Crustal structure at the Trans-European Suture Zone in northwest Poland based on gravity data

Abstract

A new gravity model of the crustal structure of the Trans-European Suture Zone in the northwestern Poland has been constructed. The Bouguer anomaly map, obtained after stripping off the three-dimensional gravity effect of the sedimentary cover down to the Zechstein formations, is characterized by a 50 mGal gravity anomaly. We have assumed that the short-wavelength components derive from upper crustal intrusions and the long-wavelength components reflect crustal thickness and lateral heterogeneity which are strongly supported by the new seismic data along the LT-7 geotraverse. Quantitative modelling of gravity data along three profiles crossing the area indicate the presence of anomalous masses within the Lower Palaeozoic sequence, mainly along the Teisseyre-Tornquist Zone. Two of the profiles crossing the long-wavelength ‘stripped’ gravity high suggest the existence of a zone of 35 km crust above a dense upper mantle along the Teisseyre-Tornquist Zone. The extent of the zone can be determined based on the Bouguer anomalies interpretation.