The seismic reflection Moho across the mid-Norwegian continental rifted margin

Abstract

The Moho – defined as the boundary that separates the Earth’s crust from the underlying upper mantle at depths of about 5 to 7 km beneath the oceans and 30 to 40 km below continents – has been difficult to pin down with observations. Different methods have yield a variety of results, suggesting that this simple definition may be misleading. Here, we present high-resolution and deep penetrating seismic reflection data that image the whole margin basement of the mid-Norwegian rift system, including the lower basement, Moho and upper mantle, from the proximal to the outer margin domains. We propose a determination of the seismic reflection Moho in this modern rifted margin context and describe its structural heterogeneity along the margin. Finally, the seismic facies, reflectivity, geometries and structural details of the seismic reflection Moho are described and discussed in terms of tectonic deformation pattern.