Based on the NATO Advanced Research Workshop on Improvement of Joint Interpretation of Geophysical and Geological Data with Particular Reference to the Lithosphere Structure and Evolution of the Adriatic Microplate and Adjacent Regions, Gradisca d'Isonzo, Italy, Oct. 1-9, 1987 and Feb. 22-23, 1988

Based on the NATO Advanced Research Workshop on Improvement of Joint Interpretation of Geophysical and Geological Data with Particular Reference to the Lithosphere Structure and Evolution of the Adriatic Microplate and Adjacent Regions, Gradisca d'Isonzo, Italy, Oct. 1-9, 1987 and Feb. 22-23, 1988

Iterative comparison of analytical results and natural observations with predictions of numerical models improves interpretation of geological processes. Further refinements derive from wide-angle comparison of results from various scales of study. In this volume, advances from field, laboratory and modelling approaches to tectonic evolution - from the lithosphere to the rock scale - are compared. Constructive use is made of apparently discrepant or non-consistent results from analytical or methodological approaches in processing field or laboratory data, P-T estimates, absolute or relative age determinations of tectonic events, tectonic unit size in crustal-scale deformation, grain-scale deformation processes, various modelling approaches, and numerical techniques. Advances in geodynamic modelling critically depend on new insights into grain- and subgrain-scale deformation processes. Conversely, quantitative models help to identify which rheological laws and pa-rameters exert the strongest control on multi-scale deformation up to lithosphere and upper mantle scale

Reliable and detailed information about the Earth’s subsurface is of crucial importance throughout the geosciences. Quantitative integration of all available geophysical and geological data helps to make Earth models more robust and reliable. The aim of this book is to summarize and synthesize the growing literature on combining various types of geophysical and other geoscientific data. The approaches that have been developed to date encompass joint inversion, cooperative inversion, and statistical post-inversion analysis methods, each with different benefits and assumptions. Starting with the foundations of inverse theory, this book systematically describes the mathematical and theoretical aspects of how to best integrate different geophysical datasets with geological prior understanding and other complimentary data. This foundational basis is followed by chapters that demonstrate the diverse range of applications for which integrated methods have been used to date. These range from imaging the hydrogeological properties of the near-surface to natural resource exploration and probing the composition of the lithosphere and the deep Earth. Each chapter is written by leading experts in the field, which makes this book the definitive reference on integrated imaging of the Earth. Highlights of this volume include: Complete coverage of the theoretical foundations of integrated imaging approaches from inverse theory to different coupling methods and quantitative evaluation of the resulting models Comprehensive overview of current applications of integrated imaging including hydrological investigations, natural resource exploration, and imaging the deep Earth Detailed case studies of integrated approaches providing valuable guidance for both experienced users and researchers new to joint inversion. This volume will be a valuable resource for graduate students, academics, industry practitioners, and researchers who are interested in using or developing integrated imaging approaches.

A unique overview of isostasy featuring recent advances in spectral data analysis and understanding of variations in lithospheric strength.

We have begun to develop a model of the North African lithosphere via an integrated analysis of seismic, potential field, and geologic data. These data will be used to construct detailed 2-D models of the region and a geological and geophysical data base which will be made available to the scientific community. The detailed 2-D lithospheric models will be verified through modeling of regional seismic phases. Recent results of ongoing gravity, heat flow, and earthquake source parameter studies of Libya, and surface wave dispersion studies of North Africa using WWSSN stations are presented as examples of the types of data that will be used to develop regional lithospheric models.

The large scale structure of the earth is caused by geodynamic processes which are explained using energetic, kinematic and dynamic descriptions. While "geodynamic processes" are understood to include a large variety of processes and the term is used by earth scientists quite loosely, the methods of their description involve well defined fields. Energetic descriptions are in volved with distribution of energy in our planet, typically expressed in terms of heat and temperature. Kinematic descriptions describe movements using velocities, strains and strain rates and Dynamic descriptions indicate how stresses and forces behave. As structural and metamorphic geologists we document in the field only the consequences of geological processes. The underlying causes are much harder to constrain directly. However, it is absolutely crucial to understand these causes or: "driving forces", if we are to explain the tectonic evolution of our planet. This book deals with the dynamic description of geological processes. Our descriptions relate causes and consequences - tectonic processes with field observations. In many cases, we will use equations as a concise form to describe processes and observations in nature. As we will be dealing mostly with large scale tectonic questions, the observations that we shall use are also on a large scale. For example, we shall use observations on the elevation (Fig. 1.1, 1.2) and heat flow of mountain ranges, the thickness of continents and the water depth of the oceans.