Three-dimensional lithospheric density distribution of China and surrounding regions

In this paper, we analyze lithospheric density distribution of China and surrounding regions on the basis of 30＇ × 30＇ gravity data and 1°×1 °P-wave velodty data, Firstly, we used the empirical equation be- tween the density and the P-wave velocity difference as the base of the initial model of the Asian lithospheric density. Secondly, we calculated the gravity anomaly, caused by the Moho discontinuity and the sedimentary layer discontinuity, by the Parker formula. Thirdly, the gravity anomaly of the spherical harmonics with 2 40 order for the anomalous body below the lithosphere is calculated based on the model of EGM96. Finally, by using Algebra Reconstruction Techniques （ART）, the inversion of 30＇ ~ 30＇ residual lithospheric Bouguer gravity anomaly caused by the lithosphere yields a rather detailed struc- tural model. The results show that the lithospheric density distribution of China and surrounding regions has a certain connection with the tectonic structure. The density is relatively high in the Philippine Sea plate, Japan Sea, the Indian plate, the Kazakhstan shield and the Western Siberia plain, whereas the Tibetan Plateau has low-density characteristics. The minimum value of density lies in the north of Philippines, in the Taiwan province and in the Ryukyu island arc.

Crust and Upper Mantle Density Structures beneath the Eastern Tianshan Region and Its Tectonic Implications

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.

Lithospheric structure and evolution of the North China Craton:An integrated study of geophysical and xenolith data

Determination of the physical and chemical structures of the inaccessible continental lithosphere by comprehensive geophysical and geochemical studies can provide valuable information on its formation and evolution.Extensive studies from various disciplines have revealed complex lithospheric modification of the North China Craton(NCC),but less attention has been paid to an integrated study from different fields.Here we provide an integrated constraint on the lithospheric mantle structure of the NCC by comprehensive semiology,gravity and thermal studies with xenolith data involving depth(levels in the lithosphere),property(chemical and physical),and timing(formation and reworking ages).Our results suggest that the NCC has a relatively heterogeneous lithospheric mantle.Its margins and internal weak zones,especially in the eastern NCC,are generally underlain by the fertile,weakly metasomatized mantle with generally young formation ages.In contrast,its core tends to preserve the refractory,strongly metasomatized mantle with ages roughly coupled to the overlying Archean crust.Such a lithospheric structure shows the preferential modification of the lithospheric mantle in the eastern NCC and in the peripheral regions of the western NCC.The interior of the craton,especially most of the western NCC,remains stable and has been weakly modified.