The South China Block(SCB)was formed through the Neoproterozoic amalgamation of the Yangtze Block(YB),the Cathaysia Block(CB),and the accreted components of the Jiangnan orogenic belt(JNO),it is bounded by the Jiangs...The South China Block(SCB)was formed through the Neoproterozoic amalgamation of the Yangtze Block(YB),the Cathaysia Block(CB),and the accreted components of the Jiangnan orogenic belt(JNO),it is bounded by the Jiangshan–Shaoxing–Pingxiang fault(JSPF)and the Jiujiang–Shitai–Jishou fault(JSJF)(Yao et al.,2019).The SCB has undergone a series of complex geological events,including Paleozoic orogeny,Mesozoic collisions with the North China Craton(NCC)and the Indochina Block,as well as the intracontinental orogeny,leading to extensive lithospheric modifications and magmatic activities(Zhang H J et al.,2023;Fig.1).展开更多
Whole-lithosphere structure has direct implications for both the genesis of minerals and the locations of mineral emplacement;thus knowledge of the deep structural framework of the lithosphere can advance understandin...Whole-lithosphere structure has direct implications for both the genesis of minerals and the locations of mineral emplacement;thus knowledge of the deep structural framework of the lithosphere can advance understanding of the development and evolution of mineral systems.展开更多
Situated in the southwestern Pacific,the Tonga-Kermadec subduction zone is separated into two parts by the Louisvlle Ridge Seamount Chain(LRSC),i.e.,the Tanga subduction zone and the Kermadec subduction zone.Known for...Situated in the southwestern Pacific,the Tonga-Kermadec subduction zone is separated into two parts by the Louisvlle Ridge Seamount Chain(LRSC),i.e.,the Tanga subduction zone and the Kermadec subduction zone.Known for its vigorous volcanic activity,frequent large earthquakes,rapid plate subduction,and distinctive subducting plate morphology,this subduction zone provides valuable insights into its structures,dynamics,and associated geohazards.This study compiles geological and geophysical datasets in this region,including seismicity,focal mechanisms,seismic reflection and refraction profiles,and seismic tomography,to understand the relationship between lithospheric structures of the subduction system and associated seismicity-volcanic activities.Our analysis suggests that variations in overlying sediment thickness,subduction rate,and subduction angle significantly influence the lithospheric deformation processes within the Tonga-Kermadec subduction system.Furthermore,these factors contribute to the notable differences in seismicity and volcanism observed between the Tonga subduction zone and the Kermadec subduction zone.This study enhances our understanding of plate tectonics by providing insights into the interplay between subduction dynamics and lithospheric deformation,which are crucial for analyzing geological and geophysical behaviors in similar subduction environments.展开更多
The deformation mechanisms of the Tianshan orogenic belt(TOB)are one of the most important unresolved issues in the collision of the Indian and Eurasian plates.To better understand the lithospheric deformation of the ...The deformation mechanisms of the Tianshan orogenic belt(TOB)are one of the most important unresolved issues in the collision of the Indian and Eurasian plates.To better understand the lithospheric deformation of the eastern Tianshan orogenic belt,we combined the S-wave tomography and gravity data to develop a three-dimensional(3D)density model of the crust and upper mantle beneath the eastern Tianshan area.Results show that the crust of the eastern Tianshan is mainly characterized by positive density anomalies,revealing widespread subduction-related magmatism during the Paleozoic.We however have also observed extensive low-density anomalies beneath the eastern Tianshan at depths deeper than~100 km,which is likely linked to a relatively hot mantle.The most fundamental differences of the lithosphere within the eastern Tianshan occur in the uppermost mantle.The uppermost mantle layers in the Bogda Shan and Harlik Shan are relatively dense.This is likely associated with an eclogite body in the uppermost mantle.The most significant negative anomaly of the uppermost mantle is however found in the Jueluotage tectonic belt and the central Tianshan Block and is possibly associated with depleted mantle material.We suggest that these differences related to compositional changes may control the strength of the lithospheric mantle and have affected the uplift of the northern and southern segments of the eastern Tianshan after the Permian.展开更多
The Earth's crust,the outer shell of the Earth,consists of continental crust and oceanic crust.Oceanic crust is created at the mid-oceanic ridge,where it is magnetized in the ambient field of the Earth.As new mate...The Earth's crust,the outer shell of the Earth,consists of continental crust and oceanic crust.Oceanic crust is created at the mid-oceanic ridge,where it is magnetized in the ambient field of the Earth.As new material is extruded,the crust spreads outward,retaining its magnetization.The reversal of the polarity of the Earth's magnetic field over geologic time leads to a pattern of striped magnetic anomalies.In this study,we carry out a preliminary evaluation on how data from the Macao Science Satellite-1(MSS-1),which has a low orbital inclination,influences inversion models of the oceanic crustal magnetic field when combined with data from the Swarm mission.For our modeling we use an equivalent source method based on a cubed-sphere grid.Our model captures the broad magnetic structure over the North Atlantic Ocean and demonstrates that the trend of magnetic stripes is consistent with the age frame of the oceanic crust.The amplitude of the radial magnetic field at 450 km the North Atlantic Ocean ranges from–11 nT to+8 nT.The addition of MSS-1 observations to Swarm data generates results consistent with the overall magnetic stripe pattern.The lack of short-wavelength scale structure reveals the limitation of high-altitude satellites in portraying fine features and hence lower-altitude observations would be required to delineate a more detailed crustal signature.It is expected to obtain a finer structure of oceanic magnetic stripes by combining low-altitude CHAMP field data and east-west gradient data derived from MSS-1 in future work.展开更多
The 3D P-wave velocity structure beneath the South China Block was determined by applying arrival times from 269 teleseismic events recorded by 240 seismic stations within the study region. Our tomographic results rev...The 3D P-wave velocity structure beneath the South China Block was determined by applying arrival times from 269 teleseismic events recorded by 240 seismic stations within the study region. Our tomographic results reveal the deep structural characteristics of major tectonic units and ore concentration areas. There are distinct high velocity anomalies beneath the ancient Yangtze and Cathaysia blocks, with the lithosphere of the Cathaysia Block being thinner than the Yangtze Block;the Jiangnan orogenic belt, located in the combined zone of two blocks, is a high and low velocity anomaly conversion zone;the famous metallogenic belts of Edongnan, the Youjiang Basin and the Cathaysia Block are obviously low velocity areas with different metallogenic mechanisms. The deep ore-forming material source in the Edongnan metallogenic belt is different from that of the Cathaysia Block. The low velocity anomaly under the Cathaysia Block related to mineralization results from the upwelling of mantle material, caused by the joint action of the Paleo-Tethys tectonic domain, the Paleo-Pacific tectonic domain and the Hainan mantle plume migration and erosion, which has been occurring from northeast to southwest since 80 Ma. The low-temperature mineralization mechanism of Youjiang Basin should be considered not only in terms of the influence of the Emeishan mantle plume in the west and the Paleo-Tethys tectonic domain in the south, but also in the context of the influence of the upwelling of asthenospheric material from the PaleoPacific tectonic domain in the east.展开更多
