Structure of the Earth's crust and upper mantle of the West- and East-Black Sea Basins revealed from geophysical data and its tectonic implications

• DOI: 10.1144/sp340.3
• Publication Date: 2010-09-14T18:17:53Z
• Authors: Tamara Yegorova; Valentina Gobarenko
• Keywords: Black Sea

Abstract A back-arc Black Sea Basin consists of two deep sub-basins – the West-Black (WBS) and East-Black (EBS) filled with thick sediments (up to 12–14 km), which are separated by mid–Black Ridge (MBSR) a NW trending basement uplift structure. For better understanding lithosphere structure these sub-basins, authors made comprehensive analysis available geological geophysical data, including carrying out three-dimensional (3D) gravity back-stripping analysis, reinterpretation number seismic refraction profiles as well re-evaluation seismological data local tomography. Inferred differences in basin architecture WBS EBS can be explained different affinities underlying crustal domains peculiarities their (Cretaceous younger) rift post-rift history. Rifting that led oceanic crust formation occurred within continental Moesian Platform along Mesozoic sutures adjoining accreted terranes. The EBS, most probably, formed Transcaucasus domain due strike–slip movements MBSR. Underthrusting beneath Scythian offshore Crimean orogen accretional wedge Sorokin Trough.