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A 3D model of the crustal structure of the region including the Chukchi Borderland with the adjacent ocean and Chukchi‒Alaska Shelf has been compiled and calculated. A specific feature of the crustal structure consists of three-sided isolation of the Chukchi Borderland and a transitional zone from the south connecting the Chukchi Borderland with the Chukchi‒Alaska Shelf. The connection between the Chukchi Borderland and Wrangel Rise of the Chukchi Shelf is traced through the North Chukchi Rise located between the North Chukchi Trough and the Hanna Trough. Clockwise rotation of the Chukchi Borderland began in the Early Cretaceous, because basalts at the bottom of sedimentary strata sections along the eastern and southern boundaries of the Chukchi Basin have reversed magnetization: their outpouring occurred before the beginning of the Cretaceous superchron, earlier than 121 Ma. Near the upper boundary of the Neocomian, there was a large-scale shear displacement of crustal blocks along the eastern boundary of the Chukchi Rise, which had a thrust pattern before that. The 3D model demonstrates that the Chukchi Borderland and Chukchi Basin are natural components of the continental margin, since they have a strong geological connection with the continental masses of the Chukchi Shelf. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of East China Geology / Huadong dizhi is the property of Editorial Department of East China Geology and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

One of the fundamental challenges in geophysics is the calculation of distribution models for physical properties in the subsurface that accurately reproduce the measurements obtained in the survey and are geologically plausible in the context of the study area. This is known as inverse modeling. Performing a 3D joint inversion of multimodal geophysical data is a computationally intensive task. Additionally, since it involves a modeling process, finding a solution that matches the desired characteristics requires iterative calculations, which can take days or even weeks to obtain final results. In this paper, we propose a robust numerical solution for 3D joint inversion of gravimetric and magnetic data with Gramian-based structural similarity and structural direction constraints using parallelization as a high-performance computing technique, which allows us to significantly reduce the total processing time based on the available Random-Access Memory (RAM) and Video Random-Access Memory (VRAM)and improve the efficiency of interpretation. The solution is implemented in the high-level programming languages Fortran and Compute Unified Device Architecture (CUDA) Fortran, capable of optimal resource management while being straightforward to implement. Through the analysis of performance and computational costs of serial, parallel, and hybrid implementations, we conclude that as the inversion domain expands, the processing speed could increase from 4× up to 100× times faster, rendering it particularly advantageous for applications in larger domains. We tested our algorithm with two synthetic data sets and field data, showing better results than standard separate inversion. The proposed method will be useful for joint geological and geophysical interpretation of gravimetric and magnetic data used in exploration geophysics for example minerals, ore, and petroleum search and prospecting. Its application will significantly increase the reliability of physical-geological models and accelerate the process of data processing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Tectonic zones and microplate boundaries are well identified. • Three key tectonic evolution periods in New Guinea. • Microplate classification under the oblique subduction system. The New Guinea Island is formed under the oblique subduction of the Pacific Plate. The formation and evolution of the microplates around the New Guinea Island are complex and still poorly understood. Here we use the published gravity, magnetic datasets and the CRUST1.0 model, combined with the wavelet multi-scale decomposition and residual crustal gravity anomaly separation, to analyze the crustal structure and boundary characteristics of different microplates. The results show that the gravity and magnetic anomalies have good responses to microplate boundaries, such as deep-seated large-scale faults and subduction zones. Seven microplates (including the Caroline, the North Bismarck, the Manus, the South Bismarck, the Solomon Sea, the Woodlark and the Ontong Java Plateau microplates) have been identified based on their different geophysical properties. Combined with other geological records and plate reconstruction, we analyze the regional tectonic activity, dynamics and microplate evolution in this region. The New Guinea Island was formed and shaped by the oblique subduction of the South Pacific since the Late Cretaceous. Several key events are recorded at 45 Ma, 25 Ma and 5 Ma, which are highly related to the formation of the microplates in the convergent margin. The key events mainly involve the formation and termination of the Melanesian Arc, the collision between the Ontong Java Plateau and the Solomon Islands, and the arc-continent collision at the New Britain Island Arc. These events contributed to a series of island arcs and back-arc basins that further evolved into relatively independent microplates. By analyzing the formation patterns and boundaries of microplates, we classify these microplates into the accretion-derived, collision-derived and back-arc rifting-derived types. The evolution history of each type of microplate is reconstructed in details, which provides additional constraints on the Cenozoic tectonic reconstruction of the Southwest Pacific region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To further explore the geological structure and the Mesozoic–Paleozoic hydrocarbon prospects in the northern area of the South Yellow Sea (SYS), multiple geological