Some technical details concerning a new method of gravimetric-seismic inversion

In this paper a number of technical details related to a new method of gravimetric-seismic inversion, which is still under development, are explained. Although the present contribution aims on providing general statements on how to formulate and solve complex gravimetric-seismic modeling problems, the inspiration comes from the practical modeling problems in the area of Jutland peninsula (Denmark). More specifically, the methodological aspects of the proposed inversion method are illustrated on a problem of 3D modeling of the intra crustal intrusion associated with the Silkeborg Gravity High. The existing refraction seismic profile locates the source of the anomaly in depths 10 km – 18 km.In an earlier publication, (Strykowski, 1998), and for the same test area, a method of complex geological stripping is described. The present contribution is a continuation of this paper in the direction of inversion. The main methodological innovation (of both papers) is a balanced mathematical formulation of the problem and the way the seismic and the gravimetric information is coupled.The specific technical details discussed here are: stripping of the effects of deeper sources, geophysically controlled extraction of the surface gravity signal generated by the target source, and, finally, the inversion by parts (i.e. inversion only on parts of the gravity signal). Concerning the inversion by parts, only the initial step is presented and discussed here.     

Sveconorwegian igneous complexes beneath the Norwegian–Danish Basin

Gravity and magnetic anomalies have previously been interpreted to indicate strongly magnetic Permian or even Tertiary intrusive bodies beneath the Skagerrak waterway (such as the ‘Skagerrak volcano’) and beneath Silkeborg in Denmark. Our combined modelling of the magnetic and gravity anomalies over these rock bodies indicates that a steep upward magnetisation is required to explain the magnetic anomalies at the surface, reminiscent of the magnetic direction in the Sveconorwegian rocks of the Rogaland Igneous Province in southern Norway. The younger rocks of the Permian Oslo Rift region have intermediate and flat magnetisation that is inadequate to explain the observed magnetic field. The positive part of the Skagerrak aeromagnetic anomaly is continuous with the induced anomalies associated with the eastward extension of the Rogaland Igneous Province. This relation also suggests that rocks of the Rogaland Igneous Province and its offshore extension are responsible for the Skagerrak anomalies. Both the negative, remanence-dominated aeromagnetic anomaly and the positive gravity anomaly can be modelled using constraints from seismic reflection lines and available density data and rock-magnetic properties. A 7 km thick complex of ultramafic/mafic intrusions is located below a southward dipping 1–4 km thick section of Mesozoic sediments and 1–2 km of Palaeozoic sediments. The enormous body of dense, ultramafic/mafic rocks implied by the modelling could be the residue of the parental magma that produced the voluminous Rogaland anorthosites. The application of similar petrophysical properties in the forward modelling of the Silkeborg source body provides an improved explanation of the observed gravity and magnetic anomalies compared with earlier studies. The new model is constrained by magnetic depth estimates (from the Located Euler method) ranging between 6 and 8 km. Forward modelling shows that a model with a reverse magnetic body (anorthosite?) situated above a dense, mafic/ultramafic body may account for the Silkeborg anomalies. The anorthosites may have formed by differentiation of the underlying mafic intrusion, similar to the intrusive relations in the Rogaland Igneous Province. We conclude that there is strong evidence for a Sveconorwegian age for both the Skagerrak and the Silkeborg anomalous rock bodies.     

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.     

Gravity and magnetic surveys and interpretation in the northern part of the K-G basin

The gravity and magnetic data along three profiles across the northern part of the K-G basin have been collected and the data is interpreted for basement depths. The first profile is taken from Gadarada to Yanam covering a distance of 60 km and the second starts from Zangareddiguddem to Samathkur covering a distance of 110 km and the third is from Kotturu to Biyyapuppa covering a distance of 100 km. The gravity lows and highs have clearly indicated various sub-basins and ridges. The density logs from ONGC, Chennai, show that the density contrast decreases with depth in the sedimentary basin, and hence, the gravity profiles are interpreted using variable density contrast with depth. From the Bouguer gravity anomaly, the residual anomaly is constructed by graphical method correlating with well data, sub-surface geology and seismic information. The residual anomaly profiles are interpreted using polygon model. The maximum depths to the khondalitic basement are obtained as 5.61km, 6.46 km and 7.45 km for the first, second and third profiles respectively. The regional anomaly is interpreted as Moho rise towards coast. The aeromagnetic anomaly profiles are also interpreted for charnockite basement below the khondalitic group of rocks using prismatic models.     

