Abstract
ON the basis of the probable average density of rock below the oceans and over land, up to 160 km. or so, estimates of have been made of the depth of isostatic compensation. The depth of the Mohorovičić discontinuity is inferred from an analysis of refraction type travel-time curves, assuming the existence of layers in which there is a uniform velocity and that there is a discontinuous increase in velocity on crossing the Mohorovičić discontinuity between an upper ‘granitic’ layer and a lower ‘basaltic’ layer. Due to this discontinuity critical reflexions occur, which may explain arrivals of high intensity. at certain distances. The layer of relatively low velocities above the discontinuity is thought to consist of sediments; unconsolidated at the top and consolidated and or metamorphosed below. Usually the depth of the Mohorovičić discontinuity is calculated as 15–40 km. beneath continents and 5–15 km. below the oceans.
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NANDA, J. Depth of Isostatic Compensation and Mohorovičić Discontinuity, etc. in Continental and Oceanic Areas. Nature 184, 629 (1959). https://doi.org/10.1038/184629a0
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/184629a0
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