The structure of the lithosphere and upper mantle beneath the Eastern Mediterranean and Middle East

摘要: Surface velocity measurements show that the Middle East is one of most actively deforming regions continents. The structure underlying lithosphere and convecting upper mantle can be explored by combining three types measurement. gravity field from satellite surface supported elastic properties convection. Three dimensional shear wave velocities determined tomographic inversion velocities. are principally controlled temperature, rather than composition. composition obtained young magmas. Application these observation to Eastern Mediterranean shows thickness in parts no more 50-70 km, less 5 km. Because so thin weak pattern convection clearly visible topography gravity, as well controlling volcanism. takes form spokes: lines hot upwelling mantle, joining hubs where dimensional. It same seen high Rayleigh number laboratory numerical experiments. lithospheric thicknesses beneath seafloor SW Hellenic Arc NE part Arabian Shield 150 km 30–40