Constraints on the deep thermal structure of the Dharwar craton, India, from heat flow, shear wave velocities, and mantle xenoliths

Abstract

[1] We have used constraints from seismic shear wave vertical velocity profiles, geothermobarometry estimates on mantle xenoliths, and surface heat flux and heat production measurements to analyze the thermal regime of the deep lithosphere beneath India. In the Dharwar craton of southern India, the shear wave velocity gradient in the mantle, as well as xenolith geothermobarometry data, suggests a low mantle heat flux, 14–20 mW m−2, consistent with surface heat flux measurements. However, for standard cratonic mantle composition, seismic velocities require Moho and mantle temperatures to be about 300 K higher than inferred from heat flux and xenolith data. This discrepancy can be only resolved by changing the mantle composition, specifically by increasing the Fe number. The shear wave velocities are highest beneath north central India, where calculated S wave travel times are 2 s shorter than in the Dharwar craton. These differences in traveltime and the very steep gradient in the shear wave velocity profiles in north central India cannot be explained by variations in mantle temperature but require differences in mantle composition.