Tectonic significance of gravity and magnetic variations along the Lithoprobe Southern Canadian Cordillera Transect

1995 ◽  
Vol 32 (10) ◽  
pp. 1584-1610 ◽  
Author(s):  
Frederick A. Cook ◽  
John L. Varsek ◽  
Jeffrey B. Thurston

Correlation of potential field data to regional geological features within the Lithoprobe southern Canadian Cordillera transect corridor allows characterization of anomaly patterns according to their likely sources. Long-wavelength Bouguer gravity anomalies are attributed to isostatic effects of topography, which in most areas is compensated. Two notable exceptions occur: in the Foreland belt a large positive isostatic anomaly is likely due to mechanical support of topography formed as Cordilleran thrust sheets were emplaced over the thick craton, and on the west coast, isostatic anomalies are related to active subduction. Long-wavelength magnetic anomalies in the Foreland belt are associated with cratonal basement beneath the thrust sheets, and these can be followed westward to near the Omineca belt. A prominent positive magnetic anomaly along the western Coast belt is probably associated with mafic rocks generated during subduction. Elsewhere, relatively short wavelength gravity and magnetic anomalies correlate well with either plutons (both gravity and magnetic), volcanics (primarily magnetics), or faults (magnetics) within the region of accreted terranes.

1998 ◽  
Vol 35 (7) ◽  
pp. 832-853 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ying Zheng ◽  
Jafar Arkani-Hamed

The power spectra and degree correlation of the surface topography and free-air gravity anomalies of eastern Canada show that the gravity anomalies are subdivided into three parts. The short-wavelength components (30-170 km, shorter than 30 km are not well resolved) largely arise from density perturbations in the crust and to a lesser extent from the surface topography and Moho undulation, whereas the contribution of intracrustal sources to the intermediate-wavelength components (170-385 km) is comparable with that of the topography. The long-wavelength components (385-1536 km) are overcompensated at the Moho. We present a crustal model for the intermediate- and long-wavelength components which takes into account the surface topography, density perturbations in the crust, and Moho undulation with a certain degree of isostatic compensation. The general characteristics of this model resemble the crustal structure revealed from seismic measurements. The reduced-to-pole magnetic anomalies of eastern Canada show no pronounced correlation with the topography and with the vertical gradient of the gravity anomalies, suggesting that the source bodies are within the crust and Poisson's relationship does not hold over the entire area. Assuming that the magnetic anomalies arise from induced magnetization, lateral variations of magnetic susceptibility of the crust are determined while taking into account the effects of the surface topography and the Moho undulation of our crustal model. The intermediate- and long-wavelength components of the susceptibility contrasts delineate major collision zones as low-susceptibility regions. We interpret this in terms of thermal demagnetization of the high-magnetic crustal roots beneath the collision zones.


Geophysics ◽  
1954 ◽  
Vol 19 (3) ◽  
pp. 438-454 ◽  
Author(s):  
Frederick Romberg ◽  
Virgil E. Barnes

Pilot Knob is an exhumed volcano of Cretaceous age, composed of “serpentinized” pyroclastics and minor amounts of basalt in both intrusive and extrusive masses. The geology of Pilot Knob was re‐examined, and gravity and magnetic observations made and interpreted, in order to present a complete picture of the feature itself, its history, its relation to the region and area surrounding it, and the resemblances between it and the serpentine plugs in the neighborhood, to which it is geologically related. Some of these plugs have been discovered by geophysical means, and some so discovered have produced oil; the application of gravity and magnetic data to such discoveries is analyzed. The extrusive masses are here reported for the first time, and other evidence is given for the age and volcanic nature of Pilot Knob. The observations reveal 1) strong gravity and magnetic anomalies over the central basalt mass, 2) a pattern of weaker anomalies probably caused by flows and dikes and suggesting that Pilot Knob is situated near the intersection of two sets of fractures, and 3) evidence that “serpentinized” pyroclastics show weak magnetic anomalies and (in the local setting) no visible gravity anomalies.


