P. Schmoldt, PhD - MTNet - DIAS

7. Geology of the Iberian Peninsula
Fig. 7.8.: Schematic representation of the conductive feature in the Betic Cordillera (left-hand side, labelled CF3 in Fig. 7.7) and
models regarding the tectonic history of the Betics that led to the formation of the feature; from Martí et al. [2009b]
therefore about the likelihood of a slab detachment in this region. Other causes of conductive
anomalies, often observed to occur in conjunction with the subduction of a slab,
are hydration, partial melt, and serpentinisation processes [e.g. Stesky and Brace, 1973;
Peacock, 1990; Jones, 1992; Karato et al., 2001; Xie et al., 2002; van Keken, 2003; Arcay
et al., 2005; Evans et al., 2010; Pommier and Le-Trong, 2011; Reynard et al., 2011].
However, details about mechanisms related to these conductive features and the resulting
responses in electric conductivity are presently still under debate. Determination of
the true cause of this anomaly beneath the Betic Cordillera is therefore challenging, and
additional data are required to enhance knowledge about this feature.
It is shown by these previous magnetotelluric investigations of the Betic Cordillera,
that the complex tectonic history of the region is reflected by the electric conductivity
distribution. The Betics subsurface is highly 3D, requiring adequate inversion of MT
array data and careful interpretation of the results. Additional data, in particular in the
Alboran Sea, are necessary to study the nature of the present lithospheric subduction and
its interaction with the Betic Cordillera subsurface.
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