2.3.1. Linking the sedimentary record to the underlying lithosphere
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| Fig. 18. Role of constraints from structural geology, geochronogy, geomorphology and sedimentology in linking the sedimentary record to lithospheric processes (cartoon for coastal Norway by P. Japsen). |
Over the last decades basin analysis has been in the forefront of integrating sedimentary and lithosphere components of previously separated fields of geology and geophysics (Fig. 18). Integrating neotectonics, surface processes and lithospheric dynamics in the reconstruction of the paleo-topography of sedimentary basins and their flanking areas is a key objective of TOPO-EUROPE. A fully integrated approach, combining dynamic topography and sedimentary basin dynamics, is also important considering the societal importance of these basins on account of their resource potential. At the same time, most of the human population resides on sedimentary basins, often close to coastal zones and deltas that are vulnerable to geological hazards inherent to the active Earth system.
One of the major tasks of TOPO-EUROPE is to bridge the gap between historic and geological time scales in analyzing lithospheric deformation rates. Major progress has been made in reconstructing the evolution of sedimentary basins on geological time scales, incorporating faulting and sedimentary phenomena. From this, we have considerably increased our insights into the dynamics of the lithosphere for large time slices (Millions of years). On the other hand, knowledge on present-day dynamics is rapidly growing thanks to the high spatial resolution in quantification of earthquake hypocenters and focal mechanisms, and vertical motions of the land surface (component 1). Unification, coupling and fully 3-D application of different modelling approaches to present-day observations (component 1 and 2) and the geological record will permit to strengthen the reconstructive and predictive capabilities of process quantification (component 4). Particularly an intrinsically time-integrated approach will enable us to assess in greater detail the importance of the geological memory of lithospheric properties on present-day dynamics. This is one of the key parameters for predicting future vertical motions.