Enigmatic Doublets at the 410-km Discontinuity-Evidence for Drip Tectonics?

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ID: 317484
2026
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Abstract
Summary We investigate the 410 km discontinuity (thereafter the ‘410’) beneath Europe using teleseismic S-to-P converted waves. This discontinuity—associated with the olivine–wadsleyite phase transition at the top of the mantle transition zone (MTZ)—is widely used as an indicator of thermal variations linked to mantle upwellings and subducting slabs. Our results reveal complex structures of the ‘410’, including closely spaced discontinuities above and below 410 km depth, within laterally confined regions (∼100-200 km wide). These features are predominantly aligned along a corridor extending from the western Alpine front (Western Alps, Rhone Graben) through the Eifel volcanic fields and the Eger Graben to the eastern Alpine front (Western Carpathians, northern Pannonian Basin, Eastern Carpathians), along the European Cenozoic Rift System (ECRIS). In several locations, the disturbed ‘410’ is associated with an elevated lithosphere–asthenosphere boundary (LAB), suggesting a link between lithospheric processes and MTZ structure. We interpret these observations as evidence for small-scale lithospheric dripping, potentially initiated during or following the Alpine orogenesis. Additional occurrences of apparent ‘410‘ doubling are identified beneath the southern Scandes and the northern Adriatic region; beneath the Scandes, this feature spatially correlates with extensional tectonics. Overall, our results indicate that the ‘410’ beneath Europe is strongly influenced by smaller-scale mantle dynamics, closely related to the ECRIS, rather than reflecting solely large-scale thermal anomalies.
Reference Key
openalex_W7164906782 Use this key to autocite in the manuscript while using SciMatic Manuscript Manager or Thesis Manager
Authors R Kind, Xiaohui Yuan, Christian Schiffer, A El-Sharkawy
Journal geophysical journal international
Year 2026
DOI
10.1093/gji/ggag232
URL
https://doi.org/10.1093/gji/ggag232
Keywords Keywords not found

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