated to this day. Uncertainties over the anomalies in seismic tomography models contribute to the uncertainty of their interpretations, ranging from the subduction of India as far as northern Tibet to subduction of Asia there and to extreme viscous thickening of the entire Tibetan lithosphere. Within the lithosphere itself, a low-viscosity layer in the mid-lower crust is evidenced by many observations. It is still unclear, however, whether this layer accommodates a large-scale channel flow (which may have uplifted northern and eastern Tibet, according to one model) or if, instead, deformation within it is similar to that observed at the surface (which implies different uplift mechanisms). Broad-band surface waves provide resolving power from the upper crust down to the asthenosphere, for both isotropic-average shear-wave speeds (proxies for composition and temperature) and the radial and azimuthal shear-wave anisotropy (indicative of the patterns of deformation and flow). We measured highly accurate Love- and Rayleigh-wave phase-velocity curves in broad period ranges (up to 5-200 s) for a few tens of pairs and groups of stations across Tibet, combining, in each case, hundreds to thousands of inter-station measurements, made with cross-correlation and waveform-inversion methods. Robust shear-velocity profiles were then determined by series of non-linear inversions, yielding depth-dependent ranges of shear speeds and radial anisotropy consistent with the data. Temperature anomalies in the upper mantle were estimated from shear-velocity ones using accurate petro-physical relationships. Azimuthal anisotropy in the crust and upper mantle was determined by surface-wave tomography and, also, by sub-array analysis targeting the anisotropy amplitude. Our results show that the prominent high-velocity anomalies in the upper mantle are most consistent with the presence of subducted Indian lithosphere beneath large portions of Tibet. Estimated thermal anomalies within the high-velocity features match those expected for subducted India. The morphology of India's subduction beneath Tibet is complex and shows pronounced west-east variations. Beneath eastern and northeastern Tibet, in particular, the subducted Indian lithosphere appears to have subducted, at a shallow angle, hundreds of km NNE-wards. Azimuthal anisotropy beneath Tibet is distributed in multiple layers with different fast-propagations directions, which accounts for the complexity of published shear-wave splitting observations. The fast directions within the mid-lower crust are parallel to the extensional components of the current strain rate field at the surface, consistent with similar deformation through the entire crust, rather than channel flow. Anisotropy within the asthenosphere beneath northeastern Tibet (sandwiched between the Tibetan lithosphere above and the subducted Indian lithosphere below) indicates SSW-NNE flow, parallel to the direction of motion of the Indian Plate, including its subducted leading edge.

Heterogeneity of Water Concentrations in the Mantle Lithosphere Beneath Hawaii

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bizimis, M.; Peslier, A. H.; Clague, D.

2017-01-01

The amount and distribution of water in the oceanic mantle lithosphere has implications on its strength and of the role of volatiles during plume/lithosphere interaction. The latter plays a role in the Earth's deep water cycle as water-rich plume lavas could re-enrich an oceanic lithosphere depleted in water at the ridge, and when this heterogeneous lithosphere gets recycled back into the deep mantle. The main host of water in mantle lithologies are nominally anhydrous minerals like olivine, pyroxene and garnet, where hydrogen (H) is incorporated in mineral defects by bonding to structural oxygen. Here, we report water concentrations by Fourier transform infrared spectrometry (FTIR) on olivine, clino- and orthopyroxenes (Cpx & Opx) from spinel peridotites from the Pali vent and garnet pyroxenite xenoliths from Aliamanu vent, both part of the rejuvenated volcanism at Oahu (Hawaii). Pyroxenes from the Aliamanu pyroxenites have high water concentrations, similar to the adjacent Salt Lake Crater (SLC) pyroxenites (Cpx 400-500 ppm H2O, Opx 200 ppm H2O). This confirms that pyroxenite cumulates form water-rich lithologies within the oceanic lithosphere. In contrast, the Pali peridotites have much lower water concentrations than the SLC ones (<25 ppm vs. 50-96 ppm H2O respectively) despite being relatively fertile with >10% modal Cpx and low spinel Cr# (0.09-0.10). The contrast between the two peridotite suites is also evident in their trace elements and radiogenic isotopes. The Pali Cpx are depleted in light REE, consistent with minimal metasomatism. Those of SLC have enriched light REE patterns and Nd and Hf isotopes consistent with metasomatism by alkaline melts. These observations are consistent with heterogeneous water distribution in the oceanic lithosphere that may be related to metasomatism, as well as relatively dry peridotites cross-cut by narrow (?) water-rich melt reaction zones.

Construction and destruction of some North American cratons

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Snyder, David B.; Humphreys, Eugene; Pearson, D. Graham

2017-01-01

Construction histories of Archean cratons remain poorly understood; their destruction is even less clear because of its rarity, but metasomatic weakening is an essential precursor. By assembling geophysical and geochemical data in 3-D lithosphere models, a clearer understanding of the geometry of major structures within the Rae, Slave and Wyoming cratons of central North America is now possible. Little evidence exists of subducted slab-like geometries similar to modern oceanic lithosphere in these construction histories. Underthrusting and wedging of proto-continental lithosphere is inferred from multiple dipping discontinuities, emphasizing the role of lateral accretion. Archean continental building blocks may resemble the modern lithosphere of oceanic plateau, but they better match the sort of refractory crust expected to have formed at Archean ocean spreading centres. Radiometric dating of mantle xenoliths provides estimates of rock types and ages at depth beneath sparse kimberlite occurrences, and these ages can be correlated to surface rocks. The 3.6-2.6 Ga Rae, Slave and Wyoming cratons stabilized during a granitic bloom at 2.61-2.55 Ga. This stabilization probably represents the final differentiation of early crust into a relatively homogeneous, uniformly thin (35-42 km), tonalite-trondhjemite-granodiorite crust with pyroxenite layers near the Moho atop depleted lithospheric mantle. Peak thermo-tectonic events at 1.86-1.7 Ga broadly metasomatized, mineralized and recrystallized mantle and lower crustal rocks, apparently making mantle peridotite more 'fertile' and more conductive by introducing or concentrating sulfides or graphite at 80-120 km depths. This metasomatism may have also weakened the lithosphere or made it more susceptible to tectonic or chemical erosion. Late Cretaceous flattening of Farallon lithosphere that included the Shatsky Rise conjugate appears to have weakened, eroded and displaced the base of the Wyoming craton below 140-160 km. This process replaced the old re-fertilized continental mantle with relatively young depleted oceanic mantle.

Rotation, narrowing and preferential reactivation of brittle structures during oblique rifting

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huismans, R. S.; Duclaux, G.; May, D.

2017-12-01

Occurrence of multiple faults populations with contrasting orientations in oblique continental rifts and passive margins has long sparked debate about relative timing of deformation events and tectonic interpretations. Here, we use high-resolution three-dimensional thermo-mechanical numerical modeling to characterize the evolution of the structural style associated with moderately oblique rifting in the continental lithosphere. Automatic analysis of the distribution of active extensional shears at the surface of the model demonstrates a characteristic deformation sequence. We show that upon localization, Phase 1 wide oblique en-échelon grabens develop, limited by extensional shears oriented orthogonal to σ3. Subsequent widening of the grabens is accompanied by a progressive rotation of the Phase 1 extensional shears that become sub-orthogonal the plate motion direction. Phase 2 is marked by narrowing of active deformation resulting from thinning of the continental lithosphere and development of a second-generation of extensional shears. During Phase 2 deformation localizes both on plate motion direction-orthogonal structures that reactivate rotated Phase 1 shears, and on new oblique structures orthogonal to σ3. Finally, Phase 3 consists in the oblique rupture of the continental lithosphere and produces an oceanic domain where oblique ridge segments are linked with highly oblique accommodation zones. We conclude that while new structures form normal to σ3 in an oblique rift, progressive rotation and long-term reactivation of Phase 1 structures promotes orthorhombic fault systems, critical to accommodate upper crustal extension and control oblique passive margin architecture. The distribution, orientation, and evolution of frictional-plastic structures observed in our models is remarkably similar to documented fault populations in the Gulf of Aden conjugate passive margins, which developed in moderately oblique extensional settings.

Along-strike complex geometry of subduction zones - an experimental approach

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Midtkandal, I.; Gabrielsen, R. H.; Brun, J.-P.; Huismans, R.

2012-04-01

Recent knowledge of the great geometric and dynamic complexity insubduction zones, combined with new capacity for analogue mechanical and numerical modeling has sparked a number of studies on subduction processes. Not unexpectedly, such models reveal a complex relation between physical conditions during subduction initiation, strength profile of the subducting plate, the thermo-dynamic conditions and the subduction zones geometries. One rare geometrical complexity of subduction that remains particularly controversial, is the potential for polarity shift in subduction systems. The present experiments were therefore performed to explore the influence of the architecture, strength and strain velocity on complexities in subduction zones, focusing on along-strike variation of the collision zone. Of particular concern were the consequences for the geometry and kinematics of the transition zones between segments of contrasting subduction direction. Although the model design to some extent was inspired by the configuration along the Iberian - Eurasian suture zone, the results are also of significance for other orogens with complex along-strike geometries. The experiments were set up to explore the initial state of subduction only, and were accordingly terminated before slab subduction occurred. The model wasbuilt from layers of silicone putty and sand, tailored to simulate the assumed lithospheric geometries and strength-viscosity profiles along the plate boundary zone prior to contraction, and comprises two 'continental' plates separated by a thinner 'oceanic' plate that represents the narrow seaway. The experiment floats on a substrate of sodiumpolytungstate, representing mantle. 24 experimental runs were performed, varying the thickness (and thus strength) of the upper mantle lithosphere, as well as the strain rate. Keeping all other parameters identical for each experiment, the models were shortened by a computer-controlled jackscrew while time-lapse images were recorded. After completion, the models were saturated with water and frozen, allowing for sectioning and profile inspection. The experiments were invariably characterized by different along-strike patterns of deformation, so that three distinct structural domains could be distinguished in all cases. Model descriptions are subdivided accordingly, including domain CC, simulating a continent-continent collision, domain OC, characterized by continent-ocean-continent collision and domain T, representing the transition zone between domain CC and domain OC. The latter zone varied in width and complexity depending on the contrast in structural style developed in the two other domains; in cases where domain OC developed very differently from domain CC, the transition zone was generally wider and more complex. A typical experiment displayed the following features and strain history: In domain CC two principal thrust sheets are displayed, which obviously developed in an in-sequence foreland-directed fashion. The lowermost detachment nucleated at the base of the High Strength Lithospheric Mantle analogue, whereas the uppermost thrust was anchored within the "lower crust". The two thrusts operated in concert, the surface trace of the deepest dominating in the west, and the shallowest in the east. The kinematic development of domain CC could be subdivided into four stages, including initiation of a symmetrical anticline with a minute amplitude and situated directly above the velocity discontinuity defined by the plate contact (stage 1), contemporaneous development of the two thrusts (stage 2) and an associated asymmetrical anticline (stage 3) with a central collapse graben in the latest phase (stage 4). It is noted that the segment CC as seen in a clear majority of the experiments followed this pattern of development. In contrast, the configuration of domain OC displayed greater variation, and included north and south-directed subduction, folding, growth of pop-up-structures and triangle zones. In the "ocean crust" domain, stage 1 was characterized by the growth of a fault-propagation anticline with an E-W-oriented fold axis, ending with the surfacing of a north-vergent thrust. In stage 2, the contraction was concentrated to the south in the oceanic domain, again ending with the surfacing of a thrust, here with top-south transport. By continued movement (stage 3), the thrust fault propagated towards the east, crossing into the "continental" domain and linking with the fault systems of the segment CC. The structure of domain T is dominated by the interference of faults propagating westwards from the domain CC and eastwards from the domain OC, respectively. The zone of overlap in the experiment was significant, and its central part had the geometry of a double "crocodile structure" (sensuMeissner 1989), separating the two areas of northerly and southerly subduction. Hence, its development is less easily subdivided into stages. Reference: Meissner,R., 1989: Rupture, creep lamellae and crocodiles: happenings in the continental crust. Terra Nova, 1, 17-28.

