The Canary Islands swell: a coherence analysis of bathymetry and gravity

The Canary Archipelago is an intraplate volcanic chain, located near the West African continental margin, emplaced on old oceanic lithosphere of Jurassic age, with an extended volcanic activity since Middle Miocene. The adjacent seafloor does not show the broad oceanic swell usually observed in hotspot-generated oceanic islands. However, the observation of a noticeable depth anomaly in the basement west of the Canaries might indicate that the swell is masked by a thick sedimentary cover and the influence of the Canarian volcanism. We use a spectral approach, based on coherence analysis, to determine the swell and its compensation mechanism. The coherence between gravity and topography indicates that the swell is caused by a subsurface load correlated with the surface volcanic load. The residual gravity/geoid anomaly indicates that the subsurface load extends 600 km SSW and 800 km N and NNE of the islands. We used computed depth anomalies from available deep seismic profiles to constrain the extent and amplitude of the basement uplift caused by a relatively low-density anomaly within the lithospheric mantle, and coherence analysis to constrain the elastic thickness of the lithosphere ( T_e ) and the compensation depth of the swell. Depth anomalies and coherence are well simulated with T_e =28–36 km, compensation depth of 40–65 km, and a negative density contrast within the lithosphere of ∼33 kg m⁻³. The density contrast corresponds to a temperature increment of ∼325°C, which we interpret to be partially maintained by a low-viscosity convective layer in the lowermost lithosphere, and which probably involves the shallower parts of the asthenosphere. This interpretation does not require a significant rejuvenation of the mechanical properties of the lithosphere.     

Scattering parameters of the lithosphere below the Massif Central, France, from teleseismic wavefield records

Teleseismic P -wave recordings are analysed in the frequency range 0.3–6  Hz to derive structural (statistical) parameters of the lithosphere underneath the French Massif Central. For this we analyse differences in frequency-dependent intensities of the mean wavefield and the fluctuation wavefield. It is possible to discriminate a weak fluctuation regime of the wavefield in the frequency range below 1  Hz and a strong fluctuation regime starting above 1  Hz and continuing to higher frequencies. The observed wavefield fluctuations in the frequency range 0.3–3  Hz can be explained by scattering of the teleseismic P wave front at elastic inhomogeneities in the lithosphere. A statistical distribution of the inhomogeneities is assumed and the concept of random media is applied. The lithospheric structure under the Massif Central can be described as a 70  km thick heterogeneous layer with velocity fluctuations of 3–7 per cent and correlation lengths of the heterogeneities of 1–16  km.     

A three-dimensional radially anisotropic model of shear velocity in the whole mantle

We present a 3-D radially anisotropic S velocity model of the whole mantle (SAW642AN), obtained using a large three component surface and body waveform data set and an iterative inversion for structure and source parameters based on Non-linear Asymptotic Coupling Theory (NACT). The model is parametrized in level 4 spherical splines, which have a spacing of ∼ 8°. The model shows a link between mantle flow and anisotropy in a variety of depth ranges. In the uppermost mantle, we confirm observations of regions with   V_SH > V_SV   starting at ∼80 km under oceanic regions and ∼200 km under stable continental lithosphere, suggesting horizontal flow beneath the lithosphere. We also observe a   V_SV > V_SH   signature at ∼150–300 km depth beneath major ridge systems with amplitude correlated with spreading rate for fast-spreading segments. In the transition zone (400–700 km depth), regions of subducted slab material are associated with   V_SV > V_SH   , while the ridge signal decreases. While the mid-mantle has lower amplitude anisotropy (<1 per cent), we also confirm the observation of radially symmetric   V_SH > V_SV   in the lowermost 300 km, which appears to be a robust conclusion, despite an error in our previous paper which has been corrected here. The 3-D deviations from this signature are associated with the large-scale low-velocity superplumes under the central Pacific and Africa, suggesting that   V_SH > V_SV   is generated in the predominant horizontal flow of a mechanical boundary layer, with a change in signature related to transition to upwelling at the superplumes.     

