Filtering of the gravimetric anomalies to the study of the geological structures of Oued Zarga (Septentrional Tunisia): structural implications

Gravity data were analysed in the Northern Tunisian Atlas (case study of Oued Zarga area) to better understand the organization of its underlying structures. The gravity data analysis included the construction of a gravity anomaly maps and two and a half dimensional gravity model. The qualitative analysis of gravimetric maps served for the foundation of a new structural map of the study region that constitutes a new contribution of the gravimetry in this present work. In addition, the complete Bouguer and residual gravity anomaly maps indicate a negative gravity anomaly over the Triassic evaporitic outcrops of Jebel Guerouaou and prominent NE?CSW-trending features associated with the boundary of the Triassic rocks and surrounded layers. A NW?CSE-trending gravity model that crosses the Triassic evaporitic outcrop at Jebel Guerouaou can be explained by a deep-rooted salt diapir.     

Evidence for Triassic salt domes in the Tunisian Atlas from gravity and geological data

Detailed gravity data were analyzed to constrain two controversial geological models of evaporitic structures within the Triassic diapiric zone (Triassic massifs of Jebel Debadib and Ben Gasseur) of the northern Tunisian Atlas. Based on surface observations, two geological models have been used to explain the origin of the Triassic evaporitic bodies: (1) salt dome/diapiric structure or (2) a “salt glacier”. The gravity analysis included the construction of a complete Bouguer gravity anomaly map, horizontal gravity gradient (HGG) map and two and a half-dimensional (2.5D) forward models. The complete Bouguer gravity anomaly map shows a prominent negative anomaly over the Triassic evaporite outcrops. The HGG map showed the location of the lateral density changes along northeast structural trends caused by Triassic/Cretaceous lithological differences. The modeling of the complete Bouguer gravity anomaly data favored the diapiric structure as the origin of the evaporitic bodies. The final gravity model constructed over Jebel Debadib indicates that the Triassic evaporitic bodies are thick and deeply rooted involving a dome/diapiric structure and that the Triassic material has pulled upward the younger sediment cover by halokinesis. Taking in account kinematic models and the regional tectonic events affecting the northern margin of Africa, the above diapirs formed during the reactive to active to passive stages of continental margin evolution with development of sinks. Otherwise, this study shows that modeling of detailed gravity data adds useful constraints on the evolution of salt structures that may have an important impact on petroleum exploration models.     

Geodynamic evolution of Jbel Cheid (Northern Tunisian Atlas) from geophysical and geological data

Understanding the formation and the development of salt structures is very important especially because they are of significant economical interest. Detailed understanding of this process will help reservoir prediction and hydrocarbon recovery. In this work, we use a combination of geological observations along with the interpretation of geophysical data (seismic and Bouguer anomaly data) to better constrain the geology of the Jbel Cheid structure. The shape of Triassic body of Jbel Cheid (Northern Tunisian Atlas) structure and its geodynamic evolution have been determined by gravity analyses and 2.5D modeling, correlated with others geophysical data (seismic) and geological observations. Semi-automatic structural analysis was performed before modeling, to identify lateral gravity discontinuities. The complete Bouguer and residual gravity anomaly maps indicate a positive amplitude gravity anomaly over the Triassic evaporitic outcrop (Jbel Cheid) and prominent NE–SW-trending features associated with the boundary of the Triassic rocks and surrounded layers. The seismic profile shows a thickness variation of post-salt layers. Taking into account the 2.5D gravity model, seismic profile and surface data, geodynamic evolution of Jbel Cheid can be subdivided on three stages (reactive, active, and passive) which well correlated to the model proposed by Vendeville (2002).     

3D gravity modeling of the Triassic salt diapirs of the Cubeta Alavesa (northern Spain)

