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Short Introduction/Description/Abstract
The main focus of the study is on the lithospheric structure of the Central American isthmus. The most relevant tectonic feature is the subduction zone along the Middle American trench. Furthermore, heterogeneities in the oceanic Cocos plate such as the presence of the Cocos ridge and a subsequent seamount province related to the Galapagos hot-spot are being studied.
The structure of the overriding Caribbean plate is also being modeled with emphasis on the segmentation of the crustal basement as a product of the differences in composition and origin of the tectonic assemblages which make up the continental portion of the plate.
Due to the limited availability and poor quality of the data as well as the sparse coverage of the surface gravity data in the region, an assessment of the viability of the satellite derived geopotential models as sources of data for the density models is being carried out.
Within the framework of the SPP1257: Mass Transport and Mass Distribution in the System Earth, regional 3D density modeling has been relying on gravity data interpretation from combined geopotential models based on the GRACE satellite gravity mission. The aim is to continue incorporating satellite derived gravity data such as the latest results from the GOCE mission.
Local lithospheric density modeling will be carried out in the Talamanca-Burica region furthering the cooperation with the Collaborative Research Center SFB574.
Information and results of research work on the structure of the upper crust along the Central Volcanic Range in Costa Rica can be found here.
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