Geophysics ◽  
1976 ◽  
Vol 41 (1) ◽  
pp. 56-61 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. H. Shurbet ◽  
G. R. Keller ◽  
J. P. Friess

Gravity and magnetic anomalies caused by deeply buried rock bodies in northwest Texas are compared. Interpretation of the gravity anomalies by modeling is used to locate and define the geometry of the body in a way analogous to the use of bathymetry in studies concerned with magnetization of seamounts. The direction of magnetization is then determined from the spatial relationship between the gravity and magnetic anomalies. This procedure amounts to an in‐situ determination of direction of magnetization of the body. In one example direction of magnetization indicates the time of intrusion and in another it indicates regional heating since intrusion.


2014 ◽  
Vol 65 (2) ◽  
pp. 163-174 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ilya Prutkin ◽  
Peter Vajda ◽  
Miroslav Bielik ◽  
Vladimír Bezák ◽  
Robert Tenzer

Abstract We present a new interpretation of the Kolárovo gravity and magnetic anomalies in the Danube Basin based on an inversion methodology that comprises the following numerical procedures: removal of regional trend, depth-wise separation of signal of sources, approximation of multiple sources by 3D line segments, non-linear inversion based on local corrections resulting in found sources specified as 3D star-convex homogenous bodies and/or 3D contrasting structural contact surfaces. This inversion methodology produces several admissible solutions from the viewpoint of potential field data. These solutions are then studied in terms of their feasibility taking into consideration all available tectono-geological information. By this inversion methodology we interpret here the Kolárovo gravity and magnetic anomalies jointly. Our inversion generates several admissible solutions in terms of the shape, size and location of a basic intrusion into the upper crust, or the shape and depth of the upper/lower crust interface, or an intrusion into the crystalline crust above a rise of the mafic lower crust. Our intrusive bodies lie at depths between 5 and 12 km. Our lower crust elevation rises to 12 km with and 8 km without the accompanying intrusion into the upper crust, respectively. Our solutions are in reasonable agreement with various previous interpretations of the Kolárovo anomaly, but yield a better and more realistic geometrical resolution for the source bodies. These admissible solutions are next discussed in the context of geological and tectonic considerations, mainly in relation to the fault systems.


2017 ◽  
Vol 35 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Thuany Patrícia Costa de Lima ◽  
Emanuel Ferraz Jardim de Sá ◽  
Fernando Antonio Pessoa Lira Lins ◽  
Alex Francisco Antunes ◽  
José Antônio De Morais Moreira

ABSTRACT. The Transbrasiliano Lineament (TBL) corresponds to a NE-trending mega shear zone of late Neoproterozoic age with an extensive segment underneath the Parnaíba Basin (northeastern Brazil); the Eopaleozoic to Mesozoic section of the basin evidence the lineament’s brittle reactivation events. This paper presents a case study of TBL in the east-central portion of Parnaíba Basin with a special concern to the characterization of pre-Silurian grabens in the basement. The approach involves the interpretation of potential field data and seismic reflection line based on a plastic dextral transcurrent mega shear zone model. The gravity anomaly belts display a curvilinear shape joining the NE trend of the TBL, in accordance to a dextral S-C pair. A retrogressive stage with narrower ductile-brittle dextral structures controlled the opening of pull-apart grabens. Magnetic anomalies seem to be related to these late structures. The integration of the map analyses, seismic interpretation and 2D gravity modeling led to the conclusion that the sources causing the gravity and magnetic anomalies in the basin result from mass variations related to anisotropies of the crystalline basement and crustal heterogeneities, such as granite plutons, metasedimentary belts, shear zones and pre-Silurian grabens. The delimitation of grabens underneath the Parnaíba Basin suffers severe restrictions when solely interpreted based on potential field data. Keywords: gravity forward modeling, Transbrasiliano Lineament, magnetic anomaly. RESUMO. O Lineamento Transbrasiliano (LTB) corresponde a uma megazona de cisalhamento com direção NE, de idade Neoproterozoica, com um extenso segmento subjacente à Bacia do Parnaíba; a seção Eopaleozoica a Mesozoica da bacia evidencia seus eventos de reativação. Este trabalho aborda o LTB na porção centro-leste da Bacia do Parnaíba, com especial atenção à caracterização de grabens pré-Silurianos do embasamento. A abordagem envolve interpretações de dados de métodos potenciais e de linha sísmica de reflexão baseadas em um modelo de megazona de cisalhamento plástica transcorrente dextral. As faixas de anomalias gravimétricas exibem uma geometria curvilínea, aproximando-se em direção ao trend NE do Lineamento Transbrasiliano, em consonância a um par S-C dextral. Um estágio retrogressivo com estruturas dúcteis-frágeis mais estreitas controlaram a abertura de grabens pull-apart. As anomalias magnéticas imageam essas estruturas tardias. A integração da análise de mapas de anomalia, interpretação sísmica e modelagem gravimétrica 2D permite concluir que as fontes causadoras das anomalias gravimétricas e magnéticas na bacia resultam de variações de massa relacionadas a heterogeneidades crustais e às anisotropias do embasamento cristalino, tais como plútons graníticos, faixas de metassedimentos e zonas de cisalhamento, com contribuição subordinada dos grabens pré-Silurianos. A delimitação desses grabens subjacentes à Bacia do Parnaíba sofre severas restrições quando interpretadas unicamente com base nos dados de métodos potenciais. Palavras-chave: modelagem gravimétrica direta, Lineamento Transbrasiliano, anomalia magnética.


