利用瑞利面波相速度和方位各向异性研究鄂尔多斯块体的岩石圈变形特征

利用在鄂尔多斯块体内部布设的45个宽频带流动台站和固定台站的资料,用双平面波方法反演了20~143 s共12个周期的基阶瑞利面波的平均相速度和方位各向异性,并反演了一维S波速度结构.反演结果显示50~100 s中长周期的瑞利面波相速度高于AK135速度模型的相速度,为高速异常,S波速度显示高速异常主要位于180 km深度范围内,表明鄂尔多斯块体保留有厚的高速岩石圈.20~111 s周期的方位各向异性强度小于1%,较小的各向异性表明鄂尔多斯块体岩石圈变形较弱.20~50 s周期的平均快波方向为近EW向,67~143 s周期的平均快波方向为NW-SE向,相对发生了整体改变,快波方向的转变约开始于80~100 km深度范围,这表明岩石圈上下部存在着由不同变形机制导致的各向异性.上部岩石圈中各向异性可能主要为残留的“化石”各向异性,而下部岩石圈各向异性可能是现今板块构造运动导致的变形而形成.鄂尔多斯块体岩石圈垂向上的变形差异可能主要与岩石圈温度随深度的变化以及青藏高原NE-NNE向挤压引起的上部岩石圈逆时针旋转有关.     

中国东部海区岩石层结构的区域综合地球物理研究

结合新一轮编图工作的开展,中国东部海区重、磁平面图件在拼入新资料同时,也包含了邻区朝鲜半岛,台湾岛,日本海,菲律宾海等地区的资料.本文在此基础上综合分析研究区重、磁异常特征,利用重、磁资料反演莫霍面、居里面,进而求取了热岩石层底界面,对重、磁数据进行了突出断裂带信息的处理,确定了13条重要断裂带的展布,将研究区划分为8个块体和4个结合带,它们具有"东西成带、南北分块"的特征,是"2条锋线"作用的产物.研究表明,江—绍断裂带向东延伸进入海区,虽然受东海陆架西缘断裂带的切割,但仍继续往东延伸,可能延至朝鲜半岛南端与济州岛南缘断裂带相接;在朝鲜半岛西缘地球物理场存在NNW—NW的明显界线,可解释为断裂带,称之黄海东缘断裂带,中国大陆东部的五莲—青岛断裂带与黄海东缘断裂带和济州岛南缘断裂带共同构成中朝和扬子块体的边界.     

卡罗琳板块及其附近地区的岩石圈有效弹性厚度

本文利用卡罗琳板块及其附近地区的自由空气重力异常和海水深度数据,结合滑动窗口导纳技术(MWAT),计算了该地区的岩石圈有效弹性厚度T_e.本文使用Multitaper(多窗谱)方法对功率谱密度进行估计,基于实际的海底地形,通过模拟计算得到了MWAT方法较真值的改正,MWAT方法计算的结果偏小20%左右.研究结果显示卡罗琳板块及其附近地区的T_e变化范围为1~34km.研究区域包括了海山、海底高原、俯冲带、扩张洋脊等多种构造,对它们的岩石圈强度的研究为认识西太平洋地区岩石圈的构造和演化提供了重要的依据.T_e与加载时的岩石圈年龄、地表热流相关.T_e与海底地壳年龄之间的关系显示T_e主要位于板块冷却模型的450℃的等温线深度以上.西太平洋的Magellan海山和Marcus-Wake Guyots(MWG)地区的T_e主要分布在加载形成时板块冷却模型的200℃的等温线深度附近,较低的等温线可能受太平洋超级地幔柱的影响.我们的研究结果也显示在研究区域内海洋地壳的热流与T_e之间存在一定的反相关性.     