Up to now subsurface information permitted the delineation of the top of the Triassic salt, all throughout the Cantabro–Navarro domain, although little was known on the location and geometry of its base and thus on the estimation of the total salt thickness. A 3D-gravity inversion scheme combined with a 3D analytic method has been conducted to map out the geometry of the main salt structures of the basin. The gravity modeling results have been constrained by well log information and available geological and reflection seismic data. The combined 3D scheme integrated with available geological and geophysical data has allowed us to obtain the geometry of the main diapirs that characterize the central and marginal regions of the basin.From our interpretation, the Salinas de Añana diapir has almost vertical flanks and can be divided into two different parts, one of them forming a lateral overhang of the main body.The Salinas de Oro diapir has near vertical flanks and a main axis in the N–S direction. Also, the anomaly is rather more extensive than the outcrop of the diapir, which implies an important expansion of non-outcropping salt in this area. Like the Hoz-Sobrón diapir, the Salinas de Ollo diapir is long and narrow. stretching in the NW–SE direction, which includes three important highs, plus an intense zone of salt migration.The Estella and Alloz diapirs crop out individually in spite of being connected at depth. Also two non-outcropping salt domes have been detected to the south of Atauri that, like the Estella diapir, are related to the thrust front. We point out the gravity signature of the Murguia diapir, which shows an intense gravity high probably due to the presence of high-density rocks in the cap rock or more probably due to the existence of Triassic volcanites of ophitic texture pinched-off into the diapir.     

Gravity inferred subsurface structure of Gadwal schist belt, Andhra Pradesh

Detailed gravity data collected across the Gadwal schist belt in the state of Andhra Pradesh show an 8.4 mgal residual gravity anomaly associated with meta-sediments/volcanics of the linear NNW-SSE trending schist belt that shows metamorphism from green schist to amphibolite facies. This schist belt is flanked on either side by the peninsular gneissic complex. The elevation and slab Bouguer corrected residual gravity profile data were interpreted using 2-D prism models. The results indicate a synformal structure having a width of 1.8 km at the surface, tapering at a depth of about 2.6 km with a positive density contrast of 0.15 gm/cc with respect to the surrounding peninsular gneissic complex.     

Regional gravity analysis of the crustal structure of Tunisia

Gravity data were integrated with seismic refraction/reflection data, well data and geological investigations to determine a general crustal structure of Tunisia. The gravity data analysis included the construction of a complete Bouguer gravity anomaly map, residual gravity anomaly maps, horizontal gravity gradient maps and a 2.5-D gravity model. Residual gravity anomaly maps illustrate crustal anomalies associated with various structural domains within Tunisia including the Sahel Block, Saharian Flexure, Erg Oriental Basin, Algerian Anticlinorium, Gafsa Trough, Tunisian Trough, Kasserine Platform and the Tell Mountains. Gravity anomalies associated with these features are interpreted to be caused either by thickening or thinning of Palæozoic and younger sediments or by crustal thinning. Analysis of the residual gravity anomaly and horizontal gravity gradient maps also determined a number of anomalies that may be associated with previously unknown structures. A north-south trending gravity model in general indicated similar subsurface bodies as a coincident seismic model. However, thinner Mesozoic sediments within the Tunisian Trough, thinner Palæozoic sediments in the Gafsa Trough, and a greater offset on the Saharian Flexure were required by the gravity data. Additionally, basement uplifts under the Kasserine Platform and Gafsa Trough, not imaged by seismic data, were required by the gravity data. The gravity model revealed two previously unknown basins north and south of the Algerian Anticlinorium (5 km), while the Erg Oriental Basin is composed of at least two sub-basins, each with a depth of 5 km.     

Halocinèse précoce associée au rifting jurassique dans l'Atlas central de Tunisie (région de Majoura–El Hfay)

Seismic and sequence stratigraphy analyses, petroleum-well control and surface data studies of the Majoura–El Hfay region in the Central Atlas of Tunisia had led to identify and calibrate Jurassic seismic horizons. Seismic stratigraphic sections, seismic tectonics analyses, isochron and isopach mapping of Jurassic sequences show a differentiated structuring of platform and depocentre blocks limited by deep-seated NE–SW, north–south east–west and NW–SE faults intruded by Upper Triassic salt. The early salt migration seems to have started by the platform fracturing during the Lower Liassic rifting event. These movements are fossilized by thickness variations of Jurassic horizons, aggrading and retrograding onlap and toplap structures between subsiding rim-syncline gutters and high platform flanks intruded by salt pillows and domes. The salt migration is also attested by Middle and Upper Jurassic space depocentre migrations. Around the Majoura–El Hfay study blocks bounded by master faults, Triassic salt have pierced the Cretaceous and Tertiary sedimentary cover in a salt diapir extrusion and salt wall structures. To cite this article: D. Tanfous Amri et al., C. R. Geoscience 337 (2005).     

