Velocity structure and geothermics of the Earth's crust along the European Geotraverse

Crustal isovelocity lines are constructed along the European Geotraverse for the seismic velocities 6.0, 6.4, 7.1 and 7.8 km/s. Using this velocity structure and a correlation between heat generation and seismic velocity for crustal rocks, the contribution of the crust to the surface heat flow density value is calculated. The heat flow density at the Moho varies from 5 to 40 mW/m 2from Paleo-Europe in the north to Neo-Europe in the south, while the mantle heat flow density is close to zero beneath the Alps; the temperatures calculated for the Moho are 260°–390°C for Paleo- to Meso-Europe, 420°–520°C for Neo-Europe and 700°C for the mountain-root beneath the Alps.