Hardening mechanisms in olivine single crystal deformed at 1090 °C: an electron tomography study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mussi, Alexandre; Cordier, Patrick; Demouchy, Sylvie; Hue, Benoit

2017-11-01

The dislocation microstructures in a single crystal of olivine deformed experimentally in uniaxial compression at 1090 °C and under a confining pressure of 300 MPa, have been investigated by transmission electron tomography in order to better understand deformation mechanisms at the microscale relevant for lithospheric mantle deformations. Investigation by electron tomography reveals microstructures, which are more complex than previously described, composed of ? and ? dislocations commonly exhibiting 3D configurations. Numerous mechanisms such as climb, cross-slip, double cross-slip as well as interactions like junction formations and collinear annihilations are the source of this complexity. The diversity observed advocates for microscale deformation of olivine significantly less simple than classic dislocation creep reported in metals or ice close to melting temperature. Deciphering mechanism of hardening in olivine at temperatures where ionic diffusion is slow and is then expected to play very little role is crucial to better understand and thus model deformation at larger scale and at temperatures (900-1100 °C) highly relevant for the lithospheric mantle.

The Large Scale Tectonic Framework of SE Asia and the Deformation of the lithosphere Beneath Tibet and SW China (Invited)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

van der Hilst, R. D.; Huang, H.; Yao, H.

2010-12-01

We summarize results of our seismological studies of the lithosphere beneath Tibet and SW China. Joint analysis of geological, geodetic, and seismological data suggests that the Tibetan plateau formed through interplay between continental collision between India and Asia in the west and ocean floor subduction along the western Pacific island arcs and marginal basins in the east. These dynamic systems combine to facilitate the eastward extrusion of lithospheric material away from central Tibet. Located near the transition of these systems, SE Tibet is a key area for understanding regional seismicity as well as eastward plateau expansion. For a detailed regional study MIT installed an array of 25 three-component, broad band seismometers in Sichuan and Yunnan provinces, SW China. During the same 1-year period Lehigh University operated a 75 station array in east Tibet. Data from these and other nearby arrays have been used in a range of studies of crust and mantle heterogeneity and anisotropy. We focus our presentation on results of two lines of seismological study. First, travel time tomography (Li et al., PEPI 2006, EPSL 2008, JGR 2010) - with hand-picked phase arrivals from recordings at regional arrays, data from over 1,000 stations in China, and the global data base due to Engdahl et al. (BSSA, 1998) - has revealed that structures associated with subduction of the Indian plate beneath the Himalayas vary significantly from west Tibet (where the plate seems to underlie the entire plateau) to east Tibet (where Indian lithosphere seems to have plunged deeper into the mantle). Further east, fast structures appear in the upper mantle transition zone, presumably related to stagnation of slab fragments from westward subduction along Asia’s eastern sea board. Second, surface wave array tomography (Yao et al., GJI 2006, GJI 2008, JGR 2010; Huang et al., GRL 2010), based on ambient noise interferometry and traditional (inter station) dispersion analysis, is used to delineate the 3-D anisotropic structure of the crust and lithospheric mantle at length scales as small as 100 km beneath SE Asia. These inversions revealed (i) the presence of intra-crustal low velocity zones (perhaps bounded by major faults), (ii) a strong correlation between these low velocity zones and radial anisotropy (Vsh faster than Vsv), and (iii) that the pattern of crustal (azimuthal) anisotropy is quite different from that in the deep crust and mantle lithosphere. Furthermore, the spatial relationship with high heat flow, high (electrical) conductivity, and high Poisson’s ratio’s suggests that the crustal zones of low shear velocity are mechanically weak. Collectively, these inferences suggest that deformation is generally not vertically coherent and that (horizontal) ductile flow occurs (at least locally) in the deep crust of SE Tibet. Deformation of the lithosphere in SE Tibet may thus occur through interaction of geological units with and without crustal flow that are separated by major faults.

Exploring tectonomagmatic controls on mid-ocean ridge faulting and morphology with 3-D numerical models

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Howell, S. M.; Ito, G.; Behn, M. D.; Olive, J. A. L.; Kaus, B.; Popov, A.; Mittelstaedt, E. L.; Morrow, T. A.

2016-12-01

Previous two-dimensional (2-D) modeling studies of abyssal-hill scale fault generation and evolution at mid-ocean ridges have predicted that M, the ratio of magmatic to total extension, strongly influences the total slip, spacing, and rotation of large faults, as well as the morphology of the ridge axis. Scaling relations derived from these 2-D models broadly explain the globally observed decrease in abyssal hill spacing with increasing ridge spreading rate, as well as the formation of large-offset faults close to the ends of slow-spreading ridge segments. However, these scaling relations do not explain some higher resolution observations of segment-scale variability in fault spacing along the Chile Ridge and the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, where fault spacing shows no obvious correlation with M. This discrepancy between observations and 2-D model predictions illuminates the need for three-dimensional (3-D) numerical models that incorporate the effects of along-axis variations in lithospheric structure and magmatic accretion. To this end, we use the geodynamic modeling software LaMEM to simulate 3-D tectono-magmatic interactions in a visco-elasto-plastic lithosphere under extension. We model a single ridge segment subjected to an along-axis gradient in the rate of magma injection, which is simulated by imposing a mass source in a plane of model finite volumes beneath the ridge axis. Outputs of interest include characteristic fault offset, spacing, and along-axis gradients in seafloor morphology. We also examine the effects of along-axis variations in lithospheric thickness and off-axis thickening rate. The main objectives of this study are to quantify the relative importance of the amount of magmatic extension and the local lithospheric structure at a given along-axis location, versus the importance of along-axis communication of lithospheric stresses on the 3-D fault evolution and morphology of intermediate-spreading-rate ridges.

The lithosphere architecture and geodynamic of the Middle and Lower Yangtze metallogenic belt in eastern China: constraints from integrated geophysical data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lü, Qingtian; Shi, Danian; Jiang, Guoming; Dong, Shuwen

2014-05-01

The lithosphere structure and deep processes are keys to understanding mineral system and ore-forming processes. Lithosphere-scale process could create big footprints or signatures which can be observed by geophysics methods. SinoProbe has conducted an integrated deep exploration across middle and lower reaches of Yangtze Metallogenic Belt (YMB) in Eastern China, these included broadband seismic, reflection seismic, wide-angle reflection and magnetotellurics survey. Seismic reflection profiles and MT survey were also performed in Luzong, Tongling and Ningwu ore districts to construct 3D geological model. The resulting geophysical data provides new information which help to better understanding the lithosphere structure, geodynamic, deformation and heat and mass transportation that lead to the formation of the Metallogenic Belt. The major results are: (1) Lower velocity body at the top of upper mantle and a SE dipping high velocity body were imaged by teleseismic tomography beneath YMB; (2) Shear wave splitting results show NE parallel fast-wave polarization direction which parallel with tectonic lineament; (3) The reflection seismic data support the crustal-detachment model, the lower and upper crust was detached during contraction deformation near Tanlu fault and Ningwu volcanic basin; (4) Broadband and reflection seismic confirm the shallow Moho beneath YMB; (5) Strong correlation of lower crust reflectivity with magmatism; (6) The lower crust below Luzong Volcanics shows obvious reflective anisotropy both at the crust-mantle transition and the brittle-ductile transition in the crust. All these features suggest that introcontinental subduction, lithosphere delamination, mantle sources magmatic underplating, and MASH process are responsible for the formation of this Mesozoic metallogenic belt. Acknowledgment: We acknowledge the financial support of SinoProbe by the Ministry of Finance and Ministry of Land and Resources, P. R. China, under Grant sinoprobe-03, and financial support by National Natural Science Foundation of China under Grant 40930418

Transform Faults and Lithospheric Structure: Insights from Numerical Models and Shipboard and Geodetic Observations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Takeuchi, Christopher S.

In this dissertation, I study the influence of transform faults on the structure and deformation of the lithosphere, using shipboard and geodetic observations as well as numerical experiments. I use marine topography, gravity, and magnetics to examine the effects of the large age-offset Andrew Bain transform fault on accretionary processes within two adjacent segments of the Southwest Indian Ridge. I infer from morphology, high gravity, and low magnetization that the extremely cold and thick lithosphere associated with the Andrew Bain strongly suppresses melt production and crustal emplacement to the west of the transform fault. These effects are counteracted by enhanced temperature and melt production near the Marion Hotspot, east of the transform fault. I use numerical models to study the development of lithospheric shear zones underneath continental transform faults (e.g. the San Andreas Fault in California), with a particular focus on thermomechanical coupling and shear heating produced by long-term fault slip. I find that these processes may give rise to long-lived localized shear zones, and that such shear zones may in part control the magnitude of stress in the lithosphere. Localized ductile shear participates in both interseismic loading and postseismic relaxation, and predictions of models including shear zones are within observational constraints provided by geodetic and surface heat flow data. I numerically investigate the effects of shear zones on three-dimensional postseismic deformation. I conclude that the presence of a thermally-activated shear zone minimally impacts postseismic deformation, and that thermomechanical coupling alone is unable to generate sufficient localization for postseismic relaxation within a ductile shear zone to kinematically resemble that by aseismic fault creep (afterslip). I find that the current record geodetic observations of postseismic deformation do not provide robust discriminating power between candidate linear and power-law rheologies for the sub-Mojave Desert mantle, but longer observations may potentially allow such discrimination.

Possible origin of the Bighorn uplift, WY, by lithospheric buckling during the Laramide orogeny

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tikoff, B.; Siddoway, C. S.; Worthington, L. L.; Anderson, M. L.

