Heterogeneous structure of the lithosphere in the Black Sea from a multidisciplinary analysis of geophysical fields
Magnetic, gravity, geothermal, seismic and tomographic data from the lithosphere were first jointly examined. A multidisciplinary interpretation has resulted in a new and consistent model for lithospheric density, magnetic, thermal and velocity heterogeneities. Faults of different orders for the cry...
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Інститут геофізики ім. С.I. Субботіна НАН України
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| Цитувати: | Heterogeneous structure of the lithosphere in the Black Sea from a multidisciplinary analysis of geophysical fields / V.I. Starostenko, O.M. Rusakov, I.K. Pashkevich, R.I. Kutas, I.B. Makarenko, O.V. Legostaeva, T.V. Lebed, A.S. Savchenko // Геофизический журнал. — 2015. — Т. 37, № 2. — С. 3-28. — Бібліогр.: 96 назв. — англ. |
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Starostenko, V.I. Rusakov, O.M. Pashkevich, I.K. Kutas, R.I. Makarenko, I.B. Legostaeva, O.V. Lebed, T.V. Savchenko, A.S. 2016-06-22T06:40:22Z 2016-06-22T06:40:22Z 2015 Heterogeneous structure of the lithosphere in the Black Sea from a multidisciplinary analysis of geophysical fields / V.I. Starostenko, O.M. Rusakov, I.K. Pashkevich, R.I. Kutas, I.B. Makarenko, O.V. Legostaeva, T.V. Lebed, A.S. Savchenko // Геофизический журнал. — 2015. — Т. 37, № 2. — С. 3-28. — Бібліогр.: 96 назв. — англ. 0203-3100 https://nasplib.isofts.kiev.ua/handle/123456789/103651 Magnetic, gravity, geothermal, seismic and tomographic data from the lithosphere were first jointly examined. A multidisciplinary interpretation has resulted in a new and consistent model for lithospheric density, magnetic, thermal and velocity heterogeneities. Faults of different orders for the crystalline crust have been mapped in details. Large deep fault zones were recognized. Among them is the most prominent Odessa-Sinop-Ordu (OSO) fault zone, which played a key role in the opening and development of the Black Sea Depression. A fundamental difference was revealed between the crustal and mantle structure and geophysical parameters of the Western Black Sea Basin (WBSB) and Eastern Black Sea Basin (EBSB). These dissimilarities are in the size of "non-granitic" crust, pattern and intensity of heat flow, topography of the lower boundary of the thermal lithosphere, mantle seismic velocity and structure of magnetic and residual gravity anomalies. Based on new information it was demonstrated that the WBSB and EBSB were diachronously formed on two large distinct continental blocks with independent post-rift development of the sub-basins. The rifting of the western sub-basin commenced earlier than that of the eastern one. The EBSB is characterized by younger thermal activity than the WBSB and consequently it was stabilized later. The Mid Black Sea High (MBSH) is not a single tectonic unit but is formed by two ridges of various crystalline crustal structure and age shifted relative to each other by the faults of the OSO zone. Впервые проведен общий анализ магнитных, гравитационных, геотермических, сейсмических и томографических данных о литосфере Черного моря. В результате комплексной интерпретации получена новая и согласованная модель плотностной, магнитной, термальной и сейсмической неоднородностей литосферы. Построена подробная карта разломов консолидированной коры разных рангов. Выявлены зоны глубинных разломов. Среди них наиболее примечательна зона разлома Одесса-Синоп-Орду, игравшая ключевую роль в раскрытии и развитии Черноморской впадины. Выявлены фундаментальніе различия в строении и геофизических параметрах коры и литосферы Западно- и Восточно-Черноморской впадин. Эти различия заключаются в размере площади "безгранитной" коры, структуре и интенсивности теплового потока, топографии нижней границы термальной литосферы, особенностях магнитного и остаточного гравитационного полей. На основе новой информации показано, что Западно- и Восточно-Черноморская впадины сформировались в разное время на двух различных крупных блоках континентальной коры с независимым пострифтовым развитием суббассейнов. Рифт в западном бассейне образовался раньше, чем в восточном. Восточно-Черноморская впадина отличается более молодой термической активностью, чем Западно-Черноморская, которая стабилизировалась позже. Центрально-Черноморское поднятие не представляет собой единую тектоническую единицу, а сформировано двумя хребтами с различным строением консолидированной коры разного возраста, которые смещены друг относительно друга разломами зоны Одесса-Синоп-Орду. Many thanks to Prof. Dr. N. Kaymakci (Middle East Technical University, Ankara, Turkey) for the insightful comments of the earlier version of the manuscript. Our appreciation is due to Dr. T. Yegorova (Institute of Geophysics, National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine) for her critical review and help in editing the English of this paper. en Інститут геофізики ім. С.I. Субботіна НАН України Геофизический журнал Heterogeneous structure of the lithosphere in the Black Sea from a multidisciplinary analysis of geophysical fields Неоднородное строение литосферы Черного моря по данным комплексного анализа геофизических полей Article published earlier |
| institution |
Digital Library of Periodicals of National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine |
| collection |
DSpace DC |
| title |
Heterogeneous structure of the lithosphere in the Black Sea from a multidisciplinary analysis of geophysical fields |
| spellingShingle |
Heterogeneous structure of the lithosphere in the Black Sea from a multidisciplinary analysis of geophysical fields Starostenko, V.I. Rusakov, O.M. Pashkevich, I.K. Kutas, R.I. Makarenko, I.B. Legostaeva, O.V. Lebed, T.V. Savchenko, A.S. |
| title_short |
Heterogeneous structure of the lithosphere in the Black Sea from a multidisciplinary analysis of geophysical fields |
| title_full |
Heterogeneous structure of the lithosphere in the Black Sea from a multidisciplinary analysis of geophysical fields |
| title_fullStr |
Heterogeneous structure of the lithosphere in the Black Sea from a multidisciplinary analysis of geophysical fields |
| title_full_unstemmed |
Heterogeneous structure of the lithosphere in the Black Sea from a multidisciplinary analysis of geophysical fields |
| title_sort |
heterogeneous structure of the lithosphere in the black sea from a multidisciplinary analysis of geophysical fields |
| author |
Starostenko, V.I. Rusakov, O.M. Pashkevich, I.K. Kutas, R.I. Makarenko, I.B. Legostaeva, O.V. Lebed, T.V. Savchenko, A.S. |
| author_facet |
Starostenko, V.I. Rusakov, O.M. Pashkevich, I.K. Kutas, R.I. Makarenko, I.B. Legostaeva, O.V. Lebed, T.V. Savchenko, A.S. |
| publishDate |
2015 |
| language |
English |
| container_title |
Геофизический журнал |
| publisher |
Інститут геофізики ім. С.I. Субботіна НАН України |
| format |
Article |
| title_alt |
Неоднородное строение литосферы Черного моря по данным комплексного анализа геофизических полей |
| description |
Magnetic, gravity, geothermal, seismic and tomographic data from the lithosphere were first jointly examined. A multidisciplinary interpretation has resulted in a new and consistent model for lithospheric density, magnetic, thermal and velocity heterogeneities. Faults of different orders for the crystalline crust have been mapped in details. Large deep fault zones were recognized. Among them is the most prominent Odessa-Sinop-Ordu (OSO) fault zone, which played a key role in the opening and development of the Black Sea Depression. A fundamental difference was revealed between the crustal and mantle structure and geophysical parameters of the Western Black Sea Basin (WBSB) and Eastern Black Sea Basin (EBSB). These dissimilarities are in the size of "non-granitic" crust, pattern and intensity of heat flow, topography of the lower boundary of the thermal lithosphere, mantle seismic velocity and structure of magnetic and residual gravity anomalies. Based on new information it was demonstrated that the WBSB and EBSB were diachronously formed on two large distinct continental blocks with independent post-rift development of the sub-basins. The rifting of the western sub-basin commenced earlier than that of the eastern one. The EBSB is characterized by younger thermal activity than the WBSB and consequently it was stabilized later. The Mid Black Sea High (MBSH) is not a single tectonic unit but is formed by two ridges of various crystalline crustal structure and age shifted relative to each other by the faults of the OSO zone.
Впервые проведен общий анализ магнитных, гравитационных, геотермических, сейсмических и томографических данных о литосфере Черного моря. В результате комплексной интерпретации получена новая и согласованная модель плотностной, магнитной, термальной и сейсмической неоднородностей литосферы. Построена подробная карта разломов консолидированной коры разных рангов. Выявлены зоны глубинных разломов. Среди них наиболее примечательна зона разлома Одесса-Синоп-Орду, игравшая ключевую роль в раскрытии и развитии Черноморской впадины. Выявлены фундаментальніе различия в строении и геофизических параметрах коры и литосферы Западно- и Восточно-Черноморской впадин. Эти различия заключаются в размере площади "безгранитной" коры, структуре и интенсивности теплового потока, топографии нижней границы термальной литосферы, особенностях магнитного и остаточного гравитационного полей. На основе новой информации показано, что Западно- и Восточно-Черноморская впадины сформировались в разное время на двух различных крупных блоках континентальной коры с независимым пострифтовым развитием суббассейнов. Рифт в западном бассейне образовался раньше, чем в восточном. Восточно-Черноморская впадина отличается более молодой термической активностью, чем Западно-Черноморская, которая стабилизировалась позже. Центрально-Черноморское поднятие не представляет собой единую тектоническую единицу, а сформировано двумя хребтами с различным строением консолидированной коры разного возраста, которые смещены друг относительно друга разломами зоны Одесса-Синоп-Орду.
|
| issn |
0203-3100 |
| url |
https://nasplib.isofts.kiev.ua/handle/123456789/103651 |
| citation_txt |
Heterogeneous structure of the lithosphere in the Black Sea from a multidisciplinary analysis of geophysical fields / V.I. Starostenko, O.M. Rusakov, I.K. Pashkevich, R.I. Kutas, I.B. Makarenko, O.V. Legostaeva, T.V. Lebed, A.S. Savchenko // Геофизический журнал. — 2015. — Т. 37, № 2. — С. 3-28. — Бібліогр.: 96 назв. — англ. |
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HETEROGENEOUS STRUCTURE OF THE LITHOSPHERE IN THE BLACK SEA FROM ...
