Determining upper mantle structures using gravity, seismology, and GIA modelling in Fennoscandia

Abstract:

The 3D structure of the upper mantle plays a large role in Glacial Isostatic Adjustment (GIA). Finite-element software is able to model this 3D structure, but knowledge of the upper mantle is needed to make these models realistic. Nowadays, global maps are made of the crustal structure and temperature of the upper mantle from seismic observations. Also, satellite gravity missions, such as GOCE and GRACE, determine global gravity fields. Combining these data sets could give new insights in Glacial Isostatic Adjustment and explain some discrepancies seen in currents geological observations with 1D rheology Earth models.

We obtain upper mantle models that fit gravity observations. Then, the upper mantle seismic velocities are converted to temperature profiles; that are used to determine the amount of strain according to diffusion and dislocation creep in the upper mantle. The obtained 3D rheology models are used in a finite element GIA model to observe the effect of the 3D structures during GIA. The GIA model results are compared to geological observations of the sea level change, GPS uplift rates, and ongoing gravity change in the area.

This study specifically studies the effect of compositional differences in the upper mantle on the modelled remaining uplift and gravity signal. Molecular conversion relations for primitive mantle rock composition, Garnet Lherzolite rock composition, and Archon, iron depleted rock composition are used to compute the temperature and density profiles. The Fennoscandian lithosphere is believed to contain these three types of composition, yet, it is not yet known in what relative amounts and locations. An iterative approach is used to find the best compositional structure to fit the GIA observables in the Fenoscandian upper mantle.