The South China block(SC),composed of Cathaysia(CA),Jiangnan Orogenic belt(JNB),and Yangtze block(YB),is one of the most important poly-metallic metallogenic provinces in the world(Zhang et al.,2013),containing of fou...The South China block(SC),composed of Cathaysia(CA),Jiangnan Orogenic belt(JNB),and Yangtze block(YB),is one of the most important poly-metallic metallogenic provinces in the world(Zhang et al.,2013),containing of four famous major Mesozoic metallogenic belts,involving the Middle-Lower Yangtze Fe-Cu-Au metallogenic belt(MYMB).展开更多
High-resolution lithospheric structure is essential for understanding the tectonic evolution and deformation patterns of the southeastern Tibetan plateau. This is now possible due to recent advances in ambient noise a...High-resolution lithospheric structure is essential for understanding the tectonic evolution and deformation patterns of the southeastern Tibetan plateau. This is now possible due to recent advances in ambient noise and earthquake surface wave tomography, and great improvements in data coverage from dense portable array stations deployed in SE Tibet. In this review paper, I first give a brief overview of the tomographic methods from ambient noise and earthquake surface waves, and then summarize the major findings about the lithospheric structure and deformation in SE Tibet revealed by ambient noise and earthquake surface wave tomography as well as by other seismic and geophysical observations. These findings mainly include the 3-D distribution of mechanically weak zones in the mid-lower crust, lateral and vertical variations in radial and azimuthal anisotropy, possible interplay of some fault zones with crustal weak zones, and importance of strike-slip faulting on upper crustal deformation. These results suggest that integration of block extrusion in the more rigid upper-middle crust and channel flow in the more ductile mid-lower crust will be more compatible with the current geophysical observations. Finally I discuss some future perspective researches in SE Tibet, including array-based tomography, joint inversion using multiple seismic data, and integration of geodynamic modeling and seismic observations.展开更多
The asthenosphere upwelled on a large scale in the western Pacific and South China Sea during the Cenozoic, which formed strong upward throughflow and caused the thermal structure to be changed obviously. The mathemat...The asthenosphere upwelled on a large scale in the western Pacific and South China Sea during the Cenozoic, which formed strong upward throughflow and caused the thermal structure to be changed obviously. The mathematical analysis has demonstrated that the upward throughflow velocity may have varied from 3×10^11 to 6×10^12 m/s. From the relationship between the lithospheric thickness and the conductive heat flux, the lithospheric heat flux in the western Pacific should be above 30 mW/m^2, which is consistent with the observed data. The huge low-speed zone within the upper mantle of the marginal sea in the western Pacific reflects that the upper mantle melts partially, flows regionally in the regional stress field, forms the upward heat flux at its bottom, and causes the change of the lithospheric thermal structure in the region. The numerical simulation result of the expansion and evolution in the South China Sea has demonstrated that in the early expansion, the upward throughflow velocity was relatively fast, and the effect that it had on the thickness of the lithosphere was relatively great,resulting in the mid-ocean basin expanding rapidly. After the formation of the ocean basin in the South China Sea, the upward throughflow velocity decreased, but the conductive heat flux was relatively high, which is close to the actual situation. Therefore, from the heat transfer point of view, this article discusses how the upward heat flux affects the lithospheric thermal structure in the western Pacific and South China Sea. The conclusions show that the upward heat throughflow at the bottom of the lithospheric mantle resulted in the tectonic deformation at the shallow crust. The intensive uplifts and rifts at the crust led to the continent cracks and the expansion in the South China Sea.展开更多
Project INDEPTH （InterNational DEep Profiling of Tibet and the Himalaya） is an interdisciplinary program designed to develop a better understanding of deep structures and mechanics of the Tibetan Plateau. As a compo...Project INDEPTH （InterNational DEep Profiling of Tibet and the Himalaya） is an interdisciplinary program designed to develop a better understanding of deep structures and mechanics of the Tibetan Plateau. As a component of magnetoteUuric （MT） work in the 4th phase of the project, MT data were collected along a profile that crosses the eastern segment of the Altyn Tagh fault on the northern margin of the plateau. Time series data processing used robust algorithms to give high quality responses. Dimensionality analysis showed that 2D approach is only valid for the northern section of the profile. Consequently, 2D inversions were only conducted for the northern section, and 3D inversions were conducted on MT data from the whole profile. From the 2D inversion model, the eastern segment of the Altyn Tagh fault only appears as a crustal structure, which suggests accommodation of strike slip motion along the Altyn Tagh fault by thrusting within the Qilian block. A large-scale off-proffie conductor within the mid-lower crust of the Qilian block was revealed from the 3D inversion model, which is probably correlated with the North Qaidam thrust belt. Furthermore, the unconnected conductors from the 3D inversion model indicate that deformations in the study area are generally localized.展开更多
This study presents the outcomes of the local earthquake tomography applied in the Moroccan Atlas domains. A seismic data collected by 36 seismic and a linearized inversion technics are used for determination of local...This study presents the outcomes of the local earthquake tomography applied in the Moroccan Atlas domains. A seismic data collected by 36 seismic and a linearized inversion technics are used for determination of local velocity structure.The interpretation of tomography images results emphasizes a new and detailed lithosphere structure： a remaining subducted zone beneath the Souss Basin located from 20-to 45-km depth dipping to the North is detected and interpreted as a body that marks the border between the Moroccan Anti-Atlas and the Meseta-Atlas domains.A subduction zones is detected in the SW of the High Atlas, beneath the Hercynian Tichka massif from 10 to 50-km inclined away from Anti Atlas and in the eastern part of Anti Atlas, dipping northward from Jbel Ougnat at 15e40 km.The junction of the western and middle High Atlas is depicted by two high velocity blocks subducting from 10 to 50 km depth. The first is dipping SW beneath the High Atlas and the second is dipping SE beneath the Ouarzazate Basin.In the northern part of the southwestern High Atlas, a high velocity body dipping towards the north beneath the Essaouira Basin from 15 to 45 km depth.In northeastern part of the High Atlas in the Mougeur zone, a high velocity body is detected from 10 to 45 km depth, dipping to the Se E beneath the eastern High Atlas.The negative lithospheric anomalies found in the upper and in the lower crust are interpreted as a hot asthenospheric material upwelling from deep and gradually replacing the part of crust detached in the High Atlas. The occurrence magmatic activities in these regions testify the existence of a remaining subduction process. This paper argues the implication of these deep structures in the evolution of the Moroccan Atlas Mountain.展开更多