and geophysical data were systematically gathered and compiled, including gravity and magnetic data, seismic surveys, drilling data, and previous research results. The characteristics and genesis of the gravity and magnetic anomalies are examined. This study employs residual gravity anomalies and multiple edge detection methods to identify fault lineament structures and assess the tectonic framework. Moreover, the study utilizes 2.5D gravity-seismic joint modellings and regression analysis to estimate the basement depth. Additionally, the study examines the basement characteristics and discusses the thickness of the Mesozoic–Paleozoic strata. Finally, the study further identifies prospects for hydrocarbons in the Mesozoic–Paleozoic. Our findings show that the faults are incredibly abundant and that the intensity of fault activity weakens gradually from NW to SE. Specifically, NE (NEE) trending faults are interlaced and cut off by NW (NWW), near-EW, and near-SN trending secondary faults, which form an en-echelon composite faults system with a dominant NE (NEE) orientation. Thick Mesozoic–Paleozoic strata are preserved, but we observe distinct variations in basement characteristics and the pre-Cenozoic structural deformation along the N-S direction. Therefore, the Northern Basin of SYS (NBSYS) and the Middle Uplift of SYS (MUSYS) are characterized by alternating sags and bulges in the S-N direction and in the E-W direction, respectively, forming a chessboard tectonic framework. Considering the oil and gas accumulation model, we identify three target hydrocarbon prospects in the NBSYS and two favorable hydrocarbon prospects in the MUSYS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As one of the main controlling factors of oil and gas accumulation, faults are closely related to the distribution of oil and gas reservoirs. Studying how faults control petroliferous basins is particularly important. In this work, we investigated the plane positions of major faults in the China seas and its adjacent areas using the normalized vertical derivative of the total horizontal derivative (NVDR-THDR) of the Bouguer gravity anomaly, the fusion results of gravity and magnetic anomalies, and the residual Bouguer gravity anomaly. The apparent depths of major faults in the China seas and its adjacent areas were inverted using the Tilt-Euler method based on the Bouguer gravity anomaly. The results show that the strikes of the faults in the China seas and its adjacent areas are mainly NE and NW, followed by EW, and near-SN. Among them, the lengths of most ultra-crustal faults are in the range of 1 000–3 000 km, and their apparent depths lie between 10 km and 40 km. The lengths of crustal faults lie between 300 km and 1 000 km, and their apparent depths are between 0 km and 20 km. According to the plane positions and apparent depths of the faults, we put forward the concept of fault influence factor for the first time. Based on this factor, the key areas for oil and gas exploration were found as follows: the east of South North China Basin in the intracontinental rift basins; the southeast region of East China Sea Shelf Basin, the Taixinan and Qiongdongnan basins in the continental margin rift basins; Zhongjiannan Basin in the strike-slip pull-apart basins; the Liyue, Beikang, and the Nanweixi basins in the rifted continental basins. This work provides valuable insights into oil and gas exploration, mineral resource exploration, and deep geological structure research in the China seas and its adjacent areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The intersection of the Kyushu-Palau Ridge (KPR) and the Central Basin Rift (CBR) of the West Philippine Basin (WPB) is a relic of a trench-trench-rift (TTR) type triple-junction, which preserves some pivotal information on the cessation of the seafloor spreading of the WPB, the emplacement and disintegration of the proto-Izu-Bonin-Mariana (IBM) Arc, and the transition from initial rifting to steady-state spreading of the Parece Vela Basin (PVB). However, the structural characteristics of this triple-junction have not been thoroughly understood. In this paper, using the newly acquired multi-beam bathymetric, gravity, and magnetic data obtained by the Qingdao Institute of Marine Geology, China Geological Survey, the authors depict the topographic, gravity, and magnetic characteristics of the triple-junction and adjacent region. Calculations including the upward continuations and total horizontal derivatives of gravity anomaly are also performed to highlight the major structural features and discontinuities. Based on these works, the morphological and structural features and their formation mechanisms are analyzed. The results show that the last episode amagmatic extension along the CBR led to the formation of a deep rift valley, which extends eastward and incised the KPR. The morphological and structural fabrics of the KPR near and to the south of the triple-junction are consistent with those of the western PVB, manifesting as a series of NNE-SSW- and N-S-trending ridges and troughs, which were produced by the extensional faults associated with the initial rifting of the PVB. The superposition of the above two reasons induced the prominent discontinuity of the KPR in deep and shallow crustal structures between 15°N–15°30′N and 13°30′N–14°N. Combined with previous authors’ results, we propose that the stress produced by the early spreading of the PVB transmitted westward and promoted the final stage amagmatic extension of the CBR. The eastward propagation of the CBR destroyed the KPR, of which the magmatism had decayed or ceased at that time. The destruction mechanism of the KPR associated with the rifting of the PVB varies along strike the KPR. Adjacent to the triple-junction, the KPR was destroyed mainly due to the oblique intersection of the PVB rifting center. Whereas south of the triple-junction, the KPR was destroyed by the E-W-directional extensional faulting on its whole width.©2021 China Geology Editorial Office.

