Structural features of the sedimentary cover and the basement in the frontal zone of the cyprean arc (eastern mediterranean)

摘要

According to the data of deep seismic refraction studies, the frontal zone of the Cyprean Arc differs significantly from the adjacent basins in the structure of the sedimentary cover and the basement. The sediments feature a more complicated bedding, and horizontal variability of seismic velocities is observed. At places, the sedimentary layers with elevated seismic velocities (4.5 km/s) are represented by extended evaporite beds characteristic of the region. Sometimes, narrow depressions filled with soft nonstratified sediments (< 2.5 km/s) down to the basement are observed. The basement features elevated seismic wave velocities - about 7 km/s southeast of Cyprus Island and 7.5 km/s southwest of it. A pronounced blockwise structure of the basement is clearly manifested. The blocks with higher seismic velocities ascend toward Cyprus Island submarine socle and are regularly observed in the profiles located south and west of the island. A comparison with the bottom topography of the sea and with the geological structure of Cyprus Island allows one to infer about the possible origin of the structural elements noted, which express manifestations of the processes occurring in the zone of convergence of major geostructures.