The thermal field in a basin after a sudden passive pure shear lithospheric extension and sublithospheric mechanical erosion:the case of the Tuscan Basin (Italy)

A simple new model for sudden lithospheric thinning that considers the crust to be stretched and the lower layer of the lithosphere to be partially stretched and partially mechanically eroded is proposed. This model allows calculation of the thermal field of the lithosphere during the initial warming phase and the surface uplift.
Application of this model to the Tuscan Basin explains the high regional heat flux density values (>100 mW m⁻² ), the tectonic subsidence (about 1 km) and the average uplift (>400 m) observed in this region well.     

Teleseismic delay-time tomography of the upper mantle beneath southeastern India: imprint of Indo–Antarctica rifting

A 3-D P -velocity map of the crust and upper mantle beneath the southeastern part of India has been reconstructed through the inversion of teleseismic traveltimes. Salient geological features in the study region include the Archean Dharwar Craton and Eastern Ghat metamorphic belt (EGMB), and the Proterozoic Cuddapah and Godavari basins. The Krishna–Godavari basin, on the eastern coastal margin, evolved in response to the Indo–Antarctica breakup. A 24-station temporary network provided 1161 traveltimes, which were used to model 3-D P -velocity variation. The velocity model accounts of 80 per cent of the observed data variance. The velocity picture to a depth of 120 km shows two patterns: a high velocity beneath the interior domain (Dharwar craton and Cuddapah basin), and a lower velocity beneath the eastern margin region (EGMB and coastal basin). Across the array velocity variations of 7–10 per cent in the crust (0–40 km) and 3–5 per cent in the uppermost mantle (40–120 km) are observed. At deeper levels (120–210 km) the upper-mantle velocity differences are insignificant among different geological units. The presence of such a low velocity along the eastern margin suggests significantly thin lithosphere (<100 km) beneath it compared to a thick lithosphere (>200 km) beneath the eastern Dharwar craton. Such lithospheric thinning could be a consequence of Indo–Antarctica break-up.     

Upper mantle heterogeneities beneath Central Europe

Summary. An inversion of ISC travel-time data from selected earthquakes in the distance range 30°-90° to 53 stations in Central Europe has been used to model velocity down to 600 km depth. The model explains 0.1–0.2s of the residuals, as for other array studies, leaving 0.5 s unexplained as noise. The uppermost 100 km of the mantle and crust contains inhomogeneities that correlate remarkably well with the geology. This may be due to deep-seated thermal anomalies or, in some areas, to delays introduced by passage of the rays through sedimentary cover. The deeper anomalies are smaller and unrelated to those in the lithosphere, which suggests that the asthenosphere is decoupled from the rigid lithosphere. The structure at 600 km depth is again quite inhomogeneous and might be due to undulations of the 650 km discontinuity. The models show some suggestion of a high velocity slab trending from east to west beneath the Alps.     

State of stress in the oceanic lithosphere in response to loading

Summary. Flexure studies of the oceanic lithosphere constrained by bathymetry and gravity data suggest that the lithosphere behaves elastically over geological time-scales. For loads to be supported, however, large bending stresses (approaching 10 kb in some cases) are required at the top and bottom of the elastic plate.
These stress-differences can be significantly reduced by introducing more complex rheologies: we propose a model of layered lithosphere, consisting of a purely elastic upper layer, a transition zone with viscosity varying with depth and a perfectly plastic lower layer. The transition layer is grossly centred at the bottom of the elastic plate. Such a model results in a noticeable reduction of stress differences; reaching 60 per cent for flow laws representing creep mechanisms in olivine. When applied to a number of seamount loads, this model leads to maximum stress-differences which do not exceed 1–2kb.
The approach used in this study allows us to follow stress relaxation over time. Taking account of the thermal cooling of the lithosphere, we show that the elastic thickness of the lithosphere is stabilized after a given time, while the time required for stabilization is found to be of the order 5—6 per cent of the age of the lithosphere at the date of loading.     

