Complex deformation in the Caucasus region revealed by ambient noise seismic tomography

The resulting maps show a velocity dichotomy between the Caucasus region and the surrounding that is interpreted in term of changes in crustal thickness. There is also a strong dichotomy in the anisotropic pattern between the eastern part and the western part of the Caucasus. This difference in both amplitudes and directions of the 2ψ anisotropy is linked to the tectonic regime changes in the region. These observations suggest a good correlation between the tomographic models and the geology of the region. It was also possible to identify the early stage of the indentation of the Arabian Plate into the Eurasian plate, as well as to detect the possible magma chamber responsible for the Javakheti highland.