One of the fundamental challenges in geophysics is the calculation of distribution models for physical properties in the subsurface that accurately reproduce the measurements obtained in the survey and are geologically plausible in the context of the study area. This is known as inverse modeling. Performing a 3D joint inversion of multimodal geophysical data is a computationally intensive task. Additionally, since it involves a modeling process, finding a solution that matches the desired characteristics requires iterative calculations, which can take days or even weeks to obtain final results. In this paper, we propose a robust numerical solution for 3D joint inversion of gravimetric and magnetic data with Gramian-based structural similarity and structural direction constraints using parallelization as a high-performance computing technique, which allows us to significantly reduce the total processing time based on the available Random-Access Memory (RAM) and Video Random-Access Memory (VRAM)and improve the efficiency of interpretation. The solution is implemented in the high-level programming languages Fortran and Compute Unified Device Architecture (CUDA) Fortran, capable of optimal resource management while being straightforward to implement. Through the analysis of performance and computational costs of serial, parallel, and hybrid implementations, we conclude that as the inversion domain expands, the processing speed could increase from 4× up to 100× times faster, rendering it particularly advantageous for applications in larger domains. We tested our algorithm with two synthetic data sets and field data, showing better results than standard separate inversion. The proposed method will be useful for joint geological and geophysical interpretation of gravimetric and magnetic data used in exploration geophysics for example minerals, ore, and petroleum search and prospecting. Its application will significantly increase the reliability of physical-geological models and accelerate the process of data processing.

Abstract This study aims to synthesize seismic observations with gravity and magnetic data and to suggest a new scenario on the development of the Harrat Lunayyir (HL) tectonic system on the eastern Red Sea coastline, Saudi Arabia. Gravity and aeromagnetic anomalies distinctly mapped the NE and NW trends, while the InSAR data depict a small NW–SE graben and an NW–SE dyke. High-resolution relocations, which are well-consistent with the focal mechanism solutions for events with magnitudes greater than 3.0, admit two distinctly fault styles of different orientations. Thus, leading to the NE and NW fault planes’ reactivation related to the Precambrian basement faults and the Red Sea rift system, respectively. The spatiotemporal distributions of epicenters and focal mechanism solutions suggest a new seismic deformation scenario of the 2009 earthquake seismic activity. The low static frictions of 0.2–0.35 obtained from the stress inversion indicates reactivation of preexisting faults in the respective seismogenic zones. The obtained results give rise to a swarm-like sequence of tectonic implications, two activated fault styles differently oriented, and an NE conjugate fault system inherited in the region, which plays a vital role in transferring the ambient stress regime into the Red Sea’s eastern flank.

The gravity and magnetic anomalies in the Qihe-Yucheng mineral-rich area of Shandong Province, China, lie nearly north–south. However, the anomalies in the Pandian area in the central part of the region are small in scale and weak in intensity, and the geophysical information of deep iron ore bodies is greatly weakened, making it difficult to identify and extract mineral-induced magnetic anomalies. Based on the exploration of gravity and magnetic anomalies in adjacent mining areas, and through plane analysis and quantitative inversion of these anomalies in the Pandian area, the structural framework division, delineation of ore-forming geological bodies, anomaly analysis research, and two-and-a-half dimensional (2.5D) joint inversion in the study area were achieved. Deep information under an ultradeep overburden was obtained, and a new breakthrough in the exploration of skarn-type iron ore was achieved. The results of this study can provide important references for further exploration of deep ore deposits under ultra-deep overburden layers and indicate the potential for the exploration of skarn-type iron deposits in the Qihe-Yucheng mineral-rich area. • The joint analysis of gravity and magnetic is a suitable method in this area. • The results reflect the vertical depth characteristics of ore-forming geological bodies. • Transform oblique magnetization magnetic anomaly into gravity anomaly is better. • The geological bodies may be located in the north-south neutral magmatic rock belt. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Xuhuai fold thrust belt (XHTB) is a curved structure in the southeastern margin of the North China Craton (NCC) that has attracted great attentions due to its tectonic and petrological characteristics. However, few geophysical studies have focused on the deep structure of this belt. In this study, we carry out a systematic demonstration of the main geophysical features that characterize the XHTB and surrounding areas. The results reveal small negative gravity and magnetic anomalies, thin crust and lithosphere, lower shear velocity and shallower earthquake epicenters relative to other areas of the NCC, collectively indicating a lithospheric-scale rheological anomaly at this belt. The magnetic alignments show a trend similar to that of geological units in southeastern NCC and adjacent areas, although they differ from the SKS-splitting fast polarization directions, except in the Qinling-Dabie orogen where a vertical coherent deformation of the crust and mantle may be involved there. Based on the geophysical data, we propose a detachment-controlled model, which was caused by the different detachment depth/strength, for the formation of XHTB to explain its arcuate shape as well as the magnetic alignments, thus providing new insight into the deep processes of southeastern NCC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The southwestern continental margin of India reveals the presence of an anomalous bathymetric high feature located in the mid-continental slope region off Trivandrum. Based on the analysis of the available