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A high‐velocity layer in the lower crust of the North German Basin
Author(s) -
Rabbel W.,
Förste K.,
Schulze A.,
Bittner R.,
Röhl J.,
Reichert J.C.
Publication year - 1995
Publication title -
terra nova
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.353
H-Index - 89
eISSN - 1365-3121
pISSN - 0954-4879
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-3121.1995.tb00802.x
Subject(s) - geology , crust , lineament , seismology , tectonics , lithosphere , underplating , context (archaeology) , structural basin , gravity anomaly , geophysics , geomorphology , paleontology , oil field
A network of deep seismic refraction profiles in Northern Germany consisting of parts of the European Geotraverse (EGT) and additional new Unes is interpreted. The most striking result is the proof of an approximately 10 km thick high‐velocity layer in the lower crust. Its P‐wave velocity of 6.9‐7.5 km s −1 is typical for shield crusts or lower crust in extensional environments intruded by mafic magma. The layer is observed in an area of roughly 150 × 180 km north of the Elbe river and seems to continue north‐east, at least up to the Caledonian deformation front at the southern edge of the Ringkøbing‐Fyn High. It correlates spatially with an area of high positive gravity anomalies. Here, a Moho topography of several kilometres, which had already been postulated on the basis of gravity inversions and sporadic near‐vertical P M P reflections, could be confirmed by the interpretation of seismic wide‐angle records. The termination of the high‐velocity lower crust at the Lower Elbe Lineament, which strikes parallel to the Teisseyre‐Tornquist Zone, contributes to its definition as a major lineament in the context of central European tectonics.