Spatial variations of effective elastic thickness of the lithosphere in Central America and surrounding regions

摘要: As a proxy for long-term lithospheric strength, the effective elastic thickness (Te) can be used to understand relationship between rheology and geodynamic evolution of complex tectonic settings. Here we present, first time, high-resolution maps spatial variations Te in Central America surrounding regions from analysis coherence topography Bouguer gravity anomaly using multitaper wavelet methods. Regardless technical differences between the two methods, there is good overall agreement re recovered both methods. Although absolute values vary both maps, qualitative structure location of main gradients are very similar. The pattern Central America and surrounding agrees well with tectonic provinces region, it closely related to major boundaries, where Middle American Lesser Antilles subduction zones are characterized by band high on downgoing slab seaward trenches. These values are related to internal loads (and case southernmost tip subduction zone also associated large amount sediments) should interpreted caution. Finally, there relatively correlation, despite some uncertainties, surface heat flow our re results study area. suggest that although this area geologically complex, the thermal state lithosphere has profound influence its such strongly governed by thermal structure.