Work

Present‐Day Upper‐Mantle Architecture of the Alps: Insights From Data‐Driven Dynamic Modeling

Year: 2022

Type: article

Abstract: The dynamics of the Alps and surrounding regions is still not completely understood, partly because of a non‐unique interpretation of its upper‐mantle architecture. In particular, it is unclear if interpreted slabs are consistent with the observed surface deformation and topography. We derive three end‐member scenarios of lithospheric thickness and slab geometries by clustering available shear‐wave tomography models into a statistical ensemble. We use these scenarios as input for geodynamic simulations and compare modeled topography, surface velocities and mantle flow to observations. We found that a slab detached beneath the Alps, but attached beneath the Northern Apennines captures first‐order patterns in topography and vertical surface velocities and can provide a causative explanation for the observed seismicity.

Source: Geophysical Research Letters

DOI: 10.1029/2022gl099476

Authors: Ajay Kumar, Mauro Cacace, Magdalena Scheck-Wenderoth, Hans-Jürgen Götze, Boris J.P. Kaus

Institutions: GFZ Helmholtz Centre for Geosciences, RWTH Aachen University, Christian-Albrechts-Universität zu Kiel, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz

Language: English

Topic: Geological Formations and Processes Exploration

Subfield: Geophysics

Field: Earth and Planetary Sciences

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $2,700

Funders: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft, Universidad de Extremadura