A new isostatic model of the lithosphere and gravity field

Based on the analysis of various factors controlling isostatic gravity anomalies and geoid undulations, it is concluded that it is essential to model the lithospheric density structure as accurately as possible. Otherwise, if computed in the classical way (i.e. based on the surface topography and the simple Airy compensation scheme), isostatic anomalies mostly reflect differences of the real lithosphere structure from the simplified compensation model, and not necessarily the deviations from isostatic equilibrium. Starting with global gravity, topography and crustal density models, isostatic gravity anomalies and geoid undulations have been determined. The initial crust and upper-mantle density structure has been corrected in a least squares adjustment using gravity. To model the long-wavelength (>2000 km) features in the gravity field, the isostatic condition (i.e. equal mass for all columns above the compensation level) is applied in the adjustment to uncover the signals from the deep-Earth interior, including dynamic deformations of the Earths surface. The isostatic gravity anomalies and geoid undulations, rather than the observed fields, then represent the signals from mantle convection and deep density inhomogeneities including remnants of subducted slabs. The long-wavelength non-isostatic (i.e. the dynamic) topography was estimated to range from –0.4 to 0.5 km. For shorter wavelengths (<2000 km), the isostatic condition is not applied in the adjustment in order to obtain the non-isostatic topography due to regional deviations from classical Airy isostasy. The maximum deviations from Airy isostasy (–1.5 to 1 km) occur at currently active plate boundaries. As another result, a new global model of the lithosphere density distribution is generated. The most pronounced negative density anomalies in the upper mantle are found near large plume provinces, such as Iceland and East Africa, and in the vicinity of the mid-ocean ridge axes. Positive density anomalies in the upper mantle under the continents are not correlated with the cold and thick lithosphere of cratons, indicating a compensation mechanism due to thermal and compositional density.     

The Northern and Southern Scandes — structural differences revealed by an analysis of gravity anomalies, the geoid and regional isostasy

We investigate the Scandes mountain range by analysing the gravity field, the geoid heights and the degree of isostatic compensation of the lithosphere. Topographically, the Scandes mountain range can be divided in the Northern and Southern Scandes. Comparisons between the present topographic expression and the gravity field and the geoid show that the axis of highest elevation in the Northern Scandes is shifted eastwards compared to the minimum of the Bouguer anomaly, while the two coincide perfectly in the Southern Scandes. Geoid heights reduced by the effect of topographic masses show a large-scale minimum in the Northern Scandes, but no anomaly in the Southern Scandes.Regional, flexural isostatic calculations yield a flexural rigidity of D = 10²³ Nm for the lithosphere of the Southern Scandes and the isostatic gravity and geoid residuals point to additional isostatic support by low-density rocks below the Moho. On the other side, for the lithosphere in the Northern Scandes no significant flexural rigidity can be resolved. Here, the Bouguer anomaly is best modelled with a small flexural rigidity, indicating nearly Airy isostatic behaviour. Local subsurface loading and horizontal tectonic forces overprint the isostatic compensations and increase the tectonic complexity of the Northern Scandes. These distinctive features of the Scandes cannot be explained by currently existing models of the present and Neogene uplift and the isostatic mechanism of the Scandes.     

Gravity signals from the lithosphere in the Central European Basin System

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.     

A top to bottom lithospheric study of Africa and Arabia

We study the lithospheric structure of Africa, Arabia and adjacent oceanic regions with fundamental-mode surface waves over a broad period range. Including group velocities with periods shorter than 35 s allows us to examine shallower features than previous studies of the whole continent. In the process, we have developed a crustal thickness map of Africa. Main features include crustal thickness increases under the West African, Congo, and Kalahari cratons. We find crustal thinning under Mesozoic and Cenozoic rifts, including the Benue Trough, Red Sea, and East, Central, and West African rift systems, along with less abrupt crustal thickness changes at passive continental margins. We also find crustal thickness differences in North Africa between the West African Craton and East Saharan Shield. Crustal shear wave velocities are generally faster in oceanic regions and cratons, and slower in more recent crust and in active and remnant orogenic regions. Deeper structure, related to the thickness of cratons and modern rifting, is generally consistent with previous work. Under cratons we find thick lithosphere and fast upper mantle velocities, while under rifts we find thinned lithosphere and slower upper mantle velocities. However, we also find the lack of a thick cratonic keel beneath the central portion of the Congo Craton. There are no consistent effects in areas classified as hotspots, indicating that there seem to be numerous origins for these features. Finally, it appears that the African Superswell, which is responsible for high elevation and uplift over large portions of Africa, has had a significantly different impact (as indicated by features such as temperature, time of influence, etc.) in the north and the south. This is consistent with episodic activity at shallow depths, which is well-expressed in northeastern Africa and Arabia today.     