Геофизический журнал № 2, Т. 37, 2015 3
Heterogeneous structure of the lithosphere in the Black Sea
from a multidisciplinary analysis of geophysical fields
© V. I. Starostenko, O. M. Rusakov, I. K. Pashkevich, R. I. Kutas, I. B. Makarenko,
O. V. Legostaeva, T. V. Lebed, A. S. Savchenko, 2015
Institute of Geophysics, National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Kiev, Ukraine
Received 14 October 2014
Presented by Editorial Board Member T. P. Yegorova
Magnetic, gravity, geothermal, seismic and tomographic data from the lithosphere were first
jointly examined. A multidisciplinary interpretation has resulted in a new and consistent model for
lithospheric density, magnetic, thermal and velocity heterogeneities. Faults of different orders for
the crystalline crust have been mapped in details. Large deep fault zones were recognized. Among
them is the most prominent Odessa-Sinop-Ordu (OSO) fault zone, which played a key role in the
opening and development of the Black Sea Depression. A fundamental difference was revealed be-
tween the crustal and mantle structure and geophysical parameters of the Western Black Sea Basin
(WBSB) and Eastern Black Sea Basin (EBSB). These dissimilarities are in the size of «non-granitic»
crust, pattern and intensity of heat flow, topography of the lower boundary of the thermal lithosphere,
mantle seismic velocity and structure of magnetic and residual gravity anomalies. Based on new
information it was demonstrated that the WBSB and EBSB were diachronously formed on two large
distinct continental blocks with independent post-rift development of the sub-basins. The rifting of
the western sub-basin commenced earlier than that of the eastern one. The EBSB is characterized by
younger thermal activity than the WBSB and consequently it was stabilized later. The Mid Black Sea
High (MBSH) is not a single tectonic unit but is formed by two ridges of various crystalline crustal
structure and age shifted relative to each other by the faults of the OSO zone.
Key words: The Black Sea basins, magnetics, gravity, heat flow, fault tectonics, seismic tomo-
graphy, lithosphere heterogeneity.
Впервые проведен общий анализ магнитных, гравитационных, геотермических, сейсми-
ческих и томографических данных о литосфере Черного моря. В результате комплексной
интерпретации получена новая и согласованная модель плотностной, магнитной, термаль-
ной и сейсмической неоднородностей литосферы. Построена подробная карта разломов
консолидированной коры разных рангов. Выявлены зоны глубинных разломов. Среди них
наиболее примечательна зона разлома Одесса-Синоп-Орду, игравшая ключевую роль в рас-
крытии и развитии Черноморской впадины. Выявлены фундаментальніе различия в строе-
нии и геофизических параметрах коры и литосферы Западно- и Восточно-Черноморской
впадин. Эти различия заключаются в размере площади «безгранитной» коры, структуре и
интенсивности теплового потока, топографии нижней границы термальной литосферы, осо-
бенностях магнитного и остаточного гравитационного полей. На основе новой информации
показано, что Западно- и Восточно-Черноморская впадины сформировались в разное время
на двух различных крупных блоках континентальной коры с независимым пострифтовым
развитием суббассейнов. Рифт в западном бассейне образовался раньше, чем в восточном.
Восточно-Черноморская впадина отличается более молодой термической активностью, чем
Западно-Черноморская, которая стабилизировалась позже. Центрально-Черноморское под-
нятие не представляет собой единую тектоническую единицу, а сформировано двумя хребтами
с различным строением консолидированной коры разного возраста, которые смещены друг
относительно друга разломами зоны Одесса-Синоп-Орду.
Ключевые слова: Черноморский бассейн, магнетизм, гравитация, тепловой поток, текто-
ника, сейсмическая томография, литосферная неоднородность.
1. Introduction. The interest in the Black Sea
geology is determined by its key role in under-
standing the tectonic evolution of the middle Teth-
yan Realm and its hydrocarbon potential for the
coastal countries. Despite abundant consideration
that the Black Sea is a back-arc basin, there are still
strong debates about the details of its origin and
evolution [e.g. Zonenshain, Le Pichon, 1986; Finetti
et al., 1988; Okay et al., 1994; Spadini et al., 1996;
Cloetingh et al., 2003; Nikishin et al., 2003; Kutas,
V. I. STAROSTENKO, O. M. RUSAKOV, I. K. PASHKEVICH, R. I. KUTAS, I. B. MAKARENKO ET AL.
4 Геофизический журнал № 2, Т. 37, 2015
2003; Besutiu, Zugravescu, 2004; Afanasenkov et
al., 2007; Hippolyte et al., 2010; Çinku et al., 2013;
Kaymakci et al., 2014; Nikishin et al., 2015a, b]. The
key differences among the models for kinematics
history of the region address the timing for ope-
ning of the Black Sea and the determining of the
location, number, size and kinematics of original
Neotethyan fragments related to the tectonic de-
velopment of the region.
The present-day tectonic setting of the Black
Sea is mainly derived from subsurface informa-
tion, such as seismic stratigraphy and deforma-
tion of marine sediments, sparse deep sounding,
seismic and wide-angle seismic surveys and tec-
tonic-sedimentary observations in adjacent land
areas [Tugolesov et al., 1985; Finetti et al., 1988;
Okay et al., 1994; Robinson, 1997; Afanasenkov
et al., 2007; Scott et al., 2009; Shillington et al.,
2009; Hippolyte et al., 2010; Yegorova et al., 2010
among others]. Thermo-mechanical and gravity
modeling, seismic tomography have revealed the
different lithospheric structure as a whole in the
Western and Eastern Black Sea Basins without ad-
dressing separate and distinct tectonic elements
of the crust [Spadini et al., 1996; Cloetingh et al.,
2003; Bugaenko et al., 2008; Nikishin et al., 2011;
Yegorova et al., 2010, 2013]. The available informa-
tion is however insufficient to determine compre-
hensively the relationship between the geological
units in the crust and upper mantle that governs
substantially the tectonic setting and evolution
of the basins.
The purpose of this work is to present the re-
sults of the first joint interpretation of gravity and
magnetic fields, heat flow and lithospheric seis-
mic velocity and to shed new light on to the deep
structure of the Black Sea Depression and coupling
near-surface tectonics and lithospheric features at
a regional scale. A new approach was applied to
reveal lithospheric heterogeneities, in particular,
using residual gravity of the crystalline crust and
magnetic observed fields. Such a combination
makes it possible to evaluate irregularities in the
crystalline crust and mantle as well as a penetra-
tion depth of faults.
The study is based on four approaches for in-
terpreting geophysical fields. The magnetic field
was examined to delineate major faults and to re-
veal magnetic heterogeneities in the crystalline
crust. The thermal regime of the lithosphere was
derived from interpretation of the most detailed
heat flow data. Three-dimensional density mode-
ling of water and sedimentary layers was conduc-
ted for obtaining gravity effect of the crystalline
crust and of the mantle for mapping major deep
faults. Seismic information was used to find the
relation between deep and sub-surface tectonic
features. All the data were summarized to give in-
ternally consistent image of geophysical hetero-
geneities beneath the sedimentary cover. Finally,
new complementary information was employed
to discuss the clear differences in the structure
and physical parameters of the lithosphere in the
WBSB and EBSB and the timing for the opening
of these tectonic elements.
2. Tectonic setting. Fig. 1 shows the tecto-
nic setting of the Black Sea and surrounding re-
gions [Starostenko et al., 2010]. The study area
is tectonically very complex and heterogeneous.
The Black Sea is surrounded by the late Ceno-
zoic mountain ridges of Crimea (Cr), Caucasus
(C), Pontides (Pon) and Balcanides (Bal) and older
features of different origins and ages of the East
European Craton (EEC), Scythian Platform (SP),
Dobrogea (D), Moesian Platform (MP), Strandja-
Sakarya (S-S) and Achara-Trialeti zones (A-T). It is
composed of two sub-basins, which include vari-
ous features characterized by different genetic
and kinematic histories such as the Andrusov (An),
Arkhangelsky (Ar) and Shatsky (Sh) Ridges, So-
rokin (Sor), Karkinit (Kr) and Tuapse (T) Troughs.
Before plunging into a discussion of different
disputable models for the opening of the Black Sea
Basin, we analyze only the relationship between
the marine tectonic elements and their extension
on land. The strikes of major faults and bounda-
ries of the structural elements on the northern and
southern margins are concordant with these on
the present-day boundaries of the sub-basins. In
the Eastern Black Sea reverse/thrust faults of the
northwestern and northeastern strikes constitute a
single system with the faults of the Greater Cauca-
sus and Crimea. In the Western Black Sea, west of
the Odessa-Sinop (OS) fault a similar conformity is
not recognized. The largest faults of the North Do-
brogea (ND) Orogen and MP are orthogonal to the
basin boundaries and sub parallel to the OS fault,
Neo Alpine (NA) thrust front and presumed sou-
theastern continuation of the Teisseyer-Tornquist
Zone (TTZ) with general trend shown in Fig. 1.
The OS fault is considered an interregional tec-
tonic feature extending from the EEC to the Pon-
tides [Chekunov, 1987; Kravchenko et al., 2003,
Starostenko et al., 2010]. It is this fault that is likely
to represent a major boundary between the WBSB
and EBSB. The largest uplifts and troughs of the
EBSB relate to the faults with northwestern and
northeastern strikes.
3. Data characterization and interpretation
approaches. 3.1. Free air gravity anomalies. We
HETEROGENEOUS STRUCTURE OF THE LITHOSPHERE IN THE BLACK SEA FROM ...
Геофизический журнал № 2, Т. 37, 2015 5
present a new 5×5 km grid digital map of free-
air anomalies with a contour interval of 10 mGal,
which is based only on ship-track measurements
(Fig. 2). They were made during 55 years by vari-
ous industrial and academic organizations from
the Former Soviet Union including the Institute of
Geophysics of the National Academy of Sciences
of Ukraine [Starostenko et al., 2004a]. The map is
much more detailed and informative than those of
published earlier [Belousov et al., 1988; Spadini
et al., 1996; Starostenko et al., 2004a; Sandwell,
Smith, 2009; Yegorova, Gobarenko, 2010].
In the gravity map, the dominant features are
two vast size oval-like anomalies in the deep-water
basins where rather small negative and positive
values are registered up to ±20 mGal. Higher ne-
gative field (up to tens of milligals) was measured
in the transitional zone between the central part of
the sea and on the shelf. For example, there exists
an almost circular negative low value of over 60
mGal near the Bulgarian shelf. An elongated gra-
vity minimum of similar amplitude is centered over
the Sor Trough (southeast of the Crimean Penin-
sula). A large gravity low value about 90 mGal
trends parallel to the Greater Caucasus offshore.
A number of regional and local anomalies of op-
posite signs are clearly observed on the periphery
of the Black Sea and on the MBSH. Except for the
NW shelf, they extend into land.
In 3D gravity modeling we applied the effi-
cient methodology described in details elsewhere
[Hammer, 1963; Starostenko et al., 2004a]. A prin-
cipal advantage of this approach over others is
possibility of quantitative estimating regional and
local differences between observed and modeled
fields over large areas by determining gravity con-
tribution within a single reference system. Gravity
calculations were made using an automated input
scanned data to a computer in the form of isoline
maps [Starostenko, Legostaeva, 1998].
