Open AccessThree‐dimensional Moho topography in Italy: New constraints from receiver functions and controlled source seismology
Author(s) -
Di Stefano R.,
Bianchi I.,
Ciaccio M. G.,
Carrara G.,
Kissling E.
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
geochemistry, geophysics, geosystems
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.928
H-Index - 136
ISSN - 1525-2027
DOI - 10.1029/2011gc003649
Subject(s) - geology , seismology , subduction , receiver function , moho , tectonics , seismic tomography , ray tracing (physics) , geophysics , mantle (geology) , lithosphere , fungi imperfecti , biology , microbiology and biotechnology , physics , quantum mechanics
In complex tectonics regions, seismological, geophysical, and geodynamic modeling require accurate definition of the Moho geometry. Various active and passive seismic experiments performed in the central Mediterranean region revealed local information on the Moho depth, in some cases used to produce interpolated maps. In this paper, we present a new and original map of the 3‐D Moho geometry obtained by integrating selected high‐quality controlled source seismic and teleseismic receiver function data. The very small cell size makes the retrieved model suitable for detailed regional studies, crustal corrections in teleseismic tomography, advanced 3‐D ray tracing in regional earthquake location, and local earthquake tomography. Our results show the geometry of three different Moho interfaces: the European, Adriatic‐Ionian, and Tyrrhenian. The three distinct Moho are fashioned following the Alpine and Apennines subduction, collision, and back‐arc spreading and show medium‐ to high‐frequency topographic undulations reflecting the complexity of the geodynamic evolution.