The Moho depth map of the Antarctica region

Abstract

Abstract Different tectonic units cover the Antarctic territory: platform, orogens and depression structures. This structural variability is reflected both in thickness and physical properties of the crust. We present a new Moho map for the Antarctica, derived from geophysical data selected from the literature. The model covers the whole Antarctic region, from the South Pole out to the continental margin, including the Antarctic Peninsula. The Moho depth is represented with a resolution of 1° × 1° on a Cartesian grid obtained by an equidistant azimuthal geographical projection. A large volume of new data has been analyzed: mostly seismic experiments, as well as receiver functions and geological studies. In general, we can identify three large domains within the Antarctic continental crust. The oldest Archean and Proterozoic crust of East Antarctica has a thickness of 36–56 km (with an average of about 41 km). The continental crust of the Transantarctic Mountains, the Antarctic Peninsula and Wilkes Basin has a thickness of 30–40 km (with an average Moho of about 30 km). The youngest rifted continental crust of the West Antarctic Rift System has a thickness of 16–28 km (with an average Moho of about 26 km). The mean Moho depth of the whole model is 33.8 km. The new Moho model exhibits some remarkable disagreements at places with respect to global model CRUST 2.0. Difference between these two models may range up to − 10/+ 24 km. The new model is available for download in digital format. We plan to update the model in the near future by including new data, particularly in the most poorly covered regions.