The efficacy of this approach can be exemplified
by the gravity model of Moho depth for the Black
Sea [Starostenko et al., 2004a, Fig. 14]. The map
of the crust-mantle boundary remains so far not
Fig. 1. Major tectonic units of the Black Sea and adjacent areas [Modified from Starostenko et al., 2010]: 1 — boundaries of
tectonic elements (Sr — Srednogorie, St — Strandja, R — Rioni Depression, A-T — Achara-Trialeti fold zone, KM — Kirşehir
massif); 2 — major features (WBSB — Western Black Sea Basin, EBSB — Eastern Black Sea Basin, MBSH — Mid Black Sea High,
I-K — Indol-Kuban Trough, Sor — Sorokin Trough, K-T — Kerch-Taman Trough, Kr — Karkinit Trough, T — Tuapse Trough, Sin
— Sinop Tough, Sh — Shatsky Ridge); 3 — axes of the Andrusov (An) and Arkhangelsky (Ar) Ridges; 4 — supposed southeast-
ern prolongation of the Teisseyre-Tornquist zone (TTZ); 5 — faults of the first (a) and second (b) orders (O-S — Odessa-Sinop,
WC — Western Crimea, WBSF — Western Black Sea, SWB — Southwestern Balkans, P-C — Peceneaga-Camena); 6 — sutures
(NA - Neo — Alpine Thrusts Front, IP — Inner Pontides, IA — Izmir—Ankara, AE — Ankara—Erzincan); 7 — overthrusts (LC
— Lesser Caucasus, MA — Middle-Alpine Thrusts); 8 — normal faults; 9 — slight slip directions. MC — Mountains Crimea.
V. I. STAROSTENKO, O. M. RUSAKOV, I. K. PASHKEVICH, R. I. KUTAS, I. B. MAKARENKO ET AL.
6 Геофизический журнал № 2, Т. 37, 2015
only the most detailed, it is supported by new 2D
seismic information. This is the only map where all
major crustal elements are adequately delineated
in contrast to those developed from interpolation
of sparse DSS profiles. The reinterpretation of
DSS data (regional profiles 25, 28 and 29) using
tomographic inversion of the first arrival of seis-
mic waves and a ray tracing technique resulted in
coincidence of Moho depths within an accuracy of
seismic records [Kozlenko et al., 2009; Yegorova et
al., 2010]. This is really the case of the NW shelf,
central part of the Black Sea sub-basins, Sor Trough
and MBSH. Wide-angle seismic data revealed the
thinned continental crust beneath the Ar Ridge
of ca. 30 km thick [Shillington et al., 2009, Line 3;
Scott, 2009] that is equal to the value on the map of
[Starostenko et al., 2004a]. This crustal basement is
thought to be similar with Precambrian units from
the Transcaucasus domain [Saintot et al., 2006].
The ultimate objective of determining sedi-
mentary density is to delineate fault tectonics of
the crystalline crust in more details than in using
directly the observed field. The point is that gra-
vity effect of sedimentary cover in the Black Sea
produces ca. 70 % of that associated with the crys-
talline crust [Starostenko et al., 2004a]. Its influ-
ence greatly masks characteristic peculiarities of
the observed gravity field related to the crystalline
crust. Linear steep gradients in gravity field com-
monly relate to abrupt density contrasts across
tectonic faults. The horizontal-gradient method
is traditionally used to enhance their expression
because the steepest parts of the gravity field are
not necessary obviously seen on maps [e.g. Grant,
West, 1966; Smith et al., 2002; Starostenko et al.,
2005; Aryamanesh, 2009]. Here we briefly discuss
our approach, which is based on common princi-
pals of gradient studies.
To obtain maximum horizontal gradients with
sufficient precision a set of curves of residual
gravity of the crystalline crust have been drawn
across the strike of the dominant trends of residual
anomalies. Based on these graphs, gradients were
first derived by visually determining points of tan-
gency [Grant, West, 1966] and then using software
for the 3D study [Starostenko, Legostaeva, 1998].
For mapping the faults from the residual free-
air gravity field the following criteria are used.
Linear gradient zones are associated with faults
bordering crustal blocks of different density or
steps in crustal topography, bounding blocks
of the same density. Linear gravity maxima and
minima indicate basic and ultrabasic dykes and
crush belts in rocks respectively, which are associ-
ated with faults.
3.2. Total field magnetic anomalies. Study of
total field magnetic anomalies has a long history
in the Black Sea. Many industrial companies and
academic institutions from the Former Soviet
Union have performed air- and marine borne sur-
Fig. 2. Free-air gravity anomaly map of the Black Sea. NWSh — NW Shelf of the Black Sea. For other symbols and abbreviations
see Fig. 1. Lines I—I and II—II are the interpretation profiles (see Fig. 16). Units are in mGal.
HETEROGENEOUS STRUCTURE OF THE LITHOSPHERE IN THE BLACK SEA FROM ...
Геофизический журнал № 2, Т. 37, 2015 7
Fig. 3. Total field magnetic anomaly map of the Black Sea: 1 — high differentiated field. Units are in 100 nT, isolines: red —
positive, blue — negative. Magnetic anomalies: WBS — Western Black Sea, OS — Odessa—Sinop, AB — Alushta—Batumi. For
other symbols and abbreviations see Fig. 1, 2.
veys using flux gate and proton magnetometers in
different line spacing. As a result, several maps of
a different scale and accuracy have been compiled
[Starostenko et al., 2010]. For this work a compo-
site map based on these results was digitized on a
regular grid of 5×5 km. Anomalies (∆Т)a have been
Fig. 10. Magnetic model for the crystalline crust of the Black Sea: 1 — main fault zones (WBS — Western Black Sea, OSO —
Odessa-Sinop-Ordu, AB — Alushta-Batumi, SP — subparallel to the Inner Pontides suture), 2 — EEC boundary, 3 — depths to the
upper (nominator) and to the lower (denominator) edges of magnetic sources. For other symbols and abbreviations see Fig. 1, 5, 11.
V. I. STAROSTENKO, O. M. RUSAKOV, I. K. PASHKEVICH, R. I. KUTAS, I. B. MAKARENKO ET AL.
8 Геофизический журнал № 2, Т. 37, 2015
Fig. 11. Map of the crystalline crust faults derived from the anomaly magnetic and residual gravity fields [Modified from Sta-
rostenko et al., 2010]: 1 — diagonal faults system of the first (a) and second (b) orders, 2 — orthogonal faults system of the first
(a) and second (b) orders, 3 — proposal transform faults by [Shillington et al., 2009], 4 — relative displacement along faults,
5 — supposed dip direction. L — Latitudinal fault zone. For other symbols and abbreviations see Fig. 1, 5.
calculated relative to IGRF-2010 (Fig. 3). The map
has been slightly simplified to illustrate regional
features of the magnetic pattern. Some impor-
tant local anomalies have been however analyzed
usingmaps of the larger scale.
As a rule, magnetic anomalies of the Black Sea
Fig. 15. Relationship between crustal composition, gravity residuals, regional magnetic anomalies and depths to the base crust
[Modified from Starostenko et al., 2010]: 1 — positive regional magnetic background, 2 — axes of positive local magnetic
anomalies, 3, 4 — gravity effect of the crystalline crust (3 — maximums, 4 — minimums), 5 — configuration of the WBSB is from
residual gravity field, 6 — relative maximums (a) and minimums (b) of the gravity mantle component, 7 — «non-granitic» crust,
8 — crust base depth (km), 9 — cross-section lines. See Fig. 1, 11, 16 for other symbols and abbreviations.
HETEROGENEOUS STRUCTURE OF THE LITHOSPHERE IN THE BLACK SEA FROM ...
Геофизический журнал № 2, Т. 37, 2015 9
shelf coalesce with those of the adjacent land.
The strikes and intensity of the marine anomalies
change drastically in approaching deep basins.
There exist two major directions of the magne-
tic pattern in the deep sub-basins: northwestern
and northeastern. The first is characteristic of the
Western Black Sea anomaly (WBS) the second co-
incides with Alushta-Batumi anomaly (AB) in the
Eastern basin and positive anomaly of OS zone.
The regional WBS anomaly almost occupies
the central part of the WBSB. It consists of several
maxima which are observed against the regional
background of the magnetic field (intensity is
ca. 50 nT). There exists the most intensive local
anomaly at the junction between these trends. The
SW flank of the anomaly is formed by a number
of elongated local anomalies with an intensity of
up to 350 nT shifted relative to each other. Much
weaker intensity is characteristic of the anomaly of
the OS fault zone with a SE trend. It is composed of
several almost isometric anomalies observed against
the regional background of 100—150 nT intensity.
To the south of these positive magnetic anoma-
lies, there is a broad minimum of the field with se-
veral local linear weak maxima, which are parallel
to axes of the anomalies in the southwestern part
of the WBS anomaly. The NW part of the WBSB is
characterized by a positive background magnetic
field.
In the EBSB the magnetic pattern differs in
morphology from that one of the WBSB. Here the
AB magnetic anomaly dominates, which is also be-
ing composed of regional and local components.
The regional background and local anomalies are
however more intensive than those ones of the
WBS anomaly. Their intensities are 200 and 600 nT
respectively. The local anomalies are arranged in
an echelon-like style displaced eastward one to
another. Structurally the NW portion of the AB
anomaly coincides with the Shatsky Ridge while
its SE part is located on the edge of the EBSB.
In the south of this anomaly belt there is a broad
magnetic low. There are a number of linear weak
local positive anomalies against its background.
Their trends are similar to those ones of the SE of
the AB anomaly.
The MBSH that includes the An and Ar Ridges
morphologically and magnetically separates the
WBSB and EBSB. The marginal part of the posi-
tive regional magnetic background covers the
An Ridge. The Ar Ridge is partly marked by the
magnetic minimum. The axis of the Sin Trough is
recorded by a positive magnetic anomaly continu-
ing outside its boundary to the southeast.
In modeling magnetic sources are assumed to
occur in the crystalline crust because in the Black
Sea the Curie temperature of the magnetite (578
C) is reached mainly below the Moho or sometimes
above it [Starostenko et al., 2014]. The sedimen-
tary cover is practically nonmagnetic on the NW
shelf [Bezverkhov, 1988] and in the uppermost 1
km section of the 380 borehole [Ross, 1978]. In
the deep-water part magnetic susceptibility infor-
mation is not available. In another way, values of
magnetic susceptibility of samples can be used
from the adjacent onshore because marine seismic
stratigraphy is similar to that exposed on land [see
for example, Rangin et al., 2002; Khriachtchevskaia
et al., 2009; Hippolyte et al., 2010; Georgiev, 2012].
They do not exceed mostly (30—40) 10 5 SI on the
conjugate margins of the Black Sea in the Pon and
Cr [Kaymakci et al., 2003; Guzhikov et al., 2012].
The model-making procedure is as follows.
For initial approximation, crystalline crust was
represented by a set of 3D magnetic bodies with
different magnetic susceptibility. The computa-
tions were made using software on a regular grid
of 5×5 km [Starostenko et al., 2004b]. The start-
ing model has been updated several times to fit
adequately the observed and modeled fields. In
this case, the total magnetic intensity map has
been graphically reduced to reference level for
the continental crust of the Black Sea Region.
The horizontal-gradient method (see section
3.1) has been also used to elucidate tectonic faults.
Magnetic interpretation in term of faults is based
on considering only linear or semi-linear high
gradient zones and regular shifts of stripe gradi-
ents. As usual, faults and fault zones are revealed
fragmentarily as stripes of different width. A com-
bined analysis of signs and their regularities of
potential fields made it possible to recognize the
orders and systems of faults including displace-
ment along them.
