Lithosphere thermal structure and evolution of the Transylvanian Depression - insights from new geothermal measurements and modelling results

Physics

Scientific paper

Rate now

  [ 0.00 ] – not rated yet Voters 0   Comments 0

Details

9

Scientific paper

The surface heat flow density pattern of the Transylvanian Depression (TD) represents a marked high amplitude short wavelength low in a region of elevated heat flow. Detailed temperature-depth profiles obtained by continuous temperature logging, combined with a finite element modelling of topographic and fluid flow effects, support the conclusion that the observed thermal gradient in the TD truly represents the rate of heat loss of the subsurface. The surface heat flux is 30mWm-2 in the centre of the depression, increasing to about 60mWm-2 at margins. Climatic correction is of the order of 2-10mWm-2 depending on the investigated depth interval. The measured temperatures are compatible with the cooling of the Earth surface during the Weichselian glaciation followed by the climate warming which started 10-11,000 years ago. The transient effects of Neogene sedimentation and erosion mean an overall 2-3mWm-2 reduction in surface heat flux. A low mantle heat flux (30mWm-2) and a low crustal heat production rate in the TD (0.5μWm-3 in the centre) are necessary to explain the heat flux anomaly. The surface heat flux pattern of the TD and the extreme low value in the centre of the depression point to an exceptionally cold and strong lithosphere in the Transylvanian region, as shown by strength envelopes characteristic to the entire depression. The evolution of the TD generally can be understood in terms of an exceptionally strong lithosphere block caught in a compressive tectonic environment.

No associations

LandOfFree

Say what you really think

Search LandOfFree.com for scientists and scientific papers. Rate them and share your experience with other people.

Rating

Lithosphere thermal structure and evolution of the Transylvanian Depression - insights from new geothermal measurements and modelling results does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.

If you have personal experience with Lithosphere thermal structure and evolution of the Transylvanian Depression - insights from new geothermal measurements and modelling results, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Lithosphere thermal structure and evolution of the Transylvanian Depression - insights from new geothermal measurements and modelling results will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

     

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1566405

  Search
All data on this website is collected from public sources. Our data reflects the most accurate information available at the time of publication.