geophysical data and plate tectonic reconstruction, this feature was interpreted as a scar of India-Madagascar separation, with its conjugate identified on the Northern Madagascar Ridge. Although the conjugate nature of the Alleppey-Trivandrum Terrace Complex and the Northern Madagascar Ridge was postulated, this inference has not yet been evaluated by comparing their geophysical signatures and crustal structure. The present study is aimed to derive and compare the crustal configuration of these two features using an up-to-date compilation of the bathymetry, gravity and magnetic data, and by employing integrated forward modelling of gravity and magnetic anomalies. Our derived crustal models for the Alleppey-Trivandrum Terrace Complex and the Northern Madagascar Ridge suggest that both these features can be explained in terms of thinned continental crust intermingled with volcanic intrusives. The crustal thicknesses of the Northern Madagascar Ridge and Alleppey-Trivandrum Terrace Complex at their conjugate continent-ocean boundaries are ~ 17 km and both these features are associated with high amplitude magnetic anomalies whose genesis is attributed to the volcanism caused by the Marion hotspot activity. Therefore, based on our integrated interpretation of the geophysical data, we support the earlier interpretation on conjugate nature of the Northern Madagascar Ridge and the Alleppey-Trivandrum Terrace Complex that was proposed based on the fitting of shape and size of the bathymetric notch observed in the southeastern continental margin of Madagascar with a bathymetric protrusion observed in the southwestern continental margin of India in the India-Madagascar pre-drift scenario. These features remained as a single unit prior to ~ 88 Ma and subsequently got separated during the India-Madagascar breakup. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to synthesize seismic observations with gravity and magnetic data and to suggest a new scenario on the development of the Harrat Lunayyir (HL) tectonic system on the eastern Red Sea coastline, Saudi Arabia. Gravity and aeromagnetic anomalies distinctly mapped the NE and NW trends, while the InSAR data depict a small NW–SE graben and an NW–SE dyke. High-resolution relocations, which are well-consistent with the focal mechanism solutions for events with magnitudes greater than 3.0, admit two distinctly fault styles of different orientations. Thus, leading to the NE and NW fault planes' reactivation related to the Precambrian basement faults and the Red Sea rift system, respectively. The spatiotemporal distributions of epicenters and focal mechanism solutions suggest a new seismic deformation scenario of the 2009 earthquake seismic activity. The low static frictions of 0.2–0.35 obtained from the stress inversion indicates reactivation of preexisting faults in the respective seismogenic zones. The obtained results give rise to a swarm-like sequence of tectonic implications, two activated fault styles differently oriented, and an NE conjugate fault system inherited in the region, which plays a vital role in transferring the ambient stress regime into the Red Sea's eastern flank. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Estimation of causative source parameters is an essential tool in exploration geophysics and is frequently applied using potential field datasets. Naturally inspired metaheuristic optimization algorithms based on some stochastic procedures have attracted more attention during the last decade due to their capability in finding the optimal solution of the model parameters from the parameter space via direct search routines. In this study, the solutions obtained through differential evolution algorithm, a rarely used metaheuristic algorithm in geophysics, and particle swarm optimization, which is one of the most used global optimization algorithms in geophysics, have been compared in terms of robustness, consistency, computational cost, and convergence rate for the first time. Applications have been performed using both synthetic and real gravity and magnetic anomalies due to deep-seated fault structures. Before the parameter estimation studies, resolvability of the fault parameters have been examined by producing cost function/error energy topography maps to understand the suitability of the problem and also the mathematical nature of the inversion procedure. Optimum control parameters of both algorithms have also been determined via some parameter tuning studies performed on synthetic anomalies. Consequently, the tuned parameters clearly improved the effectiveness of both metaheuristics on the solution of the optimization problems under consideration. Moreover, reliabilities of the obtained solutions and also the possible uncertainties have been investigated using probability density function analyses. Real data applications have been performed using a residual gravity anomaly observed over the Graber oil field (Oklahoma, USA) and an airborne total field magnetic anomaly observed over the Perth Basin (Australia). Applications have shown that although both algorithms provided close results in both synthetic and real data experiments, the differential evolution algorithm yielded slightly better solutions in terms of robustness, consistency, computational cost, and convergence rate. Thus, the differential evolution algorithm is worth paying more attention to and is suggested as a powerful alternative to particle swarm optimization for the inversion of potential field anomalies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work discusses the regional geological and geophysical datasets (potential field data coupled with seismic lines) available across the Eastern Brazilian Continental Margin and addresses tectonic models that have been applied to the geological interpretation of the Vitória-Trindade Chain (VTC). New magnetic data acquired in the Trindade Island is combined with compiled petrological data and geological maps to propose a stratigraphic column with radiometric control for the volcanic sequences. The gravity and magnetic anomaly maps were integrated with regional seismic profiles extending from the continental platform towards the oceanic crust, showing the geomorphology of the Abrolhos Volcanic Complex (AVC) and the VTC. A detailed geological mapping of the Trindade Island was complemented by magnetometric profiles acquired on the island. The magmatic episodes identified in the Trindade