Calculation of temperature distribution and rheological properties of the lithosphere along transect I in the Western Carpathians

Abstract

Using the 2D integrated modelling method, we calculated the temperature
model of the lithosphere along transect I passing through theWestern Carpathians. Based
on the extrapolation of failure criteria, lithology and calculated temperature distribution,
we derived the rheology model of the lithosphere in the area. Our results indicate clearly
that the strength decreases from the Bohemian Massif via the Western Carpathians to
the Pannonian Basin. The largest strength can be observed within the upper crust on the
boundary between the upper and lower crust. This phenomenon is typical for all studied
tectonic units: the Bohemian Massif, the Western Carpathians and the Pannonian Basin.
These results suggest mostly rigid deformation in the upper crust of the units. By contrast,
the lower crust in the Bohemian Massif and the Western Carpathians reflects significantly
lower strength, while in the Pannonian Basin the strength is the smallest. In all tectonic
units the strength within the uppermost mantle (lower lithosphere) disappears. It can be
suggested that the ductile deformation dominates in this part of the lithosphere.