2017-12-01

The EarthScope Bighorn Project investigated the Bighorn uplift, Wyoming, a foreland structure developed during the 75-55 Ma Laramide orogeny. Any model for the Bighorn uplift must account for several geological and geophysical results from the EarthScope broadband and passive-active seismic study, the broader context provided by USArray, and legacy datasets: 1) The Moho is bulged up below portions of the surface exposure of the basement arch; 2) a high-velocity, high-density material (the "7.x layer") is absent in the lower crust beneath the arch culmination; 3) Shear wave splitting analysis shows distinct mantle fabrics on either side of the uplift; 4) Crustal thicknesses varied widely prior to the Laramide-age deformation; 5) A lack of reflectors associated with a regional decollement; 6) The Bighorn arch forms one in an array of low-amplitude, large-wavelength folds throughout the High Plains region. The uplift borders a NNW-trending (E-dipping?) geophysical anomaly inferred to be Proterozoic suture. A lithospheric buckling model offers a framework that accommodates most of the geological and geophysical data. Lithospheric buckling is the concept of low-amplitude, large-wavelength (150-350 km) lithospheric folding developed in response to an end-load, replicated in scaled physical models. A buckling instability focuses initial deformation, with faults developed in layered media/crustal section as shortening progresses. The strength/age of the mantle controls the fold wavelength, based on examples from multiple orogens (e.g. Urals, central Asia). Rarely does the geometry of the upward Moho deflection identically mirror the surface uplift in scaled models, nor does it in the Bighorn uplift, where fold localization is likely controlled by a pre-existing Proterozoic suture and/or mantle asperity. Indicated by shear wave SKS splitting data, distinct mantle fabrics on either side of the uplift extend into the lithospheric mantle, indicated the presence of a deep-rooted structure of a type that has not been incorporated in physical models.

Mantle plumes & lithospheric foundering: Determining the timing and amplitude of post-Miocene uplift in the Wallowa mountains, north-east Oregon with low-temperature thermochronometry.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schoettle-Greene, P.; Duvall, A. R.

2016-12-01

The foundering of gravitationally unstable lithosphere, while frequently invoked to explain anomalous topography, proves difficult to verify from an Earth surface perspective. Theoretically, direct observables like sudden uplift associated with extension and mantle-sourced volcanism should help identify affected regions but these markers are often obscured by background stresses and heterogeneous lithosphere. To better understand topographic evolution following the removal of mantle lithosphere, we present new apatite U-Th/He thermocrhonometry data and field observations from the Wallowa mountains adjacent to Hells Canyon in the northwestern United States. The granodiorite-cored Wallowa are increasingly recognized as a type locality for the process of lithospheric foundering, as they are bound by extensional structures and were presumably uplifted contemporaneous with the intrusion of feeder dikes for the mantle-sourced Columbia River Basalts at 16 Ma. Cretaceous and early Cenozoic cooling ages from our study imply that in spite of the presumed 1-2 km of basalt flows eroded from the Wallowa and heating associated with the intrusion of the Chief Joseph dike swarm, and 2 km of proposed rapid post-foundering uplift, there has been little exhumation. We attempt to reconcile these conflicting observations with field mapping of folded basalt flows at the margins of the Wallowa mountains, modeling of geothermal response times following a thermal perturbation, and further study using the 4He/3He thermochronometer on a subset of samples to reveal more recent cooling histories. Our findings will improve our understanding of the landscape evolution of the Wallowa mountains, information pertinent to the geodynamics of lithosphere removal and the eruption of Columbia River Basalts.

Electrical feature at the depths of lithosphere-asthenosphere boundary beneath the petit-spot volcanic field in northwestern Pacific

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Baba, K.; Abe, N.; Hirano, N.; Ichiki, M.

2017-12-01

Small-scale volcanoes possibly associated with flexure of oceanic lithosphere are called "petit-spots" and petit-spot volcanic fields have been recognized in many places in the world since the first discovery in northwestern Pacific (NWP) (Hirano et al., 2001; 2006). We have investigated the electrical feature of the lithosphere-asthenosphere boundary (LAB) through marine magnetotelluric (MT) survey to elucidate the magma generation and migration process of the NWP petit-spot. The MT array that consists of nine sites covers about 1,000 km times 1,000 km area around the petit-spot. The data were collected during several periods in 2002-2008. A one-dimensional (1-D) representative structure in the array was first estimated to explain the averaged MT responses in the array. The 1-D profile suggest that the resistive layer, which may be interpreted as cool lithosphere, is likely thicker than predictions by typical models for thermally conductive cooling of the lithosphere having a finite thickness over time since its creation at a mid-ocean ridge (Baba et al., 2017). We have further analyzed the data using a three-dimensional inversion approach (Siripunvaraporn et al., 2005; Tada et al., 2012; Baba et al., 2013). Preliminary results show that the resistive lithospheric layer may be thinner just beneath the petit-spot field. Distribution of the relatively high conductivity anomaly at the LAB depth is critical to discuss if the petit-spot magma source is ubiquitous. Therefore, necessity of the feature should be carefully examined. Quantitative interpretation of electrical conductivity in terms of partial melting and volatile (H2O and CO2) contents in the mantle will also be attempted and presented in the conference.

Estimating lithospheric properties at Atla Regio, Venus

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Phillips, Roger J.

1994-01-01

Magellan spehrical harmonic gravity and topography models are used to estimate lithospheric properties at Alta Regio, Venus, a proposed hotspot with dynamic support from mantle plume(s). Global spherical harmonic and local representations of the gravity field share common properties in the Atla region interms of their spectral behavior over a wavelength band from approximately 2100 to approximately 700 km. The estimated free-air admittance spectrum displays a rather featureless long-wavelength portion followed by a sharp rise at wavelengths shorter than about 1000 km. This sharp rise requires significant flexural support of short-wavelength structures. The Bouguer coherence also displays a sharp drop in this wavelength band, indicating a finite flexural rigidity of the lithosphere. A simple model for lithospheric loading from above and below is introduced (D. W. Forsyth, 1985) with four parameters: f, the ratio of bottom loading to top loading; z(sub m), crustal thickness; z(sub l) depth to bottom loading source; and T(sub e) elastic lithosphere thickness. A dual-mode compensation model is introduced in which the shorter wavelengths (lambda approximately less than 1000 km) might be explained best by a predominance of top loading by the large shield volcanoes Maat Mons, Ozza Mons, and Sapas Mons, and the longer wavelengths (lambda approximately greater than 1500 km) might be explained best by a deep depth of compensation, possibly representing bottom loading by a dynamic source. A Monte Carlo inversion technique is introduced to thoroughly search out the four-space of the model parameters and to examine parameter correlation in the solutions. Venus either is a considerabe deficient in heat sources relative to Earth, or the thermal lithosphere is overthickened in response to an earlier episode of significant heat loss from the planet.

Lithospheric architecture of the Levant Basin (Eastern Mediterranean region): A 2D modeling approach

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Inati, Lama; Zeyen, Hermann; Nader, Fadi Henri; Adelinet, Mathilde; Sursock, Alexandre; Rahhal, Muhsin Elie; Roure, François

2016-12-01

This paper discusses the deep structure of the lithosphere underlying the easternmost Mediterranean region, in particular the Levant Basin and its margins, where the nature of the crust, continental versus oceanic, remains debated. Crustal thickness and the depth of the lithosphere-asthenosphere boundary (LAB) as well as the crustal density distribution were calculated by integrating surface heat flow data, free-air gravity anomaly, geoid and topography. Accordingly, two-dimensional, lithospheric models of the study area are discussed, demonstrating the presence of a progressively attenuated crystalline crust from E to W (average thickness from 35 to 8 km). The crystalline crust is best interpreted as a strongly thinned continental crust under the Levant Basin, represented by two distinct components, an upper and a lower crust. Further to the west, the Herodotus Basin is believed to be underlain by an oceanic crust, with a thickness between 6 and 10 km. The Moho under the Arabian Plate is 35-40 km deep and becomes shallower towards the Mediterranean coast. It appears to be situated at depths ranging between 20 and 23 km below the Levant Basin and 26 km beneath the Herodotus Basin, based on our proposed models. At the Levantine margin, the thinning of the crust in the transitional domain between the onshore and the offshore is gradual, indicating successive extensional regimes that did not reach the beak up stage. In addition, the depth to LAB is around 120 km under the Arabian and the Eurasian Plates, 150 km under the Levant Basin, and it plunges to 180 km under the Herodotus Basin. This study shows that detailed 2D lithosphere modeling using integrated geophysical data can help understand the mechanisms responsible for the modelled lithospheric architecture when constrained with geological findings.

Three-Dimensional Variation of the Slab Geometry Along Strike and Along Dip in the Cascadia Subduction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gao, H.

2017-12-01

The crust and upper mantle seismic structure, spanning from the Juan de Fuca and Gorda spreading centers to the Cascade arc, is imaged with full-wave propagation simulation and ambient noise tomography. To retrieve Rayleigh-wave Empirical Green's Functions between station pairs, we process the vertical component of continuous seismic data recorded between 2004 and 2015 by about 800 stations, including three offshore seismic networks (the Cascadia Initiative Amphibious Array, the Blanco Transform OBS experiment, and the Gorda Deformation Zone OBS experiment) and all available broadband inland stations. The spreading centers have anomalously low shear-wave velocity beneath the oceanic lithosphere. Around the Cobb axial seamount, we observe a low velocity anomaly underlying a relatively thin oceanic lithosphere, indicating its influence on the Juan de Fuca ridge. The tomographic imaging reveals great details of the seismic feature of the oceanic lithosphere prior to and after subduction, which varies significantly along strike and along dip. On average, the thickness of the oceanic lithosphere is about 30-45 km. The Juan de Fuca lithosphere appears to be relatively thin around the ridge, especially beneath the Cobb axial seamount, and then gradually thickens with increasing distance from the ridge. The thickness of the Gorda plate appears to be constant, which is probably due to the small size of the subduction system from formation to subduction. It is noteworthy that the oceanic plate is imaged relatively weaker beneath the trench compared to other parts of the plate. We suggest that in addition to the possible hydration of the oceanic mantle lithosphere, other mechanisms must be considered to explain the observed seismic feature around the trench. Further landward, very low velocity anomalies are observed above the plate interface along the Cascade forearc, indicative of subducted sediments.

The lithosphere-asthenosphere boundary beneath the South Island of New Zealand

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hua, Junlin; Fischer, Karen M.; Savage, Martha K.