An anomalous high-velocity layer at shallow crustal depths in the Narmada zone, India

The Narmada zone in central India is a zone of weakness that separates the region of Vindhyan (Meso-Neoproterozoic) deposition to the north from Gondwana (Permo-Carboniferous–lower Cretaceous) deposits to the south. The reinterpretation of analogue seismic refraction data, acquired during the early 1980s, using 2-D ray-tracing techniques reveals a basement (velocity 5.8–6.0 km s⁻¹ ) topography suggesting that the Narmada zone, bounded by the Narmada North and Narmada South faults is a region of basement uplift. A layer of anomalously high velocity (6.5–6.7 km s⁻¹ ) at depths between 1.5 and 9.0 km appears to be present in the entire region. Within the Narmada zone this layer occurs at shallower depths than outside the Narmada zone. At two places within the Narmada zone this layer is at a depth of about 1.5 km. This layer cannot be considered as the top of the lower crust because in this case it should have produced large positive gravity anomalies at the shallowest parts. Instead, these parts correspond to Bouguer gravity lows. Furthermore, lower crust at such shallow depths has not been reported from any other part of the Indian shield. Therefore, this layer is likely to represent the top of a high-velocity mafic body that has different thicknesses in different places.     

Multimode surface waveform tomography of the Pacific Ocean: a closer look at the lithospheric cooling signature

We present a regional surface waveform tomography of the Pacific upper mantle, obtained using an automated multimode surface waveform inversion technique on fundamental and higher mode Rayleigh waves, to constrain the   V_SV   structure down to ∼400 km depth. We have improved on previous implementations of this technique by robustly accounting for the effects of uncertainties in earthquake source parameters in the tomographic inversion. We have furthermore improved path coverage in the South Pacific region by including Rayleigh wave observations from the French Polynesian Pacific Lithosphere and Upper Mantle Experiment deployment. This improvement has led to imaging of vertical low-velocity structures associated with hotspots within the South Pacific Super-Swell region. We have produced an age-dependent average cross-section for the Pacific Ocean lithosphere and found that the increase in   V_SV   with age is broadly compatible with a half-space cooling model of oceanic lithosphere formation. We cannot confirm evidence for a Pacific-wide reheating event. Our synthetic tests show that detailed interpretation of average   V_SV   trends across the Pacific Ocean may be misleading unless lateral resolution and amplitude recovery are uniform across the region, a condition that is difficult to achieve in such a large oceanic basin with current seismic stations.     

Signature of remnant slabs in the North Pacific from P-wave tomography

A 3-D ray-tracing technique was used in a global tomographic inversion in order to obtain tomographic images of the North Pacific. The data reported by the Geophysical Survey of Russia (1955–1997) were used together with the catalogues of the International Seismological Center (1964–1991) and the US Geological Survey National Earthquake Information Center (1991–1998), and the recompiled catalogue was reprocessed. The final data set, used for following the inversion, contained 523 430 summary ray paths. The whole of the Earth's mantle was parametrized by cells of 2° × 2° and 19 layers. The large and sparse system of observation equations was solved using an iterative LSQR algorithm.
A subhorizontal high-velocity anomaly is revealed just above the 660 km discontinuity beneath the Aleutian subduction zone. This high-velocity feature is observed at latitudes of up to ~70°N and is interpreted as a remnant of the subducted Kula plate, which disappeared through ridge subduction at about 48 Ma. A further positive velocity perturbation feature can be identified beneath the Chukotka peninsula and Okhotsk Sea, extending from ~300 to ~660 km depth and then either extending further down to ~800 km (Chukotka) or deflecting along the 660 km discontinuity (Okhotsk Sea). This high-velocity anomaly is interpreted as a remnant slab of the Okhotsk plate accreted to Siberia at ~55 Ma.     

Small-scale heterogeneities below the Gräfenberg array, Germany from seismic wavefield fluctuations of Hindu Kush events

Small-scale elastic heterogeneities (<5  km) are found in the upper lithosphere underneath the Gräfenberg array, southeast Germany. The results are based on the analysis of broadband recordings of 17 intermediate-depth (201–272  km) events from the Hindu Kush region. The wavefront of the first P arrival and the following 40  s coda are separated into coherent and incoherent (scattered) parts in the frequency range from 0.05 to 5  Hz. The frequency-dependent intensities of the mean and fluctuation wavefields are used to describe the scattering characteristics of the lithosphere underneath the receivers. It is possible to discriminate a weak-fluctuation regime of the wavefield in the frequency range below approximately 1.5–2.5  Hz and a strong-fluctuation regime starting at 2.0–2.5  Hz and continuing to higher frequencies. In order to explain the observed wavefield fluctuations, an approach with seismic scattering at random media-type structures is proposed. The preferred model contains heterogeneities with 3–7 per cent perturbations in seismic velocity and correlation lengths of 0.6–4.8  km in the crust. This is compatible with models from active seismic experiments. Scattering in the lithospheric mantle is not required, but cannot be excluded at weak velocity contrasts (<3 per cent).     

