Continuity of the Alpine slab unraveled by high-resolution P wave tomography

摘要: The question of lateral and/or vertical continuity subducted slabs in active orogens is a hot topic partly due to poorly resolved tomographic data. complex slab structure beneath the Alpine region only by available geophysical data, leaving many geological and geodynamical issues widely open. Based upon finite-frequency kernel method, we present new high-resolution tomography model using P wave data from 527 broadband seismic stations, both permanent networks temporary experiments. This provides an improved image fundamental pinpoints for analysis Cenozoic magmatism, (U)HP metamorphism, topography. Our results document European Western Alps central Alps, downdip ruling out hypothesis break off explain magmatism. A low-velocity anomaly observed upper mantle core pointing dynamic topography effects. NE dipping Adriatic slab, consistent with Dinaric subduction, possibly Eastern whereas laterally continuous Northern Apennines shows major gaps at boundary Southern becomes near Alps-Apennines transition zone. Tear faults accommodating opposite-dipping subductions during convergence may represent reactivated lithospheric inherited Tethyan extension. suggest that interpretations previous include successive offs along Alpine-Zagros-Himalaya orogenic belt might be proficiently reconsidered.