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Insights on the upper mantle beneath the Eastern Alps
Irene Bianchi1, Meghan S Miller2, Götz Bokelmann1
1Institut für Meteorologie und Geophysik, Universität Wien, Althanstraße 14 (UZA II), 1090 Vienna, Austria.
Seismic receiver functions reveal a significant upper mantle discontinuity across the Eastern Alps. This boundary, likely the lithosphere-asthenosphere boundary, varies in depth, being deeper centrally and shallower towards the Pannonian Basin.
Area of Science:
- Geophysics
- Seismology
- Solid Earth Science
Background:
- The Eastern Alps represent a complex tectonic region with debated mantle structure.
- Understanding the lithosphere-asthenosphere boundary (LAB) is crucial for plate dynamics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To image and characterize a seismic discontinuity in the upper mantle beneath the Eastern Alps.
- To determine the depth variations and potential nature of this discontinuity.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of Ps and Sp receiver functions from permanent and temporary seismic stations.
- Lateral and depth resolution of the discontinuity in the tens of kilometers range.
Main Results:
- A seismic discontinuity with a negative velocity contrast was identified across the Eastern Alps.
- The discontinuity's depth ranges from 70-80 km near the Pannonian Basin and Central Alps to 100-130 km in the central Eastern Alps.
- The discontinuity likely represents the lithosphere-asthenosphere boundary (LAB) east of 15°E and a low-velocity zone west of 15°E.
Conclusions:
- The study successfully imaged a significant upper mantle discontinuity beneath the Eastern Alps.
- Depth variations of the discontinuity provide insights into the regional lithospheric structure.
- The findings suggest a transition in the nature of the discontinuity across the 15°E longitude.
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