2018-02-01

Lithosphere-asthenosphere boundary (LAB) properties beneath the South Island of New Zealand have been imaged by Sp receiver function common-conversion point stacking. In this transpressional boundary between the Australian and Pacific plates, dextral offset on the Alpine fault and convergence have occurred for the past 20 My, with the Alpine fault now bounded by Australian plate subduction to the south and Pacific plate subduction to the north. Using data from onland seismometers, especially the 29 broadband stations of the New Zealand permanent seismic network (GeoNet), we obtained 24,971 individual receiver functions by extended-time multi-taper deconvolution, and mapped them to three-dimensional space using a Fresnel zone approximation. Pervasive strong positive Sp phases are observed in the LAB depth range indicated by surface wave tomography. These phases are interpreted as conversions from a velocity decrease across the LAB. In the central South Island, the LAB is observed to be deeper and broader to the northwest of the Alpine fault. The deeper LAB to the northwest of the Alpine fault is consistent with models in which oceanic lithosphere attached to the Australian plate was partially subducted, or models in which the Pacific lithosphere has been underthrust northwest past the Alpine fault. Further north, a zone of thin lithosphere with a strong and vertically localized LAB velocity gradient occurs to the northwest of the fault, juxtaposed against a region of anomalously weak LAB conversions to the southeast of the fault. This structure could be explained by lithospheric blocks with contrasting LAB properties that meet beneath the Alpine fault, or by the effects of Pacific plate subduction. The observed variations in LAB properties indicate strong modification of the LAB by the interplay of convergence and strike-slip deformation along and across this transpressional plate boundary.

Models of Active Glacial Isostasy Roofing Warm Subduction: Case of the South Patagonian Ice Field

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Klemann, Volker; Ivins, Erik R.; Martinec, Zdenek; Wolf, Detlef

2007-01-01

Modern geodetic techniques such as precise Global Positioning System (GPS) and high-resolution space gravity mapping (Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment, GRACE) make it possible to measure the present-day rate of viscoelastic gravitational Earth response to present and past glacier mass changes. The Andes of Patagonia contain glacial environments of dramatic mass change. These mass load changes occur near a tectonically active boundary between the Antarctic and South American plates. The mechanical strength of the continental side of this boundary is influenced by Neogene ridge subduction and by the subduction of a youthful oceanic slab. A ridge of young volcanos parallels the Pacific coastline. Release of volatiles (such as water) at depth along this ridge creates a unique rheological environment. To assess the influence of this rheological ridge structure on the observational land uplift rate, we apply a two dimensional viscoelastic Earth model. A numerical study is presented which examines the sensitivity of the glacial loading-unloading response to the complex structure at depth related to the subducting slab, the viscous wedge between slab and continental lithosphere, and the increase of elastic thickness from oceanic to continental lithosphere. A key feature revealed by our numerical experiments is a continuum flow wherein the slab subdues the material transport toward oceanic mantle and crust. The restricted flow is sensitive to the details of slab mechanical strength and penetration into the upper mantle. The reduced viscosity within the mantle wedge, however, enhances the load-induced material transport everywhere within the asthenosphere.

A fictitious domain method for fluid/solid coupling applied to the lithosphere/asthenosphere interaction.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cerpa, Nestor; Hassani, Riad; Gerbault, Muriel

2014-05-01

A large variety of geodynamical problems can be viewed as a solid/fluid interaction problem coupling two bodies with different physics. In particular the lithosphere/asthenosphere mechanical interaction in subduction zones belongs to this kind of problem, where the solid lithosphere is embedded in the asthenospheric viscous fluid. In many fields (Industry, Civil Engineering,etc.), in which deformations of solid and fluid are "small", numerical modelers consider the exact discretization of both domains and fit as well as possible the shape of the interface between the two domains, solving the discretized physic problems by the Finite Element Method (FEM). Although, in a context of subduction, the lithosphere is submitted to large deformation, and can evolve into a complex geometry, thus leading to important deformation of the surrounding asthenosphere. To alleviate the precise meshing of complex geometries, numerical modelers have developed non-matching interface methods called Fictitious Domain Methods (FDM). The main idea of these methods is to extend the initial problem to a bigger (and simpler) domain. In our version of FDM, we determine the forces at the immersed solid boundary required to minimize (at the least square sense) the difference between fluid and solid velocities at this interface. This method is first-order accurate and the stability depends on the ratio between the fluid background mesh size and the interface discretization. We present the formulation and provide benchmarks and examples showing the potential of the method : 1) A comparison with an analytical solution of a viscous flow around a rigid body. 2) An experiment of a rigid sphere sinking in a viscous fluid (in two and three dimensional cases). 3) A comparison with an analog subduction experiment. Another presentation aims at describing the geodynamical application of this method to Andean subduction dynamics, studying cyclic slab folding on the 660 km discontinuity, and its relationship with flat subduction.

Upper mantle structure of central and West Antarctica from array analysis of Rayleigh wave phase velocities

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Heeszel, David S.; Wiens, Douglas A.; Anandakrishnan, Sridhar; Aster, Richard C.; Dalziel, Ian W. D.; Huerta, Audrey D.; Nyblade, Andrew A.; Wilson, Terry J.; Winberry, J. Paul

2016-03-01

The seismic velocity structure of Antarctica is important, both as a constraint on the tectonic history of the continent and for understanding solid Earth interactions with the ice sheet. We use Rayleigh wave array analysis methods applied to teleseismic data from recent temporary broadband seismograph deployments to image the upper mantle structure of central and West Antarctica. Phase velocity maps are determined using a two-plane wave tomography method and are inverted for shear velocity using a Monte Carlo approach to estimate three-dimensional velocity structure. Results illuminate the structural dichotomy between the East Antarctic Craton and West Antarctica, with West Antarctica showing thinner crust and slower upper mantle velocity. West Antarctica is characterized by a 70-100 km thick lithosphere, underlain by a low-velocity zone to depths of at least 200 km. The slowest anomalies are beneath Ross Island and the Marie Byrd Land dome and are interpreted as upper mantle thermal anomalies possibly due to mantle plumes. The central Transantarctic Mountains are marked by an uppermost mantle slow-velocity anomaly, suggesting that the topography is thermally supported. The presence of thin, higher-velocity lithosphere to depths of about 70 km beneath the West Antarctic Rift System limits estimates of the regionally averaged heat flow to less than 90 mW/m2. The Ellsworth-Whitmore block is underlain by mantle with velocities that are intermediate between those of the West Antarctic Rift System and the East Antarctic Craton. We interpret this province as Precambrian continental lithosphere that has been altered by Phanerozoic tectonic and magmatic activity.

Anisotropic tomography of the European lithospheric structure from surface wave studies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nita, Blanka; Maurya, Satish; Montagner, Jean-Paul

2016-06-01

We present continental-scale seismic isotropic and anisotropic imaging of shear wave upper-mantle structure of tectonically diversified terranes creating the European continent. Taking into account the 36-200 s period range of surface waves enables us to model the deep subcontinental structure at different vertical scale-lengths down to 300 km. After very strict quality selection criteria, we have obtained phase wave speeds at different periods for fundamental Rayleigh and Love modes from about 9000 three-component seismograms. Dispersion measurements are performed by using Fourier-domain waveform inversion technique named "roller-coaster-type" algorithm. We used the reference model with a varying average crustal structure for each source-station path. That procedure led to significant improvement of the quality and number of phase wave speed dispersion measurements compared to the common approach of using a reference model with one average crustal structure. Surface wave dispersion data are inverted at depth for retrieving isotropy and anisotropy parameters. The fast axis directions related to azimuthal anisotropy at different depths constitute a rich database for geodynamical interpretations. Shear wave anomalies of the horizontal dimension larger than 200 km are imaged in our models. They correlate with tectonic provinces of varying age-provenance. Different anisotropy patterns are observed along the most distinctive feature on our maps-the bordering zone between the Palaeozoic and Precambrian Europe. We discuss the depth changes of the lithosphere-asthenosphere boundary along the profiles crossing the chosen tectonic units of different origin and age: Fennoscandia, East European Craton, Anatolia, Mediterranean subduction zones. Within the flat and stable cratonic lithosphere, we find traces of the midlithospheric discontinuity.

Insights from 3D numerical simulations on the dynamics of the India-Asia collision zone

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pusok, A. E.; Kaus, B.; Popov, A.

2013-12-01

The dynamics of the India-Asia collision zone remains one of the most remarkable topics of the current research interest: the transition from subduction to collision and uplift, followed by the rise of the abnormally thick Tibetan plateau, and the deformation at its Eastern and Western syntaxes, are processes still not fully understood. Models that have addressed this topic include wholescale underthrusting of Indian lithospheric mantle under Tibet, distributed homogeneous shortening or the thin-sheet model, slip-line field model for lateral extrusion or lower crustal flow models for the exhumation of the Himalayan units and lateral spreading of the Tibetan plateau. Of these, the thin-sheet model has successfully illustrated some of the basic physics of continental collision and has the advantage of a 3D model being reduced to 2D, but one of its major shortcomings is that it cannot simultaneously represent channel flow and gravitational collapse of the mantle lithosphere, since these mechanisms require the lithosphere to interact with the underlying mantle, or to have a vertically non-homogeneous rheology. As a consequence, 3D models are emerging as powerful tools to understand the dynamics of coupled systems. However, because of yet recent developments and various complexities, the current 3D models simulating the dynamics of continent collision zones have relied on certain explicit assumptions, such as replacing part of the asthenosphere with various types of boundary conditions that mimic the effect of mantle flow, in order to focus on the lithospheric/crustal deformation. Here, we employ the parallel 3D code LaMEM (Lithosphere and Mantle Evolution Model), with a finite difference staggered grid solver, which is capable of simulating lithospheric deformation while simultaneously taking mantle flow and a free surface into account. We present qualitative results on lithospheric and upper-mantle scale simulations in which the Indian lithosphere is subducted and/or indented into Asia. We investigate the way deep processes affect continental tectonics at convergent margins, addressing the role the continent subduction and indentation plays on the development of continental tectonics during convergence and we discuss the implications these offer for the Asian tectonics. Acknowledgements: Funding was provided by the European Research Council under the European Community's Seventh Framework Program (FP7/2007-2013) / ERC Grant agreement #258830. Numerical computations have been performed on MOGON (ZDV Mainz computing center) and JUQUEEN (Jülich high-performance computing center).

Towards developing an analytical procedure of defining the equatorial electrojet for correcting satellite magnetic anomaly data

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ravat, Dhananjay; Hinze, William J.

1991-01-01

Analysis of the total magnetic intensity MAGSAT data has identified and characterized the variability of ionospheric current effects as reflected in the geomagnetic field as a function of longitude, elevation, and time (daily as well as monthly variations). This analysis verifies previous observations in POGO data and provides important boundary conditions for theoretical studies of ionospheric currents. Furthermore, the observations have led to a procedure to remove these temporal perturbations from lithospheric MAGSAT magnetic anomaly data based on 'along-the-dip-latitude' averages from dawn and dusk data sets grouped according to longitudes, time (months), and elevation. Using this method, high-resolution lithospheric magnetic anomaly maps have been prepared of the earth over a plus or minus 50 deg latitude band. These maps have proven useful in the study of the structures, nature, and processes of the lithosphere.