Intrusion versus inversion—a 3D density model of the southern rim of the Northwest German Basin

An unsolved problem of regional importance for both the evolution and structure of the Northwest German Basin is the existence or non-existence of the so-called Bramsche Massif. Explaining the nature of this massif and the cause of a related strong, positive Bouguer anomaly (Bramsche Anomaly) is critical. In the study described here, we tested an existing “intrusion model” against a newer “inversion model” in the southern Northwest German Basin. In the intrusion model, the strongly-positive Bouguer anomaly represents the gravity effect of an intrusion at depths between 6 and 10 km. More recent interpretations invoke tectonic inversion rather than intrusion to explain increased burial and the low level of hydrocarbon maturity found in boreholes. We tested these different interpretations by constructing 3D forward density models to 15 km depth. The intrusion model was updated and adjusted to incorporate recent data and we also modelled pre-Zechstein structures using different scenarios. The final model has a very good fit between measured and modelled gravity fields. Based on currently available seismic and structural models, as well as borehole density measurements, we show that the positive Bouguer anomaly cannot be modeled without a high-density, intrusive-like body at depth. However, further in-sight into the crustal structures of the Bramsche region requires more detailed investigations. Electronic supplementary material  The online version of this article (doi:) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.     

Crustal density structure in the Spanish Central System derived from gravity data analysis (Central Spain)

Shallow and deep sources generate a gravity low in the central Iberian Peninsula. Long-wavelength shallow sources are two continental sedimentary basins, the Duero and the Tajo Basins, separated by a narrow mountainous chain called the Spanish Central System. To investigate the crustal density structure, a multitaper spectral analysis of gravity data was applied. To minimise biases due to misleading shallow and deep anomaly sources of similar wavelength, first an estimation of gravity anomaly due to Cenozoic sedimentary infill was made. Power spectral analysis indicates two crustal discontinuities at mean depths of 31.1 ± 3.6 and 11.6 ± 0.2 km, respectively. Comparisons with seismic data reveal that the shallow density discontinuity is related to the upper crust lower limit and the deeper source corresponds to the Moho discontinuity. A 3D-depth model for the Moho was obtained by inverse modelling of regional gravity anomalies in the Fourier domain. The Moho depth varies between a mean depth of 31 km and 34 km. Maximum depth is located in a NW–SE trough. Gravity modelling points to lateral density variations in the upper crust. The Central System structure is described as a crustal block uplifted by NE–SW reverse faults. The formation of the system involves displacement along an intracrustal detachment in the middle crust. This detachment would split into several high-angle reverse faults verging both NW and SE. The direction of transport is northwards, the detachment probably being rooted at the Moho.     

Gravity interpretation along seismic reflection profile DEKORP 9-N (northern Rhine Graben)

A 2-D gravity model, incorporating geophysical and geological data, is presented for a 110 km long transect across the northern Rhine Graben, coinciding with the 92 km long DEKORP 9-N seismic reflection profile. The Upper Rhine Graben is marked by a prominent NNE-striking negative anomaly of 30–40 mgal on Bouguer gravity maps of SW Germany. Surface geological contacts, borehole data and the seismic reflection profile provide boundary constraints during forward modelling.
Short-wavelength (5–10 km) gravity features can be correlated with geologic structures in the upper few km. At deeper levels, the model reflects the asymmetry visible in the seismic profile; a thicker, mostly transparent lower crust in the west and a thinner, reflective lower crust in the east. From west to east Moho depth changes from 31 to 26–28 km. The entire 40 mgal minimum can be accounted for by the 2–3 km of light sedimentary fdl in the graben, which masks the gravitational effects of the elevated Moho. The thickened lower crust in the west partly compensates for the mass deficit from the depressed Moho. A further compensating feature is a relatively low density contrast at the crust-mantle boundary of 0.25 g cm^-3. The Variscan must displays heterogeneity along the profile which cuts at an angle across the strike of Variscan structures. The asymmetry of the integrated crustal model, both at the surface and at depth suggests an asymmetric mechanism of rift development.     

