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

Geological Society Memoir
By: , and 
Edited by: Gee D.G.Stephenson R.A.

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Abstract

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.
Publication type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Title Deep Europe today: Geophysical synthesis of the upper mantle structure and lithospheric processes over 3.5 Ga
Series title Geological Society Memoir
ISBN 1862392129; 9781862392120
Issue 32
Year Published 2006
Language English
Larger Work Type Article
Larger Work Subtype Journal Article
Larger Work Title Geological Society Memoir
First page 11
Last page 41
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