Radial resolving power of far-field differential sea-level highstands in the inference of mantle viscosity

For two decades leading to the late 1980s, the prevailing view from studies of glacial isostatic adjustment (GIA) data was that the viscosity of the Earth's mantle increased moderately, if at all, from the base of the lithosphere to the core–mantle boundary. This view was first questioned by Nakada & Lambeck , who argued that differential sea-level (DSL) highstands between pairs of sites in the Australian region preferred an increase of approximately two orders of magnitude from the mean viscosity of the upper to the lower mantle, in accord with independent inferences from observables related to mantle convection. We use non-linear Bayesian inference to provide the first formal resolving power analysis of the Australian DSL data set. We identify three radial regions, two within the upper mantle (110–270 km and 320–570 km depth) and one in the lower mantle (1225–2265 km depth), over which the average of viscosity is well constrained by the data. We conclude that: (1) the DSL data provide a resolution in the inference of upper mantle viscosity that is better than implied by forward analyses based on isoviscous regions above and below the 670 km depth discontinuity and (2) the data do not strongly constrain viscosity at either the base or top of the lower mantle. Finally, our inversions also quantify the significant bias that may be introduced in inversions of the DSL highstands that do not simultaneously estimate the thickness of the elastic lithosphere.     

Glacial rebound of the British Isles—II. A high-resolution, high-precision model

Observations of ice movements across the British Isles and of sea-level changes around the shorelines during Late Devensian time (after about 25 000 yr BP) have been used to establish a high spatial and temporal resolution model for the rebound of Great Britain and associated sea-level change. The sea-level observations include sites within the margins of the former ice sheet as well as observations outside the glaciated regions such that it has been possible to separate unknown earth model parameters from some ice-sheet model parameters in the inversion of the glacio-hydro-isostatic equations. The mantle viscosity profile is approximated by a number of radially symmetric layers representing the lithosphere, the upper mantle as two layers from the base of the lithosphere to the phase transition boundary at 400 km, the transition zone down to 670 km depth, and the lower mantle. No evidence is found to support a strong layering in viscosity above 670 km other than the high-viscosity lithospheric layer. Models with a low-viscosity zone in the upper mantle or models with a marked higher viscosity in the transition zone are less satisfactory than models in which the viscosity is constant from the base of the lithosphere to the 670 km boundary. In contrast, a marked increase in viscosity is required across this latter boundary. The optimum effective parameters for the mantle beneath Great Britain are: a lithospheric thickness of about 65 km, a mantle viscosity above 670 km of about (4-5) 10²⁰ Pa s, and a viscosity below 670 km greater than 4 × 10²¹ Pa s.     

Anisotropy in the oceanic lithosphere of the North-western Pacific Basin

Summary. A series of long-range explosion seismological experiments has been conducted by the use of specially designed ocean bottom seismographs (OBSs) in the Western Pacific. OBS studies of apparent velocity measurements by the use of natural earthquakes have also been made. The experiments have made clear that large-scale P -wave anisotropy exists in the entire thickness of the oceanic lithosphere. The existence of the large-scale anisotropy in the oceanic lithosphere has been demonstrated for the first time by seismic body-wave studies. Previously, anisotropy had been found only in the uppermost oceanic mantle in the Eastern Pacific.
The azimuth of the maximum velocity, 8.6 km s^-1, is about 155° clock-wise from north. The direction is perpendicular to the magnetic lineation of the region, however, the direction differs from the direction of the present plate motion by about 30°. So it appears that the anisotropy has been 'frozen' at least since the change of the plate motion that occurred 40 Myr ago. The frozen anisotropy should set important constraints on the mechanical properties of the lithosphere such as the viscosity and temperature of the lower lithosphere.     