3.3 Heat flow. During 40 years of the last cen-
tury ca. 500 heat flow assessments were made by
many researchers in the sub-bottom sediment lay-
er in the Black Sea. Since 1992 only the Institute
of Geophysics of National Academy of Sciences,
Ukraine, has performed such determinations ob-
taining 192 values [Kutas et al., 1998, 1999, 2003,
2005; Kutas, Poort, 2008]. Thermal measurements
from 690 stations have been digitized on a regu-
lar grid of 15×20 km and a new heat flow map
was compiled with contour interval 10 mWm 2
(Fig. 4). Description of input data and methodol-
ogy of compiling a map are presented elsewhere
[Kutas, 2010].
Heat flow values are subjected to many surface
and deep factors. The values are therefore very
V. I. STAROSTENKO, O. M. RUSAKOV, I. K. PASHKEVICH, R. I. KUTAS, I. B. MAKARENKO ET AL.
10 Геофизический журнал № 2, Т. 37, 2015
sensitive to fluctuations in topography, bottom-
water temperature, sedimentation, climate chan-
ges, thermophysical parameters and radiogenic
heat sources. Procedures of corrections for these
effects in the Black Sea were repeatedly described
[see for examples, Kutas, Tsvyashchenko, 1993;
Kutas, 2003; Galushkin et al., 2006].
Several different thermal domains are distin-
guished in Fig. 4. The central parts of the WBSB
and EBSB are dominated by low heat flow density
of 20—40 mWm 2. In their deepest parts, the heat
flow does not exceed 30 mWm 2. The area of low
values occupies mainly the WBSB where the «gra-
nitic» layer of the crust is absent. A mean value of
heat flow for the sub-basin is 32±5 mWm 2. In the
western part the low heat flow extends to land
area. The heat flow pattern of the EBSB is more
differentiated. Here heat flow values vary from
18—20 to 50—60 mWm 2. Several relatively small
anomalies are observed on the background field.
The most spacious anomaly of 40—50 mWm 2
occurs in the central EBSB. The An Ridge is cha-
racterized by 25—70 mWm 2. The most intensive
anomaly of 50—70 mWm 2 is observed over the
NW An Ridge.
On the periphery of the sea, heat flow changes
mainly in the range of 20—150 mWm 2. An abnor-
mal heat flow value (372 mWm 2) was however
recorded over the Dvurechensky mud volcano in
the Sor Trough. It is marked by red star in Fig. 4
(44°17,1′ N, 34° 58,9′ Е).
In the Black Sea adjoining land geologic units
influence a distribution of heat flow. Its variation
is controlled by geodynamic peculiarities and
geological history of adjacent tectonic features
on land. Increased heat flows are characteristic
of the submarine continuation of the A-T zone,
Bal, Great Caucasus (GC), Sor Trough, SP etc (see
Fig. 1) Significant variations in heat flow result
from different ages of tectonic elements and/or
repeated tectonic rejuvenations at different time.
Substantial variations in heat flow are characte-
ristic of troughs and uplifts on the periphery of
the Black Sea. Heat flow fluctuates from 20 to hun-
dreds of mWm 2 in the Sor and T Troughs. The low
heat flow values dominate while high values form
local anomalies. The latter is associated with near
flank faults, diapiric folds and mud volcanism. A
small increase in heat flow is observed above the
basement uplifts.
In young sedimentary basins the thermal field
is non-stationary due to seasonal and longtime
climate changes, tectonic activity, basement sub-
sidence and sedimentation. It implies that their
thermal regime can be reconstructed only taking
into consideration an evolution of the basin. The
study of the present-day thermal regime of the
Black Sea lithosphere is based on assumption that
Fig. 4. Heat flow map. Units are in mWm 2. Inset shows location of heat flow stations: 1 — Dvurechensky mud volcano, 2 — DSS
profiles. For other symbols and abbreviations see Fig. 1, 2.
HETEROGENEOUS STRUCTURE OF THE LITHOSPHERE IN THE BLACK SEA FROM ...
Геофизический журнал № 2, Т. 37, 2015 11
its development was initiated on the continental
lithosphere of the terrains assemblage by rifting
event in Cretaceous time. On the other hand, heat
is transferred by conduction in the rigid litho-
sphere. Therefore, a geothermal model for the
Black Sea lithosphere was elaborated by solving
the non-stationary problem for layer of moving
upper boundary [Kutas et al., 1989; Kutas, 2003;
Galuskin et al., 2006]. Calculations have been per-
formed mainly by applying analytical or numeral
solutions of a thermal conductivity equation [Car-
slaw, Jaeger, 1959].
Thermal modeling involves multiple steps:
calculating initial distribution of temperature,
estimating degree of lithospheric stretching,
adopting lithospheric structure and construc-
ting distribution for thermophysical parameters
and radiogenic heat generation [Kutas et al.,
1989; Kutas, 2003; Galushkin et al., 2006]. He-
terogeneous structure of lithosphere was approx-
imated by layer-block features because it makes
possible lateral variations in physical parameters
and composition to be presented as individual
blocks. Their changes with depth within indivi-
dual blocks are taken as sets of layers of constant
mean values of thermal conductivity and radio-
genic thermal generation.
In developing models for distribution of thermal
conductivity and heat generation in the sedimen-
tary cover we used experimental data that were
obtained mainly from the deep boreholes on the
shelf and adjacent land areas. Deeper horizons were
characterized by generalized data and correlative
relationships between thermal parameters and seis-
mic velocities [Rybach, Buntebarth, 1982; Kutas
et al., 1989; Čermak et al., 1990; Rybach, 1996].
A lower boundary of calculations was limited
by the 1300° C isotherm. The mantle heat flow was
used as a boundary condition at the bottom. The
value of initial rifting stage was assumed 90 mWm 2,
which corresponds to the present-day mean level
for continental rifts [Sclater et al., 1980]. The mea-
sured flows of sub-bottom layers can be used for
optimization in calculating mantle heat flow.
3.4. Seismic results. Seismic data from the Black
Sea are briefly presented in this paper because the
most essential results are described in full detail
by [Starostenko et al., 2004a,b]. Here results are
updated because new seismic information has been
obtained since that time [Slishinsky et al., 2007;
Khriachtchevskaia et al., 2009; Scott et al., 2009;
Scott, 2009; Yegorova et al., 2010, 2013; Piip, Erma-
kov, 2011; Stovba et al., 2013; Graham et al., 2013].
All these data were used to constrain parameters
of the sedimentary cover in gravity modeling.
In general, three main sedimentary layers are
seismically mapped.
1. Sub-horizontal layer of the upper Miocene—
Pliocene—Quaternary age, 1—2 km thick, uni-
formly covering the whole floor area of the Black
Sea. It consists of interbedded sandy-clayey sedi-
ments with velocity 1—2 km/s.
2. Oligocene—Lower Miocene carbonaceous
and clayey (Maikop series) deposits with a thick-
ness of 3—5 km and velocity of more than 3 km/s
are widely spread in the deeper parts of the Black
Sea. They usually thin out on the periphery of the
basin.
3. The oldest sedimentary layer is mainly com-
posed of Paleocene—Eocene sediments (2—8 km
thick). They are characterized by velocity of 4.2—
4.5 km/s. Jurassic Cretaceous carbonaceous de-
posits occur throughout the sequence. The thick-
ness of the oldest layer is proposed to be up to
6 km, with velocity being ca. 5 km/s.
The thickest sediments are mapped in the cen-
tral parts of the WBSB (17 km) and EBSB (12 km).
A minimum thickness of sediments (2.5 km) has
been documented above the An, Ar and Sh Ridges.
Newly formed oceanic crust or considerable
thinned pre-Cretaceous is supposed to underlay
the sedimentary layer. A «non-granitic» crustal
layer was mapped in the WBSB and EBSB. The
crystalline crust here has a minimal thickness of
up to 5—6 km. In the deeper parts of the basins the
crust-mantle boundary mainly occurs at a depth
of 20—25 km.
4. Results and discussion. 4.1. Gravity effects
of the mantle. To obtain the residual gravity ef-
fect of the crystalline crust for studying its fault
tectonics one needs to remove the gravity effects
of different layers, including mantle. The mantle
gravity component has been first estimated with
an empirical relationship between density and P-
wave velocity. This approach allows us to charac-
terize adequately the density distribution using a
map of seismic tomography velocity (VP) for the
Black Sea [Bugaenko et al., 2008].
A procedure of calculating ρ=ƒ(VP) was as fol-
lows. Based on density and velocity values at 9 le-
vels (a depth of 24 to 220 km) from the Preliminary
Reference Earth model [Dziewonsky, Anderson,
1981], a velocity/density relation was derived for
the upper mantle using by least square technique
[Wolberg, 2005]:
ρ=0,176VP+1.955, (1)
where ρ — density (gcm 3), VP — velocity (km/s)
of seismic waves. The least squares fitting to the
V. I. STAROSTENKO, O. M. RUSAKOV, I. K. PASHKEVICH, R. I. KUTAS, I. B. MAKARENKO ET AL.
12 Геофизический журнал № 2, Т. 37, 2015
original data is superb quality because the correla-
tion coefficient (R2) is equal to 0.995.
Applying the relationship (1), the values of
density were calculated for each 7 slices of eve-
ry 25 km interval from 50 to 200 km where seis-
mic tomography velocity was determined in the
Black Sea [Bugaenko et al., 2008]. To reduce cal-
culated anomalies to a single reference system
[Starostenko et al., 2004a] the density contrasts
of these intervals were produced relative to the
density versus depth plot of a Precambrian craton
[Buryanov et al., 1981]. After the gravity effect of
each 5 layers was calculated. Finally, they were
summarized to obtain the total gravity effect of
the layer from 50—200 km depth. The values of
the total effect vary from +20 to 45 mGal (Fig. 5).
Although the mantle component is poorly diffe-
rentiated, it is distinctive in the WBSB and EBSB.
The western basin is characterized by decrease
in gradient values from the south to the north.
The occurrence of relative positive and negative
anomalies is characteristic of the eastern basin.
The trend of the transitional zone between positive
and negative values of the mantle component fol-
lows the configuration of the Pontides. The largest
anomaly (45 mGal) occupies the southern part of
the sea. The NW isolines of the mantle component
clearly correspond to the strike of the high gradi-
ent zone in T-MAGSAT anomaly field. There are
NE axes of weak intensity horizontal gradient in
the Western Black Sea.
4.2. Density vs. depth plot for the sedimentary
cover. To improve reliability of modeling infill its
density was at first derived from density vs. depth
conversion specially developed for the Black Sea.
In general, density of sedimentary rocks is veri-
fied by some basic factors such as lithological
composition, facial changes, burial history, oc-
currence depth, lithification and diagenesis. As
they influence differently this parameter at the
same depths on a regional scale, a generalized
change in density with depth is necessarily to be
determined using borehole and seismic data. It is
common and efficient practice to use such a func-
tion as a model for the density distribution over a
considerable spatial area.
This information is available from 17 wells of
3.5 km thick sedimentary sequence on the NW
shelf of the Black Sea. It was used to reveal a den-
sity change with depth [Starostenko et al., 2005].
