Seismic reflections from the mantle represent relict subduction zones within the continental lithosphere

Abstract

Research Article| January 01, 1996 Seismic reflections from the mantle represent relict subduction zones within the continental lithosphere Michael Warner; Michael Warner 1Department of Geology, Imperial College, London SW7 2BP, United Kingdom Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Joanna Morgan; Joanna Morgan 1Department of Geology, Imperial College, London SW7 2BP, United Kingdom Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Penny Barton; Penny Barton 2Bullard Laboratories, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB3 0EZ, United Kingdo Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Peter Morgan; Peter Morgan 2Bullard Laboratories, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB3 0EZ, United Kingdo Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Claire Price; Claire Price 1Department of Geology, Imperial College, London SW7 2BP, United Kingdom Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Kevin Jones Kevin Jones 1Department of Geology, Imperial College, London SW7 2BP, United Kingdom Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Geology (1996) 24 (1): 39–42. https://doi.org/10.1130/0091-7613(1996)024<0039:SRFTMR>2.3.CO;2 Article history first online: 02 Jun 2017 Cite View This Citation Add to Citation Manager Share Icon Share Facebook Twitter LinkedIn MailTo Tools Icon Tools Get Permissions Search Site Citation Michael Warner, Joanna Morgan, Penny Barton, Peter Morgan, Claire Price, Kevin Jones; Seismic reflections from the mantle represent relict subduction zones within the continental lithosphere. Geology 1996;; 24 (1): 39–42. doi: https://doi.org/10.1130/0091-7613(1996)024<0039:SRFTMR>2.3.CO;2 Download citation file: Ris (Zotero) Refmanager EasyBib Bookends Mendeley Papers EndNote RefWorks BibTex toolbar search Search Dropdown Menu toolbar search search input Search input auto suggest filter your search All ContentBy SocietyGeology Search Advanced Search Abstract In many areas of the world, the continental lithospheric upper mantle contains bright, continuous, regionally extensive, seismic reflectors. Despite the increasingly common observation of such mantle reflectors on deep seismic reflection profiles, their significance and geologic origin remain obscure. We report results from a series of seismic experiments acquired across two of the brightest of these reflectors and provide new constraints upon the composition and thickness of the reflecting region. These new seismic data reveal regionally extensive dipping and subhorizonal slabs of high-velocity (>8.4 km/s), high-density (>3500 kg/m3) material, several kilometres (>2 km) thick, entrained within otherwise unremarkable upper mantle. The geometry, physical properties, and geologic setting of these mantle reflectors suggest that they represent fragments of eclogitic oceanic crust—a relict of pre-Caledonian oceanic subduction now preserved within the lower continental lithosphere. Such relict subduction zones appear to be widespread within the continental lithosphere and to exert an important influence upon the location and style of subsequent continental deformation. This content is PDF only. Please click on the PDF icon to access. First Page Preview Close Modal You do not have access to this content, please speak to your institutional administrator if you feel you should have access.