Mantle structure beneath the western edge of the Colorado Plateau

USGS Publications Warehouse

Sine, C.R.; Wilson, D.; Gao, W.; Grand, S.P.; Aster, R.; Ni, J.; Baldridge, W.S.

2008-01-01

Teleseismic traveltime data are inverted for mantle Vp and Vs variations beneath a 1400 km long line of broadband seismometers extending from eastern New Mexico to western Utah. The model spans 600 km beneath the moho with resolution of ???50 km. Inversions show a sharp, large-magnitude velocity contrast across the Colorado Plateau-Great Basin transition extending ???200 km below the crust. Also imaged is a fast anomaly 300 to 600 km beneath the NW portion of the array. Very slow velocities beneath the Great Basin imply partial melting and/or anomalously wet mantle. We propose that the sharp contrast in mantle velocities across the western edge of the Plateau corresponds to differential lithospheric modification, during and following Farallon subduction, across a boundary defining the western extent of unmodified Proterozoic mantle lithosphere. The deep fast anomaly corresponds to thickened Farallon plate or detached continental lithosphere at transition zone depths. Copyright 2008 by the American Geophysical Union.

The lithospheric Structure of the Sahara Metacraton From Joint Analysis of Satellite Gravity Gradients and Seismological Data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sobh, M.; Ebbing, J.; Goetze, H. J.; Abdelsalam, M. G.

2016-12-01

For the Saharan Metacraton in northern Africa only a few geophysical results exists, which can be used to characterize its deep structure. We combine recent seismological models with satellite gravity gradients to build a 3D lithospheric density model of the metacraton and its surrounding regions. Due to the sparse distribution of seismic data, we estimate the Moho boundary by non-linear gravity inversion in spherical coordinates. The model is constrained by some wide angle refraction seismic profiles and receiver function Moho depths. Despite the high topography of the Darfur and Tibisti Cenozoic volcanic provinces, we estimate thin crust which indicates an upper mantle contribution to the isostatic balance. In combination with seismic tomography models, we found that the lithospheric thickness in the western part of the Metacraton is thicker than in the eastern part. This indicates that the western resembles the remnants of the pre-Neoproterozoic Sahara craton (e.g. the Marzuk craton which escaped the metacratonization process). In order to explain the partial loss of the expected cratonic root beneath the Metacraton, we present different petrological-geophysical scenario testing for different upper mantle compositions.

Garnet Signatures in Geophysical and Geochemical Observations: Insights into the Thermo-Petrological Structure of Oceanic Upper Mantle

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Grose, C. J.; Afonso, J. C.

2013-12-01

We have developed new physically comprehensive thermal plate models of the oceanic lithosphere which incorporate temperature- and pressure-dependent heat transport properties and thermal expansivity, melting beneath ridges, hydrothermal circulation near ridge axes, and insulating oceanic crust. These models provide good fits to global databases of seafloor topography and heat flow, and seismic evidence of thermal structure near ridge axes. We couple these thermal plate models with thermodynamic models to predict the petrology of oceanic lithosphere. Geoid height predictions from our models suggest that there is a strong anomaly in geoid slope (over age) above ~25 Ma lithosphere due to the topography of garnet-field mantle. A similar anomaly is also present in geoid data over fracture zones. In addition, we show that a new assessment of a large database of ocean island basalt Sm/Yb systematics indicates that there is an unmistakable step-like increase in Sm/Yb values around 15-20 Ma, indicating the presence of garnet. To explain this feature, we have attempted to couple our thermo-petrological models of oceanic upper mantle with an open system, non-modal, dynamic melting model with diffusion kinetics to investigate trace element partitioning in an ascending mantle column.

New constraints on the upper mantle structure of the Slave craton from Rayleigh wave inversion

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Chin-Wu; Rondenay, Stéphane; Weeraratne, Dayanthie S.; Snyder, David B.

2007-05-01

Rayleigh wave phase and amplitude data are analyzed to provide new insight into the velocity structure of the upper mantle beneath the Slave craton, in the northwestern Canadian Shield. We invert for phase velocities at periods between 20 s-142 s (with greatest sensitivity at depths of 28-200 km) using crossing ray paths from events recorded by the POLARIS broadband seismic network and the Yellowknife array. Phase velocities obtained for the Slave province are comparable to those from other cratons at shorter periods, but exceed the global average by ~2% at periods above 60 s, suggesting that the Slave craton may be an end member in terms of its high degree of mantle depletion. The one-dimensional inversion of phase velocities yields high upper-mantle S-wave velocities of 4.7 +/- 0.2 km/s that persist to 220 +/- 65 km depth and thus define the cratonic lithosphere. Azimuthal anisotropy is well resolved at all periods with a dominant fast direction of N59°E +/- 20°, suggesting that upper mantle anisotropy beneath the Slave craton is influenced by both lithospheric fabric and sub-lithospheric flow.

The delineation and interpretation of the earth's gravity field

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Marsh, Bruce D.

1988-01-01

A series of fluid dynamical experiments in variable viscosity fluid have been made and are in progress to study: (1) the onset of small scale convection relative to lithosphere growth rate; (2) the influence of paired fracture zones in modulating the horizontal scale of small scale convection; (3) the influence of the mantle vertical viscosity structure on determing the mode of small scale convection; and (4) the 3-D and temporal evolution of flows beneath a high viscosity lid. These experiments extend and amplify the present experimental work that has produced small scale convection beneath a downward-moving solidification front. Rapid growth of a high viscosity lid stifles the early onset of convection such that convection only begins once the lithosphere is older than a certain minimum age. The interplay of this convection with both the structure of the lithosphere and mantle provide a fertile field of investigation into the origin of geoid, gravity, and topographic anomalies in the central Pacific. These highly correlated fields of intermediate wavelength (approximately 200 to 2000 km), but not the larger wavelengths. It is the ultimate, dynamic origin of this class of anomalies that is sought in this investigation.

Plate tectonics on the Earth triggered by plume-induced subduction initiation.

PubMed

Gerya, T V; Stern, R J; Baes, M; Sobolev, S V; Whattam, S A

2015-11-12

Scientific theories of how subduction and plate tectonics began on Earth--and what the tectonic structure of Earth was before this--remain enigmatic and contentious. Understanding viable scenarios for the onset of subduction and plate tectonics is hampered by the fact that subduction initiation processes must have been markedly different before the onset of global plate tectonics because most present-day subduction initiation mechanisms require acting plate forces and existing zones of lithospheric weakness, which are both consequences of plate tectonics. However, plume-induced subduction initiation could have started the first subduction zone without the help of plate tectonics. Here, we test this mechanism using high-resolution three-dimensional numerical thermomechanical modelling. We demonstrate that three key physical factors combine to trigger self-sustained subduction: (1) a strong, negatively buoyant oceanic lithosphere; (2) focused magmatic weakening and thinning of lithosphere above the plume; and (3) lubrication of the slab interface by hydrated crust. We also show that plume-induced subduction could only have been feasible in the hotter early Earth for old oceanic plates. In contrast, younger plates favoured episodic lithospheric drips rather than self-sustained subduction and global plate tectonics.

Lithospheric Structure and Dynamics: Insights Facilitated by the IRIS/PASSCAL Facility

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Meltzer, A.

2002-12-01

Through the development of community-based facilities in portable array seismology, a wide-range of seismic methods are now standard tools for imaging the Earth's interior, extending geologic observations made at the surface to depth. The IRIS/PASSCAL program provides the seismological community with the ability to routinely field experimental programs, from high-resolution seismic reflection profiling of the near surface to lithospheric scale imaging with both active and passive source arrays, to understand the tectonic evolution of continents, how they are assembled, disassembled, and modified through time. As our ability to record and process large volumes of data has improved we have moved from simple 1-D velocity models and 2-D structural cross sections of the subsurface to 3-D and 4-D images to correlate complex surface tectonics to processes in the Earth's interior. Data from individual IRIS/PASSCAL experiments has fostered multidisciplinary studies, bringing together geologists, geochemists, and geophysicists to work together on common problems. As data is collected from a variety of tectonic environments around the globe common elements begin to emerge. We now recognize and study the inherent lateral and vertical heterogeneity in the crust and mantle lithosphere and its role in controlling deformation, the importance of low velocity mobile mantle in supporting topography, and the importance of fluids and fluid migration in magmatic and deformational processes. We can image and map faults, fault zones, and fault networks to study them as systems rather than isolated planes of deformation to better understand earthquake nucleation, rupture, and propagation. An additional benefit of these community-based facilities is the pooling of resources to develop effective and sustainable education and outreach programs. These programs attract new students to pursue careers in earth science, engage the general public in the scientific enterprise, raise the profile of the earth sciences, and reveal the importance of earth processes in shaping the environment in which we live. Future challenges facing our community include continued evolution of existing facilities to keep pace with scientific inquiry, routinely utilizing fully 3-D and where appropriate 4-D data sets to understand earth structure and dynamics, and the manipulation, and analysis of large multidisciplinary data sets. Community models should be considered as a mechanism to integrate, analyze, and share data and results within a process oriented framework. Exciting developments on the horizon include EarthScope. To maximize the potential for significant advances in our understanding of tectonic processes, observations from new EarthScope facilities must be integrated with additional geologic data sets of similar quality and resolution. New real-time data streams combined with new data integration, analysis, and visualization tools will provide us with the ability to integrate data across a continuous range of spatial scales providing a new and coherent view of lithospheric dynamics from local to plate scale.

Along-axis segmentation and isostasy in the Western rift, East Africa

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Upcott, N. M.; Mukasa, R. K.; Ebinger, C. J.; Karner, G. D.

1996-02-01

Structural variations along the southern sectors of the Western rift, East Africa, have previously been described, but subsurface structures in the northern sector (Uganda, Zaire) are virtually unknown. Our aims are to investigate the along-axis segmentation of the northern sector, thereby adding to the structural picture of the Western rift, and to study the isostatic compensation of the varying rift morphology along the sector's length. This study describes the first gravity survey to be carried out on the shallow Lake Albert, forward models of these and existing gravity data, and the results from inverse modeling of existing aeromagnetic data designed to delimit border and transfer fault systems. Our tectonic model shows that the northern rift sector is segmented along-axis into five 25 to 65-km-wide, 80 to 100-km-long rift segments, characterized by closed-contour Bouguer anomaly lows, and bounded by steep gravity, aeromagnetic, and topographic/bathymetric gradients. Werner and Euler deconvolution results and gravity anomaly data reveal that some faulted basins are separated by structural highs and cross-rift ramps or faults and suggest sedimentary basin depths of 4-6 km. Forward modeling of structural and free-air gravity profiles across individual basins and flanks using a model that assumes flexural compensation also suggests sediment thicknesses of up to 5.5 km, similar to the estimates from magnetic data. The basin and flank morphology can be explained by 6-9 km of extension of a lithosphere with an effective elastic thickness (Te) of 25 km (equivalent to a flexural rigidity of 1.4 × 1023 N m), similar to results in other Western rift basins. Potential field data and lithospheric strength estimates in the Western rift system show small along-axis variations in lithospheric structure, regardless of the presence or absence of Cenozoic magmatism.