大别山地震波速度剖面的重力拟合及花岗岩带

笔者对穿越大别山造山带的六安—大冶宽角反射地震剖面进行了重力拟合。拟合结果表明严格按宽角反射地震速度换算成的密度剖面所产生的是一个重力高,它反映出大别山是一个穹隆,与实测大别山重力低大相径庭。只有将位于大别山山根上,南北大别之间设置一个从地表直达莫霍界面的巨大低密度体,重力曲线才能得到很好的拟合。这个低密度体应为近北西走向的花岗岩带。它与反射地震剖面上石镇透明反射地震带位置吻合,但宽度远较反射地震透明带为大。重力曲线的拟合进一步说明,在华北陆块与扬子陆块碰撞后的白垩纪时,大别山出现一个伸展期,在这个时期,大别山穹隆形成,并伴随有大规模花岗岩的侵入,超高压变质岩从地壳中下部折返到地表。研究说明,联合应用反射地震、宽角反射地震和重力,进行综合解释是必要的,可以得到更令人信服的地质结论。     

A Geotransect in the Central Indian Shield,across the Narmada-Son Lineament and the Central Indian Suture

This paper reports on a geotransect in the central Indian shield along a 100 km wide NW-SE corridor between Hirapur and Rajnandgaon. This corridor has been selected based on two seismic profiles—a 235 km long seismic-refraction/wide-angle-reflection profile between Hirapur and Mandla and a 130 km long coincident deep-reflection/refraction profile between Seoni and Kalimati. Since the geologic, gravity, magnetic, and heat-flow data are available up to Rajnandgaon, the second part of the corridor has been extended by another 80 km in the absence of seismic data. From northwest to southeast, the transect corridor covers different tectonic units of the Late Archean to Mesoproterozoic Bundelkhand craton, the Paleoproterozoic to Mesoproterozoic Satpura mobile belt, the Middle Archean to Mesoproterozoic Kotri-Dongargarh mobile belt, and the Neoproterozoic Bastar craton.

The seismic results in the Bundelkhand craton show lower crustal velocity values at a very shallow depth; these data have now been interpreted as a lower-crustal intrusive body that is present throughout the Bundelkhand craton in the lower crust at depths of 23 to 25 km. Combined interpretation of seismic travel times with the gravity data indicate the presence of a local magmatic body at mid-crustal depth in the Satpura mobile belt. The crust-mantle boundary is at depths varying between 40 and 44 km.

The seismic-reflection data set identifies the presence of a suture at the Satpura mobile belt/ Kotri-Dongargarh mobile belt boundary. A well-defined Moho offset and a pattern of adjacent fabrics, each characterized by dips toward each other, mark tectonically imbricated crust on opposite sides of the suture.     

Crustal structure across southern Mexico inferred from gravity data

We present a gravity model of the crustal structure in southern Mexico based on interpretation of a detailed marine gravity profile perpendicularly across the Middle America Trench offshore from Acapulco, and a regional gravity transect extending into continental Mexico across the Sierra Madre del Sur, the central sector of the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt, the Sierra Madre Oriental, the Coastal Plain, and into the Gulf of Mexico. The elastic thickness of the Cocos lithospheric plate was found to be 30 km. In agreement with a previous seismic refraction study, no major differences in crustal structure were observed on both sides of the O’Gorman Fracture Zone. The gravity high seaward of the trench is interpreted as due to the incipient flexure and crustal thinning. The gravity low at the axis of the trench is explained by the increase in water depth and the existence of low-density accreted or continental-derived sediments (2.25 and 2.40 g/cm³). A gravity high of 50 mGal extending about 100 km landward is interpreted as caused by local shoaling of the Moho. The crust attains a thickness of 42 km under the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt but thins beneath the Coastal Plain and the continental slope of the Gulf of Mexico. Gravity highs around the Sierra de Tamaulipas are interpreted in terms of relief of the lower–upper crustal interface, implying a shallow basement.     