This paper briefly reviews main progress in the research on lithospheric structure and continental geodynamics made by Chinese geophysicists during last 4 years since 22nd IUGG general assembly in July 1999. The resea...This paper briefly reviews main progress in the research on lithospheric structure and continental geodynamics made by Chinese geophysicists during last 4 years since 22nd IUGG general assembly in July 1999. The research mainly covers the following fields: investigations on regional lithospheric structure, DSS survey of crust and upper mantle velocity structure, study on present-day inner movement and deformation of Chinese mainland by analyzing GPS observations, geodynamics of Qingzang plateau, geophysical survey of the Dabie-Sulu ultra-high pressure metamorphic belt and probing into its formation mechanism, geophysical observations in sedimentary basins and study on their evolution process, and plate dynamics, etc.展开更多
Based on the blasting seismic detection data obtained in the southeast of North China in recent years,this paper comprehensively analyzes and studies the crust-mantle lithospheric structure and seismological character...Based on the blasting seismic detection data obtained in the southeast of North China in recent years,this paper comprehensively analyzes and studies the crust-mantle lithospheric structure and seismological characteristics of different tectonic regions,such as offshore basins,west Shandong uplift,Tanlu fault zone and Jiangsu-Shandong orogenic belt.The low-velocity Pg waves in Dongying depression and Northern Jiangsu basin reveal the unstable basement structure with extremely thick sediments.The travel time of Pg wave is characterized by relatively low propagation velocity and small crustal thickness of offshore continental margin;the first break time and high apparent velocity of Pg wave in west Shandong uplift indicate that the sedimentary basement is relatively thin.The Pm wave shows the characteristic of dominant wave in the first-order velocity discontinuity of the crust-mantle interface,which reflects the high crustal velocity and stable structure in west Shandong uplift.The Pm and Pl wave are obviously complicated,which can reflect the crust-mantle lithospheric structure of the transitional zone between Tanlu fault zone and Jiangsu-Shandong orogenic belt.The small time difference between Pn and PL waves can be regarded as the highly destructive seismological manifestation of Tanlu fault zone on the crust-lithosphere scale.Based on many geophysical phenomena such as electrical structure,density structure and terrestrial heat flow,it is believed that the lithospheric destruction degree of Tanlu fault zone and Jiangsu-Shandong orogenic belt was high during the destruction of the North China Craton.展开更多
The boundary between cratonic and orogenic lithospheres is a significant seismogenic zones marked by intense lithospheric deformation.The Sichuan Craton(SCC),as a key tectonic block bordering eastern Tibetan Plateau,r...The boundary between cratonic and orogenic lithospheres is a significant seismogenic zones marked by intense lithospheric deformation.The Sichuan Craton(SCC),as a key tectonic block bordering eastern Tibetan Plateau,resists the eastward escape of plateau's crustal materials,resulting in the uplift of the Songpan-Ganzi Block(SGB)and crustal deformation of the Longmenshan tectonic belt(LMTB).To elucidate the compressional structures and deformational modes of the LMTB and SCC,it is essential to accurately determine the location and geometry of the SCC'western boundary.To investigate this issue,the lithospheric properties of the obducted SGB,underthrusting SCC,and LMTB were analyzed using various geophysical data,including seismic reflection profiles,magnetotellurics,aeromagnetics,gravity,and seismic tomography.The SGB crust is characterized by low magnetism,seismic velocity,resistivity and Bouguer gravity,whereas the SCC crust exhibits non-uniform high magnetism,seismic velocity,resistivity and Bouguer gravity.The LMTB,as the boundary between the SGB and SCC,exhibits geophysical characteristics similar to those of the SCC in the southern and central segments.The integration of these geophysical observations indicate that the SCC's western boundary is situated west of the Wenchuan-Maoxian fault zone in the southern and central segments,exhibiting distinct westward wedging and underthrusting.However,this boundary aligns with the Yingxiu-Beichuan fault in the northern segment,without significant underthrusting.The irregular geometry of the SCC's western boundary further elucidates the variation in structural deformation along the LMTB.By comparing crustal thickness and lithospheric strength between the SGB and SCC,this study posits that the differing crustal strength between tectonic blocks may control the irregular geometry of the SCC's western boundary.展开更多
This paper introduces 8 major discoveries and new understandings with regard to the deep structure and tectonics of the Himalayas and Tibetan Plateau obtained in Project INDEPTH, They are mainly as follows. (1) The up...This paper introduces 8 major discoveries and new understandings with regard to the deep structure and tectonics of the Himalayas and Tibetan Plateau obtained in Project INDEPTH, They are mainly as follows. (1) The upper crust, lower crust and mantle lithosphere beneath the blocks of the plateau form a 'sandwich' structure with a relatively rigid-brittle upper crust, a visco-plastic lower crust and a relatively rigid-ductile mantle lithosphere. This structure is completely different from that of monotonous, cold and more rigid oceanic plates. (2) In the process of north-directed collision-compression of the Indian subcontinent, the upper crust was attached to the foreland in the form of a gigantic foreland accretionary wedge. The interior of the accretionary wedge thickened in such tectonic manners as large-scale thrusting, backthrusting and folding, and magmatic masses and partially molten masses participated in the crustal thickening. Between the upper crust and lower crust lies a large detachment (e.g. the Main Himalayan Thrust in southern Tibet, 5-8 km thick) or a very thick shear-schistose zone (e.g. the Main Qiangtang Thrust-MQT in northern Tibet, up to 20 km thick), which causes the decoupling of the upper crust and lower crust and separation of tectonic activities. (3) During the collision-compression, the Indian mantle lithosphere was delaminated into two layers from where the crust thickened most rapidly (beneath the High Himalayas). The upper layer extends to 34.5°N and the lower layer to 33.5°. They have been underthrust to depths of 250-300 km into the asthenosphere. Meanwhile the Asian lithosphere (possibly the Qaidam terrane) has also been subducted southwards. Very thick mantle lithosphere does not exist beneath the plateau. (4) The oceanic lithosphere, in light of its lithology and dynamic behaviour, might be close to those of the continental lithosphere and its front might enter the asthenosphere before the continental lithosphere. (5) A 150-200 km deep low-velocity body below 35°N and a wide low-velocity zone below the area between 33.5° and 35°N dip north at very steep angles. Volcanism took place frequently in northern Tibet and anisotropy variations are prominent at depths, which might indicate a zone of large-scale eastward transfer of deep-seated materials.展开更多
