Tiefengrenze

Tiefengrenze is a term used in geology and geophysics to denote the depth below the Earth's surface where a particular phenomenon occurs. The specific meaning of "Tiefengrenze" depends on the context. For example, in the study of the Earth's crust, it can refer to the depth at which the rock transitions from brittle to ductile behavior. This transition depth is influenced by factors such as temperature, pressure, and the composition of the rock.

In seismology, the Tiefengrenze can represent the depth of the Mohorovičić discontinuity (Moho), which marks the boundary between the Earth's crust and the upper mantle. The Moho is identified by a sudden increase in seismic wave velocities. The depth of the Moho varies significantly across the globe, being shallower beneath continents and deeper beneath oceans.

Another application of Tiefengrenze is in the field of hydrogeology, where it can define the lower limit of the saturated zone in an aquifer. Below this Tiefengrenze, the pores and fractures in the rock are not filled with water. Understanding this boundary is crucial for managing groundwater resources and assessing the potential for contamination. The precise depth of this hydrological Tiefengrenze is determined by factors such as the water table and the lithology of the subsurface.