Constraints on a plume in the mid-mantle beneath the Iceland region from seismic array data

Teleseismic P waves passing through low-wave-speed bodies in the mantle are refracted, causing anomalies in their propagation directions that can be measured by seismometer arrays. Waves from earthquakes in the eastern Pacific and western North America arriving at the NORSAR array in Norway and at seismic stations in Scotland pass beneath the Iceland region at depths of ∼ 1000–2000 km. Waves arriving at NORSAR have anomalous arrival azimuths consistent with a low-wave-speed body at a depth of ∼ 1500 km beneath the Iceland–Faeroe ridge with a maximum diameter of ∼250 km and a maximum wave-speed contrast of ∼ 1.5 per cent. This agrees well with whole-mantle tomography results, which image a low-wave-speed body at this location with a diameter of ∼ 500 km and a wave-speed anomaly of ∼ 0.5 per cent, bearing in mind that whole-mantle tomography, because of its limited resolution, broadens and weakens small anomalies. The observations cannot resolve the location of the body, and the anomaly could be caused in whole or in part by larger bodies farther away, for example by a body imaged beneath Greenland by whole-mantle tomography.     

Transitional continental–oceanic structure beneath the Norwegian Sea from inversion of surface wave group velocity data

We have analysed the fundamental mode of Love and Rayleigh waves generated by 12 earthquakes located in the mid-Atlantic ridge and Jan Mayen fracture zone. Using the multiple filter analysis technique, we isolated the Rayleigh and Love wave group velocities for periods between 10 and 50  s. The surface wave propagation paths were divided into five groups, and average group velocities calculated for each group. The average group velocities were inverted and produced shear wave velocity models that correspond to a quasi-continental oceanic structure in the Greenland–Norwegian Sea region. Although resolution is poor at shallow depth, we obtained crustal thickness values of about 18  km in the Norwegian Sea area and 9  km in the region between Svalbard and Iceland. The abnormally thick crust in the Norwegian Sea area is ascribed to magmatic underplating and the thermal blanketing effect of sedimentary layers. Maximum crustal shear velocities vary between 3.5 and 3.9  km  s⁻¹ for most paths. An average lithospheric thickness of 60  km was observed, which is lower than expected for oceanic-type structure of similar age. We also observed low shear wave velocities in the lower crust and upper mantle. We suggest that high heat flow extending to depths of about 30  km beneath the surface can account for the thin lithosphere and observed low velocities. Anisotropy coefficients of 1–5 per cent in the shallow layers and >7 per cent in the upper mantle point to the existence of polarization anisotropy in the region.     

Three-dimensional seismic structure of the upper mantle beneath the central part of the Eurasian continent

This work is a study of the upper-mantle seismic structure beneath the central part of the Eurasian continent, including the northern Mongolia, Altai and Sayan orogenic areas and the Baikal rift zone. Seismic velocity models are reconstructed using the inverse teleseismic scheme. This scheme uses information from earthquakes located within the study area recorded by the Worldwide Network. The seismic anomaly structure is obtained for different volumes in the study area that partially overlap one another. Special attention has been paid to the reliability of the results: several noise and resolution comparisons are made.
The main results are as follows. (1) A cell structure of anomalies is observed beneath the Altai–Sayan region: positive, cold anomalies correspond to regions of recent orogenesis, negative anomalies are located beneath the depression of the Great Lakes in Mongolia and Hubsugul Lake. (2) A large negative anomaly is observed beneath the Hangai dome in Mongolia. (3) Strong velocity variations are obtained in a zone around Baikal Lake. A large negative anomaly is traced beneath the southern margin of the Siberian craton down to a depth of 700 km. Contrasting positive anomalies (4–5 per cent) are observed at a depth of 100–300 km beneath the Baikal rift. Our geodynamical interpretation of the velocity structure obtained beneath central Asia involves the existence of two processes in the mantle: thermal convection with regular cells, and a narrow plume beneath the southern border of the Siberian plate.     