Island within different volcano-stratigraphic sequences are, geochronologically, dated by 40Ar/39Ar method as Late Neogene to Quaternary (Pliocene/Upper Pleistocene) and indicate intrusive and extrusive igneous rocks formed on the Mesozoic (Cretaceous) oceanic crust. Models for the emplacement of these volcanic rocks on much older oceanic crust include hotspots and leaking fracture zones. The presence of flat tops as observed in the volcanic banks and seamounts along the Vitória-Trindade volcanic chain indicate abrasion of much higher volcanic edifices that now form the isolated islands in the Trindade-Martin Vaz Archipelago. Geological mapping and detailed magnetometric surveys suggest different rock properties for distinct volcanic episodes that formed the Trindade Island. The remarkable pattern of magnetic anomalies trending NE-SW in the deep-water region of the Espírito Santo Basin, eastwards of the AVC, suggests that the linear chain of volcanic edifices in the VTC may be associated with mantle anomalies caused by a hotspot or plume that was influenced by the E-W direction of leaking transform fracture zones. Abbreviation: Abrolhos Volcanic Complex (AVC); Vitória-Trindade Chain (VTC) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract New gravity data reveal a prominent negative anomaly along the main vent axis of the northern Harrat Rahat volcanic field in Saudi Arabia. The low continues north of the volcanic field onto exposures of Proterozoic rocks, indicating that the low is caused not only by the volcanic field (and possibly also underlying Cenozoic sediments), but also the underlying Proterozoic basement. An inversion of the gravity field guided by analysis of aeromagnetic data indicates (1) a broad depression of the basement surface that is deeper along the main vent axis in the eastern part of the harrat and in the southwest part of the volcanic field and (2) less dense basement beneath the vent axis. Low densities within the basement most likely arise from lithologic variations in the basement, predating Cenozoic volcanism, although our analysis does not rule out small volumes of partial melt and higher temperatures or extensive fracturing at depth. Highlights • A gravity low underlies the Harrat Rahat volcanic field south of the holy city of Al-Madinah. • Thicker volcanic fill underlies the main vent axis of the volcanic field. • Low-density Proterozoic basement underlies the eastern part of the volcanic field. • Older Proterozoic structure appears to influence pathways of magma to the vent axes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The eastern Tianshan belt, an important part of the Central Asia metallogenic province, has attracted a large amount of attention in terms of its geological structures and mineralization processes. This study intends to analyze the geological structures and metallogenic characteristics of the eastern Tianshan, for determining the distribution pattern of polymetallic deposits and guiding for polymetallic minerals exploration by analysis of gravity and aeromagnetic and seismic data. Long wavelength gravity and magnetic anomalies reflect differences among the basement structure in this area, and the residual gravity and magnetic anomaly highs reflect the uplift of the upper Paleozoic and high-density volcanic rocks. The results of various edge recognition techniques provide detailed structural information: the major fault structures are nearly EW, NEE, and NW-trending and the massive rocks and ore deposits extend east-west in the study area. Regional mineralization is closely related to the tectonic-magmatic activity and to the deep faults in basement. The eastern Tianshan can be divided into three different series of polymetallic metallogenic belts by the Kangguertag-Huangshan and Aqikekuduk fault zones. We may indicate the most favorable areas for prospecting polymetallic deposits, which are located near the places such as the EW-NEE trending structure zones or at the intersection of several sets of structures. Our synthesis and interpretations may provide important reference for further research on regional dynamics and mineralization in the eastern Tianshan. Highlights • Detailed geophysical fields data were processed, analyzed and interpreted. • The large-scale structure systems were established. • The relationships among geophysical fields, geological structures and the endogenetic deposits were analyzed [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two alternative tectonic models for the formation of the Amerasia Basin are presented. The models provide a series of paleoreconstructions based on comprehensive analysis of bathymetry, gravity, and magnetic fields of the Arctic region, combined with available seismic survey and geological data. The two equally probable alternatives for the kinematics behind the early stage formation of the proto-Canada Basin, rely on three alternative age models for the timing of the tectonic events. The first two models date the opening of the central, oceanic part of the Canada Basin to before or after ∼124 Ma. The third model considers that the formation of the entire basin, including the lateral parts, occurred after ∼125 Ma. Six possible plate kinematic models have been developed by combining the three age models with the two series of the paleoreconstructions; i.e. two “older” kinematic models (1A and 1B) and four “younger” ones (2A, 2B, 3A, and 3B). The preferred option is the “older” models, which suggests that the first stage of the Canada Basin formation took place in the Jurassic – Berriasian, and that the central oceanic part of the Basin was developed in Valanginian (?) – Barremian. This concurs with the active phase of the final stage of the Arctida craton breakup and the main phase of the High Arctic Igneous Province emplacement. Large sinistral strike-slip, i.e. the Alpha-Chukchi and Alpha-Mendeleev fracture zones, as well as an inferred dextral Podvodnikov-Mendeleev fracture zone, were developed during the Arctida breakup process. The formation of the fracture zones contributed to the opening of the Nautilus, Makarov and Podvodnikov basins in the Valanginian (?)