Regional gravity and magnetic studies over the continental margin of the central west coast of India

Gravity studies over the continental margin of the central west coast of India show a sediment thickness of 2–3 km on the shelf associated with deeper horst and graben structures, of 6 km in the shelf margin basin, and about 1 km in the deep sea. The upward trend in free-air gravity anomaly toward the deep sea region is interpreted as crustal thinning. Model studies indicate a 25-km-thick crust in the shelf region and a minimum of 18 km in the more offshore region. An abrupt magnetic signature change suggests differential basement depths in the shelf region. Major faulting in the region is confirmed in water depths of approximately 100–200 m.