Lu-Hf isotopic memory of plume-lithosphere interaction in the source of layered mafic intrusions, Windimurra Igneous Complex, Yilgarn Craton, Australia

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nebel, O.; Arculus, R. J.; Ivanic, T. J.; Nebel-Jacobsen, Y. J.

2013-10-01

Most layered mafic intrusions (LMI) are formed via multiple magma injections into crustal magma chambers. These magmas are originally sourced from the mantle, likely via plume activity, but may interact with the overriding lithosphere during ascent and emplacement in the crust. The magma injections lead to the establishment of different layers and zones with complex macroscopic, microscopic and cryptic compositional layering through magmatic differentiation and associated cumulate formation, sometimes accompanied by crustal assimilation. These complex mineralogical and petrological processes obscure the nature of the mantle sources of LMI, and typically have limited the degree to which parental liquids can be fully characterised. Here, we present Lu-Hf isotope data for samples from distinct layers of the Upper Zone of the Windimurra Igneous Complex (WIC), an immense late-Archean LMI in the West Australian Yilgarn Craton. Lu-Hf isotope systematics of whole rocks are well correlated (MSWD=5.6, n=17) with an age of ˜3.05±0.05 Ga and initial ɛHf˜+8. This age, however, is older than whole rock Sm-Nd and zircon U-Pb ages of the intrusion, both of which are ca. 2.8 Ga. Stratigraphically-controlled initial Hf isotope variations (associated with multiple episodes of emplacement at ca. 2.8 Ga) indicate isotope mixing between a near-chondritic and an ultra-radiogenic component, the latter with ɛHf[2.8 Ga]>+15. This Hf isotope mixing creates a pseudochron-relationship at the time of intrusion of ˜250 Myr that is superimposed on subsequent radiogenic ingrowth after crystallisation, generating an age that predates the actual emplacement event. Mixing between late-stage crystallisation products (melt + crystals) from the Middle Zone and replenishing, plume-derived liquids was followed by crystal accumulation in a chemically evolving magma chamber. The ultra-radiogenic Hf isotope endmember in the WIC mantle source requires parent-daughter ratios consistent with very early formation in Earth history, akin to early Archean komatiitic plume sources. We propose that plume-derived melts that formed the Windimurra LMI reacted with ancient refractory lithospheric keels already underpinning ancient cratons, creating a melt with extremely high ɛHf[t]. Melting a refractory component with super-chondritic, time-integrated high Lu/Hf, in this case by plume-lithosphere interaction, simultaneously accounts for the extreme Hf isotope signals, Hf-Nd isotope decoupling, and difference in radiometric Lu-Hf and Sm-Nd ages.

The history and fate of three families of lithosphere on Earth

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, C. T.

2016-12-01

Based on compilations of surface heat flux to constrain the thermal boundary layer thickness, lithosphere thickness can be shown to have a trimodal distribution. In ocean basins, lithosphere thickness ranges from thin (<10 km) beneath young ocean basins, which dominate, to thick (<100 km) beneath old ocean basins, which are rare due to subduction. Continents have thicker lithospheres and define two additional peaks: 30%, reflecting most of the Archean cratons, are 180-220 km thick and 60% are 90-140 km thick. While ocean basins subduct after their lithospheres grow thick, continents do not, despite their thicker lithospheres. The insubductibility of continents is because the buoyancy of thick crust compensates for the thick cold lithosphere and because continental thermal boundary layers do not grow indefinitely. Lithospheric growth is understood to be limited by the onset of small-scale convective instabilities, but why then do continental lithospheres have two different critical thicknesses? Initial thickness, at the time of formation, is critical. Continental lithospheres less than 120 km thick are subject to magmatic modification (refertilization) in the form of thermo-chemical erosion, which gradually thins the lithosphere. Lithospheres greater than 120 km appear to be relatively immune to significant lithospheric thinning. This may in part be because refertilization-driven destabilization does not occur since deep melting is suppressed beneath thick lithosphere. To resist thermal thinning, it seems necessary that anomalously thick lithospheres were born with intrinsic strength, widely hypothesized to have been imparted by the unusual petrogenesis of cratonic mantle, wherein high degrees of melting early in Earth's history resulted in the formation of a dehydrated and strong chemical boundary layer. Another possibility is that cratonic mantle is characterized by the strengthening effects of larger grain size, owing to the high degrees of melting that decrease the number of clinopyroxene pinning points. In summary, a lithosphere's fate depends on the nature of its origin. Continental lithospheres born thick will have long, boring lives, continental lithospheres born thin will be forever tormented, and oceanic lithospheres are fated to have calm but brief lives at the Earth's surface.

A study of tectonic activity in the Basin-Range Province and on the San Andreas Fault. No. 2: Lithospheric structure, seismicity, and contemporary deformation of the United States Cordillera

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Smith, R. B.

1986-01-01

The structural evolution of the U.S. Cordillera has been influenced by a variety of tectonic mechanisms including passive margin rifting and sedimentation; arc volcanism; accretion of exotic terranes; intraplate magmatism; and folding and faulting associated with compression and extension processes that have profoundly influenced the lithospheric structure. As a result the Cordilleran crust is laterally inhomogeneous across its 2000 km east-west breadth. It is thin along the West Coast where it has close oceanic affinities. The crust thickens eastward beneath the Sierra Nevada, then thins beneath the Basin-Range. Crustal thickening continues eastward beneath the Colorado Plateau, the Rocky Mountains, and the Great Plains. The total lithospheric thickness attains 65 km in the Basin-Range and increases eastward beneath the Colorado Plateau. The upper-crust, including the crystalline basement of the Cordillera, has P sub G velocities of 6 km/s in the Basin-Range and Rio Grande Rift. Lower P sub G velocities of 5.4 to 5.7 km/s are associated with the youthful Yellowstone, Valles and Long Valley calderas and the Franciscan assemblage of the western coastal margin. Averaged crustal velocity reflects integrated tectonic evolution of the crust-thick silicic bodies, velocity reversals, and a thin crust produce low averaged velocities that are characteristic of a highly attenuated and thermally deformed crust.

Lithosphere structure and subsidence evolution of the conjugate S-African and Argentine margins

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dressel, Ingo; Scheck-Wenderoth, Magdalena; Cacace, Mauro; Götze, Hans-Jürgen; Franke, Dieter

2016-04-01

The bathymetric evolution of the South Atlantic passive continental margins is a matter of debate. Though it is commonly accepted that passive margins experience thermal subsidence as a result of lithospheric cooling as well as load induced subsidence in response to sediment deposition it is disputed if the South Atlantic passive margins were affected by additional processes affecting the subsidence history after continental breakup. We present a subsidence analysis along the SW African margin and offshore Argentina and restore paleobathymetries to assess the subsidence evolution of the margin. These results are discussed with respect to mechanisms behind margin evolution. Therefore, we use available information about the lithosphere-scale present-day structural configuration of these margins as a starting point for the subsidence analysis. A multi 1D backward modelling method is applied to separate individual subsidence components such as the thermal- as well as the load induced subsidence and to restore paleobathymetries for the conjugate margins. The comparison of the restored paleobathymetries shows that the conjugate margins evolve differently: Continuous subsidence is obtained offshore Argentina whereas the subsidence history of the SW African margin is interrupted by phases of uplift. This differing results for both margins correlate also with different structural configurations of the subcrustal mantle. In the light of these results we discuss possible implications for uplift mechanisms.

Upper mantle temperature and the onset of extension and break-up in Afar, Africa

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Armitage, John J.; Ferguson, David J.; Goes, Saskia; Hammond, James O. S.; Calais, Eric; Rychert, Catherine A.; Harmon, Nicholas

2015-05-01

It is debated to what extent mantle plumes play a role in continental rifting and eventual break-up. Afar lies at the northern end of the largest and most active present-day continental rift, where the East African Rift forms a triple junction with the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden rifts. It has a history of plume activity yet recent studies have reached conflicting conclusions on whether a plume still contributes to current Afar tectonics. A geochemical study concluded that Afar is a mature hot rift with 80 km thick lithosphere, while seismic data have been interpreted to reflect the structure of a young, oceanic rift basin above mantle of normal temperature. We develop a self-consistent forward model of mantle flow that incorporates melt generation and retention to test whether predictions of melt chemistry, melt volume and lithosphere-asthenosphere seismic structure can be reconciled with observations. The rare-earth element composition of mafic samples at the Erta Ale, Dabbahu and Asal magmatic segments can be used as both a thermometer and chronometer of the rifting process. Low seismic velocities require a lithosphere thinned to 50 km or less. A strong positive impedance contrast at 50 to 70 km below the rift seems linked to the melt zone, but is not reproduced by isotropic seismic velocity alone. Combined, the simplest interpretation is that mantle temperature below Afar is still elevated at 1450 °C, rifting started around 22-23 Ma, and the lithosphere has thinned from 100 to 50 km to allow significant decompressional melting.

A seismological constraint on the age of a subducting slab: the Huatung basin offshore Taiwan

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chang, Y.; Kuo, B.

2010-12-01

At the northwestern corner of the Philippine basin, collision and subduction are taking place simultaneously as the Philippine Sea plate is obliquely subducting beneath the Ryukyu trench and NE Taiwan. What is engaging in these processes is the Huatung basin (HB) lithosphere, a small piece of oceanic lithosphere which, unlike the rest of the Philippine Sea plate, is controversial in its age and structure. Because certain ages of lithosphere correspond to certain overall velocity structures, we examine how old the subducting slab of the HB has to be to satisfy seismological observations. We select from broadband seismic networks on Taiwan a rough linear array that points to the events in the Kuril trench region, rendering a slab dipping towards the upcoming P wave field. The slab thus defocuses seismic energy and produces an amplitude low along the array with magnitude and spread controlled by the age of the slab. We employ a 2D finite-difference waveform technique and experimented with 2 types of slab models with various ages: a simplistic conduction model and a high-resolution slab-wedge convection model. The older and thicker the slab, the more widely the predicted amplitude low spreads. Comparison with the observations indicates that the best slab ages fall into 20-50 Ma. This is at odds with the 125 Ma Ar-Ar dating model. Now the issue is not how to make the chronologically old lithosphere seismologically young, but why those basaltic rock samples dated to be old are located on the HB.

Deep Seismic Structure of the Texas-Gulf of Mexico Passive Margin

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pulliam, J.; Gurrola, H.