In contrast, density values of sedimentary
rocks are practically unavailable in the deep-wa-
ter basins of the Black Sea. Laboratory measure-
ments were only performed on the samples from
the youngest sediments of Pliocene — Quaternary
age [Ross, 1978]. In this case, it remains only to
apply velocity/density relationship using seismic
data from the study area. Two such conversions
Fig. 5. The gravity effect of the mantle [Modified from Starostenko et al., 2010]. Units are in mGal. 1 — disturbances of the
gravity mantle component, 2 — relative maximums (a) and minimums (b), 3 — steep gradient of MAGSAT magnetic field. For
other symbols and abbreviations see Fig. 1, 2.
HETEROGENEOUS STRUCTURE OF THE LITHOSPHERE IN THE BLACK SEA FROM ...
Геофизический журнал № 2, Т. 37, 2015 13
were developed by independent approaches for
the Black Sea region [Balavadze et al., 1975; Pi-
vovarov, Logvin, 2001]. The first of them started
from studying 1400 samples from boreholes of the
Western Georgia and Kuban-Stavropol region
(Russia). It yielded the empirical relationship:
VP VP
2 VP
3 , (2)
( in gcm–3, VP in km/s for all formulae).
The second conversion was derived from inter-
active fitting an interdisciplinary seismic-gravity
model along multichannel seismic reflection and
deep seismic sounding profiles in the Azov Sea
and central part of the East Black Sea (Profile
28/29). This has resulted in empirical equations:
VP (3)
VP (4)
To test these relationships we use those of
[Gard ner et al., 1974] and [Brocher, 2005]:
VP (5)
VP VP
2+
VP
3 VP VP
5 (6)
The comparison is intended to know whether
four dependences are not in conflict with each oth-
er. They are graphically presented in Fig. 6, a. It is
seen that a maximum difference between density
values for the same velocity from 4 plots does not
exceed 0.06 gcm 3. As the parameters of VP)
functions are validly selected, they were averaged
to obtain a generalized VP) plot (Fig. 6, b) as
VP VP
2 (R2 (7)
Finally, a new empirical density vs. depth rela-
tion was compiled from the vertical velocity dis-
tribution in the sedimentary cover [Sсott, 2009;
Kozlenko et al., 2009; Yegorova et al., 2010; Piip,
Ermakov, 2011]:
H H 2 (R 2 (8)
Fig. 6, c shows the plot based on this relation-
ship. In the deepwater basins the oldest succession
is composed of Jurassic carbonaceous rocks. Its
density is predicted from this plot to be 2.57gcm 3.
However, this relatively high density is within a
parameter range for such a rock type [Mavko et
al., 2009]. In particular, the Cenomanian carbona-
ceous formation from the Babadag Basin on the
Romanian coast and Cretaceous limestones from
the boreholes on the NW shelf of the Black Sea
have a density of 2.65 and 2.68 gcm 3 respectively
[Makarenko, 1997; Dimitriu et al., 2000].
4.3. Gravity effect of the crystalline crust. The
residual gravity effect of the crystalline crust was
obtained by removing gravity effects of water and
sedimentary layers and mantle component from
the observed gravity field (Fig. 7). It is of impor-
tance because only its specific characteristics
reflect the density distribution and tectonic ele-
ments of this layer. The gravity effect of the crys-
talline crust is negative because density contrasts
of the water and sedimentary layers are obtained
relative to the mantle density [Starostenko et al.,
2004a]. It changes from 720 to 260 mGal. The
tectonic elements can be ranged according to their
gravity effects in the following order: the depres-
sions — Western Black Sea ( 260 mGal), Eastern
Black Sea ( 300 mGal), T Trough ( 320 mGal), Sor
Trough ( 380 mGal); uplifts — MBSH ( 440 mGal),
Sh Ridge (from –460 to 560 mGal). Values of the
gravity effect vary along the shelf. Maximum va-
Fig. 6. Velocity/density plots (a): 1 — [Balavadze et al., 1975], 2 — [Pivovarov, Logvin, 2001], 3 — [Gardner et al., 1974], 4 —
[Brocher, 2005]; b — averaged velocity/density plot derived from (a), c — and density/depth plot.
V. I. STAROSTENKO, O. M. RUSAKOV, I. K. PASHKEVICH, R. I. KUTAS, I. B. MAKARENKO ET AL.
14 Геофизический журнал № 2, Т. 37, 2015
lues are recorded to the east of the T Trough and
to the north of the Pon.
Each tectonic element is manifested by rela-
tively low or high on the negative background in
the gravity signature. In contrast to the observed
field, which everywhere reflects clearly the sedi-
mentary features, the crustal residuals mark de-
pressions only by relative maxima whereas uplifts
are recognized by relative minima. The WBSB
and EBSB are characterized by relative maxima
of +120 to +260 and +160 mGal respectively. The
Sor Trough is marked by NE and EW trends of
the gravity anomalies whose relative value is up
to +80 mGal. The T Trough is portrayed by two
relative highs. The intensity of the SF maximum is
100 mGal and the NW maximum is only 20 mGal.
The axis of the Sin Trough coincides with that of
the relative maximum of up to 100 mGal. The Sh
Ridge are characterized by relative lows ranging
from 40 to 100 mGal.
A clear correlation exists between the highs
of the mantle component (see Fig. 5) and those
of the gravity residuals (see Fig. 7) in the Eastern
Black Sea as well as lows of these fields over the
Shatsky Ridge and the MBSH. In contrast, such
linear anomalies are not recognized in the WBSB.
4.4. Thermal model for the crust. Based on in-
formation about crystalline crustal thickness, sedi-
mentary stratigraphy, sedimentation rates, physi-
cal parameters of rocks and heat flow values, 2D
thermal lithospheric models were developed along
25 and 29 DSS profiles (Fig. 8, 9) [Kutas, 2010]. The
profiles intersect submeridionally the land areas,
shelf, WBSB and EBSB (see Fig. 4).
The modeling results demonstrate that thermal
balance of mantle heat flow and crustal radiogenic
heat in the lithosphere of the Black Sea drastically
changed during its evolution. The present-day ra-
diogenic contribution of sediments is 10—13 and
7—8 mWm 2 in the central parts of the WBSB and
EBSB respectively. This is smaller by 3—5 mWm 2
than a stationary value of 13—17 mWm 2 because
the present-day contribution of Quaternary sedi-
ments is practically equal to zero.
On the top boundary of the crystalline base-
ment, present-day mean heat flow value is 40—
48 mWm 2 in the WBSB and 46—50 mWm 2 in
the EBSB. The Moho discontinuity has heat flow
of 41—45 mWm 2 over the whole sea.
An analysis of influence of selecting initial para-
meters on modelling results demonstrates that de-
viation of calculated temperatures and heat flows
from real ones can reach 8—10 % for the Earth’s
crust.
Fig. 7. The residual gravity effect of the crystalline crust [Modified from Starostenko et al., 2010]. Units are in mGal. It is ob-
tained by removing the gravity effects of the water, sedimentary layers and Moho relief from the observed gravity field: 1 —
configuration of the WBSB is from residual gravity field, 2 — relative maximum (a) and minimum (b). For other symbols and
abbreviations see Fig. 1, 2.
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Геофизический журнал № 2, Т. 37, 2015 15
Fig. 8. Geothermal model for the crust along the 25 DSS profile [Kutas, 2010]. Heat flow: q — determined, qs — trough sediments,
qm — mantle, qr — radiogenic of the sedimentary layer, points denote measured heat flow values in 25 km corridors on both sides
of the profile: 1 — radiogenic heat generation (μW·м 3) and average value of thermal conductivity (W·m ·K), 2 — boundaries
of thermal layers, 3 — isotherms (°С), 4 — faults, 5 — magnetite Curie isotherm (578°С).
Fig. 9. Geothermal model for the crust along the 29 DSS profile [Kutas, 2010]. For captions see Fig. 8.
V. I. STAROSTENKO, O. M. RUSAKOV, I. K. PASHKEVICH, R. I. KUTAS, I. B. MAKARENKO ET AL.
16 Геофизический журнал № 2, Т. 37, 2015
Along the DSS profile 25 the mantle component
varies between 45 mWm 2 in the deep Black Sea
basin and 20 mWm 2 on the Precambrian EEC. If
the latter value is supposed as the background le vel
the anomalous heat flow in the deep-water parts
of the west and east basin will be 20—25 mWm 2.
Considerable variations in heat flow and ther-
mophysical parameters along the profiles result
in great changes of temperature in the crust and
upper mantle. In the Black Sea the 100 °C isotherm
occurs at 2.0—2.5 km depth. Beneath the edge
of the ancient platform it plunges to 4 km. At the
depth of 10 km the temperature is 250—290 °C
and 180 °C in the sedimentary cover and beneath
the ancient platform respectively. The 30 km slice
is characterized by 560—620 °C below the deep-
water areas and 400—430 °C in the ancient plat-
form. The asthenosphere top of 1300 °C [Wyllie,
1979] occurs at 70—90 km in the Black Sea. It is
not recognized at a depth of 200 km below the
ancient platform. Similar distributions of the heat
flows and temperature are observed along the 29
DSS profile in the EBSB.
The present-day low heat flow values in the
near bottom layers of the Black Sea (mean value
<40 mWm 2) do not reflect the real thermal re-
gime in the lithosphere due to climate changes
and strong thermal blanketing effect from post-
Eocene sedimentary layers. After correcting for
those factors heat flow increases to 55—60 mWm 2
at a depth of 3—5 km [Kutas, 2003] compared with
mean surface value of 35—40 mWm 2 for the EEC.
In opposite to the opinion of resemblance of the
Black Sea lithosphere to that of the EEC [Yegorova
et al., 2013], the upper mantle beneath the Black
Sea is characterized by high thermodynamic ac-
tivity as demonstrated above. Such a high activity
in the Black Sea gives strong evidence for its rift
origin and young geothermal processes.
Four observations support diachronous open-
ing of the two Black Sea sub-basins. They are the
following: 1) practically the same level of mean
surface heat flow in them despite significant dif-
ferences in overall sedimentary thickness; 2) in the
western Black Sea, heat flow is relatively uniform
within deep-water parts whereas in the eastern
Black Sea it is much more differentiated in the same
areas; 3) two regional perpendicular trends in heat
flow anomalies in the sub-basins; 4) heat flow pat-
tern in the western Black Sea is not consistent with
that of the adjacent continental tectonic elements
while in the eastern Black Sea regional picture of
heat flow anomalies is in agreement with that one
of tectonic features on land. Ca. 40 Ma interval is
estimated to be necessary between the opening
events, with the western basin being rifted earlier
in the Albian-Cenomanian time [Kutas, 2003].
4.5. 3D Magnetic model of the crystalline crust.
Fig. 10 (see p. 7) presents the 3D magnetic model
for the crystalline crust of the Black Sea as pro-
jections of large deep causative bodies onto the
seafloor. Magnetic sources are unevenly distributed
and are mostly associated with the major tectonic
units, deep faults and density distribution in the
mantle. Magnetic sources are often complicated
by narrow linear magnetic bodies with strikes con-
formable with general trend. However, their specific
individual effects were not calculated at a regional
scale due to resolving capability of modeling.
