Insights into Moho Depth Variations and Crustal Characteristics in the Guelma-Constantine Basin, NE ALGERIA: A Short Period Seismic Receiver Function Perspective
S. Guettouche1,2, H. Beldjoudi1, M. Djezzar2, H. Bendjama1, I. Abacha1, O. Boulahia1, Z. Radi1
1 Center for Research in Astronomy, Astrophysics and Geophysics, Bouzareah, Algiers, Algeria
2 Energetic Physics Laboratory, Frères Mentouri University Constantine 1, Constantine, Algeria
Дополнительные материалы
Ключевые слова: Moho, short-period data, receiver function, H-к stacking method, RF Linear Inversion, LVZ
Аннотация
Teleseismic receiver functions (RFs) were extracted from data collected
at eight short-period, three-component seismic recording stations over the
Guelma-Constantine Basin, northeastern Algeria, to improve understanding of
crustal structure and geodynamic processes. The H-κ stacking method was used to
determine Moho depths and average Vp/Vs ratios at each station. Careful linear
inversion of RFs was performed to determine the most appropriate average shear
wave and P-wave velocity profiles at each site. Both methods yielded highly
congruent results, with Moho depths showing robust correlations with previous
seismological and geophysical studies. The previously observed pattern of
increasing Moho depth from north to south in the Tell Atlas was confirmed.
Furthermore, the identified transitional nature of the Moho in the Constantine
Basin is consistent with a recent study. In addition, we identify a low
velocity zone (LVZ) at approximately 20 km depth within the southern Guelma
Basin, confirming previous results in the Constantine Basin and suggesting an
eastward elongation of the LVZ at least into the southern periphery of the
Guelma Basin. Examination of data from the northern tip of the NW-SE Hammam
Debbagh-Roknia fault, the western boundary of the Guelma pull-apart basin,
revealed a shallow Moho depth (22 km), thinner than the basin average depth of
25 km. The LVZ observed in the lower crust (12 km) suggests the presence of
partial melts, consistent with gravimetric and chemical analyses of
hydrothermal sources in the area. The extensional tectonic activity along this
boundary, coupled with the low viscosity zone and low average Vp/Vs ratio, potentially
associated to delamination processes. The effectiveness of our approach
underscores its potential as a viable alternative or complementary method for
investigating variations in Moho depth.
DOI: 10.15372/GiG2024152 |