Determining the depth of Mohoroviˇci´c discontinuity in the Iberian Peninsula by using the Vening Meinesz inverse isostatic problem - A comparison with the seismic method

Authors

  • A. Hernández Moraleda Universidad Politécnica de Madrid. Departamento de Ingeniería Topográfica y Cartografía
  • A. Bethencourt Fernández Universidad Politécnica de Madrid. Departamento de Ingeniería Topográfica y Cartografía

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.21701/bolgeomin.124.4.003

Keywords:

Bouguer anomaly, geodesy, isostasy, Moho, seismic

Abstract


The aim of this article is to show the use of the Vening Meinesz inverse isostatic problem to calculate the Mohoroviˇci´c discontinuity depth from Bouguer anomaly data which has never previously been used in the Iberian Penininsula. After studying both the developmental and computational aspects of this theory, we have been able to obtain a digital Moho model of the Iberian Peninsula. This has allowed us to study the distribution of the masses beneath the Earth’s surface. A comparison was made using the Moho depth information obtained from an alternative method. Results from both methods can be determined with the same degree of accuracy (+5 km approximately). Nevertheless, the areas where a greater difference is observed may mean a disturbance of the compensation which could indicate an unbalanced area with possible tectonic movements or potential seismic risk. This additional information might be in non-related fields, such as density discrepancies or natural disaster contingency plans.

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References

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Published

2013-12-30

How to Cite

Hernández Moraleda, A., & Bethencourt Fernández, A. (2013). Determining the depth of Mohoroviˇci´c discontinuity in the Iberian Peninsula by using the Vening Meinesz inverse isostatic problem - A comparison with the seismic method. Boletín Geológico Y Minero, 124(4), 563–571. https://doi.org/10.21701/bolgeomin.124.4.003

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