Earth tectonics as seen by GOCE - Enhanced satellite gravity gradient imaging

Ebbing, Jörg; Haas, Peter; Ferraccioli, Fausto; Pappa, Folker; Szwillus, Wolfgang; Bouman, J

doi:10.1038/s41598-018-34733-9

Cited by 51 publications

(38 citation statements)

References 53 publications

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“…Satellite data are particularly well suited to overcome the remoteness of the Antarctic continent, as they have an almost global uniform coverage (Ebbing et al, ). In contrast to surface and airborne surveys, satellite measurements also contain consistent long‐wavelength (>150 km) information, which is mainly influenced by deep subsurface structures (Sebera et al, ).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Moho Depths of Antarctica: Comparison of Seismic, Gravity, and Isostatic Results

Pappa

Ebbing

Ferraccioli

2019

Geochem Geophys Geosyst

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The lithospheric structure of Antarctica is still underexplored. Moho depth estimate studies are in disagreement by more than 10 km in several regions, including, for example, the hinterland of the Transantarctic Mountains. Taking account the sparseness of seismological stations and the nonuniqueness of potential field methods, inversions of Moho depth are performed here based on satellite gravity data in combination with currently available seismically constrained Moho depth estimates. Our results confirm that a lower density contrast at the Moho is present under East Antarctica than beneath West Antarctica. A comparison between the Moho depth derived from our inversion and an Airy‐isostatic Moho model also reveals a spatially variable buoyancy contribution from the lithospheric mantle beneath contrasting sectors of East Antarctica. Finally, to test the plausibility of different Moho depths scenarios for the Transantarctic Mountains‐Wilkes Subglacial Basin system, we present 2‐D lithospheric models along the Trans‐Antarctic Mountain Seismic Experiment/Gamburtsev Mountain Seismic experiment seismic profile. Our models show that if a moderately depleted lithospheric mantle of inferred Proterozoic age underlies the region, then a shallower Moho is more likely beneath the Wilkes Subglacial Basin. If however, refertilization processes occurred in the upper mantle, for example, in response to Ross‐age subduction, then a deeper Moho scenario is preferred. We conclude that 3‐D lithospheric modeling, coupled with the availability of new seismic information in the hinterland of the Transantarctic Mountains, is required to help resolve this controversy, thereby also reducing the ambiguities in geothermal heat flux estimation beneath this key part of the East Antarctic Ice Sheet.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Moho Depths of Antarctica: Comparison of Seismic, Gravity, and Isostatic Results

Pappa

Ebbing

Ferraccioli

2019

Geochem Geophys Geosyst

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“…Alternatively, satellite gravity gradient data can be used in combination with seismological models to derive lithospheric models. The potential of satellite-based gravity gradients to establish regional models, which can be used as a background for local interpretations, has been demonstrated (Bouman et al, 2015;Holzrichter & Ebbing, 2016) and is especially useful for large, inaccessible areas such as the Antarctic continent (Ebbing et al, 2018). Since the gravity gradients possess different sensitivities for different depth ranges (Bouman et al, 2016), they are particularly suited to investigate the mass distribution within the lithosphere.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Modeling Satellite Gravity Gradient Data to Derive Density, Temperature, and Viscosity Structure of the Antarctic Lithosphere

et al. 2019

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In this study we combine seismological and petrological models with satellite gravity gradient data to obtain the thermal and compositional structure of the Antarctic lithosphere. Our results indicate that Antarctica is largely in isostatic equilibrium, although notable anomalies exist. A new Antarctic Moho depth map is derived that fits the satellite gravity gradient anomaly field and is in good agreement with independent seismic estimates. It exhibits detailed crustal thickness variations also in areas of East Antarctica that are poorly explored due to sparse seismic station coverage. The thickness of the lithosphere in our model is in general agreement with seismological estimates, confirming the marked contrast between West Antarctica (<100 km) and East Antarctica (up to 260 km). Finally, we assess the implications of the temperature distribution in our model for mantle viscosities and glacial isostatic adjustment. The upper mantle temperatures we model are lower than obtained from previous seismic velocity studies. This results in higher estimated viscosities underneath West Antarctica. When combined with present‐day uplift rates from GPS, a bulk dry upper mantle rheology appears permissible.

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“…Satellite‐derived measurements of the Earth's gravity field can be used to observe density variations within the planet (Barzaghi et al, ; Ebbing et al, ). Applications of these data for evaluation of the lithosphere have concentrated on the mantle (e.g., density and stress state and determination of the Mohorovic discontinuity; Bouman et al, ; Panet et al, ; Uieda & Barbosa, ; Van der Meijde et al, ), with much less emphasis on the crustal structures (Bouman et al, ; Braitenberg, ; Ebbing et al, ; Van der Meijde et al, ). Crustal studies have shown distinctive characteristics in the framework of the African and South American continents (Braitenberg, ) with data from the Gravity Field and Steady‐State Ocean Circulation mission.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Proxies for Basement Structure and Its Implications for Mesoproterozoic Metallogenic Provinces in the Gawler Craton

et al. 2019

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The link between mineral resources and crustal‐rooted structures has been proposed for many of the world's most significant mineral provinces. Here we utilize a new approach by interpreting potential field data, including satellite gravity data, and high‐resolution continental‐scale magnetotelluric data, constrained with aeromagnetic, and seismic tomography and reflection data, to determine the distribution of crustal‐scale faults in the Archean to Proterozoic Gawler Craton (South Australia). The eastern flank of the craton hosts the supergiant Olympic Dam iron oxide‐copper‐gold (IOCG) deposit within a larger Olympic IOCG province. The central part of the craton contains gold‐only deposits, which define the Central Gawler Gold province. Both of these provinces are part of a Mesoproterozoic mineral system with an extensive hydrothermal alteration footprint, which formed during complicated tectonic mode switches. We show that both types of mineralization are located in proximity to crustal‐scale structures that appear to connect deep crustal fragments, which likely record the amalgamation of the Archean nucleus of the craton during the Neoarchean with subsequent reworking during the Mesoproterozoic. Many of these structures do not have a surface expression but coincide with gradients in magnetism, gravity, and electric resistivity anomalies, the latter data set suggesting they acted as fluid pathways extending to the lower crust. The results indicate that the first‐order controls on the distribution of IOCG and Central Gawler Gold metallogenic provinces are inherited from earlier tectonic events, which formed major crustal boundaries and related structures that are prone to reworking during later tectonism.

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Earth tectonics as seen by GOCE - Enhanced satellite gravity gradient imaging

Cited by 51 publications

References 53 publications

Moho Depths of Antarctica: Comparison of Seismic, Gravity, and Isostatic Results

Moho Depths of Antarctica: Comparison of Seismic, Gravity, and Isostatic Results

Modeling Satellite Gravity Gradient Data to Derive Density, Temperature, and Viscosity Structure of the Antarctic Lithosphere

Proxies for Basement Structure and Its Implications for Mesoproterozoic Metallogenic Provinces in the Gawler Craton

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