Deep structure of the southern Rhinegraben area from seismic refraction investigations

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Abstract

A joint interpretation of all seismic-refraction profiles in the southern part of the Rhinegraben area is presented. A time-term analysis of all Pg-arrivals reveals the topography of the crystalline basement and provides an average velocity of 6.0 km/s for the uppermost crust. The crust-mantle boundary is clearly elevated in the Rhinegraben rift system forming an arch with a span of 150-180 km and reaching a depth of only 25 km at the flanks of the graben proper. The velocity of P-waves in the uppermost mantle is 8.0-8.1 km/s. Below the flanks of the graben, the crust-mantle boundary is formed by a first-order discontinuity. Within the graben proper it is replaced by a transition zone of 4 km thickness with the strongest velocity gradient at a depth of 21 km. This transition zone is regarded as region of crust-mantle interaction and seems to be confined to the graben proper.


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Edel, J., Fuchs, K., Gelbke, C., & Prodehl, C. (1975). Deep structure of the southern Rhinegraben area from seismic refraction investigations. Journal of Geophysics, 41(1), 333-356. Retrieved from https://journal.geophysicsjournal.com/JofG/article/view/71

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