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Heat flow and lithospheric thinning in the Ligurian Basin (N. W. Mediterranean)
Author(s) -
Jemsek J.,
Von Herzen R.,
Rehault J.P.,
Williams D. L.,
Sclater J.
Publication year - 1985
Publication title -
geophysical research letters
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.007
H-Index - 273
eISSN - 1944-8007
pISSN - 0094-8276
DOI - 10.1029/gl012i010p00693
Subject(s) - geology , crust , lithosphere , rift , subsidence , transect , oceanic crust , structural basin , thinning , tectonic subsidence , tectonics , continental crust , continental margin , oceanic basin , seismology , geomorphology , geophysics , subduction , oceanography , ecology , biology
We present preliminary results of 78 new heat flow measurements collected on a transect across the central Ligurian Basin (South France to Corsica margins). The basin‐wide flux has an average of 79 ± 21 mWm −2 with significant local and regional variability. Correction for the deposition of up to 5 km of post‐rift sediment gives a mean value of 102 mWm −2 which is similar to values for normal oceanic crust of the same age (21 Ma). The total tectonic subsidence (TTS) calculated for the region with probable oceanic crustal structure is comparable to or somewhat greater than 21 Ma crust of the major ocean basins. The heat flow data overall are compatible with the observed TTS in showing substantial lithospheric thinning, but do not tightly constrain thermal models of continental extension and rifting.