A joint interpretation of electromagnetic and seismic tomography models suggests the mantle transition zone below Europe is dry

The three-dimensional (3D) electrical conductivity distribution in the mantle transition zone (MTZ) below Europe is resolved by directly inverting geomagnetic response functions from 12 selected European observatories. Comparison of the conductivity image with the results of global seismic tomography reveals a good correlation between low-conductivity and high-velocity anomalies at depths of 400–700 km beneath the Mediterranean subduction zone in central Europe. Interpretation of the 3D conductivity model combined with seismic tomography indicates that the European MTZ is drier than the MTZ beneath the western Pacific subduction zone, even though the subducted slab material is stagnating similarly in both regions.