Magnetic intensity is within broad range from
near 0 to 3.5 A/m. The most intensive magneti-
zation is characteristic of the northwestern shelf
while mainly the nonmagnetic crust is recognized
in the southern domains of both sub-basins and
over the MBSH and to the north-west of it.
A spatial pattern of magnetic bodies is mostly
controlled by long living OSO mantle fault zone
that divides the Black Sea into western and eastern
basins. This zone itself is traced by a steep gradi-
ent of the mantle gravity component. It separates
the magnetic crust of the western Odessa shelf
from the practical nonmagnetic crust in the east-
ern one. The only exception is the NE Karkinit
Trough where a strongly magnetized block oc-
curs. Crustal magnetization ranges from 0.75 to
3.5 A/m on the northwestern continental slope,
with strongest intensity being associated with the
southeastern Odessa anomaly traced from the
Ukrainian Shield.
The southern boundary of this magnetic do-
main coincides with the latitudinal zone of the
crystalline crust and the belt of increased gradi-
ents in the mantle gravity component, although
southeastern boundaries of separate sources have
a northeastern striking. The main feature in spatial
distribution of magnetic bodies in the Black Sea
is their concentration as large zones 30—100 km
wide whose structure is rather complex. The
zones are characterized by NE and NW trends in
the western and eastern sub-basins respectively,
whereas in the OS fault they are distinguished by
NW varying direction. Magnetic crustal bodies
control the Western Black Sea zone of the deep
faults in the WBSB. The crystalline crust in the
EBSB is mostly nonmagnetic.
However, on its background there are two
narrow linear magnetic dyke-type bodies of NW
striking. Only in the northwestern part of the ba-
sin the segment of crustal magnetization of up to
1.5 A/m occurs clearly delineating its southwest-
HETEROGENEOUS STRUCTURE OF THE LITHOSPHERE IN THE BLACK SEA FROM ...
Геофизический журнал № 2, Т. 37, 2015 17
ern boundary. High magnetization intensity (up
to 2.5 A/m) is of characteristic for the magnetic
sources beneath Shatsky Ridge. Both anomalous
domains are bounded by the EW zone of steep
gradients of the mantle gravity component. It fol-
lows that large areas of the magnetic crust is also
delineated by the faults of the mantle origin. Only
one body to the northwest of this zone below the
SW Sor Trough reflects the dominant NW trend.
In summary, there are three regional magnetic
zones in the crystalline crust of the WBSB and
EBSB to be crucial for geotectonic implication (see
section 4.6). These are oblique source zones WBS
and AB fault zones in sub-basins, which can be
interpreted as indicators of stretched (rift) zones.
The third non-conformable zone is the set of cau-
sative bodies of the OS fault, zone which is consi-
dered to be a suture.
4.6. Fault tectonics of the crystalline crust.
An integrated analysis of the observed magnetic
field (see Fig. 3), residual gravity field (see Fig. 7),
mantle gravity component (see Fig. 5) and seismic
tomographic results [Bugaenko et al., 2008] al-
lowed us not only to study fault tectonics of the
crystalline crust but to estimate depth penetration
of the faults.
Fig. 3 and 7 demonstrate that most number of
faults can be attributed to the crystalline crust be-
cause they are distinguished in the magnetic and
residual gravity fields (Fig. 11). The largest high
gradient zones of the T- and Z-MAGSAT anomaly
fields [Coles et al., 1982; Haines, 1985] and the
zones of disturbances of the mantle gravity com-
ponent that are also shown in this figure. These
zones indicate the general strikes of the major
faults systems and can be the evidence for deep
origin of the large faults related to them.
There are two major faults system in the Black
Sea. The diagonal system of the faults (NE and
NW strikes) controls its major tectonic units. The
NW (120—140°) faults are characteristic of the
eastern Black Sea while NE faults are observed
in its western part. The diagonal system includes
the Alushta-Batumi (AB) faults zone and the WBS
fault zone subparallel to the Intra-Pontide Suture
whose age is the Early Cretaceous [Akbayram et
al., 2009]. The strike of both these zones coincides
with that of the SE Balkanides fault. The large OS
fault zone of varying strike (145—100°) also be-
longs to the diagonal system with occupying a
specific position.
The faults of the Western Black Sea (WBS) fault
zone associated with linear magnetic anomalies
and transverse «transform» faults can be inter-
preted to be of spreading origin by analogy with
the spreading nature of the AB anomaly as was
proposed by [Shreider et al., 1997]. The NE strike
of the diagonal faults system is consistent with that
of the southern and southwestern EEC boundary.
The geometry of the Crimean Peninsula coastline
is controlled by the faults of this system [Cheku-
nov, 1994]. The faults of the diagonal system go-
vern also the distribution of heat flow anomalies in
the western sub-basin whilst the complex pattern
of the AB zone correlates with the heat flow fabric
in the eastern sub-basin (see Fig. 1, 4).
Based on the interpretation of the potential
fields, OS fault zone was extended southeastward
into the Ordu offshore. As a result, a new deep
tectonic disturbance was first delineated in the
Black Sea, which was termed as OSO fault zone.
The dextral OSO fault zone runs from the EEC
across the Black Sea to the Pontides. Our data,
particularly magnetic modeling, show that it is a
zone with a variable width (up to about 100 km)
consisting of the fragments with the same strike
which are often displaced by orthogonal faults.
This zone bounds the eastern branch of the WBS
fault zone. However, the NE faults are delineated
further to the northeast and can be considered as
sinistral slip-faults.
The OS zone consists of the faults of the same
trend in the WBSB and beneath the An and Ar
Ridges. On the Odessa shelf the uppermost east-
ern member of the OS zone coincides with the so
called the West Crimean (WC) fault [Finetti et al.,
1988]. Although the WC fault is not seismically
documented in the deep-sea area it is postulated
that this fault plays a crucial role in opening the
WBSB [Okay et al., 1994]. However, in this pa-
per its continuation to the western sub-basin was
inferred from multidisciplinary analysis as the
dextral slip-fault on the MBSH displacing the An
Ridge relative to the Ar Ridge to the northwestern
direction.
The northern linear segment with strike 145° is
traced by the uppermost western fault to the Sinop
meridian (OS zone itself). The southern fragment
is arc-like (130—100° strike). One can suppose
that OSO zone itself occurs in the form of set of
dextral displacement and continues on the Sinop
offshore as the fault separating the Upper Creta-
ceous volcanic arc of the Central and Eastern Pon.
The circular OSO southeastern offset results from
general dextral shift along the OSO zone paral-
lel to the Middle Alpine thrust belt bounded the
Eastern Pon on the north [Nikishin et al., 2003].
In whole, the OSO zone follows the strike of the
North Anatolian Fault [Rangin et al., 2002] and the
NA thrust front [Finetti et al., 1988] and is consis-
V. I. STAROSTENKO, O. M. RUSAKOV, I. K. PASHKEVICH, R. I. KUTAS, I. B. MAKARENKO ET AL.
18 Геофизический журнал № 2, Т. 37, 2015
tent with their dextral motions. In turn, the Neo
thrust front extends on the direct continuation of
the TTZ and its trend is clearly sub-parallel to that
of faults in the crystalline crust of the Black Sea
(e.g. the OSO fault zone). Moreover, to southwest
of the Black Sea its strike is concordant with that
of the Alpine features such as the Vardar Suture,
Pelagonian Zone and NW part of the Hellenic
Trench [Bozkurt et al., 2000]. The dextral slip-
faults of the EEC boundary are delineated in the
OS fault zone on the NW shelf and on the northern
part of the WBSB.
The general strike of the WBS and the OS fault
systems correlate well with those of steep gradient
zones of the T-MAGSAT anomalies and the zones
of disturbance in the mantle gravity component
(see Fig. 5) that suggests that these zones are of
a mantle origin. In turn, the zone of steep gradi-
ents of the T-MAGSAT anomalies with the north-
western trend corresponds to the southwestern
continuation of the TTZ (see Fig. 1, 11, p. 8). The
AB faults zone is associated with gradients of the
mantle gravity component. The WBS fault zone
is marked by weakly increased gradients of this
component. The AB faults zone is mapped by the
fragments of the NW variable strike distorted by
NE «transform» offsets just as the linear magnetic
anomalies within it. The central part of this zone
is manifested by a weak minimum of the mantle
component.
The orthogonal fault system is only fragmen-
tary expressed in the geophysical fields. The lati-
tudinal belt of its separate fragments can however
be observed which are traced periodically in the
northern area and are often accompanied by the
magnetic minima and residual gravity maxima.
This can be clearly visible in the mantle grav-
ity component (see Fig. 5, 15, p. 8). Its intensity
increases to the north of this zone. Moreover, in
the eastern sub-basin the latitudinal zone is de-
termined in the tomographic image up to a depth
of 200 km [Bugaenko et al., 2008]. It is traced to
an area east of the NE segments of the high gra-
dients in the T-MAGSAT anomalies and gravity
mantle gradients as well as to the west of the OS
fault zone. North of the Pon suture zone, there
exist successive shifts of the magnetic minima and
conjugated maxima by dextral faults in the central
part of the Pon.
The largest faults zones discussed and their
associated systems are also characteristic of the
Black Sea periphery. The present-day configura-
tion of the WBSB boundaries seems to be formed
by them. This is best exemplified by its northern
and northwestern boundary. The northern bound-
ary could be produced by the resulting influence
delimitated by dextral slip faults and sub-latitu-
dinal faults, which are clearly observed in the re-
sidual gravity field (see Fig. 7).
Comparing Fig. 11 and the major faults and
tectonic elements of the Black Sea and adjacent
land (see Fig. 1), one can draw a conclusion that
faults of the crystalline crust in the Black sea are
the continuations of that on land and shelf or have
concordant trends with them. It is true, first of all,
for the OS fault zone. As the northwestern frag-
ment of the OS fault zone is clearly delineated
within the Ukrainian Shield, its southern slope and
northwestern shelf [Chekunov, 1987; Kravchenko
et al., 2003], and is manifested in the gravity mantle
component (see Fig. 5). The reliability of discerning
the deep faults (see Fig. 11, p. 8) is fully confirmed
by DSS results along profiles 25 and 26 (Fig. 12).
One can suppose that this fault zone is the old-
est in origin in the Black Sea. It implies that the OS
fault seems to be initiated in the Precambrian time
and repeatedly reactivated later. According to a
set of paleo-reconstructions of P. Ziegler [Ziegler,
1982] the strike of its northern OS portion coin-
cides with that of major tectonic features in the
Western and Central Europe at least since the
Early Triassic time.
The AB zone and the southeastern setoff of
the OSO fault are not manifested themselves in
the feature of the Pon and A-T zone being limited
by Middle Alpine thrust front [Finetti et al., 1988;
Rangin et al., 2002].
The diagonal system of the faults in the crys-
talline crust of the Black Sea mostly controls its
opening and developing. Magnetic bodies, which
are indicators of extension zones, in turn, relate to
the main fault zones. In the WBS azimuths of ex-
tension zones are 145—325° in suggesting its per-
pendicularity to the striking of magnetic bodies.