Burial history determination of the Triassic succession of Central and Northern Tunisia using clay minerals

The Oued Belif 48 and Koudiat El Halfa 5 borehole samples have been analysed in order to reveal the mineralogical composition of the Triassic successions and their burial history within the geological evolution of the Tethysian southern margin. Oued Belif 48 borehole belongs to Nefza district which is a part of the “Nappe zone” (Tellian unit, north-western Tunisia). Koudiat El Halfa 5 borehole crosses the Koudiat El Halfa diapir (north–west of the north–south axis, Central Atlas). In this paper, the burial degree of evaporitic Triassic samples was determined by the “illite crystallinity” index and by the evolution of the other phyllosilicates, essentially chlorite, talc and illite/chlorite and illite/smectite mixed layers. The studied samples of the two boreholes are characterized by the presence of abundant clay minerals. The <2-μm grain-size fraction of the samples is mostly composed of illite, chlorite and smectite and may contain a slight percentage of swelling layers (illite/smectite and illite/chlorite). The illite crystallinity value measured on ethylene glycol solvated oriented mounts of the Oued Belif 48 samples oscillates globally between 1 and 2.5 characterizing the epizonal zone with a range of 300–400 °C temperatures. The measures of Koudiat El Halfa 5 samples crystallinity index show a value ranging from 2 to 4, which indicates the anchizone and early epizone burial stage (temperatures around 200 °C). These data can be explained by Miocene magmatic activities characterizing the Triassic material of Nefza district and also by burial phenomena effects.     

Genesis of the Jurassic Carbonate‐Hosted Pb–Zn Deposits of Jebel Ressas (North‐Eastern Tunisia): Evidence from Mineralogy,Petrography and Trace Metal Contents and Isotope (O,C, S,Pb) Geochemistry

The Jebel Ressas Pb–Zn deposits in North‐Eastern Tunisia occur mainly as open‐space fillings (lodes, tectonic breccia cements) in bioclastic limestones of the Upper Jurassic Ressas Formation and along the contact of this formation with Triassic rocks. The galena–sphalerite association and their alteration products (cerussite, hemimorphite, hydrozincite) are set within a calcite gangue. The Triassic rocks exhibit enrichments in trace metals, namely Pb, Co and Cd enrichment in clays and Pb, Zn, Cd, Co and Cr enrichment in carbonates, suggesting that the Triassic rocks have interacted with the ore‐bearing fluids associated with the Jebel Ressas Pb–Zn deposits. The δ¹⁸O content of calcite associated with the Pb–Zn mineralization suggests that it is likely to have precipitated from a fluid that was in equilibrium with the Triassic dolostones. The δ³⁴S values in galenas from the Pb–Zn deposits range from ?1.5 to +11.4‰, with an average of 5.9‰ and standard deviation of 3.9‰. These data imply mixing of thermochemically‐reduced heavy sulfur carried in geothermal‐ and fault‐stress‐driven deep‐seated source fluid with bacterially‐reduced light sulfur carried in topography‐driven meteoric fluid. Lead isotope ratios in galenas from the Pb–Zn deposits are homogenous and indicate a single upper crustal source of base‐metals for these deposits. Synthesis of the geochemical data with geological data suggests that the base‐metal mineralization at Jebel Ressas was formed during the Serravallian–Tortonian (or Middle–Late Miocene) Alpine compressional tectonics.     

Evidence of multiple evaporite recycling processes in a salt‐tectonic context,Sivas Basin,Turkey

The isotopic composition of evaporites can shed light on their environment of precipitation and their subsequent recycling processes. In this study, we performed Sr, O and S isotopic analyses on evaporitic sulphates in the halokinetic Sivas Basin. The main objectives were to decipher the age and origin of the evaporites responsible for the salt tectonics, and to test whether diapir dissolution acts as the source of younger evaporitic layers in continental mini‐basins. The Sr isotopes demonstrate that the first evaporites precipitated from seawater during the Middle–Late Eocene. The similar isotopic values measured in the halokinetic domain confirm that the Eocene evaporites triggered the salt tectonics and were continuously recycled in Oligo‐Miocene mini‐basins as lacustrine to sabkha evaporites. Modern halite precipitates suggest that the dissolution and recycling of diapiric halite is ongoing. This study demonstrates the efficiency of isotopic analyses in constraining evaporite recycling processes in continental halokinetic domains.     

