Magnetotelluric and seismological determination of the lithosphere-asthenosphere transition in Central Europe

Abstract We assembled all available magnetotelluric (MT) sounding curves that cover characteristic provinces of Europe. The depths of layers with increased electrical conductivities estimated from MT sounding curves by the respective authors were compared with a model of the lithosphere thickness derived from seismic P residuals. Regions of a relatively thin and thick lithosphere are characterized by positive and negative P residuals, respectively. We have found a good correspondence with both sets of results. In the central part of the Pannonian Basin the depth of the lithosphere-asthenosphere transition is estimated at 60–80 km and 100–120 km at the flanks. The results for the Bohemian Massif show deeper levels of this transition between 100 and 200 km. These depths seem to be typical of the lithosphere base beneath the Variscan domain of Central Europe.