Density Heterogeneities of the European Upper Mantle Inferred from 3-D Large-Scale Gravity Modelling

Abstract

For Europe the 3-D density model of the Earth's crust (in one degree averaging) has been constructed. The model is based on generalised velocity model and consists of two regional layers - the sedimentary cover and the crystalline crust with lateral variation of average parameters (velocity and density). Gravity residual anomalies, obtained by subtracting the calculated effect of the model from the observed gravity field, are caused mainly by density heterogeneities of the upper mantle. The mantle origin of the residual anomalies is confirmed by both the information on velocity structure of the upper mantle according to seismotomography study and geothermal data.