Imaging global chemical and thermal heterogeneity in the subcontinental lithospheric mantle with garnets and xenoliths: Geophysical implications

Suites of mantle-derived xenoliths in volcanic rocks provide estimates of the geothermal gradient and composition of the subcontinental lithospheric mantle (SCLM) at the time of the volcanic eruption. The development of single-grain thermometry and barometry, applied to xenocryst minerals in volcanic rocks, has greatly expanded the number of localities for which such data can be obtained and made it feasible to map the geology of the SCLM on a broader scale, both vertically and laterally. From garnet xenocrysts, it is possible to derive profiles showing mean values of olivine composition, bulk-rock composition, density and seismic velocities, as well as geotherm parameters and constraints on the thickness of the SCLM. Geochemical profiles, coupled with Re–Os dating of peridotites and their enclosed sulfide minerals, show that Archean or Proterozoic SCLM is preserved at shallow levels beneath many areas of younger tectonothermal age; this implies rapid vertical variations in Vs and Vp with depth, which may affect seismic interpretations. Data from several hundred localities worldwide define a secular evolution in the composition of the SCLM, related to the tectonothermal age of the overlying crust. Archean SCLM is typically strongly depleted in basaltic components, highly magnesian and thick (160–250 km), and has low geotherms; Phanerozoic SCLM is typically fertile (rich in basaltic components), Fe-rich, thin (50–100 km) and has a range of high geotherms; Proterozoic SCLM (much of which may be reworked Archean mantle) tends to be intermediate in all respects. The correlated variations in SCLM fertility, lithospheric thickness and geotherm reinforce the effects of each on seismic velocity, and produce more rapid lateral variations in seismic response than would result from thermal effects alone. These correlations are the key to using seismic tomography images to map the lateral extent of different types of SCLM.     

The effects of a lateral variation in lithospheric strength on foredeep evolution: Implications for the East Carpathian foredeep

Lateral variations in lithospheric strength have been adopted often in flexural modeling (both 2D and 3D) to better fit the observed basement deflections, typically supported by gravity data. This approach provides essentially a “snap-shot” of the role of lithosphere strength in determining the present day geometry.In contrast, we investigate and quantify the effects of a lateral change in lithospheric strength on the evolution of the foredeep in front of an advancing orogen. Transitions in lithospheric strength are common in the foreland of orogens and show large variations in the width of the transition zone and the strength difference. Former passive margins, for instance, will display strength changes distributed over several tens to hundreds of kilometers. Other transitions may originate from juxtaposition or accretion of pieces of lithosphere with different properties and may be characterized by a much smaller width than former passive margins.In our modeling, a constant load, representing an advancing orogenic belt, is displaced towards and across a transition from a weak to a strong plate in a 2D elastic thin plate model. The effect of different transition widths and strength contrasts on foredeep geometry and bending stress is investigated. Interference of flexural wavelengths across the transition affects foredeep geometry by causing rapid basin widening, oscillation of the bulge and volume increase. The bending stresses are found to concentrate and amplify around the strength transition. Large transition gradients, i.e. large strength contrast or small transition width, cause the highest rates of change.Basin widening caused by the orogenic load advancing towards the transition between the East European Craton and the Moesian Platform, appears to control the Sarmatian transgression over the East Carpathian foreland in Romania.     

The state of the upper mantle beneath southern Africa

We present a new upper mantle seismic model for southern Africa based on the fitting of a large (3622 waveforms) multi-mode surface wave data set with propagation paths significantly shorter (≤ 6000 km) than those in globally-derived surface wave models. The seismic lithosphere beneath the cratonic region of southern Africa in this model is about 175 ± 25 km thick, consistent with other recent surface wave models, but significantly thinner than indicated by teleseismic body-wave tomography. We determine the in situ geotherm from kimberlite nodules from beneath the same region and find the thermal lithosphere model that best fits the nodule data has a mechanical boundary layer thickness of 186 km and a thermal lithosphere thickness of 204 km, in very good agreement with the seismic measurement. The shear wave velocity determined from analyzes of the kimberlite nodule compositions agree with the seismic shear wave velocity to a depth of 150 km. However, the shear wave velocity decrease at the base of the lid seen in the seismic model does not correspond to a change in mineralogy. Recent experimental studies of the shear wave velocity in olivine as a function of temperature and period of oscillation demonstrate that this wave speed decrease can result from grain boundary relaxation at high temperatures at the period of seismic waves. This decrease in velocity occurs where the mantle temperature is close to the melting temperature (within 100 °C).