A possible mechanism for the thermal asymmetry of the Ligurian basin |
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Authors: | V Pasquale M Verdoya P Chiozzi |
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Institution: | Dipartimento per lo Studio del Territorio e delle sue Risorse, Settore di Geofisica, Universitàdi Genova, V.le Benedetto XV, 5, I-16132 Genova, Italy |
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Abstract: | ABSTRACT We propose a thermo-mechanical model and a new interpretation of heat flux data for the Ligurian basin that may be a key to understanding the evolution of the NW Mediterranean. The model incorporates the removal of a portion of mantle lithosphere to explain the heat-flux and subsidence anomaly of the eastern (Corsican) margin of the basin. This process is envisaged as a result of eastward asthenosphere flow induced by the Apennines subduction system. After a heating phase, time-dependent conductive cooling and re-thickening of the lithosphere result in re-equilibrium of the thermal gradient to its initial value. Such a rifting mode can account for the asymmetric heat-flux and subsidence pattern observed across the basin and the present-day lithospheric thickness. |
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