Delineating the northern part of the Socotra Basin, offshore Korea, using marine magnetics

A marine magnetic survey was carried out in and around the northern part of Socotra Basin, offshore Korea (31°42′32″–32°46′29″N and 123°56′26″–125°49′16″E), in order to better delineate its northern and eastern boundaries. Analyses of the observed magnetic field and estimation of the basement depth were used to assess these boundaries. The power spectrum and the three-dimensional analytical signal methods were used for depth estimation and to reconstruct basement configuration. Estimated depths resulting from the power spectrum method range from 1.5 to 6.0 km for deep sources (basement troughs), and from 0.3 to 1.7 km for shallower sources (basement peaks). An isopach map shows that the sedimentary sequence varies from 1.4 to 6.0 km in thickness. Estimated depths from the analytic signal method fluctuate in the range 1.2–6 km. The results of the observed field analysis and depth estimation indicate good agreement with the formerly proposed eastern boundary but disagreement with the northern boundary. The findings suggest either an extension of the Socotra Basin or the existence of other sub-basins possibly interconnected with the study area.