湖南东坡半隐伏岩体的侵入方向及其空间形态特征

东坡(千里山—王仙岭)半隐伏岩体是湖南郴州地区与锡钨、铅锌成矿关系密切的重要岩体。为了弄清它们的侵入方向,根据不同尺度的剩余重力异常中心的位置与出露岩体中心的位置,判断出岩浆的侵入方向;通过重力异常的二维、三维反演,揭示了千里山岩体、王仙岭岩体的连接关系、二维空间形态特征以及与围岩的接触关系;推断认为:形成王仙岭岩体的岩浆是由北东—东南—北西方向侵入的;形成千里山岩体的岩浆是由北东往南(西)方向侵入的。而且两个岩体在深部相连,并且呈大岩基产出。     

Depths to density discontinuities beneath the Adamawa Plateau region, Central Africa, from spectral analyses of new and existing gravity data

New gravity data from the Adamawa Uplift region of Cameroon have been integrated with existing gravity data from central and western Africa to examine variations in crustal structure throughout the region. The new data reveal steep northeast-trending gradients in the Bouguer gravity anomalies that coincide with the Sanaga Fault Zone and the Foumban Shear Zone, both part of the Central African Shear Zone lying between the Adamawa Plateau and the Congo Craton. Four major density discontinuities in the lithosphere have been determined within the lithosphere beneath the Adamawa Uplift in central Cameroon using spectral analysis of gravity data: (1) 7–13 km; (2) 19–25 km; (3) 30–37 km; and (4) 75–149 km. The deepest density discontinuities determined at 75–149 km depth range agree with the presence of an anomalous low velocity upper mantle structure at these depths deduced from earlier teleseismic delay time studies and gravity forward modelling. The 30–37 km depths agree with the Moho depth of 33 km obtained from a seismic refraction experiment in the region. The intermediate depth of 20 km obtained within region D may correspond to shallower Moho depth beneath parts of the Benue and Yola Rifts where seismic refraction data indicate a crustal thickness of 23 km. The 19–20 km depths and 8–12 km depths estimated in boxes encompassing the Adamawa Plateau and Cameroon Volcanic Line may may correspond to mid-crustal density contrasts associated with volcanic intrusions, as these depths are less than depths of 25 and 13 km, respectively, in the stable Congo Craton to the south.     

山东玲珑花岗质杂岩体三维形态的重力模拟

根据胶东地区西北部的重力资料,并在地质资料的约束下,采用人－机联作用的和二维模拟方法,对玲珑花岗质杂岩体三维形态进行了细致的推断,布格重科与地质图的对比表明,本区的局部重力由玲珑花岗质岩体引起的,根据花岗岩体的二维特征,在其露头范围内,垂直其走向,选择一些均匀分布的重力剖面,以花岗岩露头位置作为其形态的地面约束,采用 －机联作的二维重力模拟方法, 出了岩体的断面形态综合这 断面图,便可描述花岗体的     

Deep structure and evolution of the Harz Mountains: results of three-dimensional gravity and finite-element modeling

A new Bouguer anomaly map is presented for the region of the entire Harz Mountains based on more than 60,000 gravity values. The various gravity anomalies are discussed and interpretation is carried out by high-resolution 3-D gravity modeling. One of the main subjects of interest in the investigation is the northern boundary fault zone of the Harz Mountains, separating the Mesozoic sediments in the north from the Palaeozoic rocks of the Harz in the south. Dip and vertical displacement are determined for this fault zone; mean values are 3400 m and 70°, respectively. Gravity modeling shows that the Brocken and the Ramberg Granites are distinctly different. The Brocken Granite is shallow, whereas the Ramberg Granite has a maximum depth of 8.5 km and a N---S dimension of 37 km. The prominent Benneckenstein Gravity High is explained by two different models, one based on a granodioritic intrusion (2900 kg/m³) with a center-depth of 14 km and the other based on phyllites (2740 kg/m³) on a depth of 3–4 km.

Studies on the geodynamic evolution of the Harz Mountains are carried out using the finite-element method. On the basis of a 3-D model, vertical displacements that can be related to horizontal forces are computed. For the period of the Variscan Orogeny an uplift of 600 m in the Harz area is calculated, for Late Cretaceous and Tertiary 400 m are determined. The total amount of 1000 m is about 1/2 of the vertical displacement of the northern boundary fault zone of the Harz Mountains shown by the gravity modeling. These results do not contradict geological ideas.     