/Barremian – Campanian. Presumably, there were different geodynamic drivers for the processes at the two stage formation of the Amerasia Basin: subduction of an ancient oceanic lithosphere outside of the study area at the early stage, and an Arctic mantle plume at the late stage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Tibetan Plateau is located in the eastern part of the Tethys-Himalayan megatectonic domain and consists of a series of microplates that successively accreted to the southern edge of the Eurasian Continent. These microplates have undergone complex evolutionary processes during rifting, drift and collision. The gravity and magnetic anomalies show that the anomaly characteristics on the Tibetan Plateau is significantly different in the north-south direction, from the Qaidam Microplate to the Lhasa Microplate. In this paper, we apply an improved Logistic Filter method, combined with the upward continuation of gravity anomalies, to identify multi-scale tectonic boundaries in the Tibetan Plateau region. The results show that the edge detection results correspond well in space with fracture zones and suture/ophiolite zones. Also, there are clear discontinuities along both sides of the middle and western sections of the Bangong-Nujiang Suture Zone and the eastern section of the Jinshajiang-Ailaoshan Suture Zone. We refined the boundaries of five microplates, including the South and North Qiangtang and the South, Central and North Lhasa, in the southern Tibetan Plateau. Then, we analyzed the evolutionary processes of these microplates and the transformation of the types to which the microplates belonged during different historical periods by combining relevant evidences from other geological records and plate reconstruction. These microplates are strongly related to the evolutionary history of the Tethys Ocean. The closure of the Neo-Tethys Ocean triggered a large-scale orogeny between the Indo-Asian continents, and these microplates were eventually accreted in the orogenic belt. We analyze the formation patterns and boundary types of microplates in the evolutionary process and then divide into three stages, i.e., rifting-derived, accretion-derived, and subduction-derived stages. The transformation patterns of microplate types at different stages provide a new perspective for the study of the evolution of mega-orogenic belts. • Tectonic interpretation and microplate division of the Tibetan Plateau with gravity and magnetic data. • Multi-scale edge detection at different depths on the Tibetan Plateau by the improved Logistic Filter method. • A transformation pattern of microplate types during the evolution of Qiangtang and Lhasa microplates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Ore-controlling structures inferred from local gravity and magnetic anomalies. • Local gravity and magnetic anomalies represented in different wavelet orders. • A newly-found concealed fault in the middle probably serves as a magmatic channel. • Mesozoic intrusion detected beneath Paleoproterozoic DDZ granite by forward modeling. • North of Xiaotongjiapuzi deposit proposed for investigating deep-seated ore bodies. Located in the middle of Liaodong Rift, the Qingchengzi orefield is an important Pb-Zn-Ag-Au polymetallic mining area in Northeast China. The Pb-Zn-Au-Ag mineralization mainly occurs in the Liaohe Group strata and is closely related to Indosinian and Yanshanian magmatic intrusive bodies. Currently the Qingchengzi orefield is poorly explored at depths greater than 1500 m, with no large deep concealed gold deposit being discovered yet. This study focused on delineating deep concealed ore-controlling structures from the local gravity and aeromagnetic anomalies in different wavelet orders acquired by the application of discrete wavelet transform (DWT), and evaluating their potential for undiscovered gold-rich polymetallic mineralization in the Qingchengzi orefield. We started from summarizing the characteristics of gravity and magnetic anomalies corresponding to the ore-controlling structures obtained from surface geology, exploration profiles and drilling results. Under the guidance of the correspondence, we interpreted the structural control factors of the tectonic-magmatic metallogenic system for the whole Qingchengzi orefield, such as faults, strata, magmatic bodies and mineralized alteration belts. Based on the spatial relationship between the known deposits and structural factors interpreted from gravity and magnetic anomalies, it is concluded that the gold-rich polymetallic deposits and mineralization are controlled by five major deep regional faults (two in the NE direction and three in the NW direction). Moreover, the borders of the Indosinian and Yanshanian concealed magmatic intrusions, as well as the intersections of deep regional faults are more favorable for the deposition of gold-rich polymetallic minerals. A NNE-trending concealed structure was found in the middle of our study area, connecting the Shuangdinggou, Qingchengzi, Xinling and Gujiagou intrusions, serving as a possible channel for magmatic activities in the Indosinian. The forward modeling results on the gravity and magnetic data of profile L1 indicates that the Liaohe Group strata and the possible Mesozoic concealed intrusion lies beneath the Paleoproterozoic Dadingzi granite. This finding supplements the traditional understanding that the Paleoproterozoic Dadingzi granite is the deepest boundary for ore prospecting, and provides new thoughts searching for deep-seated ore bodies for the Xiaotongjiapuzi ore deposits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Mesozoic East Asian Continental Margin (EACM) is generally considered as a continental magmatic arc triggered by Paleo-Pacific Plate subduction. However, the magmatic arc was not evident for a long time. This paper tries to use the gravity and magnetic responses along the magmatic arc to deeply explore its spatio-temporal distribution. Based on the gravity and magnetic anomalies of the Mesozoic magmatic arc on the EACM and combined with the integration of previous geological and geochronological studies, it is found that the tectonic features of the magmatic arc are more obvious in the fourth-order approximation/detail gravity anomaly fields by using wavelet multi-scale analysis. Furthermore, the residual crustal gravity anomalies containing the medium-wavelength components of the complete Bouguer gravity anomalies are analyzed for the identification of the Jurassic magmatic arcs. Finally, line-drawing analysis is performed on the fourth-order detail gravity anomaly field to explore the response of the Mesozoic magmatic arcs to Paleo-Pacific subduction on the EACM. Our results support that the magmatic arcs on the EACM mainly developed in the Late Triassic-Early Cretaceous Andean Active Continental Margin and in the late Early Cretaceous-Eocene transtensional continental margin. Our study contributes to the formation and refinement of the Paleo-Pacific Plate subduction mechanism and the Mesozoic tectonic evolutionary model of the EACM, and also provides geophysical evidence for the reconstruction of dynamic processes of the EACM. [Display omitted] • Spatio-temporal distribution of the Mesozoic magmatic arc on the East Asian Continental. • Tectonic features of the magmatic arc revealed by wavelet multi-scale method and line-drawing analysis. • Identification of the Mesozoic magmatic arcs by residual crustal gravity anomalies. • The response of the Mesozoic magmatic arcs to Paleo-Pacific subduction on the EACM is explored. