Array study of the Reunion hotspot region from the mantle transition zone to the core-mantle boundary

• Applicant: Professorin Dr. Christine Thomas
• Subject Area: Geophysics
• Term: from 2014 to 2019
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 247997550

The aim of this project is to search for evidence of the Réunion hotspot and hotspot track situated in the Indian Ocean and its extent into the deep mantle. We will use data from the recently deployed RHUM-RUM experiment (land and ocean bottom seismometers) and additionally available data to study the upper mantle discontinuities as well as seismic structures near the core-mantle boundary beneath La Réunion. Studying a seldom utilised seismic probe (SP) and its precursors which originate from reflections off mantle seismic discontinuities, we will determine the depths of these discontinuities. This in turn will provide information on mantle temperatures and possible upwellings in the region. Combining these novel data with other seismic waves we will have an unprecedented coverage of the mantle beneath the Indian Ocean allowing us to derive a detailed, high-resolution picture of the seismic structures. In addition seismic structures in the lowermost Earth's mantle will provide information on mantle flow at the base of the mantle and will give information on the extent of the Réunion plume into the deep mantle.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants