Relationship of gravity anomalies and tectonics in Assam, India

Gravity data from Assam compiled on Bouguer, Hayford and Airy isostatic anomaly maps have been interpreted in terms of tectonics of the area. The gravity anomalies suggest that the Dauki fault is very deep-seated. A gravity high of about 60 mGal near Haflong is interpreted as being the expression of an intrusive body with a density contrast of about + 0.15 g/cm₃ with respect to the surroundings. From isostatic considerations, approximate crustal thicknesses over the Shillong Plateau, the Upper Assam valley and the Surma valley are estimated to be 40, 29 and 22 km respectively, suggesting a sharp change in crustal thickness from the Shillong Plateau to the Surma valley across the Dauki fault.