Intraplate processes,such as continental surface uplift and intraplate volcanism,are enigmatic and the underlying mechanisms responsible are not fully understood.Central Mongolia is an ideal natural laboratory for stu...Intraplate processes,such as continental surface uplift and intraplate volcanism,are enigmatic and the underlying mechanisms responsible are not fully understood.Central Mongolia is an ideal natural laboratory for studying such processes because of its location in the continental interior far from tectonic plate boundaries.展开更多
Recent study of magnetotelluric （MT） inversion indicates that the basement of the Songpan- Zoige area could be a stable continental crust. There has developed quite thick and stable Paleozoic continental shelf margi...Recent study of magnetotelluric （MT） inversion indicates that the basement of the Songpan- Zoige area could be a stable continental crust. There has developed quite thick and stable Paleozoic continental shelf margin-platform clastic and carbonate sediments during the Triassic. Preliminary field geologic investigation and hydrocarbon potential study show that good-quality source rocks, mainly argillaceous and carbonaceous shale, were deposited in the Cambrian and Silurian in this region, while diverse reservoirs of platform facies carbonate and clastic rocks were in the Carboniferous and Permian. The good vertical source-reservoir-seal configuration might indicate that there exists a certain potential for oil and gas exploration in this area.展开更多
Cratons have a long history of evolution.In this paper,applications of the magnetotelluric method used in the study of craton lithosphere over the past 30 years were reviewed,examining case studies of cratons in North...Cratons have a long history of evolution.In this paper,applications of the magnetotelluric method used in the study of craton lithosphere over the past 30 years were reviewed,examining case studies of cratons in North America,South America,Asia,Australia,and Africa.The nuclei of the Archean cratons,for example the Kalahari Craton and Rae Craton,are usually characterized by thick and highly resistive lithospheric roots.During or after the formation of the cratons,tectonothermal events,such as collision,mantle plume,and asthenosphere upwelling led to the formation of high-conductivity zones in the craton lithosphere,which could be attributed to the increased hydrogen content(of nominally anhydrous minerals),higher iron content,and formation of graphite films or sulfides along the grain boundary of minerals.These conductive zones are characterized by resistivity discontinuities in craton lithosphere.In particular,the conductive zones include(1)large-scale lithospheric mantle conductors beneath the Slave Craton,Gawler Craton,and central part of North China Craton(Trans-North China Orogen);(2)near-vertical high-conductivity zone associated with the fossil subduction zone beneath the Dharwar Craton and Slave Craton;and(3)regional lateral electrical discontinuities,such as a conductive anomaly under the Bushveld Complex of the Kaapvaal Craton.The eMoho refers to the electrical discontinuity in the crust-mantle boundary.In existing research,this has been detected under the condition of extremely high lithospheric resistivity with only a slight decrease in the lower crust,and in the case of a very thin conductive lower crust or the lack thereof.In the resistivity model,the unique"mushroom-like"lower crust-lithosphere mantle conductor and very thin lower crust layer of the North China Craton may represent lithosphere destruction and/or thinning.We also find that some of the cratons are still not well understood.Therefore,extensive three-dimensional inversion and joint interpretation of geochemical,geophysical,and geologic data are necessary to understand the tectonic evolutionary history of craton lithosphere.展开更多
Calculated Bouguer gravity anomalies from the Andean orogenic belt interpreted as derived from regional gravity data to aid understanding of the lithospheric structure and tectonic evolution of the belt.These anomalie...Calculated Bouguer gravity anomalies from the Andean orogenic belt interpreted as derived from regional gravity data to aid understanding of the lithospheric structure and tectonic evolution of the belt.These anomalies reveal lithospheric structures distributed throughout the belt,including linear and circular structures.NE-trending structures reflect sinistral transpression across the northern part of the belt,and NW-trending structures represent dextral transtension in the southern part.These results are supported by gravity-anomaly patterns that demonstrate mantle flow in a trench-parallel direction both northward and southward away from the stagnation band that is beneath the subducting Nazca slab.This mantle flow has served as an important driving force in the evolution of the Andean orogenic belt.Features of the modified tectonic model of the Andean orogenic belt are consistent with the spatial variation in and interpretation of Bouguer gravity anomalies.展开更多
The North China Craton(NCC)is a key region to study the destruction of the ancient craton.Two groups of phases(denoted as"Pw1"and"Pw2"),which are parallel to the PmP phase reflected from the Moho d...The North China Craton(NCC)is a key region to study the destruction of the ancient craton.Two groups of phases(denoted as"Pw1"and"Pw2"),which are parallel to the PmP phase reflected from the Moho discontinuity and the PLP phase reflected from the Lithosphere and Asthenosphere Boundary(LAB)respectively,are found on the record section of the Rongcheng-XinzhouAlxa long-range deep seismic sounding profile.The nature of the two phases is still unclear,although they are clearly observable and reverberant.In this paper,we use travel time inversion and amplitude forward modelling to fit the reflected and refracted phases in the lithosphere.The results show:(1)the Pw1 is a multiple reflected phase which is successively reflected by the crystalline basement,the surface,the Moho and then finally received on the surface;(2)the Pw2 phase is also a multiple reflected phase successively reflected by the crystalline basement,the surface,the LAB interface and then received on the surface.We conclude that the significant velocity difference between the thick sedimentary cover and the crystalline basement in the North China rifted basin may be the main reason for generating the multiple reflections.Furthermore,the two multiple reflections provide potent constraints on the lithospheric velocity model,and constitute seismological evidence for the lithospheric thinning in the eastern NCC.展开更多
基金jointly sponsored by the Sinoprobe Laboratory of Chinese Academy of Geological Sciences(Grant No.JKYQN202303)National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant No.U2344220)the China Geology Survey Project(Grant Nos.DD20230008,DD20240079)。
文摘The South China Block(SCB)was formed through the Neoproterozoic amalgamation of the Yangtze Block(YB),the Cathaysia Block(CB),and the accreted components of the Jiangnan orogenic belt(JNO),it is bounded by the Jiangshan–Shaoxing–Pingxiang fault(JSPF)and the Jiujiang–Shitai–Jishou fault(JSJF)(Yao et al.,2019).The SCB has undergone a series of complex geological events,including Paleozoic orogeny,Mesozoic collisions with the North China Craton(NCC)and the Indochina Block,as well as the intracontinental orogeny,leading to extensive lithospheric modifications and magmatic activities(Zhang H J et al.,2023;Fig.1).
