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Slab Geometry and Upper Mantle Flow Patterns in the Central Mediterranean From 3D Anisotropic P-Wave Tomography
F Rappisi1, B P VanderBeek1, M Faccenda1
1Dipartimento di Geoscienze Università di Padova Padova Italy.
This study reveals seismic anisotropy in the Central Mediterranean upper mantle. Anisotropic P-wave tomography clarifies mantle structure and slab dynamics, crucial for understanding regional geodynamics.
Area of Science:
- Geophysics
- Seismology
- Tectonics
Background:
- The Central Mediterranean's upper mantle structure is complex.
- Previous isotropic tomography models have limitations in depicting seismic anisotropy.
- Understanding mantle dynamics is key to explaining surface geological phenomena.
Purpose of the Study:
- To create the first 3D anisotropic teleseismic P-wave tomography model of the Central Mediterranean upper mantle.
- To analyze the influence of seismic anisotropy on upper mantle heterogeneity.
- To reconstruct the 3D geometry of Central Mediterranean slabs and their relation to geodynamics.
Main Methods:
- Developed a 3D anisotropic teleseismic P-wave tomography model.
- Incorporated magnitude, azimuth, and dip of seismic anisotropy into inversions.
- Performed 3D reconstruction of sub-lithospheric slab structures down to 700 km.
Main Results:
- Anisotropic tomography simplifies isotropic heterogeneity by reducing slow anomalies.
- Fast anomalies correlate with slab segments; slow anomalies with slab windows and back-arc basins.
- Widespread P-wave seismic anisotropy is strongest at 200-300 km depth, indicating asthenospheric flow around slabs.
Conclusions:
- Anisotropic P-wave imaging is vital for accurately constraining upper mantle geodynamics.
- Anisotropy patterns suggest horizontal asthenospheric flow and vertical entrainment by descending lithosphere.
- The study provides a detailed 3D view of Central Mediterranean slab geometry and mantle flow.
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