Along-strike variations in the fossil subduction zone of the Western Alps revealed by the CIFALPS seismic experiments and their implications for exhumation of (ultra-) high-pressure rocks

Article Geochemistry & Geophysics

Lithospheric transdimensional ambient-noise tomography of W-Europe: implications for crustal-scale geometry of the W-Alps

A. Nouibat et al.

Summary: The study utilizes seismic data analysis to construct a 3-D shear wave velocity model of the Alpine region, revealing the lithospheric structure characteristics and confirming the reliability of the model.

GEOPHYSICAL JOURNAL INTERNATIONAL (2022)

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Article Geochemistry & Geophysics

Slab Geometry and Upper Mantle Flow Patterns in the Central Mediterranean From 3D Anisotropic P-Wave Tomography

F. Rappisi et al.

Summary: This study presents the first 3D anisotropic teleseismic P-wave tomography model of the upper mantle in the Central Mediterranean. By including seismic anisotropy in the inversions, the isotropic heterogeneity is simplified, and anisotropy patterns consistent with regional tectonics are obtained. The study shows that P-wave seismic anisotropy is widespread in the Central Mediterranean upper mantle, with the strongest anisotropy at depths of 200-300 km. The anisotropy patterns are interpreted as the result of asthenospheric material flowing horizontally around the main slabs and possibly entrainment by descending lithosphere.

JOURNAL OF GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH-SOLID EARTH (2022)

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Article Geochemistry & Geophysics

A journey towards the forbidden zone: a new, cold, UHP unit in the Dora-Maira Massif (Western Alps)

Paola Manzotti et al.

Summary: The distribution of ultrahigh-pressure metamorphism is crucial for understanding the subduction history of a mountain belt. In the Western Alps, a new UHP unit named Chasteiran Unit has been discovered in the northern Dora-Maira Massif. It consists of graphite-rich, garnet-chloritoid micaschists and exhibits a different P-T evolution compared to the classic UHP Brossasco-Isasca Unit.

CONTRIBUTIONS TO MINERALOGY AND PETROLOGY (2022)

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Article Geochemistry & Geophysics

The Deep Structure of the Alps Based on the CIFALPS Seismic Experiment: A Synthesis

M. G. Malusa et al.

Summary: The European Alps have been the site where classic geological concepts were first proposed, but the deep tectonic structure has been poorly constrained by independent geophysical evidence. The CIFALPS passive seismic experiment provided new insights on the deep tectonic structure of the Alpine region through a wide range of tomographic methods applied to a single fossil subduction zone, revealing major tectonic features and potential implications for other orogenic belts.

GEOCHEMISTRY GEOPHYSICS GEOSYSTEMS (2021)

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Article Geochemistry & Geophysics

Evidence for radial anisotropy in the lower crust of the Apennines from Bayesian ambient noise tomography in Europe

C. Alder et al.

Summary: Studying seismic anisotropy in the lithosphere has revealed significant radial anisotropy beneath the Apennines in Europe, differing from previous large-scale studies. This radial anisotropy is attributed to ductile horizontal flow in response to recent and present-day extension in the region.

GEOPHYSICAL JOURNAL INTERNATIONAL (2021)

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Article Geochemistry & Geophysics

Insights Into the Origin and Deformation Style of the Continental Moho: A Case-Study From the Western Alps (Italy)

Simone Salimbeni et al.

Summary: Researchers present quantitative estimation of seismic properties and anisotropy of the crust-mantle transition in the Western Alps, where a shallow (proto)-continental Moho is identified. Through seismic wave analysis, it is shown that rocks involved in Moho formation exhibit anisotropic properties, and geological surveys suggest the presence of metamorphosed/hydrated material beneath the shallow Moho.

JOURNAL OF GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH-SOLID EARTH (2021)

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Article Geosciences, Multidisciplinary

The first pan-Alpine surface-gravity database, a modern compilation that crosses frontiers

Pavol Zahorec et al.

Summary: The AlpArray Gravity Research Group focuses on compiling a homogeneous gravity data set in the Alpine region, with contributions from European countries and shipborne data. Their recalculated gravity data can be used for geological studies, mineral exploration, and more.

EARTH SYSTEM SCIENCE DATA (2021)

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Article Geochemistry & Geophysics