基金part of the research project"Crustmantle interactions beneath the Hangai Mountains in western Mongolia"the financial support of the DFG and the SNF,awarded through the DACH program
文摘Whole-lithosphere structure has direct implications for both the genesis of minerals and the locations of mineral emplacement;thus knowledge of the deep structural framework of the lithosphere can advance understanding of the development and evolution of mineral systems.
基金supported by Special Projects in Universities’Key Fields of Guangdong Province(No.2023ZDZX3017)the 2022 Tertiary Education Scientific Research Project of Guangzhou Municipal Education Bureau(No.202234607)+1 种基金the Guangdong Basic and Applied Basic Research Foundation(No.2025A1515012983)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Nos.52371059 and 52101358).
文摘Situated in the southwestern Pacific,the Tonga-Kermadec subduction zone is separated into two parts by the Louisvlle Ridge Seamount Chain(LRSC),i.e.,the Tanga subduction zone and the Kermadec subduction zone.Known for its vigorous volcanic activity,frequent large earthquakes,rapid plate subduction,and distinctive subducting plate morphology,this subduction zone provides valuable insights into its structures,dynamics,and associated geohazards.This study compiles geological and geophysical datasets in this region,including seismicity,focal mechanisms,seismic reflection and refraction profiles,and seismic tomography,to understand the relationship between lithospheric structures of the subduction system and associated seismicity-volcanic activities.Our analysis suggests that variations in overlying sediment thickness,subduction rate,and subduction angle significantly influence the lithospheric deformation processes within the Tonga-Kermadec subduction system.Furthermore,these factors contribute to the notable differences in seismicity and volcanism observed between the Tonga subduction zone and the Kermadec subduction zone.This study enhances our understanding of plate tectonics by providing insights into the interplay between subduction dynamics and lithospheric deformation,which are crucial for analyzing geological and geophysical behaviors in similar subduction environments.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.41774091).
文摘The deformation mechanisms of the Tianshan orogenic belt(TOB)are one of the most important unresolved issues in the collision of the Indian and Eurasian plates.To better understand the lithospheric deformation of the eastern Tianshan orogenic belt,we combined the S-wave tomography and gravity data to develop a three-dimensional(3D)density model of the crust and upper mantle beneath the eastern Tianshan area.Results show that the crust of the eastern Tianshan is mainly characterized by positive density anomalies,revealing widespread subduction-related magmatism during the Paleozoic.We however have also observed extensive low-density anomalies beneath the eastern Tianshan at depths deeper than~100 km,which is likely linked to a relatively hot mantle.The most fundamental differences of the lithosphere within the eastern Tianshan occur in the uppermost mantle.The uppermost mantle layers in the Bogda Shan and Harlik Shan are relatively dense.This is likely associated with an eclogite body in the uppermost mantle.The most significant negative anomaly of the uppermost mantle is however found in the Jueluotage tectonic belt and the central Tianshan Block and is possibly associated with depleted mantle material.We suggest that these differences related to compositional changes may control the strength of the lithospheric mantle and have affected the uplift of the northern and southern segments of the eastern Tianshan after the Permian.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(42250101,42250102,42250103)the Macao Foundation,and the Science and Technology Development Fund,Macao SAR(File No.0002/2019/APD)。
文摘The Earth's crust,the outer shell of the Earth,consists of continental crust and oceanic crust.Oceanic crust is created at the mid-oceanic ridge,where it is magnetized in the ambient field of the Earth.As new material is extruded,the crust spreads outward,retaining its magnetization.The reversal of the polarity of the Earth's magnetic field over geologic time leads to a pattern of striped magnetic anomalies.In this study,we carry out a preliminary evaluation on how data from the Macao Science Satellite-1(MSS-1),which has a low orbital inclination,influences inversion models of the oceanic crustal magnetic field when combined with data from the Swarm mission.For our modeling we use an equivalent source method based on a cubed-sphere grid.Our model captures the broad magnetic structure over the North Atlantic Ocean and demonstrates that the trend of magnetic stripes is consistent with the age frame of the oceanic crust.The amplitude of the radial magnetic field at 450 km the North Atlantic Ocean ranges from–11 nT to+8 nT.The addition of MSS-1 observations to Swarm data generates results consistent with the overall magnetic stripe pattern.The lack of short-wavelength scale structure reveals the limitation of high-altitude satellites in portraying fine features and hence lower-altitude observations would be required to delineate a more detailed crustal signature.It is expected to obtain a finer structure of oceanic magnetic stripes by combining low-altitude CHAMP field data and east-west gradient data derived from MSS-1 in future work.
基金supported by Shanghai Sheshan National Geophysical Observatory(Grant No.2020k07)the Chinese Geological Survey(Grant Nos.DD20190448,DD20190370)+1 种基金the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant Nos.41374101,42174172)the National Key Research and Development Program of China(Grant No.2019YFA0708601)。
文摘The 3D P-wave velocity structure beneath the South China Block was determined by applying arrival times from 269 teleseismic events recorded by 240 seismic stations within the study region. Our tomographic results reveal the deep structural characteristics of major tectonic units and ore concentration areas. There are distinct high velocity anomalies beneath the ancient Yangtze and Cathaysia blocks, with the lithosphere of the Cathaysia Block being thinner than the Yangtze Block;the Jiangnan orogenic belt, located in the combined zone of two blocks, is a high and low velocity anomaly conversion zone;the famous metallogenic belts of Edongnan, the Youjiang Basin and the Cathaysia Block are obviously low velocity areas with different metallogenic mechanisms. The deep ore-forming material source in the Edongnan metallogenic belt is different from that of the Cathaysia Block. The low velocity anomaly under the Cathaysia Block related to mineralization results from the upwelling of mantle material, caused by the joint action of the Paleo-Tethys tectonic domain, the Paleo-Pacific tectonic domain and the Hainan mantle plume migration and erosion, which has been occurring from northeast to southwest since 80 Ma. The low-temperature mineralization mechanism of Youjiang Basin should be considered not only in terms of the influence of the Emeishan mantle plume in the west and the Paleo-Tethys tectonic domain in the south, but also in the context of the influence of the upwelling of asthenospheric material from the PaleoPacific tectonic domain in the east.