Seismic velocity structure of a large mafic intrusion in the crust of central Denmark from project ESTRID

The origin of regional sedimentary basins is being investigated by the ESTRID project (Explosion Seismic Transects around a Rift In Denmark). This project investigates the mechanisms of the formation of wide, regional basins and their interrelation to previous rifting processes in the Danish–Norwegian Basin in the North Sea region. In May 2004 a 143 km long refraction seismic profile was acquired along the strike direction of a suspected major mafic intrusion in the crust in central Denmark. The data confirms the presence of a body with high seismic velocity (> 6.5 km/s) extending from a depth of  10–12 km depth into the lower crust. There is a remarkable Moho relief between 27 and 34 km depth along this new along-strike profile as based on ray-tracing modelling of PmP reflections. The lack of PmP reflections at a zone of very high velocity in the lowest crust (7.3–7.5 km/s) suggests a possible location of a feeder channel to the batholith. The presence of volcanic rocks of Carboniferous–Permian age above the intrusion (mafic batholith) suggests a similar age of the intrusion. An older obliquely crossing profile and two new fan profiles deployed perpendicular to the main ESTRID profile, show that the batholith is about 30–40 km wide. The existence of this large mafic batholith supports the hypothesis that the origin of the Danish–Norwegian Basin is related to cooling and contraction after intrusion of large amounts of mafic melts into the crust during the late Carboniferous and early Permian. The data and interpretations from project ESTRID will form the basis for subsidence modelling. Tentatively, we interpret the formation of the Danish–Norwegian Basin as a thermal subsidence basin, which developed after widespread rifting of the region.     

Anomalous lithospheric structure of Northern Juan de Fuca plate — a consequence of oceanic rift propagation?

Anomalous crustal and upper mantle structure of northern Juan de Fuca plate is revealed from wide-angle seismic and gravity modelling. A 2-D velocity model is produced for refraction line II of the 1980 Vancouver Island Seismic Project (VISP80). The refraction data were recorded on three ocean bottom seismometers (OBSs) deployed at the ends and middle of a 110 km line oriented parallel to the North American continental margin. The velocity model is constructed via ray tracing and conforms to first-arrival amplitude observations and travel time picks of direct, converted and reflected phases. Between sub-sediment depths of 3 to 11 km, depths normally associated with the lower crust and upper oceanic mantle, the final model shows that compressional-wave velocities decrease significantly from southeast to northwest along the profile. At sub-sediment depths of 11 km at the northwestern end of the profile, P-wave velocities are as low as 7.2 km/s. A complementary 2-D gravity model using the geometry of the velocity model and velocity–density relationships characteristic of oceanic crust is produced. The high densities required to match the gravity field indicate the presence of peridotites containing 25–30% serpentine by volume, rather than excess gabbroic crust, within the deep low velocity zone. Anomalous travel time delays and unusual reflection characteristics observed from proximal seismic refraction and reflection experiments suggest a broader zone of partially serpentinized peridotites coincident with the trace of a pseudofault. We propose that partial serpentinization of the upper mantle is a consequence of slow spreading at the tip of a propagating rift.     

High resolution local Moho determination using gravity inversion: A case study in Sri Lanka

The seismic data incorporated in global Moho models are sparse and therefore the interpolation of global Moho depths on a local area may give unrealistic results, especially in regions without adequate seismic information. Gravity inversion is a useful tool that can be used to determine Moho depths in the mentioned regions. This paper describes an interactive way of local Moho depth determination using the gravity inversion method constrained with available seismic data. Before applying inversion algorithms, the Bouguer gravity data is filtered in various stages that reduce the potential bias usually expected in Moho depth determination using gravity methods with constant density contrast assumption. A test area with reliable seismic data is used to validate the results of Moho computation, and subsequently the same computation procedure is applied to the Sri Lankan region. The results of the test area are in better agreement with seismically determined Moho depths than those obtained by global Moho models. In the Sri Lankan region, Moho determination reveals a fairly uniform thin crust of average thickness around 20 km. The overall result suggests that our gravity inversion method is robust and may be suitable for local Moho determination in virgin regions, especially those without sufficient seismic data.     

Tectonics and crustal structures related to Bhuj earthquake of January 26, 2001: based on gravity and magnetic surveys constrained from seismic and seismological studies