The northern and southeastern OSO extension
fault zone is distinguished by 55°, 235° and 10°,
325° strikes respectively. The trends in the northern
AB zone are 30 and 210 , while in the southeastern
portion are 50 and 230°. It implies that the magnetic
sources in the large fault zones formed diachron-
ously. L. Besutiu and D. Zugravesku came to the
same conclusion [Besutiu, Zugravesku, 2004]. As
the AB fault zone is not strictly perpendicular to
the WBS fault zone and is not strictly parallel to
the OSO zone with fragments of sinistral slip-faults,
the WBSB rifted and opened later than the WBSB.
4.7. The Mid-Black Sea Height and the Sinop
Trough. Although the MBSH in some geotectonic
models plays a key role in opening the EBSB [e.g.
Zonenshain, Le Pichon, 1986; Finetti et al., 1988;
HETEROGENEOUS STRUCTURE OF THE LITHOSPHERE IN THE BLACK SEA FROM ...
Геофизический журнал № 2, Т. 37, 2015 19
Fig. 12. Deep faults from DSS results [Bulanzhe et al., 1975] and this work: 1 — velocity, km/s, 2 — EEC boundary; 3 — faults
are from DSS data; 4 — faults are from this work (a — the first order, b — the second order).
Okay et al., 1994; Scott, 2009], information of a
regional scale has been only obtained concerning
structure of its crystalline crust. The Moho depth
varies from 29 to 33 km along its strike length [Sta-
rostenko et al., 2004a; Yegorova et al., 2010]. Little
attention is also given to the structure of the crys-
talline crust in the Sinop Trough whose base lies
at 35—40 km from gravity modeling [Starostenko
et al., 2004a]. To narrow this gap a detailed gravity
modeling the geological cross-sections of the An
and Ar Ridges and Sin Trough has been under-
taken. Parameterization of density models is based
on seismic data [Rangin et al., 2002; Slishinsky et
al., 2007; Scott, 2009; Yegorova et al., 2010; Stov-
ba et al., 2013] and density/velocity relationships
[Christensen, Mooney, 1995; and see section 4.2].
In observed gravity field the Andrusov Ridge
is manifested by negative values of 10—20 mGal
while they reach 50 mGal over the Arkhangel-
sky Ridge (Fig. 2, 13). Negative gravity anomalies
over the MBSH are not unique phenomenon in the
World Ocean. The same sign of the gravity field is
registered over the buried 85° Ridge in the Indian
Ocean [e.g. Sreejith et al., 2011].
The anomalies of gravity residual field of up
to 80 and 260 mGal are observed over the An-
drusov and Arkhangelsky Ridges respectively
(Fig. 13, 14). A weak gradient of the mantle gravity
component is characteristic of both ridges. A pat-
tern of the residual gravity field produced by the
crystalline crust (see Fig. 7) allow us to continue
the Arkhangelsky Ridge axis to the northwestern
up to the boundary of the EBSB.
The Andrusov Ridge has a complex structure of
the crystalline crust, which is bounded by faults
with dike-like weak magnetic bodies (see Fig. 13).
Later these faults were inherited by distortions in
the sedimentary cover [Stovba et al., 2013].
Our density model is based on the most com-
prehensive velocity model for the crust of the
northern An Ridge [Scott, 2009]. Density of crys-
talline layers was calculated using velocity/density
relation [Christensen, Mooney, 1995]. Rock densi-
ty 2.72 gcm 3 corresponds to an unsorted mixture
of sedimentary rocks and granitoids while density
2.75 gcm 3 is characteristic of granodiorites [Har-
vey et al., 2005]. Seismic velocity is 7.8 km/s at the
base of the crystalline crust at the 24 km depth.
Beneath it occurs a 8 km thick body on which
lower edge seismic velocity decreases to 6.8 km/s.
The velocity in the body suggests that it is
formed by basic-ultrabasic rocks. The magmatic
body seems to result from rejuvenation of the
faults within the OSO zone in the Jurassic time,
which also produced weakly magnetized objects
on its periphery.
V. I. STAROSTENKO, O. M. RUSAKOV, I. K. PASHKEVICH, R. I. KUTAS, I. B. MAKARENKO ET AL.
20 Геофизический журнал № 2, Т. 37, 2015
On the other hand, 2D and 3D gravity mode-
ling indicates that at a depth of 32 km density of
the upper mantle is 3.30—3.32 gcm 3 [Scott, 2009]
and 3.32 gcm 3 [Starostenko et al., 2004a]. Thus,
seismic and gravity data reveal two Moho disconti-
nuities (M and M2). It implies a two-stage process
in forming the Andrusov Ridge. The younger M2
discontinuity is asymmetrically sagged relative to
the ridge axis and displaced to the WBSB. Sag of
the M discontinuity has less amplitude although
shifted to the southwest.
The Arkhangelsky Ridge is situated on slope
of the Moho surface plunging in an echelon style
from 28 to 32 to the southwest (see Fig. 14). Ave-
rage density of the crystalline crust 2.93 gcm 3 cor-
responds to basalt. To southwest from the ridge,
the crustal thickness increases to 42 km and its
density reaches the peak 3.02 gcm 3 that is the
characteristic of basic-ultrabasic rocks.
The Sinop Trough consists of material whose
average density is estimated to be 3.02 gcm 3.
Such a value is commonly taken as equivalent of
basic-ultrabasic rocks. This density feature ex-
tends to a depth of 24 km where it is truncated a
branches of the OSO fault which gently dips to the
northeast. As was mentioned previously the OSO
fault zone reactivated repeatedly and acted as
dextral slip-fault at the last stage of its evolution.
Newly obtained information on fault tectonics,
density and velocity parameters of the crust and
its transitional zone to the mantle reveals distinct
pattern of forming and developing the Andrusov
and Arkhangelsky Ridges. This is not surprising
because the crust beneath the Andrusov Ridge is
the stretched Precambrian continental one, and
the Archangelsky Ridge is exclusively produced
by basic—ultrabasic rocks produced by active
volcanism in the Upper Cretaceous [Nikishin et
al., 2013]. These two units moved with respect to
one another by faults of the OSO zone. In other
Fig. 13. Density model for the Andrusov Ridge, profile I—I: 1 — water, 2 — sediments, 3 — sedimentary rocks and granitoids,
4 — granodiorites of the upper crust, 5 — basic rocks, 6 — basic and ultrabasic rocks, 7 — magmatic body [Scott, 2009], 8 —
body of increased magnetization, 9 — OSO fault zone (a), other faults (b), 10 — density is in gcm 3. For other symbols and
abbreviations see Fig. 1.
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Геофизический журнал № 2, Т. 37, 2015 21
Fig. 14. Density model for the Arkhangelsky Ridge and Sinop
Trough, profile II—II. For symbols and abbreviations see Fig. 1,
13.
words, despite common belief the MBSH is not
a single tectonic feature because the Andrusov
Ridge is underlain by stretched continental crust
of the Precambrian age while the Arkhangelsky
Ridge is composed of the thicken ocean crust of
the Cretaceous in age. The formation of the Sinop
Trough is due to the Late Miocene incipient dex-
tral strike-slip motion of the North Anatolian Fault
resulted from collision of the Anatolian micro-
plate [Rangin et al., 2002].
4.8. The structure and geophysical heteroge-
neities of the crystalline crust and upper mantle.
Fig. 15 and 16 present information on the relation-
ship between the topography of the crustal base,
gravity, magnetic, seismic and thermal characte-
ristics of the crystalline crust and upper mantle. As
is seen, the WBSB and EBSB are distinguished by
the uplift of the Moho-discontinuity, occurrence
of the «non-granitic» crust and magnetic hetero-
geneities whose distribution is controlled by the
major faults zones.
Practically the whole WBSB has the «basaltic»
crust. The areas of the increased magnetization
of the «basaltic» crustal layer in the WBSB relate
to the largest OSO and WBS fault zones. The
crustal magnetization of the NW and NE parts of
the WBSB is 1.0—3.0 A/m as inferred from the 3D
magnetic modeling [Sollogub, 1987; Pashkevich et
al., 1993; Chekunov, 1994 and see section 4.5]. The
domains of the increased magnetization coincide
with the northern portion of the residual gravity
maximum, occupying the slopes of the uplifts in
the crustal base where temperature is 600°C on a
depth of ca. 30 km. (see Fig. 8).
The causative sources of the T-MAGSAT Kursk
anomaly whose southwestern part occupies the
large segment of the EEC — Sarmatia and the
northwestern Black Sea are characterized by mean
magnetization intensity of 1.5 A/m for the crust
[Pashkevich et al., 1995; Taylor et al., 1995]. The
southwestern edge of its source corresponds to the
TTZ and its supposed southeastern continuation.
The southeastern border of the causative body of
the Kursk anomaly is parallel to the EEC margin.
The local magnetic anomalies are caused by
sources with magnetic contrasts of 0.5—0.7 A/m.
The regional and local magnetic sources relate to
the lower («basaltic») crust. Depths to their lower
«non-granitic» surfaces are not clearly determined
although they do not exceed a depth to the M-dis-
continuity [Starostenko et al., 2004a]. The crust in
the southern and western parts of the basin is non-
magnetic. In the EBSB the «non-granitic» crust
is distinguished only in its central part. It clearly
correlates with gravity residual highs, an axis of
the weak mantle maximum the non-magnetic crust
and a rise in the topography of the crustal base (see
Fig. 10, p. 7; 15, p. 8). This basin is characterized
by the NW strike of the magnetic anomalies (see
Fig. 10, p.7; 15, p.8).
The crust in the western and northwestern
areas of the EBSB is characterized by increased
magnetization of up to 3.0 A/m [Belousov et al.,
1988]. Causative bodies continue outside the basin
boundary following its configuration. The magne-
tization of local sources, which also are situated in
the «basalt» layer, does not exceed 1.0 A/m against
the common background [Shreider et al., 1997].
In opinion of [Shreider et al., 1997] linear mag-
netic anomalies within the AB faults zone seem
to be related to the Cretaceous rift. If magnetic
anomalies and the WBS faults zone of the NE
strike are also associated with the rift, these sys-
tems of the magnetic anomalies differ not only
in their strikes but also in their positions relative
to the contours of the basins. The first system is
mapped over the Shatsky Ridge and partly within
the eastern part of the EBSB itself. The second sys-
tem is documented in the NW part of the WBSB
to the west of the OS fault zone.
Fig. 16 shows the heterogeneities of the crystal-
line crust and lithosphere as well as the thickness
of the thermal lithosphere in the WBSB and EBSB.
V. I. STAROSTENKO, O. M. RUSAKOV, I. K. PASHKEVICH, R. I. KUTAS, I. B. MAKARENKO ET AL.
22 Геофизический журнал № 2, Т. 37, 2015
It can be seen that the lithosphere is significantly
thinned beneath the «non-granitic» crust and the
Moho uplift is observed in both basins. However,
in the WBSB where the topography of the litho-
spheric lower boundary is flat, its thickness is ca.