2013-12-01

The Texas-Gulf of Mexico region has witnessed a wide range of tectonic processes, including deformation due to orogeny, continental collision and rifting. Artifacts of these processes are likely to remain at lithospheric depths beneath the region but, until recently, the tools needed to examine structures at mantle depths were not available. With the passage of the EarthScope's USArray stations and the completion of a targeted broadband deployment, new images of the region's lithosphere have emerged. These images reveal lithospheric-scale anomalies that correlate strongly with surface features, such as a large fast anomaly that corresponds to the southern extent of the Laurentia (or 'Great Plains') craton and a large slow anomaly associated with the Southern Oklahoma Aulacogen. Other features that would not have been expected based on surface tectonics include a slow layer that we interpret to be a shear zone at the base of the cratonic root and the transitional continental lithosphere, and a zone that is bounded at its top and bottom by discontinuities and high levels of seismic anisotropy. Additionally a high velocity body underlying the Gulf Coast Plains may mark delaminating lower crust. If true it provides indirect evidence that active rifting best describes the process that led to the opening of the Gulf of Mexico. These new results are based upon the analysis of 326 USArray broadband seismic stations and a 23-station broadband deployment across Texas' passive margin, from Matagorda Island, a barrier island in the Gulf of Mexico, to Johnson City, TX, on the relatively undisturbed Proterozoic crust of central Texas.

Lithospheric structure of the Eastern Iranian plateau from integrated geophysical modeling: A transect from Makran to the Turan platform

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Entezar-Saadat, Vahid; Motavalli-Anbaran, Seyed-Hani; Zeyen, Hermann

2017-05-01

We present a 2D profile of density and temperature distribution in the lithosphere across Iran along a more than 1600 km long profile extending from the Oman Gulf in the South to the Kopeh-Dagh and the Turan platform in the North. Gravity, geoid, topography and surface heat flow data were used for modeling, assuming local isostatic equilibrium. As much as possible, crustal structure has been constrained by seismic data. Crustal thickening is found under the Taftan-Bazman volcanic-arc (up to 47 km), under the Binalud foreland (∼54 km) and beneath the Kopeh-Dagh mountains (up to 50 km) whereas thin crust has been obtained under the Oman Gulf (20 km). Moho depth under the Lut block and the Turan platform is about 40 km. The lithospheric thickness is ∼90 km under the Oman Gulf and increases slightly until the Jazmourian depression. Then the lithospheric-asthenospheric boundary (LAB) bends significantly and sinks to ∼260 km under the Taftan-Bazman volcanic-arc. The LAB depth is about 190 km beneath the Lut block. A slight increase of LAB depth under the Binalud foreland towards the North may indicate a suture zone. Under the Turan platform, the LAB depth reaches ∼210 km. We also modeled two possible positions of the deep suture zone in NE Iran (along the main Kopeh-Dagh fault or along the Atrak River) and concluded that, when the suture zone is along the Atrak River, we obtained the better fit between calculated and measured data.

Heterogeneity and anisotropy in the lithospheric mantle

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tommasi, Andréa; Vauchez, Alain

2015-10-01

The lithospheric mantle is intrinsically heterogeneous and anisotropic. These two properties govern the repartition of deformation, controlling intraplate strain localization and development of new plate boundaries. Geophysical and geological observations provide clues on the types, ranges, and characteristic length scales of heterogeneity and anisotropy in the lithospheric mantle. Seismic tomography points to variations in geothermal gradient and hence in rheological behavior at scales of hundreds of km. Seismic anisotropy data substantiate anisotropic physical properties consistent at scales of tens to hundreds of km. Receiver functions imply lateral and vertical heterogeneity at scales < 10 km, which might record gradients in composition or anisotropy. Observations on naturally deformed peridotites establish that compositional heterogeneity and Crystal Preferred Orientations (CPOs) are ubiquitous from the mm to the km scales. These data allow discussing the processes that produce/destroy heterogeneity and anisotropy and constraining the time scales over which they are active. This analysis highlights: (i) the role of deformation and reactive percolation of melts and fluids in producing compositional and structural heterogeneity and the feedbacks between these processes, (ii) the weak mechanical effect of mineralogical variations, and (iii) the low volumes of fine-grained microstructures and difficulty to preserve them. In contrast, olivine CPO and the resulting anisotropy of mechanical and thermal properties are only modified by deformation. Based on this analysis, we propose that strain localization at the plate scale is, at first order, controlled by large-scale variations in thermal structure and in CPO-induced anisotropy. In cold parts of the lithospheric mantle, grain size reduction may contribute to strain localization, but the low volume of fine-grained domains limits this effect.

Differentiating flow, melt, or fossil seismic anisotropy beneath Ethiopia

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hammond, J. O. S.; Kendall, J.-M.; Wookey, J.; Stuart, G. W.; Keir, D.; Ayele, A.

2014-05-01

Ethiopia is a region where continental rifting gives way to oceanic spreading. Yet the role that pre-existing lithospheric structure, melt, mantle flow, or active upwellings may play in this process is debated. Measurements of seismic anisotropy are often used to attempt to understand the contribution that these mechanisms may play. In this study, we use new data in Afar, Ethiopia along with legacy data across Ethiopia, Djibouti, and Yemen to obtain estimates of mantle anisotropy using SKS-wave splitting. We show that two layers of anisotropy exist, and we directly invert for these. We show that fossil anisotropy with fast directions oriented northeast-southwest may be preserved in the lithosphere away from the rift. Beneath the Main Ethiopian Rift and parts of Afar, anisotropy due to shear segregated melt along sharp changes in lithospheric thickness dominates the shear-wave splitting signal in the mantle. Beneath Afar, away from regions with significant lithospheric topography, melt pockets associated with the crustal and uppermost mantle magma storage dominate the signal in localized regions. In general, little anisotropy is seen in the uppermost mantle beneath Afar suggesting melt retains no preferential alignment. These results show the important role melt plays in weakening the lithosphere and imply that as rifting evolves passive upwelling sustains extension. A dominant northeast-southwest anisotropic fast direction is observed in a deeper layer across all of Ethiopia. This suggests that a conduit like plume is lacking beneath Afar today, rather a broad flow from the southwest dominates flow in the upper mantle.

Magmatism and Dynamic Topography of Libya and Tibesti, North Africa

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ball, P.; White, N. J.; Maclennan, J.; Stuart, F. M.

2016-12-01

In the continents, dynamic topography is difficult to determine because the density structure of the lithosphere is poorly known. It is generally agreed that hot upwelling mantle produces dynamic uplift whilst cold downwelling mantle causes regional subsidence. Calculating asthenospheric potential temperatures from basalts provides one important constraint on dynamic uplift at the present day and in the geologic record. The spatial and temporal distribution of eruptive products together with the compositional variation of lavas allows the origin of continental volcanic events to be interpreted. The Cenozoic Libyan volcanic field is characterized by a series of long wavelength topographic swells that may reflect sub-lithospheric dynamic processes. Admittance analysis of gravity and topographic data as well as seismic tomographic imaging suggest that a low density anomaly sits beneath the lithospheric plate. A new regional basaltic database of 188 XRF and ICP-MS analyses together with 39 40Ar-39Ar dates has been assembled. The Libyan volcanic field has been active from at least 17 Ma until the present day. Inverse modeling of rare earth elemental distributions shows that Libyan basalts were generated by melting of a predominantly anhydrous mixed peridotitic mantle source with an asthenospheric potential temperature of 1400 oC. Our results suggest that the existence and distribution of volcanism is caused by the combination of warm, upwelling asthenospheric mantle and thinner (< 100 km) lithosphere beneath Libya whereby melts may ascend to the surface through metasomatized lithospheric channels.

Lateral Variations in SKS Splitting Across the MAGIC Array, Central Appalachians

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aragon, John C.; Long, Maureen D.; Benoit, Margaret H.

2017-11-01

The eastern margin of North America has been shaped by several cycles of supercontinent assembly. These past episodes of orogenesis and continental rifting have likely deformed the lithosphere, but the extent, style, and geometry of this deformation remain poorly known. Measurements of seismic anisotropy in the upper mantle can shed light on past lithospheric deformation, but may also reveal contributions from present-day mantle flow in the asthenosphere. Here we examine SKS waveforms and measure splitting of SKS phases recorded by the MAGIC experiment, a dense transect of seismic stations across the central Appalachians. Our measurements constrain small-scale lateral variations in azimuthal anisotropy and reveal distinct regions of upper mantle anisotropy. Stations within the present-day Appalachian Mountains exhibit fast splitting directions roughly parallel to the strike of the mountains and delay times of about 1.0 s. To the west, transverse component waveforms for individual events reveal lateral variability in anisotropic structure. Stations immediately to the east of the mountains exhibit complicated splitting patterns, more null SKS arrivals, and a distinct clockwise rotation of fast directions. The observed variability in splitting behavior argues for contributions from both the lithosphere and the asthenospheric mantle. We infer that the sharp lateral transition in splitting behavior at the eastern edge of the Appalachians is controlled by a change in anisotropy in the lithospheric mantle. We hypothesize that beneath the Appalachians, SKS splitting reflects lithospheric deformation associated with Appalachian orogenesis, while just to the east this anisotropic signature was modified by Mesozoic rifting.

Coronae as a result of giant magma intrusions in the lithosphere of Venus: insights from laboratory experiments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Galland, Olivier; Polteau, Stephane; Werner, Stephanie C.

2013-04-01

Coronae on the surface of Venus are unique volcano-tectonic structures in the solar systems. Their circular morphology is associated with various topographic signatures, from bell-shape domes, flat-topped plateaus, to uplifted rings surrounding a subsided centre similar to caldera. Their extensive size and associated lava flows erupting from their periphery, indicate that they result from deep processes in the Venus mantle. Understanding their origin is thus essential for unraveling the dynamics of Venus through time. There are several scenarios explaining the formation of coronae, the most popular being the interaction between an upwelling mantle plume and the lithosphere, creating dynamic topography. In this contribution, we propose that coronae can result from the emplacement of giant magma intrusions below the Venus' lithosphere, on the basis of laboratory experiments. The experimental apparatus consists of a square box filled with compacted fine-grained silica flour (model crust), in which a low viscosity vegetable oil (model magma) is injected at constant flow rate. The initial conditions are such that magma initially flows horizontally, forming a sill-like body, to simulate magmatic underplating. During the experiments, oil injection triggers deformation of the model surface, which is monitored periodically using a moiré projection device, producing time series topographic maps of the model surface. Our results show that the surface evolution of the models follows three stages: (1) initial bell-shaped doming occurs above the injection inlet, producing radial open fractures at the model surfaces; (2) the bell-shape dome evolves to a flat-topped plateau, at the rim of which the oil erupts; (3) after the injection stops, the centre of the plateau subsides, and a positive topographic ring surrounding a depression, like a caldera, remains. The collapse of the plateau also generates concentric extensional fractures at the rims of the caldera. After the dynamic experiment, the oil solidifies and we extracted the intrusion, which exhibits a sill-shape, feeding outward circular inclined sheets at its external edges (i.e. a saucer-shaped sill). From a series of experiments in which the depth of injection h was varied, we show that the diameter of the intrusion and its associated topographic structure correlates linearly with h. The three evolutionary stages simulated in the experiments reproduce remarkably well (1) the three main corona morphologies observed on Venus, and (2) their established succession through time. In addition, the relationships between the structures and the oil flow in our experiments are also similar to those observed on Venus. Therefore, our experimental results suggest that corona structures are the result of giant magma intrusions in the lithosphere of Venus. In addition, our experiments suggest that the diameters of coronae are related to the depth of emplacement of the underlying intrusions, which might be controlled by the rheological architecture of the Venus' lithosphere. Therefore, the analysis of the dimensions and morphologies of coronae are likely to provide crucial information of the structure of the lithosphere of Venus.

