Mapping Lithospheric Discontinuities and Residual Topography in the Pannonian Basin and Surrounding Orogens

We perform a comprehensive analysis of P-to-S and S-to-P receiver functions to investigate the lithospheric discontinuities across the Eastern Alps, Pannonian Basin, Carpathians, and Dinarides. The Pannonian Basin, situated in Central Europe, is characterized by thick sedimentary deposits of up to 7 km, resting on a crystalline basement. This basin is enclosed by young orogens, which exhibit thick crust due to prior tectonic activities, such as subduction and collision.
In this study, we provide several new geophysical maps derived from receiver function analysis, including the first detailed maps of sedimentary thickness, Conrad discontinuity, Moho depth, upper and lower crustal thickness, and lithospheric thickness. Our results reveal significant Moho depth variations: from 20-26 km beneath the sedimentary basins to 40-45 km beneath the Eastern Alps and Southern Carpathians. Additionally, we report that the lithosphere is relatively shallow (<90 km) in the Pannonian Basin, while in surrounding orogens, it deepens to 90-140 km, with corresponding variations in surface heat flow values.
Further, we analyse topographic signatures, such as actual, residual, and dynamic topography, to assess the contributions of mantle and crustal processes, as well as surface dynamics. Our findings provide crucial insights into the tectonic evolution and structure of the region, enhancing our understanding of the complex interplay between crustal thinning, lithospheric dynamics, and surface topography.