Multiphase cooling and exhumation of the southern Adelaide Fold Belt: constraints from apatite fission track data

Data from apatite fission track analysis are presented for 20 outcrop samples collected in the southern Adelaide Fold Belt, South Australia. Interpretation of these data, with the aid of numerical models which allow inference of multiphase cooling histories, indicate three discrete cooling events that are likely to correlate with sedimentation events in surrounding depositional settings. An event beginning some time after 85 Ma (Late Cretaceous) was characterized by cooling throughout the study area from temperatures of roughly 50 to 70 °C. An event beginning at 300–270 Ma (Late Palaeozoic) was characterized by cooling from temperatures >120 °C in all areas except for the Mount Lofty Ranges and Murray Bridge region, where peak temperatures were only 95–115 °C prior to Palaeozoic cooling. Some samples from these subregions of relatively cool Late Palaeozoic temperatures also retain evidence for even earlier cooling from temperatures >120 °C, beginning prior to 350 Ma. We interpret the post 85-Ma event as the consequence of regional exhumation from a depth of 1.0–1.6 km. The Late Palaeozoic event (300–270 Ma) is interpreted as cooling associated with the termination of the Alice Springs Orogeny, while cooling prior to 350 Ma probably represents the final stages of Early Middle Palaeozoic unroofing of the southern Adelaide Fold Belt.
The results highlight the importance of regional, episodic postorogenic exhumation of Palaeozoic fold belts, where – in some cases – conventional methods have erroneously suggested relatively long-term stability.     

Results of magnetotelluric and gravimetric measurements in western Nicaragua, Central America

Magnetotelluric and gravity data have been collected within a ca. 170 km long traverse running from the Pacific coast of Nicaragua in the west to the Nicaraguan Highland in the east. This part of Nicaragua is characterized by sedimentary rocks of the Pacific Coastal Plain, separated from the Tertiary volcanic rocks of the Highland by the NW-SE-trending Nicaraguan Depression. 2-D interpretation of the magnetotelluric (MT) data, collected at 13 stations, indicates four regions of high electrical conductivity in addition to the conductive coastal region. Two of these are associated with conducting sediments and pyroclastics in the upper part of the crust. Two other conductive structures have been defined at depth around 20 km and the one best defined is located below the depression. From the distribution of seismic events, volcanic activity in the depression and the similarity in geophysical characteristics with areas such as the Rio Grande Rift, this conductor is interpreted as a melt layer or a complex of magma chambers. Models of the upper lithosphere, constrained by the MT model, vertical electrical sounding (VES) data, seismic data and densities, have been tested using gravity data. A model that passes this test shows a gradual thickening of the crust eastwards from the Pacific coast. An anomaly centred over the depression is interpreted to have its origin in a thinning of the crust. In this model the melt layer is situated on top of the bulge of the lower lithosphere. A change in the composition of the crust, from the Pacific Coastal Plain to the Highland, is indicated from the change in character of the MT response and from the density distribution in the gravity model. This may support the hypothesis that the Pacific region is an accreted terrane. MT and gravity data indicate a depth to a resistive and high-density basement in the depression of ca. 2 km. On the basis of this, the vertical setting in the depression is estimated to be of the order of 2.5 km.     

Massif Central (France): new constraints on the geodynamical evolution from teleseismic tomography

The Massif Central, the most significant geomorphological unit of the Hercynian belt in France, is characterized by graben structures which are part of the European Cenozoic Rift System (ECRIS) and also by distinct volcanic episodes, the most recent dated at 20 Ma to 4000 years BP. In order to study the lithosphere-asthenosphere system beneath this volcanic area, we performed a teleseismic field experiment.
During a six-month period, a joint French-German team operated a network of 79 mobile short-period seismic stations in addition to the 14 permanent stations. Inversion of P -wave traveltime residuals of teleseismic events recorded by this dense array yielded a detailed image of the 3-D velocity structure beneath the Massif Central down to 180 km depth. The upper 60 km of the lithosphere displays strong lateral heterogeneities and shows a remarkable correlation between the volcanic provinces and the negative velocity perturbations. The 3-D model reveals two channels of low velocities, interpreted as the remaining thermal signature of magma ascent following large lithospheric fractures inherited from Hercynian time and reactivated during Oligocene times. The teleseismic inversion model yields no indication of a low-velocity zone in the mantle associated with the graben structures proper. The observation of smaller velocity perturbations and a change in the shape of the velocity pattern in the 60–100 km depth range indicates a smooth transition from the lithosphere to the asthenosphere, thus giving an idea of the lithosphere thickness. A broad volume of low velocities having a diameter of about 200 km from 100 km depth to the bottom of the model is present beneath the Massif Central. This body is likely to be the source responsible for the volcanism. It could be interpreted as the top of a plume-type structure which is now in its cooling phase.