基金jointly sponsored by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant Nos.41630320,92062108)the Geology Survey Project(Grant Nos.DD20190012,DD20160082)the Key Laboratory of Deep-Earth Dynamics of Ministry of Natural Resource,Institute of Geology,Chinese Academy of Geological Sciences(Grant No.J1901-16)
文摘The South China block(SC),composed of Cathaysia(CA),Jiangnan Orogenic belt(JNB),and Yangtze block(YB),is one of the most important poly-metallic metallogenic provinces in the world(Zhang et al.,2013),containing of four famous major Mesozoic metallogenic belts,involving the Middle-Lower Yangtze Fe-Cu-Au metallogenic belt(MYMB).
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 41222028)the Chinese Academy of Sciences/State Administration of Foreign Experts Affairs International Partnership Program for Creative Research Teams
文摘High-resolution lithospheric structure is essential for understanding the tectonic evolution and deformation patterns of the southeastern Tibetan plateau. This is now possible due to recent advances in ambient noise and earthquake surface wave tomography, and great improvements in data coverage from dense portable array stations deployed in SE Tibet. In this review paper, I first give a brief overview of the tomographic methods from ambient noise and earthquake surface waves, and then summarize the major findings about the lithospheric structure and deformation in SE Tibet revealed by ambient noise and earthquake surface wave tomography as well as by other seismic and geophysical observations. These findings mainly include the 3-D distribution of mechanically weak zones in the mid-lower crust, lateral and vertical variations in radial and azimuthal anisotropy, possible interplay of some fault zones with crustal weak zones, and importance of strike-slip faulting on upper crustal deformation. These results suggest that integration of block extrusion in the more rigid upper-middle crust and channel flow in the more ductile mid-lower crust will be more compatible with the current geophysical observations. Finally I discuss some future perspective researches in SE Tibet, including array-based tomography, joint inversion using multiple seismic data, and integration of geodynamic modeling and seismic observations.
基金supported jointly by the Important Direction Project of the CAS Knowledge Innovation Program (Nos. KZCX2-YW-203-01, KZCX2-YW-128-4)the Program of Key Laboratory of Marginal Sea Geology (No. MSGL04-8)
文摘The asthenosphere upwelled on a large scale in the western Pacific and South China Sea during the Cenozoic, which formed strong upward throughflow and caused the thermal structure to be changed obviously. The mathematical analysis has demonstrated that the upward throughflow velocity may have varied from 3×10^11 to 6×10^12 m/s. From the relationship between the lithospheric thickness and the conductive heat flux, the lithospheric heat flux in the western Pacific should be above 30 mW/m^2, which is consistent with the observed data. The huge low-speed zone within the upper mantle of the marginal sea in the western Pacific reflects that the upper mantle melts partially, flows regionally in the regional stress field, forms the upward heat flux at its bottom, and causes the change of the lithospheric thermal structure in the region. The numerical simulation result of the expansion and evolution in the South China Sea has demonstrated that in the early expansion, the upward throughflow velocity was relatively fast, and the effect that it had on the thickness of the lithosphere was relatively great,resulting in the mid-ocean basin expanding rapidly. After the formation of the ocean basin in the South China Sea, the upward throughflow velocity decreased, but the conductive heat flux was relatively high, which is close to the actual situation. Therefore, from the heat transfer point of view, this article discusses how the upward heat flux affects the lithospheric thermal structure in the western Pacific and South China Sea. The conclusions show that the upward heat throughflow at the bottom of the lithospheric mantle resulted in the tectonic deformation at the shallow crust. The intensive uplifts and rifts at the crust led to the continent cracks and the expansion in the South China Sea.
基金supported by grants from the National Natural Science Foundation of China(General Program No.40974058)National Science Fund for Distinguished Young Scholars(No.40904025 and 41404060)+4 种基金Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities(2652014016)National Natural Science Foundation of ChinaUnited States National Science FoundationScience Foundation of Ireland(award 08/RFP/GEO1693 to AGJ)Natural Science and Engineering Research Council(Canada)for financial support
文摘Project INDEPTH （InterNational DEep Profiling of Tibet and the Himalaya） is an interdisciplinary program designed to develop a better understanding of deep structures and mechanics of the Tibetan Plateau. As a component of magnetoteUuric （MT） work in the 4th phase of the project, MT data were collected along a profile that crosses the eastern segment of the Altyn Tagh fault on the northern margin of the plateau. Time series data processing used robust algorithms to give high quality responses. Dimensionality analysis showed that 2D approach is only valid for the northern section of the profile. Consequently, 2D inversions were only conducted for the northern section, and 3D inversions were conducted on MT data from the whole profile. From the 2D inversion model, the eastern segment of the Altyn Tagh fault only appears as a crustal structure, which suggests accommodation of strike slip motion along the Altyn Tagh fault by thrusting within the Qilian block. A large-scale off-proffie conductor within the mid-lower crust of the Qilian block was revealed from the 3D inversion model, which is probably correlated with the North Qaidam thrust belt. Furthermore, the unconnected conductors from the 3D inversion model indicate that deformations in the study area are generally localized.
基金supported by PROTARS D15/41 project(CNRST)the Institut Scientifique Rabat
文摘This study presents the outcomes of the local earthquake tomography applied in the Moroccan Atlas domains. A seismic data collected by 36 seismic and a linearized inversion technics are used for determination of local velocity structure.The interpretation of tomography images results emphasizes a new and detailed lithosphere structure： a remaining subducted zone beneath the Souss Basin located from 20-to 45-km depth dipping to the North is detected and interpreted as a body that marks the border between the Moroccan Anti-Atlas and the Meseta-Atlas domains.A subduction zones is detected in the SW of the High Atlas, beneath the Hercynian Tichka massif from 10 to 50-km inclined away from Anti Atlas and in the eastern part of Anti Atlas, dipping northward from Jbel Ougnat at 15e40 km.The junction of the western and middle High Atlas is depicted by two high velocity blocks subducting from 10 to 50 km depth. The first is dipping SW beneath the High Atlas and the second is dipping SE beneath the Ouarzazate Basin.In the northern part of the southwestern High Atlas, a high velocity body dipping towards the north beneath the Essaouira Basin from 15 to 45 km depth.In northeastern part of the High Atlas in the Mougeur zone, a high velocity body is detected from 10 to 45 km depth, dipping to the Se E beneath the eastern High Atlas.The negative lithospheric anomalies found in the upper and in the lower crust are interpreted as a hot asthenospheric material upwelling from deep and gradually replacing the part of crust detached in the High Atlas. The occurrence magmatic activities in these regions testify the existence of a remaining subduction process. This paper argues the implication of these deep structures in the evolution of the Moroccan Atlas Mountain.
