Deep seismic reflection lines across the Rhine Graben

Abstract

Two reflection seismic lines across the Tertiary Rhine Graben in Central Europe were recorded in 1988 as a joint venture of the French ECORS and the German DEKORP deep seismic programs. As a main result the asymmetry of the graben, as indicated by the sedimentary fill, is accompanied by asymmetric features throughout the entire deep crystalline crust. Moho depth, lower crustal thickness and reflectivity pattern vary significantly across the graben. Extension occurred along shear zones that are documented in the upper crust and at the crust/mantle boundary.