The structure of the Baltic Shield region on the basis of DSS and earthquake data

Abstract

The lithospheric models obtained for the Baltic Shield by using deep seismic soundings are discussed and results from different parts of the shield are compared with models achieved by the investigation of surface waves and of P to S converted waves. The results are found to agree rather well with each other particularly with regard to the first interface (at a depth of 10–15 km) and the whole thickness of the crust (c. 40 km). The macroseismic focal depth determinations of regional earthquakes are correlated with lithospheric structure. The main maximum in the focal depth distributions of Finnish earthquakes occur at a depth of 10–12 km. The geographical distribution of the earthquake epicentres suggests several seismo-active zones in the northern Baltic Shield. One new finding in this field concerns the Lapland zone, which runs in a north-westerly direction.