2012 ◽  
Vol 546-547 ◽  
pp. 628-633
Author(s):  
Chun Guan Zhang ◽  
Bing Qiang Yuan ◽  
Yu Hong Li

Based on detailed analysis of Bouguer gravity anomaly and magnetic anomaly by reduced to the pole, this paper uses correlation analysis method to analyze regional gravity and magnetic anomalies of different filter scales, including filter scales of 50km, 90km, and 130km, and then discusses the contributing factors of local gravity and magnetic anomalies in eastern Xinjiang. The results show that regional gravity and magnetic anomalies are cogenetic anomalies in some areas, such as Hangou, and northern Lamamiao, Jingrquan, and western Qijiaojing, gravity and magnetic anomalies are allogenic anomalies in other areas. The study reveals that regional negative gravity anomalies are chiefly caused by Cenozoic – Mesozoic with larger thickness and lower density, and regional positive magnetic anomalies are mainly caused by Precambrian metamorphic basement with stronger magnetic property uplifting in Turpan – Hami and Santanghu basin. Mantle substances uplifting mainly cause regional positive gravity and magnetic anomalies in Junggar basin. Regional positive gravity anomalies are mainly caused by Pre-Mesozoic with higher density uplifting, and regional negative magnetic anomalies are chiefly caused by sedimentary formation and intermediate acidity rock with larger thickness and weaker magnetism and Precambrian metamorphic basement.


Geosphere ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 15 (5) ◽  
pp. 1598-1616 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jolante W. van Wijk ◽  
Samuel P. Heyman ◽  
Gary J. Axen ◽  
Patricia Persaud

Abstract In the southern Gulf of California, the generation of new oceanic crust has resulted in linear magnetic anomalies and seafloor bathymetry that are characteristic of active seafloor-spreading systems. In the northern Gulf of California and the onshore (southeastern California, USA) Salton Trough region, a thick sedimentary package overlies the crystalline crust, masking its nature, and linear magnetic anomalies are absent. We use potential-field data and a geotherm analysis to constrain the composition of the crust (oceanic or continental) and develop a conceptual model for rifting. Gravity anomalies in the northern Gulf of California and Salton Trough are best fit with crustal densities that correspond to continental crust, and the fit is not as good if densities representative of mafic rocks, i.e., oceanic crust or mafic underplating, are assumed. Because extensive mafic underplated bodies would produce gravity anomalies that are not in agreement with observed gravity data, we propose, following earlier work, that the anomalies might be due to serpentinized peridotite bodies such as found at magma-poor rifted margins. The density and seismic velocities of such serpentinized peridotite bodies are in agreement with observed gravity and seismic velocities. Our conceptual model for the Salton Trough and northern Gulf of California shows that net crustal thinning here is limited because new crust is formed rapidly from sediment deposition. As a result, continental breakup may be delayed.