90 km increasing to 110—120 km in peripheral
areas as well as outside the basin. Beneath the
EBSB the lithospheric thickness is similar (80 km)
but its lower boundary is domed, the maximum
uplift being shifted from the centre to the north.
The dome shape of the lithospheric lower bound-
ary in the eastern depression seems to reflect the
occurrence of a separate asthenospheric bulge be-
neath it. In the southern parts of both sub-basins
the low-density mantle exists whilst an increase
in density occurs in the crust. The low-density
mantle are characteristic of two sub-basins. A
prominent local heat flow anomaly relates to the
rift zone in the EBSB. Heat flow of the rift zone
forms a broad low, which occupies mostly the
WBSB. Patterns of P-wave at a 35—85 km depth
revealed differences in the lithosphere structure of
the WBSB and EBSB [Yegorova et al., 2013]. There
are also velocity perturbations beneath a depth of
50 km in the Black Sea lithosphere [Bugaenko et
al., 2008]. Their northern and southern areas are
characterized by high and low velocities respec-
tively. The boundary between them has a north-
ern dip down to a depth of 100 km (see Fig. 16).
Near the southern boundary of the eastern basin,
a discontinuity is also recognized in the velocity
pattern. The intensity of the mantle component is
strongly correlated with a variation in the values
of VP in the lithosphere.
A direct relationship exists between the in-
creased gravity mantle component (see Fig. 5)
and the relative highs of the crustal gravity ef-
fects (see Fig. 7) in the EBSB where «basaltic»
crust occurs. In the WBSB a relative maximum of
the gravity residuals spatially coincides with the
similar crust type but it does not manifest itself
in the mantle component. DSS data from these
areas have consistently revealed a crustal velocity
of 6.8—7.2 kms [Balavadze et al., 1975; Scott,
2009]. This situation seems to be caused by the
occurrence of mafic material in the lower crust.
The geometry of the WBSB is clearly marked
by steep gradients of the residual gravity field pro-
Fig. 16. Lithospheric schematic cross-sections through the Black Sea Basins from geophysical data (location of profiles is shown
in Fig. 15): 1 — water and sediments, 2 — upper mantle, 3 — «granitic» layer, 4 — «basaltic» layer, 5 — magnetized blocks, 6 —
local magnetic sources. VP — seismic velocity [Bugaenko et al., 2008] for mantle deeper 50 km level. WP — Western Pontide,
EP — Eastern Pontide. For other abbreviations see Fig. 11.
HETEROGENEOUS STRUCTURE OF THE LITHOSPHERE IN THE BLACK SEA FROM ...
Геофизический журнал № 2, Т. 37, 2015 23
duced by the crystalline crust (see Fig. 7). This
observation evidences that the faults of the crys-
talline crust control the boundaries of the western
sub-basin. In contrast, the outline of the eastern
sub-basin is not delineated by any geophysical
parameter observed.
Collectively, the substantial differences in the
crustal and mantle structure and parameters be-
tween the western and eastern depressions of the
present-day Black Sea show clear evidence for
their independent distinctive evolution (Table).
This inference does not contradict the model
involving rifting of thermally and mechanically
different lithosphere beneath the Black Sea sub-
basins [Spadini et al., 1996]. Seismic tomography
revealed different structure velocity of the litho-
sphere up to 150 km depth in the EBSB and WBSB
[Bugaenko et al., 2008; Yegorova, Gobarenko,
2010; Yegorova et al., 2013].
The dissimilarity seems to result mainly from
the pre-existence of the long-live OSO fault zone,
which is responsible for the division of the Black
Sea into two individual basins. The opening of the
Black Sea started on the continental crust consis-
ting of terrains with different ages and sizes later
accreted by tectonic events [Winchester et al.,
2006; Yegorova et al., 2010].
As the OSO fault zone was the oldest domi-
nant tectonic feature in the region, it separated
two large crustal domains from initiation and ter-
mination of the Black Sea formation. The OSO
fault is of mantle origin and long active tectonic
feature. It is manifested in the mantle gravity com-
ponent (see Fig. 5) and in isolines on the maps of
the crust-mantle boundary, tops of Cretaceous—
Eocene sedimentary horizons generally following
the strike of this feature in its zone [Kravchenko
et al., 2003]. The last rejuvenation of this zone
may occur during the Neoalpine stage because
Geophysical parameters of the lithosphere of the WBSB-and EBSB [Modified from Starostenko et al., 2010]
Geophysical parameters Western basin Eastern basin
Orientation of major faults
Configuration of basin
M-discontinuity relief
Crust composition
Magnetic anomalies
Δg, residual
Δg, mantle
VP of the mantle
Heat flow density
Relief of the thermal lithosphere
Tectonic pattern
NE (mantle origin)
Approximately isometric
High up to 19 km
Basic
Linear, NE
+(100—250) mGl
+40 mGl
Constant
Homogeneous
Flat, ca. 90 km
Homogeneous structure
NW (crustal origin)
NW elongate
Asymmetric high up to 22 km
Basic only in the central part
Linear, NW
+(100—150) mGl
+30 mGl
Increasing from S to N
Differentiated
Dome-like, up to 80 km
Differentiated structure
its general trend is concordant with that of the
northern fragment of this front (see Fig. 11, p. 8)
Numerous gas-venting sites are spatially related
to it that conforms recent activity of the OS fault
zone [Kutas et al., 2004].
A scenario of the Black Sea development
strongly resembles that one of the Dnieper-Donets
Depression [Chekunov et al., 1992; Stephenson,
Stovba, 2012]. The rift was developed on the cold
Pracambrian continental crust with a system of
north-northeast trending pre-rift deep faults.
Reactivation of these faults during the Paleozoic
caused differntial subcidence of crustal domains
and their geological structure. The rifting stage
lasted for ca. 40 Ma.
The present-day imprints of rifting can be
seen on oblique bands of the rift-related magnetic
sources with a NE and NW strike in the WBSB and
EBSB respectively (see Fig. 3, 10, p. 7). Such an
obliquity mode of rifting zones in the Black Sea
has the remarkable similarities with that one in the
Red Sea and Gulf of Aden [Besutiu, Zugravesku,
2004]. Obliquity of rifts strongly suggests a time
lag between opening the Black Sea sub-basins.
The different shapes of the lithospheric lower
boundary in the Black Sea sub-basins (see Fig. 16)
produce further evidence in the occurrence of the
separate asthenospheric bulges beneath them.
Despite much efforts to unequivocally recon-
struct the evolution of the Black Sea, the rela-
tive age of its sub-basins has been disputable for
many years [for example, Zonenshain, Le Pishon,
1986; Okay et al., 1994; Nikishin et al., 2003;
Kaimakci et al., 2014]. However, high precision
paleontological data revealed the accurate da-
ting of the opening of its sub-basins [Hippolyte
et al., 2010]. Based on 164 nannoplankton ages
from the inverted margin of the Black Sea Basin
in the Central Pontides, subsidence rifting of its
V. I. STAROSTENKO, O. M. RUSAKOV, I. K. PASHKEVICH, R. I. KUTAS, I. B. MAKARENKO ET AL.
24 Геофизический журнал № 2, Т. 37, 2015
west part started in the Upper Barremian and
lasted ca. 40 Ma years to Coniacian. Constraints
from seismic reflection data suggest that rifting
phase in the WBSB occurred over up to 30 Ma
after beginning in the Middle Barremian [Spadini
et al., 1996]. These durations are also consistent
with modeling thermal history of rifting event (ca.
40 Ma) in the Western Black Sea [Kutas, 2003].
Age determinations from nannoplankton confirm
the diachronous opening of the Black Sea sub-
basins, with rifting of the EBSB beginning in the
Paleocene-Eocene time [Hippolyte et al., 2010].
Eastern Black Sea in its present form rifted after
the Early Paleocene (Danian) as inferred from in-
tegration of stratigraphic relationship from petro-
leum exploration boreholes in Georgia, results of
dredging the seafloor north of the Turkish coast
and dating the deepest part of the post-rift infill
in sea area [Spadini et al., 1996].
5. Summary and conclusions. The opening
and evolution of the Black Sea basin have been
disputable during many decades due to lack of
adequate information on peculiarities of its deep
structure. To fill this gap gravity, magnetic, heat
flow, seismic and tomographic data have been
subjected to a joint analysis for the first time. 3D
modeling technique resulted in new information
on a relationship between a density image in the
consolidated crust and the upper mantle. Based
on interdisciplinary examination of geophysical
data, the enough detailed map of faults was com-
piled for the crystalline crust. It sheds new light
on a penetration depth of faults and their role in
the origination and evolution of the Black Sea ba-
sins as well as on their linkage with surrounding
tectonic features on land. A new and consistent
picture of lithospheric density, magnetic, ther-
mal and velocity heterogeneities was obtained.
A substantial difference exists in the crustal and
mantle structure and geophysical parameters of
the WBSB and EBSB.
This dissimilarity is as follows. The «non-gra-
nitic» crust occurs only in the central portion of
the EBSB whereas it spreads practically within
the whole WBSB. Heat flow is more intensive
and differentiated in the EBSB than in the WBSB.
The topography of the thermal lithospheric lower
boundary is dome-like beneath the EBSB and it is
flat in the WBSB. Different mantle seismic veloci-
ties as well as the fabric of the crustal magnetic
and gravity anomalies are characteristic of the two
sub-basins. Over the rift zone a distinct local heat
flow anomaly is observed in the Eastern Black Sea
basin. On the contrary, in the WBSB the rift zone
is not individually manifested itself in thermal
field. The low-density mantle exists beneath the
rift zone in the EBSB whereas any distortions of
a density distribution are related to similar zone
in the Western Black Sea Basin. The latter ob-
servation evidences for an earlier stabilization of
thermo-tectonic activity in the western sub-basin
than in the eastern one.
The large mantle fault zones have been reliably
delineated in the Black Sea with the prominent
OSO faults zone, which has mostly predetermined
the dissimilarities mentioned because it has divi-
ded the old continental crust into two large blocks.
The OSO is the Precambrian tectonic disruption
in the crystalline crust of the Black Sea, with it
tectonic activity is continuing up to now. Obli-
quity of the rifts in the Western and Eastern Black
Sea Basins clearly demonstrates that these depres-
sions were diachronously formed as two separate
tectonic units with their post-rift autonomous and
individual histories. The An Ridge is formed by
the stretched continental crust and the Ar Ridge
is composed of the thickened ocean crust. The Sin
Trough resulted from the Late Miocene incipient
dextral strike-slip motion of the North Anatolian
Fault.
Acknowledgments. Many thanks to Prof. Dr.
N. Kaymakci (Middle East Technical University,
Ankara, Turkey) for the insightful comments of the
earlier version of the manuscript. Our appreciation
is due to Dr. T. Yegorova (Institute of Geophysics,
National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine) for her
critical review and help in editing the English of
this paper.
Afanasenkov A. P., Nikishin A. M., Obukhov A. V., 2007.
The Eastern Black Sea Basin: geological structure
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172 p. (in Russian).
Akbayram K., Okay A., Stir M., Topuz G., 2009. New U-Pb
and Rb-Sr ages from northwest Turkey; Early Creta-
ceous continental collision in the western Pontides.
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