Mantle dynamics in the Mediterranean

摘要: The Mediterranean offers a unique opportunity to study the driving forces of tectonic deformation within complex mobile belt. Lithospheric dynamics are affected by slab rollback and collision two large, slowly moving plates, forcing fragments continental oceanic lithosphere interact. This paper reviews rich growing set constraints from geological reconstructions, geodetic data, crustal upper mantle heterogeneity imaged structural seismology. We proceed discuss conceptual quantitative framework for causes surface deformation. Exploring existing newly developed numerical geodynamic models, we illustrate role convection on geology. A coherent picture emerges which can be outlined two, almost symmetric, cells. downwellings found in center associated with descent Tyrrhenian Hellenic slabs. During plate convergence, these slabs migrated backward respect Eurasian plate, inducing return flow asthenosphere backarc regions towards subduction zones. at large distance zones, is present expressed upwellings beneath Anatolia eastern Iberia. system provides an explanation general pattern seismic anisotropy Mediterranean, first-order Adria microplate kinematics, may contribute high elevation scarcely deformed areas such as Eastern More generally, illustration how mantle, small-scale leads intraplate boundary reconfiguration westernmost terminus Tethyan collision.