Estimation of Water Within the Lithospheric Mantle of Central Tibet from Petrological-Geophysical Investigations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vozar, J.; Fullea, J.; Jones, A. G.

2013-12-01

Investigations of the lithosphere and sub-lithospheric upper mantle by integrated petrological-geophysical modeling of magnetotelluric (MT) and seismic surface-wave data, which are differently sensitive to temperature and composition, allows us to reduce the uncertainties associated with modeling these two data sets independently, as commonly undertaken. We use selected INDEPTH MT data, which have appropriate dimensionality and large penetration depths, across central Tibet for 1D modeling. Our deep resistivity models from the data can be classified into two different and distinct groups: (i) the Lhasa Terrane and (ii) the Qiangtang Terrane. For the Lhasa Terrane group, the models show the existence of upper mantle conductive layer localized at depths of 200 km, whereas for the Qiangtang Terrane, this conductive layer is shallower at depths of 120 km. We perform the integrated geophysical-petrological modeling of the MT and surface-wave data using the software package LitMod. The program facilitates definition of realistic temperature and pressure distributions within the upper mantle for given thermal structure and oxide chemistry in the CFMAS system. This allows us to define a bulk geoelectric and seismic model of the upper mantle based on laboratory and xenolith data for the most relevant mantle minerals, and to compute synthetic geophysical observables. Our results suggest an 80-120 km-thick, dry lithosphere in the central part of the Qiangtang Terrane. In contrast, in the central Lhasa Terrane the predicted MT responses are too resistive for a dry lithosphere regardless its thickness; according to seismic and topography data the expected lithospheric thickness is about 200 km. The presence of small amounts of water significantly decreases the electrical resistivity of mantle rocks and is required to fit the MT responses. We test the hypothesis of small amounts of water (ppm scale) in the nominally anhydrous minerals of the lithospheric mantle. Such a small amount of water dramatically affects the resistivity but has no influence on the seismic velocities (and therefore, the calculated surface wave's dispersion curves are unaffected too). Three different proton conduction models for olivine conductivity (1 - Wang et al., 2006; 2 - Yoshino et al., 2009; 3 -Jones et al., 2012) and two water partition coefficients are tested. The presence of water in lithospheric mantle is decreased from 170 km to the LAB depth at 200 km. If we move this water-presentbottom boundary to shallower depth, the lithospheric mantle becomes too resistive. Our results favour a moderately wet (<0.01 wt%) mantle above the underthrusted Indian lithosphere, probably as a result of the dehydration processes. The presence of percolating water-rich fluids has the additional effect of lowering the solidus, and therefore facilitating partial melting in the warm lower crust of Lhasa.

Cretaceous-Cenozoic Geological Evolution of Tibet: Tectonic Interpretations and Outstanding Questions (Invited)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kapp, P. A.; Decelles, P. G.; Ding, L.; van Hinsbergen, D. J.

2010-12-01

The India-Asia collision, although profound, is only the most recent in a series of orogenic events that has modified the architecture of the Asian lithosphere. For instance, large parts of central Tibet (Lhasa and Qiangtang terranes) underwent >50% upper-crustal shortening, and likely substantial elevation gain, between Cretaceous and Eocene time in response to Lhasa - Qiangtang continental collision and Andean-style orogenesis along the southern margin of Asia. Findings by independent groups of Gangdese-arc-age detrital zircons in 52-50 Ma Tethyan Himalaya (TH) strata indicate that TH-Asia collision was ongoing by this time. This collision timing is consistent with multiple other, albeit less direct lines of evidence and suggests that a magmatic flare-up within the Gangdese arc (culminated at 52-51 Ma) occurred during subduction of TH lithosphere. Low-temperature thermochronologic data indicate that very low erosion rates, and likely plateau-like conditions considering the shortening history, were established in large parts of central Tibet at or by 50-45 Ma. The temporal-spatial distribution of subsequent shortening and exhumation is consistent with plateau growth northward and southward from central Tibet since the Eocene. The Cenozoic magmatic record of Tibet shows intriguing temporal-spatial patterns. Between 45 Ma and 30 Ma, volcanism swept >600 km northward from the Indus-Yarlung suture (IYS) and then back southward between 30 Ma and 25 Ma. These magmatic sweeps may have been produced by underthrusting and subsequent rollback of subducting TH lithosphere. Recent stratigraphic and structural studies suggest localized extension and elevation loss along the IYS at ~25 Ma, which is explainable in a slab rollback scenario, followed within a few million years by uplift back to near-modern elevations, perhaps in response to breakoff of TH lithosphere and northward underthrusting of Indian lithosphere. This hypothesis of TH - Indian lithosphere subduction can explain how ~2000 km of India-Asia convergence was accommodated south of the IYS since ~50 Ma (with the remaining ~1000 km accommodated by shortening of Asian lithosphere). Outstanding questions include: (1) What are the explanations for major, coeval geological changes in the Lhasa terrane, Gangdese forearc, IYS, and TH at 65-63 Ma, which have led some workers to argue for initiation of India-Asia collision at this time? (2) What was the nature of the subducted TH lithosphere and its former paleogeographic and tectonic relationships to Indian cratonic lithosphere? (3) Why has only <50% of the estimated 2000 km of post-50 Ma convergence south of the Indus-Yarlung suture been documented as shortening within the Tethyan-Himalayan thrust belts? (4) Why did Asian lithosphere in Pamir and Tibet behave so differently in response to collisional orogenesis?

Upper mantle and crustal structure of southwestern Scandinavia: Results of the TopoScandiaDeep project

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Köhler, A.; Balling, N.; Ebbing, J.; England, R.; Frassetto, A.; Gradmann, S.; Jacobsen, B. H.; Kvarven, T.; Maupin, V.; Medhus, A. Bondo; Mjelde, R.; Ritter, J.; Schweizer, J.; Stratford, W.; Thybo, H.; Wawerzinek, B.; Weidle, C.

2012-04-01

The origin of the Scandinavian mountains, located far away from any presently active plate margin, is still not well understood. In particular, it is not clear if the mountains are sustained isostatically either by crustal thickening or by light upper mantle material. Within the TopoScandiaDeep project (a collaborative research project within the ESF TOPO-EUROPE programme), we therefore analyse recently collected passive seismological and active seismic data in the southern Scandes and surrounding regions. We infer crustal and upper mantle (velocity) structures and relate them to results of gravity and temperature-composition modelling. The Moho under the high topography of southern Norway appears from controlled source seismic refraction and Receiver Functions as relatively shallow (<= 45 km) compared to the deeper conversion (>55 km) imaged beneath the low topography in Sweden and elsewhere in the Baltic Shield area outside Norway. The Receiver Function modeling as well as the active seismic results suggest that the differences in the observed Moho response may represent the transition between tectonically reworked Moho under southern Norway and an intact, cratonic crust-mantle boundary beneath the Baltic Shield. Furthermore, the 410km-discontinuity and the LAB is imaged, the latter one suggesting a lithospheric thickening in NE direction. Upper mantle P-wave and S-wave velocities in southern Sweden and southern Norway east of the Oslo Graben are correspondingly relatively high while lower velocities are observed in the southwestern part of Norway and northern Denmark. The lateral velocity gradient, interpreted as the southwestern boundary of thick Baltic Shield lithosphere, is remarkably sharp. Differences in upper mantle velocities are found at depths of 100-400 km and amount to ± 2-3%. S-to-P wave conversions, interpreted to originate from the lithosphere-asthenosphere boundary, are preliminary estimated to 90-120 km depth. Inversion of Rayleigh and Love surface wave phase velocity dispersion curves from observations of ambient noise and earthquakes yield another independent model of the crust and upper mantle structure below southern Norway. Inverted crustal velocities and Moho depths are consistent with the results of seismic refraction and receiver functions. Additionally, indications for radial crustal anisotropy of up to about 3% are found. The inferred upper mantle S-wave velocities show that the lithosphere under southern Norway has characteristics usually found under continental platforms and changes towards a cratonic-like velocity structure in the East, in agreement with the body wave tomography. All in all, these separate investigations give a very consistent and stable picture of the crust and upper mantle configuration. Integrated geophysical modeling of the results shows that a lateral transition from thinner, warmer lithosphere under southern Norway towards thicker, colder lithosphere under Sweden results in a density distribution that significantly adds to the isostatic support of Norway's high topography.

Wrinkle ridges, reverse faulting, and the depth penetration of lithospheric stress in lunae planum, Mars

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Zuber, M. T.

1993-01-01

Tectonic features on a planetary surface are commonly used as constraints on models to determine the state of stress at the time the features formed. Quantitative global stress models applied to understand the formation of the Tharsis province on Mars constrained by observed tectonics have calculated stresses at the surface of a thin elastic shell and have neglected the role of vertical structure in influencing the predicted pattern of surface deformation. Wrinkle ridges in the Lunae Planum region of Mars form a conentric pattern of regularly spaced features in the eastern and southeastern part of Tharsis; they are formed due to compressional stresses related to the response of the Martian lithosphere to the Tharsis bulge. As observed in the exposures of valley walls in areas such as the Kasei Valles, the surface plains unit is underlain by an unconsolidated impact-generated megaregolith that grades with depth into structurally competent lithospheric basement. The ridges have alternatively been hypothesized to reflect deformation restricted to the surface plains unit ('thin skinned deformation') and deformation that includes the surface unit, megaregolith and basement lithosphere ('thick skinned deformation'). We have adopted a finite element approach to quantify the nature of deformation associated with the development of wrinkle ridges in a vertically stratified elastic lithosphere. We used the program TECTON, which contains a slippery node capability that allowed us to explicitly take into account the presence of reverse faults believed to be associated with the ridges. In this study we focused on the strain field in the vicinity of a single ridge when slip occurs along the fault. We considered two initial model geometries. In the first, the reverse fault was assumed to be in the surface plains unit, and in the second the initial fault was located in lithospheric basement, immediately beneath the weak megaregolith. We are interested in the conditions underwhich strain in the surface layer and basement either penetrates or fails to penetrate through the megaregolith. We thus address the conditions required for an initial basement fault to propagate through the megaregolith to the surface, as well as the effect of the megareolith on the strain tensor in the vicinity of a fault that nucleates in the surface plains unit.