A three-dimensional lithospheric-scale thermal model of Germany

Abstract

Abstract. We present a 3-D lithospheric-scale model covering the\narea of Germany that images the regional characteristics of the structural\nconfiguration and of the thermal field. The structural model resolves major\nsedimentary, crustal and lithospheric mantle units integrated from previous\nstudies of the Central European Basin System, the Upper Rhine Graben and the\nMolasse Basin, together with published geological and geophysical data. A\ncombined workflow consisting of 3-D structural, gravity and thermal modelling\nis applied to derive the 3-D thermal configuration. The modelled temperature\ndistribution is highly variable in response to an imposed heterogeneous\ndistribution of thermal properties assigned to the different units. First\norder variations in the temperature field are mainly attributed to the\nthermal blanketing effect from the sedimentary cover, the variability in the\namount of radiogenic heat produced within the different crystalline crust\ncompartments and the implemented topology of the thermal\nLithosphere-Asthenosphere Boundary.