A three-dimensional lithospheric-scale thermal model of Germany

ANIKIEV, DENIS; LECHEL, ADRIAN; GOMEZ DACAL, MARIA LAURA; BOTT, JUDITH; CACACE, MAURO; SCHECK-WENDEROTH, MAGDALENA

Advances in Geosciences

Copernicus

Año: 2019 vol. 49 p. 225 - 234

We present a 3-D lithospheric-scale model coveringthe area of Germany that images the regional characteristicsof the structural configuration and of the thermal field.The structural model resolves major sedimentary, crustal andlithospheric mantle units integrated from previous studies ofthe Central European Basin System, the Upper Rhine Grabenand the Molasse Basin, together with published geologicaland geophysical data. A combined workflow consisting of3-D structural, gravity and thermal modelling is applied toderive the 3-D thermal configuration. The modelled temperaturedistribution is highly variable in response to an imposedheterogeneous distribution of thermal properties assigned tothe different units. First order variations in the temperaturefield are mainly attributed to the thermal blanketing effectfrom the sedimentary cover, the variability in the amountof radiogenic heat produced within the different crystallinecrust compartments and the implemented topology of thethermal Lithosphere-Asthenosphere Boundary.