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Three-Dimensional Shear-Wave Velocity Model of the Alpine Region

English title Three-Dimensional Shear-Wave Velocity Model of the Alpine Region
Applicant Kissling Eduard
Number 103698
Funding scheme Project funding
Research institution Institut für Geophysik ETH Zürich
Institution of higher education ETH Zurich - ETHZ
Main discipline Geophysics
Start/End 01.07.2004 - 30.06.2008
Approved amount 162'158.00
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Keywords (6)

S-wave; petrophysics; Alpine lithosphere; seismic tomography; P and S wave velocity field; high quality data set

Lay Summary (English)

Lead
Lay summary
The general 3D P wave velocity structure of the Alps is exceptionally well known in comparison to any other orogen. This knowledge stems from 50 years of controlled source seismology exploration that yielded a detailed Moho map and illuminated a rather complex crustal structure dominated by lower crustal wedge tectonics that varies along the orogenic arc. By high-resolution teleseismic tomography the large-scale geometries of the lithosphere-asthenosphere system beneath the Alps have been obtained. The somewhat surprising results show two nearly opposing lithosphere slabs beneath the Alps. Recently, a few attempts were made to combine the wealth of earth scientific data about the Alps with this newer deep structural model to derive plate tectonic models of Alpine lithosphere subduction and collision. The aim of this Project is to provide the necessary details and particular additional information on 3D crustal structure and crustal layer fabrics for a better and more profound understanding of the processes of continent-ocean subduction and continent-continent-collision that led to the 3D deep crustal and lithosphere structure of the Alps. To meet these goals, improved 3D P-wave velocity images and first insights into S-wave structure of lower crust by local earthquake seismic tomography are needed.
Direct link to Lay Summary Last update: 21.02.2013

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