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we introduce the method of Wavelet Multi-scale Decomposition (WMD) combined with Power Spectrum Analysis (PSA) for the separation of regional gravity and magnetic anomalies. The Songliao Basin is situated between the Siberian Plate and the North China Plate, and its main structural trend of gravity and magnetic anomaly fields is NNE. The study area shows a significant feature of deep collage-type construction. According to the feature of gravity field, the region was divided into five sub-regions. The gravity and magnetic fields of the Songliao Basin were separated using WMD with a 4th order separation. The apparent depth of anomalies in each order was determined by Logarithmic PSA. Then, the shallow high-frequency anomalies were removed and the 2nd-4th order wavelet detail anomalies were used to study the basin's major faults. Twenty-six faults within the basement were recognized. The 4th order wavelet approximate anomalies were used for the inversion of the Moho discontinuity and the Curie isothermal surface. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The regular grid discretization is prevalent in the inverse modeling for gravity and magnetic data. However, this subdivision strategy performs lower precision to represent the rugged observation surface. To deal with this problem, we evaluate a non-structured discretization method in which the subsurface with rolling terrain is divided into numbers of Delaunay triangular cells and each mesh has the uniform physical property distributions. The gravity and magnetic anomalies of a complex-shaped anomalous body are represented as the summaries of the single anomaly produced by each triangle field source. When inverting for the potential field data, we specify a minimization objective function composed of data constraints and then use the preconditioned conjugate gradient algorithm to iteratively solve the matrix minimization equations, where the preconditioner is determined by the distances between triangular cells and surface observers. We test our method using synthetic data; all tests return favorable results. In the case studies involving the gravity and magnetic anomalies of the Mengku and Pobei deposits in Xinjiang, northwest China, the inferred magnetite orebodies and ultrabasic rocks distributions are verified by the additional drilling and geological information. The discretization of constrained Delaunay triangulation provides an useful approach of computing and inverting the potential field data on the situations of undulate topography and complicated objects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

From analysis of the geological and geophysical data (gravity, magnetic, seismic and petrophysics), we propose that geophysical anomalies are produced by a serpentinized mantle peridotite body (SMPB) situated in the middle to lower crust in the Sulu Belt. The SMPB was formed by crustal emplacement of mantle peridotites accompanied by ultrahigh-pressure (UHP) metamorphism. Our finding suggests an emplacement mechanism for the serpentinized mantle wedge (SMW), early in the subduction process. This is different from the classic view, which holds that the serpentinized forearc mantle is formed by in situ hydration processes (Blakely et al., 2005). The petrophysical properties of the SMPB are similar to those of the serpentinized forearc mantle or SMW in modern subduction-zones worldwide, but the formation mechanisms for SMPB and SMW are different. This observation is important for understanding the geodynamic processes that operated in the large UHP metamorphic belt in the Dabie-Sulu area, eastern China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Study demonstrates the continuity of the 85°E Ridge up to the Mahanadi coast near Chilka Lake. [•] Results support volcanic origin for the ridge and indicate its emplacement over a relatively younger lithosphere. [•] Two alternative models for the plume emplacement of the ridge are proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] G–M survey over igneous intrusions in the Deccan traps shows distinct signatures. [•] G–M model reveals presence of basic as well as acidic rocks. [•] Magnetization direction of source rock covers the major span of Deccan eruption. [•] Model suggests growth of magma reservoirs at progressively higher levels in the crust. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The Cayos Basin is an offshore basin located in the Colombian Caribbean Sea and forms part of the Lower Nicaraguan Rise, a geological province of the western region of the Caribbean Plate. Until now, the origin of the province is still being debated. Advanced research in the study area regarding its composition and structure, from land outcrops, petrology and geochemistry of drilled cores and dredged samples, and geophysical investigations, indicates a volcanic origin for this geological province, and a close relationship to the formation of the Caribbean Large Igneous Province. On the contrary, other studies suggest that the Lower Nicaraguan Rise may be part of the continental Chortis block. In this paper, we present and discuss alternative scenarios for the nature of the underlying crust below the sedimentary sequences in the Cayos Basin. We characterize the basin through the interpretation of magnetic and gravity anomaly grids, and 2D forward modeling, constructed based on three sections, by considering restriction seismic data from previous works. The results show that the Cayos Basin is underlain by geological bodies with high density and higher magnetization. From