Abstract
We investigate the 3-D lithospheric thermal and rheological structures
beneath Northeast China using detailed P- and S-wave velocity models
following mineral physics as well as geothermal methods. Small-scale
temperature changes and thermal lithosphere thickness variations between
different tectonic blocks are revealed. Our results show that strong
lateral heterogeneities exist in the lithospheric thermal structure and
rheological structure on both sides of the North-South Gravity Lineament
(NSGL). The Changbai volcanic area and the central part of the Songliao
Basin in the eastern side of the NSGL exhibit higher temperatures,
thinner thermal lithosphere and lower rheological strength, which are
closely associated with the western Pacific plate subduction under the
Eurasian continent, resulting in upwelling of wet and hot asthenospheric
material above the stagnant Pacific slab in the mantle transition zone.
The thermo-chemical erosion of the upwelling asthenospheric material may
induce delamination of partial lithosphere under the Songliao Basin. In
addition, the Songliao Basin edge is characterized by lower temperature,
thicker thermal lithosphere and higher rheological strength, which may
indicate a relatively stable lithosphere. The Halaha and Abaga volcanic
areas in the western side of the NSGL exhibit higher temperature,
thinner thermal lithosphere and lower rheological strength, which could
be caused by small-scale upwelling of hot asthenospheric material
associated with delamination of partial lithosphere beneath the Songliao
Basin.