Three-dimensional Moho topography in Italy: New constraints from receiver functions and controlled source seismology

• Published in: Geochemistry, geophysics, geosystems : G3 geophysics, geosystems : G3, 2011-09, Vol.12 (9), p.np-n/a
• Main Authors: Di Stefano, R., Bianchi, I., Ciaccio, M. G., Carrara, G., Kissling, E.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: controlled source seismology; crust; Earthquakes; Geodynamics; Geophysics; Italy; Mathematical models; Plate tectonics; receiver function; Receivers; Regional; Seismic activity; Seismic engineering; Seismic phenomena; Seismology; Three dimensional; Tomography
• ISSN: 1525-2027; 1525-2027
• DOI: 10.1029/2011GC003649

In complex tectonics regions, seismological, geophysical, and geodynamic modeling require accurate definition of the Moho geometry. Various active and passive seismic experiments performed in the central Mediterranean region revealed local information on the Moho depth, in some cases used to produce interpolated maps. In this paper, we present a new and original map of the 3‐D Moho geometry obtained by integrating selected high‐quality controlled source seismic and teleseismic receiver function data. The very small cell size makes the retrieved model suitable for detailed regional studies, crustal corrections in teleseismic tomography, advanced 3‐D ray tracing in regional earthquake location, and local earthquake tomography. Our results show the geometry of three different Moho interfaces: the European, Adriatic‐Ionian, and Tyrrhenian. The three distinct Moho are fashioned following the Alpine and Apennines subduction, collision, and back‐arc spreading and show medium‐ to high‐frequency topographic undulations reflecting the complexity of the geodynamic evolution. Key Points Extension and update of the Moho map of Italy and surrounding region Data consistency (only seismological data) and quality check Reference data set and constraint for future geodynamic and geophysical modeling