文摘This paper briefly reviews main progress in the research on lithospheric structure and continental geodynamics made by Chinese geophysicists during last 4 years since 22nd IUGG general assembly in July 1999. The research mainly covers the following fields: investigations on regional lithospheric structure, DSS survey of crust and upper mantle velocity structure, study on present-day inner movement and deformation of Chinese mainland by analyzing GPS observations, geodynamics of Qingzang plateau, geophysical survey of the Dabie-Sulu ultra-high pressure metamorphic belt and probing into its formation mechanism, geophysical observations in sedimentary basins and study on their evolution process, and plate dynamics, etc.
基金supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China(approval number:41474077,41774070)。
文摘Based on the blasting seismic detection data obtained in the southeast of North China in recent years,this paper comprehensively analyzes and studies the crust-mantle lithospheric structure and seismological characteristics of different tectonic regions,such as offshore basins,west Shandong uplift,Tanlu fault zone and Jiangsu-Shandong orogenic belt.The low-velocity Pg waves in Dongying depression and Northern Jiangsu basin reveal the unstable basement structure with extremely thick sediments.The travel time of Pg wave is characterized by relatively low propagation velocity and small crustal thickness of offshore continental margin;the first break time and high apparent velocity of Pg wave in west Shandong uplift indicate that the sedimentary basement is relatively thin.The Pm wave shows the characteristic of dominant wave in the first-order velocity discontinuity of the crust-mantle interface,which reflects the high crustal velocity and stable structure in west Shandong uplift.The Pm and Pl wave are obviously complicated,which can reflect the crust-mantle lithospheric structure of the transitional zone between Tanlu fault zone and Jiangsu-Shandong orogenic belt.The small time difference between Pn and PL waves can be regarded as the highly destructive seismological manifestation of Tanlu fault zone on the crust-lithosphere scale.Based on many geophysical phenomena such as electrical structure,density structure and terrestrial heat flow,it is believed that the lithospheric destruction degree of Tanlu fault zone and Jiangsu-Shandong orogenic belt was high during the destruction of the North China Craton.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Nos.U22B6002,42422402,41902202 and 42276222)the SINOPEC Key Laboratory of Geophysics(No.FW0399-0029)+2 种基金the Second Tibetan Plateau Scientific Expedition and Research(No.2019QZKK00708)the Development Fund of South China Sea Institute of Oceanology of the Chinese Academy of Sciences(No.SCSIO202207)the Special Fund of the Institute of Geophysics,China Earthquake Administration(No.DQJB22B23)。
文摘The boundary between cratonic and orogenic lithospheres is a significant seismogenic zones marked by intense lithospheric deformation.The Sichuan Craton(SCC),as a key tectonic block bordering eastern Tibetan Plateau,resists the eastward escape of plateau's crustal materials,resulting in the uplift of the Songpan-Ganzi Block(SGB)and crustal deformation of the Longmenshan tectonic belt(LMTB).To elucidate the compressional structures and deformational modes of the LMTB and SCC,it is essential to accurately determine the location and geometry of the SCC'western boundary.To investigate this issue,the lithospheric properties of the obducted SGB,underthrusting SCC,and LMTB were analyzed using various geophysical data,including seismic reflection profiles,magnetotellurics,aeromagnetics,gravity,and seismic tomography.The SGB crust is characterized by low magnetism,seismic velocity,resistivity and Bouguer gravity,whereas the SCC crust exhibits non-uniform high magnetism,seismic velocity,resistivity and Bouguer gravity.The LMTB,as the boundary between the SGB and SCC,exhibits geophysical characteristics similar to those of the SCC in the southern and central segments.The integration of these geophysical observations indicate that the SCC's western boundary is situated west of the Wenchuan-Maoxian fault zone in the southern and central segments,exhibiting distinct westward wedging and underthrusting.However,this boundary aligns with the Yingxiu-Beichuan fault in the northern segment,without significant underthrusting.The irregular geometry of the SCC's western boundary further elucidates the variation in structural deformation along the LMTB.By comparing crustal thickness and lithospheric strength between the SGB and SCC,this study posits that the differing crustal strength between tectonic blocks may control the irregular geometry of the SCC's western boundary.
基金This study was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(grant 49254002) the former Ministry of Geology and Mineral Resources key projects"Deep Profile Test and Integrated Study of the Himalayas and Qinghai Tibet Plateau"(8506206)+1 种基金"Study of the Deep Structure beneath the Y arlung Zangbo Suture Zone of the Southern Qinghai-Tibet Plateau"(8506215)"Structure and Formation Mechanism of the Lithosphere beneath the Interior of the Tibetan Plateaul"(9501207).
文摘This paper introduces 8 major discoveries and new understandings with regard to the deep structure and tectonics of the Himalayas and Tibetan Plateau obtained in Project INDEPTH, They are mainly as follows. (1) The upper crust, lower crust and mantle lithosphere beneath the blocks of the plateau form a 'sandwich' structure with a relatively rigid-brittle upper crust, a visco-plastic lower crust and a relatively rigid-ductile mantle lithosphere. This structure is completely different from that of monotonous, cold and more rigid oceanic plates. (2) In the process of north-directed collision-compression of the Indian subcontinent, the upper crust was attached to the foreland in the form of a gigantic foreland accretionary wedge. The interior of the accretionary wedge thickened in such tectonic manners as large-scale thrusting, backthrusting and folding, and magmatic masses and partially molten masses participated in the crustal thickening. Between the upper crust and lower crust lies a large detachment (e.g. the Main Himalayan Thrust in southern Tibet, 5-8 km thick) or a very thick shear-schistose zone (e.g. the Main Qiangtang Thrust-MQT in northern Tibet, up to 20 km thick), which causes the decoupling of the upper crust and lower crust and separation of tectonic activities. (3) During the collision-compression, the Indian mantle lithosphere was delaminated into two layers from where the crust thickened most rapidly (beneath the High Himalayas). The upper layer extends to 34.5°N and the lower layer to 33.5°. They have been underthrust to depths of 250-300 km into the asthenosphere. Meanwhile the Asian lithosphere (possibly the Qaidam terrane) has also been subducted southwards. Very thick mantle lithosphere does not exist beneath the plateau. (4) The oceanic lithosphere, in light of its lithology and dynamic behaviour, might be close to those of the continental lithosphere and its front might enter the asthenosphere before the continental lithosphere. (5) A 150-200 km deep low-velocity body below 35°N and a wide low-velocity zone below the area between 33.5° and 35°N dip north at very steep angles. Volcanism took place frequently in northern Tibet and anisotropy variations are prominent at depths, which might indicate a zone of large-scale eastward transfer of deep-seated materials.
基金part of the research project"Crustmantle interactions beneath the Hangai Mountains in western Mongolia"the financial support of the DFG and the SNF,awarded through the DACH program
文摘Intraplate processes,such as continental surface uplift and intraplate volcanism,are enigmatic and the underlying mechanisms responsible are not fully understood.Central Mongolia is an ideal natural laboratory for studying such processes because of its location in the continental interior far from tectonic plate boundaries.
文摘Recent study of magnetotelluric （MT） inversion indicates that the basement of the Songpan- Zoige area could be a stable continental crust. There has developed quite thick and stable Paleozoic continental shelf margin-platform clastic and carbonate sediments during the Triassic. Preliminary field geologic investigation and hydrocarbon potential study show that good-quality source rocks, mainly argillaceous and carbonaceous shale, were deposited in the Cambrian and Silurian in this region, while diverse reservoirs of platform facies carbonate and clastic rocks were in the Carboniferous and Permian. The good vertical source-reservoir-seal configuration might indicate that there exists a certain potential for oil and gas exploration in this area.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant Nos.41630317 and 41474055)the National Key Research and Development Program of China(Grant No.2017YFC0602405)。
文摘Cratons have a long history of evolution.In this paper,applications of the magnetotelluric method used in the study of craton lithosphere over the past 30 years were reviewed,examining case studies of cratons in North America,South America,Asia,Australia,and Africa.The nuclei of the Archean cratons,for example the Kalahari Craton and Rae Craton,are usually characterized by thick and highly resistive lithospheric roots.During or after the formation of the cratons,tectonothermal events,such as collision,mantle plume,and asthenosphere upwelling led to the formation of high-conductivity zones in the craton lithosphere,which could be attributed to the increased hydrogen content(of nominally anhydrous minerals),higher iron content,and formation of graphite films or sulfides along the grain boundary of minerals.These conductive zones are characterized by resistivity discontinuities in craton lithosphere.In particular,the conductive zones include(1)large-scale lithospheric mantle conductors beneath the Slave Craton,Gawler Craton,and central part of North China Craton(Trans-North China Orogen);(2)near-vertical high-conductivity zone associated with the fossil subduction zone beneath the Dharwar Craton and Slave Craton;and(3)regional lateral electrical discontinuities,such as a conductive anomaly under the Bushveld Complex of the Kaapvaal Craton.The eMoho refers to the electrical discontinuity in the crust-mantle boundary.In existing research,this has been detected under the condition of extremely high lithospheric resistivity with only a slight decrease in the lower crust,and in the case of a very thin conductive lower crust or the lack thereof.In the resistivity model,the unique"mushroom-like"lower crust-lithosphere mantle conductor and very thin lower crust layer of the North China Craton may represent lithosphere destruction and/or thinning.We also find that some of the cratons are still not well understood.Therefore,extensive three-dimensional inversion and joint interpretation of geochemical,geophysical,and geologic data are necessary to understand the tectonic evolutionary history of craton lithosphere.
基金jointly funded by the Ministry of Science and Technology of the People’s Republic of China (Grant No. 2019YFA0708601-02)the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant Nos. 41404070 and 41374101)the China Geological Survey (Grant Nos. DD20201116, DD20190448, DD20221647, DD20221649 and DD201609-05)
文摘Calculated Bouguer gravity anomalies from the Andean orogenic belt interpreted as derived from regional gravity data to aid understanding of the lithospheric structure and tectonic evolution of the belt.These anomalies reveal lithospheric structures distributed throughout the belt,including linear and circular structures.NE-trending structures reflect sinistral transpression across the northern part of the belt,and NW-trending structures represent dextral transtension in the southern part.These results are supported by gravity-anomaly patterns that demonstrate mantle flow in a trench-parallel direction both northward and southward away from the stagnation band that is beneath the subducting Nazca slab.This mantle flow has served as an important driving force in the evolution of the Andean orogenic belt.Features of the modified tectonic model of the Andean orogenic belt are consistent with the spatial variation in and interpretation of Bouguer gravity anomalies.
基金This research is financially supported by the National Key Research and Development Program of China(No.2016YFC0600101)National Natural Science Foundation of China(Nos.90814012,41874065 and 41774097)the Doctor fund of Binzhou University(No.2018Y15)。
文摘The North China Craton(NCC)is a key region to study the destruction of the ancient craton.Two groups of phases(denoted as"Pw1"and"Pw2"),which are parallel to the PmP phase reflected from the Moho discontinuity and the PLP phase reflected from the Lithosphere and Asthenosphere Boundary(LAB)respectively,are found on the record section of the Rongcheng-XinzhouAlxa long-range deep seismic sounding profile.The nature of the two phases is still unclear,although they are clearly observable and reverberant.In this paper,we use travel time inversion and amplitude forward modelling to fit the reflected and refracted phases in the lithosphere.The results show:(1)the Pw1 is a multiple reflected phase which is successively reflected by the crystalline basement,the surface,the Moho and then finally received on the surface;(2)the Pw2 phase is also a multiple reflected phase successively reflected by the crystalline basement,the surface,the LAB interface and then received on the surface.We conclude that the significant velocity difference between the thick sedimentary cover and the crystalline basement in the North China rifted basin may be the main reason for generating the multiple reflections.Furthermore,the two multiple reflections provide potent constraints on the lithospheric velocity model,and constitute seismological evidence for the lithospheric thinning in the eastern NCC.