Gravity and magnetic data analysis of block-35, Jiza' basin,Eastern Yemen

The Jiza' basin is located in the eastern part of Yemen, trending generally in the E–W direction. It is filled with Middle Jurassic to recent sediments, which increase in thickness approximately from 3,000 m to more than 9,000 m. In this study, block-35 of this sedimentary basin is selected to detect the major subsurface geological and structural features characterizing this basin and controlling its hydrocarbon potentials. To achieve these goals, the available detailed gravity and magnetic data, scale 1:100,000, were intensively subjected to different kinds of processing and interpretation steps. Also, the available seismic reflection sections and deep wells data were used to confirm the interpretation. The results indicated three average depth levels; 12.5, 2.4, and 0.65 km for the deep, intermediate, and shallow gravity sources and 5.1 and 0.65 km for the deep and shallow magnetic sources. Accordingly, the residual and regional anomaly maps were constructed. These maps revealed a number of high and low structures (horsts and grabens and half grabens), ranging in depth from 0.5 km to less than 4.5 km and trending mainly in the ENE, NW, and NE directions. However, the analytical signal for both gravity and magnetic data also showed locations, dimensions, and approximate depths of the shallow and near surface anomaly sources. The interpretation of the gravity and magnetic anomalies in the area indicated that the NW, NNW, ENE, and NE trends characterize the shallow to deep gravity anomaly sources; however, the NE, NW, and NNE trends characterize the magnetic anomaly sources, mainly the basement. Two-dimensional geologic models were also constructed for three long gravity anomaly profiles that confirmed and tied with the available deep wells data and previously interpreted seismic sections. These models show the basement surface and the overlying sedimentary section as well as the associated faults.     

西秦岭造山带东段航磁特征及断裂构造格架

本文基于最新高精度1∶5万航磁资料,详细分析了西秦岭造山带东段航磁特征和地质成因,辅以重力资料,新推断或修正了断裂平面位置,探讨了断裂控矿作用和若干典型断裂的地质意义。研究表明,古生界泥盆系、石炭系、二叠系、中生界三叠系碳酸盐岩-沉积碎屑岩是形成平稳负磁背景的主要原因;广泛发育的各类侵入岩,是形成复杂变化、形态各异的叠加异常的主要原因。NWW—EW向、NNE—NE向以及NW向深、大断裂共同构成了全区"南北分带,东西分块"的基本构造格架。NWW—EW向深、大断裂是最早形成的主干断裂,航磁上以不同面貌磁场分界线或醒目的磁场梯度带为特征,属华北、扬子两大板块在新元古代—三叠纪分别沿商丹、勉略缝合带南北向俯冲碰撞的产物,构成了本区一级构造单元的分界线,尤其对泥盆系多金属成矿起决定性控制作用;NNE—NE向深、大断裂应是秦岭强烈陆内造山阶段(晚三叠世—新生代)垂向加积增生作用的产物,对NWW—EW向、NW向断裂具有明显的切割、牵引或阻挡作用,航磁上以连续性较好的线性梯度带或磁场扭转变异带为特征,是区内次级构造单元的界限,对深部矿源物质的运移亦起到一定的疏导作用。     

新疆库车西部古近系奥奇克盐底辟地质地貌特征及构造形成模式

库车前陆冲断带西部古近系奥奇克盐底辟是中国最典型的盐底辟构造,可作为盐构造研究的天然实验室。本文在前人研究的基础上,通过详细的野外填图,同时辅以遥感解译、地震解释和合成孔径雷达干涉测量(InSAR)技术,探讨了奥奇克盐底辟盐喀斯特地貌特征,并分析了其形成机制及流变模式。奥奇克盐底辟表面盐喀斯特构造发育,在风化面上可见大量的溶洞、溶蚀冲沟构造,在新鲜面上可见梳状溶痕、微型峰丛等构造样式,此外,溶蚀坍塌等机械侵蚀构造也是本区常见的盐喀斯特构造类型。奥奇克盐底辟在形成过程中受逆冲断层、盐上地层的剥蚀作用、差异负载作用及盐岩自身的浮力作用的控制,共经历了逆冲盐底辟、侵蚀盐底辟、主动盐底辟和被动盐底辟4个主要阶段。盐岩喷出地表后,在重力作用下由核部向四周流动形成盐冰川,季节性河流的存在限制了盐底辟向东侧、东北侧及北侧传播,导致盐底辟呈现单侧增生的流变模式。     

