the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
| 23 Sep 2025
Constraining the depth of the lithosphere-asthenosphere boundary in tectonically complex regions using locally adjusted lithological forward models and seismic velocities
Abstract. In this study, we employ 1D migration of S-to-P receiver functions to determine the lithosphere-asthenosphere boundary (LAB) depth beneath 41 seismological stations in the Pannonian Basin (Hungary). Our approach incorporates forward models of seismic velocity profiles tailored to local lithospheric structures, allowing for an improved constraint on LAB depths in comparison with global velocity models.
We systematically evaluate the impact of crustal structure, mantle composition, temperature variations, and partial melt on seismic velocities. Global velocity models, while effective for large-scale studies, have significant limitations in resolving lithospheric-scale structures due to their coarse parameterization. Our forward models incorporate variations in sedimentary layer velocities, Moho depth, and LAB-associated velocity reductions, leading to LAB depth estimates that differ from those derived using the IASP91 model. Notably, 1 vol.% partial melt below the LAB results in a pronounced velocity decrease, whereas metasomatism and volatile-bearing phases may cause localised velocity reductions but have limited effect on the determination of LAB depths.
LAB depths obtained using local versus global velocity models reveal a strong correlation, yet notable discrepancies exist at stations with complex lithospheric structures or thick sedimentary cover, as further supported by anomalies in surface heat flow data. Our results demonstrate that locally calibrated seismic velocity models offer a more accurate representation of the lithosphere-asthenosphere transition than global models, particularly in regions with complex tectonic and thermal histories. Integrating geophysical and petrological approaches is key when investigating lithospheric structure, as well as the combined interpretation of different factors that shape seismic LAB signatures.
- Preprint
(1770 KB) - Metadata XML
-
Supplement
(1901 KB) - BibTeX
- EndNote
Status: final response (author comments only)
-
RC1: 'Comment on egusphere-2025-3633', Leonardo Colavitti, 07 Nov 2025
-
AC1: 'Reply on RC1', Nóra Liptai, 21 Dec 2025
Dear Dr. Colavitti,
Thank you very much for your detailed and constructive comments. We have carefully read through your review and modified the manuscript based on your suggestions. We believe that it has significantly improved. Please find our replies addressing your comments point by point in the attached document.
Sincerely,
Nóra Liptai, Dániel Kalmár, István J. Kovács
-
AC1: 'Reply on RC1', Nóra Liptai, 21 Dec 2025
-
RC2: 'Comment on egusphere-2025-3633', Anonymous Referee #2, 23 Nov 2025
I have read the submitted manuscript with great interest. The study employs 1D migration of S-to-P receiver functions to determine the lithosphere-asthenosphere boundary beneath seismic stations in the Pannonian Basin. They aim to incorporate forward models of seismic velocity profiles adapted to local lithospheric structures, providing more accurate constraints on LAB depths compared to global velocity models.
I believe that the submitted article is a relevant contribution to the understanding of the lithosphere-asthenosphere boundary and, with clarifications and improvements, deserves publication.
Detailed comments and suggestions for changes or additions are in the attached pdf file.
-
AC2: 'Reply on RC2', Nóra Liptai, 21 Dec 2025
Dear Reviewer,
Thank you very much for your detailed and constructive comments. We have modified the manuscript based on your suggestions and we believe that it has significantly improved. Please find our reply to your comments point by point in the attached PDF.
Sincerely,
Nóra Liptai, Dániel Kalmár, István J. Kovács
-
AC2: 'Reply on RC2', Nóra Liptai, 21 Dec 2025
Viewed
| HTML | XML | Total | Supplement | BibTeX | EndNote | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 549 | 84 | 17 | 650 | 32 | 25 | 21 |
- HTML: 549
- PDF: 84
- XML: 17
- Total: 650
- Supplement: 32
- BibTeX: 25
- EndNote: 21
Viewed (geographical distribution)
| Country | # | Views | % |
|---|
| Total: | 0 |
| HTML: | 0 |
| PDF: | 0 |
| XML: | 0 |
- 1
I read the manuscript "Constraining the depth of the lithosphere-asthenosphere boundary in tectonically complex regions using locally adjusted lithological forward models and seismic velocities" by Nóra Liptai and colleagues with pleasure and great interest.
From my point of view, the work is well-conceived, clearly written, and well-structured, addressing an important topic in in lithospheric studies through an interdisciplinary approach that combines seismological, petrological, and thermal perspectives. The authors make a solid effort to constrain the LAB depth beneath the Pannonian Basin using locally calibrated velocity models, and to me the paper provides valuable insights into how compositional and thermal variations affect seismic signatures of the LAB in this area.
Although my expertise lies mainly in the field of receiver function analysis, and therefore the majority of my comments concern the methodological aspects of the study, I found the discussion of petrological and thermal factors convincing and generally well supported by the existing literature. In general, I believe the paper represents a meaningful contribution to the understanding of the lithosphere-asthenosphere boundary and deserves publication after minor revisions.
I attach my detailed comments (both for manuscript and figures) and line-by-line suggestions in the PDF attached.