Open AccessThe stress field below the NE German Basin: effects induced by the Alpine collision
Author(s) -
Marotta A. M.,
Bayer U.,
Scheck M.,
Thybo H.
Publication year - 2001
Publication title -
geophysical journal international
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.302
H-Index - 168
eISSN - 1365-246X
pISSN - 0956-540X
DOI - 10.1046/j.1365-246x.2001.00373.x
Subject(s) - lithosphere , geology , baltic shield , stress field , seismology , tectonics , deformation (meteorology) , collision , structural basin , collision zone , geophysics , field (mathematics) , lithospheric flexure , stress (linguistics) , geomorphology , finite element method , linguistics , physics , philosophy , computer security , mathematics , computer science , pure mathematics , thermodynamics , oceanography
Summary We use a thin‐sheet approach for a viscous lithosphere to investigate the effects induced by the Alpine collision on the vertical deformation and regional stress in northern Europe, focusing on the NE German Basin. New seismic studies indicate a flexural‐type deep crustal structure under the basin, which may be induced by compressive forces transmitted from the south and related to Alpine tectonics. Finite element techniques are used to solve the vertical deformation and stress field for a viscous European lithosphere with horizontal rheological heterogeneities. Our results support the idea that a relatively strong lithosphere below the northern margin of the German Basin at the transition into the Baltic Shield may explain the characteristic regional stress field, especially the fan‐like pattern that is observed within the region.