Geology,mineralogy and fluid inclusion study of Oued Jebs Pb–Zn–Sr deposit; comparison with the Bou Grine deposit (diapirs zone,Tunisian atlas)

The Oued Jebs Pb–Zn–Sr deposit is situated on the south edge of the Mourra Triassic diapir, in the Diapir Zone of the Tunisian Atlas. Tow orebody-type are recognized: (1) lens-chapped orebodies hosted in the Dolomitic cap rock that marks the transition zone between the Triassic gypsum cap rock and the overlaying Late Cretaceous series. Mineralization is composed of epigenetic celestite and minor Pb–Zn sulfides. (2) Vein-type and massive-type orebodies crosscutting the Late Cenomanian and Turonian limestone. Mineralization is composed of high-grade ore ranging from 10 to 25 % combined Pb–Zn. Fluid inclusion data for celestite indicate that deposition took place between 70 and 100 °C, or more cooler conditions as indicated by the presence of single-phase inclusions, from mixed NaCl–CaCl₂-bearing brines (12–19 wt% NaCl equiv). For the vein-type and massive-type fluid inclusion, data recorded in sphalerite indicate that sulfide deposition took place between 125 and 130 °C mixed NaCl–CaCl₂-bearing brines (10–15 wt% NaCl equiv). At least three dilution and cooling trends are also observed that indicate the involvement of more than one fluid in the Oued Jebs hydrothermal system. The epigenetic character of the ores, the host rock nature and the fluid inclusion together permitted to include the Oued Jebs deposit in the large class of MVT deposits and preciously in the sub-class of MVTs associated with salt diapirs environment. The new discovered Oued Jebs deposit is similar in many aspects to the economic Bou Grine deposit. This may point to significant other potential for economic Pb–Zn concentrations that may be located at depth alongside or above many other unexplored Triassic diapirs in the Diapirs zone of the Tunisian Atlas.     

New insights on diapirism in the Adriatic Sea: the Tremiti salt structure (Apulia offshore,southeastern Italy)

The reinterpretation of public seismic profiles in the Adriatic offshore of Gargano (Apulia, southern Italy) allowed the detection of a kilometre‐scale salt‐anticline, the Tremiti diapir, within the larger Tremiti Structure. This anticline was generated by diapirism of Upper Triassic anhydrites within a thick Mesozoic to Quaternary sedimentary succession. Both internal stratal patterns and shapes of Plio‐Quaternary units, and the occurrence of an angular unconformity between early Tortonian and Pliocene rocks on the Tremiti Islands, suggest that halokinesis began during the late Miocene and is still active today. An ancient extensional SE‐dipping fault, cutting an older Mesozoic low‐amplitude anhydritic ridge, played an important role during salt mobilization, which was promoted by NW‐SE shortening. The diapir grew in the footwall of this fault, causing its upward propagation. In some places, the ancient fault served as a preferential channel for the upward migration of the anhydrites.     

MATLAB programs for the synthetic models

The separation of residual gravity anomaly from regional gravity has considerably been studied for many years in gravity explorations. In addition, it is considered as a critical step in gravity data inversion. Some techniques have been developed for regional–residual anomaly separation both in space and frequency domains. One of these techniques for computing the regional anomaly is nonlinear filtering. In this paper, some techniques such as low-pass filtering, Butterworth, upward continuation, and nonlinear filtering are used to on synthetic gravity data in present of random noise and noise free for the purpose of residual–regional anomaly separation. The obtained results of techniques are compared with each other. The results have shown that separation methods are so efficient where synthetic models are located in shallow depth. Moreover, it is found that in comparison with other separation techniques, nonlinear filtering is more efficient in residual–regional anomaly separation and upward continuation technique is more efficient than Butterworth filter and low-pass filter. In addition, all of the obtained results have shown that Butterworth and low-pass filters are the same.     