2016 ◽  
Author(s):  
Arvind Singh ◽  
Upendra Kumar Singh

Abstract. This paper deals the application of Continuous Wavelet Transform (CWT) and Euler deconvolution methods to estimate the source depth using magnetic anomalies. These methods are utilised mainly to focus on the fundamental issue for mapping the major coal seam and locating magnetic lineaments. These methods are tested and demonstrated on synthetic data and finally applied on field data from Jharia coal field. Prepared magnetic anomaly map that reflects clear tectonics control and nature of the underlying basement, demarcation of the basin, geological faults by steep gradients of magnetic anomaly. Analysis suggests that the CWT have a great utility in the magnetic data interpretation and the correlation between magnetic anomalies and geological features such as faults/joints and intrusive bodies over the basin. The CWT provides the consistent and reliable depth of the underlying basement with the results of Euler deconvolution and Tiltdepth methods without any priory information that is correlated well with borehole samples (Raja Rao, 1987). One of the fundamental issues is to detect differences in susceptibility and density between rocks that contain ore deposits or hydrocarbons or coal. These differences are reflected in the gravity and magnetic anomalies and also delineation of structural features, which are interpreted using several techniques (Blakely and Simpson, 1986). One of the most important objective in the interpretation of potential field data is to improve the resolution of underlying source, delineating lateral change in magnetic susceptibilities that provides information not only on lithological changes but also on structural trends. Especially, mapping the edges of causative bodies is fundamental to the application of potential field data to geological mapping. The edge detection techniques are used to distinguish between different sizes and different depths of the geological discontinuities (Cooper and Cowan 2006, 2008; Perez et al. 2005; Ardestani 2010; Hsu et al. 1996, 2002; Holschneider et al., 2003). The derivatives of magnetic data are used to enhance the edges of anomalies and improve significantly the visibility of such features. Sedimentary layer dominates the gravity and magnetic signature over Jharia Coal field (Verma et al., 1973, 1976, 1979). Thus the difference between the depths estimated using Euler deconvolution method (EDM) (Thompson 1982; Reid et al. 1990) and Tilt Depth Method (TDM) technique (Salem et al., 2007; Cooper 2004, 2011) may help to detect the thickness of the coalbed. Wavelet transform and Euler deconvolution method has been theoretically demonstrated on magnetic data. These methods provide source parameters such as the location, depth, geometry of geological bodies and interfaces in an easy and effective way. However, it may be more difficult to characterize the source properties in cases of extended sources (Sailhac et al., 2009). These methods executed over Jharia coal field, Dhanbad, India. This area forms an east west trending belt of Gondwana basin of Damodar valley at the north eastern part of India. This study region is mostly coal rich area of Gondwana basin. Analysis on Jharia coal field suggests that the magnetic anomalies provide encouraging results which are well correlated with available gravity data and some borehole informations.


Geophysics ◽  
2002 ◽  
Vol 67 (3) ◽  
pp. 801-806 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bijendra Singh

This paper presents a new algorithm for the simultaneous computation of gravity and magnetic anomalies resulting from an infinitely long (2‐D) body with an arbitrary polygonal cross‐section. With the assumption of uniform volume density and magnetization, the gravity or magnetic field may be expressed as the field resulting from an equivalent distribution of surface mass density or surface pole density, respectively, over the surface of the source body. The resulting surface integrals are reduced to new line integrals using Stokes' theorem. The components of the fields for each bounding surface are expressed in terms of a new line integral and the solid angle subtended by the surface at the point of observation. Since these analytical solutions are similar in form, a direct relation is derived between gravity and magnetic fields, which allows their simultaneous computation. Hence, the same computer program can be used to compute the gravity field, the magnetic field, or both fields simultaneously. This new approach will find wide applications in the joint inversion of potential field data, as it will make the numerical computations much faster.


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