Gravity and magnetic data of the Kachchh basin and surrounding regions have delineated major E–W and NW–SE oriented lineaments and faults, which are even extending up to plate boundaries in the north Arabian Sea and western boundary of the Indian plate, respectively. The epicentral zone of Bhuj earthquake and its aftershocks is located over the junction of Rann of Kachchh and median uplifts viz. Kachchh mainland and Wagad uplifts, which are separated by thrust faults. Gravity data with constraints from the results of the seismic studies along a profile suggest that the basement is uplifted towards the north along thrust faults dipping 40–60° south. Similarly gravity and magnetic modeling along a profile across Wagad uplift suggest south dipping (50–60°) basement contacts separating rocks of high susceptibility and density towards the north. One of these contacts coincides with the fault plane of the Bhuj earthquake as inferred from seismological studies and its projection on the surface coincides with the E–W oriented north Wagad thrust fault. A circular gravity high in contact with the fault in northern part of the Wagad uplift along with high amplitude magnetic anomaly suggests plug type mafic intrusive in this region. Several such gravity anomalies are observed over the island belt in the Rann of Kachchh indicating their association with mafic intrusions. The contact of these intrusives with the country rock demarcates shallow crustal inhomogeneities, which provides excellent sites for the accumulation of regional stress. A regional gravity anomaly map based on the concept of isostasy presents two centers of gravity lows of −11 to −13 mGal (10⁻⁵ m/s²) representing mass deficiency in the epicentral region. Their best-fit model constrained from the receiver function analysis and seismic refraction studies suggest crustal root of 7–8 km (deep crustal inhomogeneity) under them for a standard density contrast of −400 kg/m³. It is, therefore, suggested that significant amount of stress get concentrated in this region due to (a) buoyant crustal root, (b) regional stress due to plate tectonic forces, and (c) mafic intrusives as stress concentrators and the same might be responsible for the frequent and large magnitude earthquakes in this region including the Bhuj earthquake of January 26, 2001.     

山东蒙阴县西峪金伯利岩带深部综合地球物理特征及其意义

山东省蒙阴地区金伯利岩的深部地质构造特征是地学研究的热点之一。在蒙阴地区金伯利岩分布区中心部位的西峪岩带进行了10 km综合地球物理勘查,采用地震反射、大地电磁测深及重力测量解译推断出上五井和西峪两处的深部断裂构造。其中,西峪断裂带是金伯利岩浆侵入的先期控制性构造和岩浆通道,在西峪金伯利岩带内,地震反射波同相轴异常、重力低密度体、电阻率低阻异常都较为明显,且异常带有一定的连续性和规模,与已知的浅部金伯利岩体的分布形态比较吻合,推测地表延伸4 km深度内,西峪岩带内有较好的金伯利岩的发育,岩体在深部呈现节藕状间断分布。金伯利岩浆在近地表处隐爆,造成更多的破碎带和次生断裂,形成由密集零散分布的金伯利岩体组成的金伯利岩带,同时产生岩石的低电阻率和低密度异常。     

Integrated 3D density modelling and segmentation of the Dead Sea Transform

A 3D interpretation of the newly compiled Bouguer anomaly in the area of the “Dead Sea Rift” is presented. A high-resolution 3D model constrained with the seismic results reveals the crustal thickness and density distribution beneath the Arava/Araba Valley (AV), the region between the Dead Sea and the Gulf of Aqaba/Elat. The Bouguer anomalies along the axial portion of the AV, as deduced from the modelling results, are mainly caused by deep-seated sedimentary basins (D > 10 km). An inferred zone of intrusion coincides with the maximum gravity anomaly on the eastern flank of the AV. The intrusion is displaced at different sectors along the NNW–SSE direction. The zone of maximum crustal thinning (depth 30 km) is attained in the western sector at the Mediterranean. The southeastern plateau, on the other hand, shows by far the largest crustal thickness of the region (38–42 km). Linked to the left lateral movement of approx. 105 km at the boundary between the African and Arabian plate, and constrained with recent seismic data, a small asymmetric topography of the Moho beneath the Dead Sea Transform (DST) was modelled. The thickness and density of the crust suggest that the AV is underlain by continental crust. The deep basins, the relatively large intrusion and the asymmetric topography of the Moho lead to the conclusion that a small-scale asthenospheric upwelling could be responsible for the thinning of the crust and subsequent creation of the Dead Sea basin during the left lateral movement. A clear segmentation along the strike of the DST was obtained by curvature analysis: the northern part in the neighbourhood of the Dead Sea is characterised by high curvature of the residual gravity field. Flexural rigidity calculations result in very low values of effective elastic lithospheric thickness (t _e < 5 km). This points to decoupling of crust in the Dead Sea area. In the central, AV the curvature is less pronounced and t _e increases to approximately 10 km. Curvature is high again in the southernmost part near the Aqaba region. Solutions of Euler deconvolution were visualised together with modelled density bodies and fit very well into the density model structures. An erratum to this article can be found at