Features of deeper structure of Magnitogorsk synclinorium,from geophysical data

The Magnitogorsk synclinorium, a major structure of the southern Urals, has pronounced positive gravity anomalies associated with numerous greenstone intrusives. It is bounded on the west by a gravity low which corresponds with the Ural-Tau and Bashkir anticlinorium and on the east by gravity minima corresponding to the East-Uralian anticlinorium with its numerous intrusives. The relationship between gravity anomalies and major south Uralian structure indicates the effect of deeper structure conditions. Magnetic data correlates with the gravity results in that the western and eastern zones have quiescent negative magnetic fields and the Magnitogorsk synclinorium shows a strongly differentiated magnetic field. Positive magnetic anomalies are related to ultrabasic and basic intrusives, though some large magnetic maxima correspond to lower Carboniferous acidic and alkalic intrusives. Gravity and magnetic anomalies give some idea of deeper structure of the area. Copper pyrite deposits are associated with linear magnetic anomalies and associated zones of crushing. Regionally, these deposits are definitely associated with positive gravity anomaly zones. Geologic and geophysical maps are included, showing major geologic features and related magnetic and gravity anomaly zones. — C. E. Sears.     

The Glueckstadt Graben of the North-German Basin: new insights into the structure from 3D and 2D gravity analyses

The structure of the Glueckstadt Graben has been investigated by use of 3D gravity backstripping technique and by 2D gravity and magnetic modelling. Subtracting the gravity effects of the Meso-Cenozoic sediments together with Permian salt reveals a positive residual anomaly within the Glueckstadt Graben. This anomaly includes two local maxima over the Westholstein and Eastholstein Troughs. The 2D gravity models point to the presence of a high-density body within the lower crust of the Glueckstadt Graben. In addition, the results of 2D magnetic modelling indicate that the central part of the high-density body is overlain by an area with high susceptibility. Most probable, the formation of this high-density body is a result of complex poly-phase tectonic history of the study area. Finally, the results of gravity modelling indicate that Permian salt is not homogeneous. 3D gravity analysis and, especially, 2D gravity modelling have distinguished the differences in degree of salt saturation in salt-rich bodies, and elucidate the proportion of Rotliegend salt.     

Crust structure of the northeastern Barents Sea basin area

Processing of data from regional geophysical surveys completed in the northern Barents Sea has provided updates to gravity and magnetic databases, structural maps of seismic interfaces, and positions of anomaly sources, which made a basis for 3D density and magnetic models of the crust. The new geological and geophysical results placed constraints on the boundaries between basement blocks formed in different settings and on the contours of deposition zones of different ages in the northeastern Barents Sea. The estimated thicknesses of sedimentary sequences that formed within certain time spans record the deposition history of the region. There is a 20-50 km wide deep suture between two basins of Mesozoic and Paleozoic ages in the eastern part of the region, where pre-Late Triassic reflectors have no clear correlation. The suture slopes eastward at a low angle and corresponds to a paleothrust according to seismic and modeling data. In the basement model, the suture is approximated by a zone of low magnetization and density, which is common to active fault systems. The discovery of the suture has important geological and exploration implications.     

Characteristic of Gravity and Magnetic Anomalies in the Daba Shan and the Sichuan basin, China: Implication for Architecture of the Daba Shan

The Dabashan nappe structural belt links the Hannan block to the west with the Huangling block to the east between Yangxian and Xiangfan. The Dabashan arc-shaped fold belt formed during late Jurassic and was superposed on earlier Triassic folds. To achieve an improved understanding of the deep tectonics of the Dabashan nappe structural belt, we processed and interpreted the gravity and magnetic data for this area using new deep reflection seismic and other geophysical data as constraints. The results show that the Sichuan basin and Daba Mountains lie between the Longmenshan and Wulingshan gravity gradient belts. The positive magnetic anomalies around Nanchong-Tongjiang-Wanyuan-Langao and around Shizhu result from the crystalline basement. Modeling of the gravity and magnetic anomalies in the Daba Mountains and the Sichuan basin shows that the crystalline basement around Nanchong-Tongjiang-Wanyuan-Langao extends to the northeast underneath the Wafangdian fault near Ziyang. The magnetic field boundary in the Zhenba-Wanyuan-Chengkou-Zhenping area is the major boundary of the Dabashan nappe thrusting above the Sichuan Basin. This boundary might be the demarcation between the south Dabashan and the north Dabashan structural elements. The low gravity anomaly between Tongjiang and Chengkou might be partly caused by thickened lower crust. The local low gravity anomaly to the south of Chengkou-Wanyuan might result from Mesozoic strata of low density in the Dabashan foreland depression area.