A high-density 3-component reflection-refraction survey across an exposed lower crust in Southern Italy

The outcropping crystalline basement of the Serre Mountains in Calabria (Southern Italy) presents a tilted block containing a nearly complete section of the continentallower crust (granulites, metabasites). This has been regarded as key area to study the structure, composition and evolution of the Hercynian lower crust in a multidisciplinary approach. Petrological, petrophysical and structural data are available from surface mapping and laboratory experiments at varying P-T conditions on rock samples. Using these data as direct input for modelling techniques, the seismic in-situ characteristics, e.g. the reflectivity and the P- and S-wavevelocities can be interpreted. Since direct observations of the actual lower crust are not possible, this calibration of a fossil lower crust is expected to provide a better understanding of deep seismic results.