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A large jump in density occurs ubiquitously at the crust-mantle boundary, a feature that can be imaged independently of its gravitational signature using seismic methods. Although it is well established that crustal thickness variations of regional extent (1000's km) are approximately isostatically balanced, there are numerous examples of 'frozen' Moho topography at smaller distance scales that are apparently unbalanced. Such features represent buried loads which are supported by the flexural rigidity of the lithosphere and persist over geologically long time scales. Analysis of these features may provide insights into the rheology and evolution of continental lithosphere. This study compiles published examples of Moho topography, together with available parameters such as scale length, age, past and present thermal state. Our objectives are to understand the scaling behavior between compensated (long wavelength) and uncompensated (short wavelength) lithospheric loads, and to document the factors that influence their long-term preservation.
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