the gravity and magnetic forward modeling, we estimated the depth to the basement is about 2–6 km, and the Moho discontinuity to have an average of 18 km below, the Cayos Basin. Our investigation implies that, at least, the Cayos Basin is in the oceanic crust domain and shows no evidence of a continental source of the Chortis block. • Study describes crustal structure of Cayos Basin in the western of the Colombian Caribbean Sea using potential field data. • Large gravity and magnetic anomalies are related to deep volcanic bodies in the Cayos Basin. • 2D gravity/magnetic forward models reveal the oceanic crust domain and shows no evidence of a continental source. • Seismic sections were used to constrain the gravity and magnetic joint modeling. • Results indicate that there is a distinct variation in the crustal geometry below the Cayos Basin and surrounding areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In this paper, a new method estimating the ratio of magnetic intensity to density contrast of a body that creates magnetic and gravity anomalies is presented. Although magnetic intensity and density of an anomalous body can be measured in the laboratory from the surface samples, the proposed new method is developed to determine the magnetic intensity and density contrast from the magnetic and gravity anomalies when the surface samples are not available. In this method, density contrast diagrams of a synthetic model are produced and these diagrams are prepared as graphics where the magnetic intensity (J) is given in the vertical axis and Psg (pseudogravity)/Grv (gravity) values in horizontal axis. The density contrast diagrams can be prepared as three sub-diagrams to show the low, middle and high ranges allowing obtain density contrast of body. The proposed method is successfully tested on the synthetic models with and without error. In order to verify the results of the method, an alternative method known as root-mean-square (RMS) is also applied onto the same models to determine the density contrast. In this manner, maximum correlation between the observed gravity and calculated gravity anomalies is searched and confirmation of the results is supported with the RMS method. In order to check the reliability of the new method on the field data, the proposed method is applied to the Tetbury (England) and Hanobasi (Central Turkey) magnetic and gravity anomalies. Field models are correlated with available geological, seismic and borehole data. The results are found consistent and reliable for estimating the magnetic intensity and density contrast of the causative bodies. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A new cross-border gravity map on the scale of 1:200,000 covering 14,900 km2 of the SE Saxony and NW Bohemia was compiled. It is limited by the sites of Grimma (NW), Karlovy Vary (SW), Neratovice (SE) and Bautzen (NE). Three positive gravity regions - (a) Lusatian Anticline, (b) SE part of the North Saxon Syncline and (c) Teplá-Barrandian Unit were delimited. Separation of the Bouguer anomalies into the regional and residual components together with the Linsser filtering provided three types of derived gravity maps (regional, residual and density boundaries) for geological interpretation. Eighteen negative residual anomalies mostly pertaining to partially buried granite or acid volcanic bodies and ten positive residual anomalies mostly caused by metamorphic complexes were identified. The map of the Linsser indications showing the density boundaries at three depth levels (1, 3 and 6 km) introduces not only numerous disjunctions but also indicates an internal structure of the individual regions. Anew cross-border magnetic map covering the same area is also presented. A "central" circular gravity low (-61 mGal) delineates the Altenberg-Teplice Caldera extending to 10km depth. Variscan igneous bodies produce only negative gravity anomalies regardless their size. Pre-Variscan igneous bodies cause either weak negative or positive anomalies. A chain of gravity and magnetic anomalies follows the Litoměřice Deep Fault and a large pronounced magnetic anomaly between Doupov volcanic complex (SW) and the Elbe Zone (NE) delineates the Saxothuringian/Teplá-Barrandian Suture Zone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We consider the origin and character of a prominent large-scale geophysical feature in north-central Nevada that is coincident with the western margin of the northern Nevada rift-a mid-Miocene rift that includes mafic dike swarms and associated volcanic rocks expressed by a NNW-striking magnetic anomaly. The geophysical feature also correlates with mid-Miocene epithermal gold deposits and is coincident with the central part of the Battle Mountain-Eureka mineral trend. The Reese River Valley, a 2-km-deep Cenozoic basin, is located along the western margin of this feature and is inferred from the inversion of gravity data to be influenced by, and perhaps in part structurally controlled by, the geophysical feature. Geophysical modeling indicates that the source of the geophysical anomaly must extend to mid-crustal depths, perhaps reflecting a transition from Paleozoic crust in the southwest to Precambrian crust in the northeast, the presence of felsic intrusive rocks in the middle crust, or the edge of mid- to subcrustal mafic intrusions related to late Tertiary magmatic underplating associated with hotspot magmatism. These cases offer very different possibilities for the age, depth, and origin of the source of the geophysical anomaly, and they present distinct implications for crustal evolution in the northern Great Basin. For example, if the anomaly is due to a pre-Cenozoic basement structure, then its coincidence with the mid- Miocene northern Nevada rift suggests that the trend of the rift was guided by the preexisting crustal structure. On the other hand, if the anomaly is related to Tertiary mafic intrusions, then the western limit of this magmatism may have been influenced by hotspot fracturing of the crust. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Deception Island is a young, active volcano located in the south-western part of Bransfield Strait, between the Antarctic Peninsula and the South Shetland archipelago. New gravity and magnetic data, from a marine geophysical cruise (DEC VOL-99), were analysed. Forty-eight survey lines were processed and mapped around Deception Island to obtain Bouguer and magnetic anomaly maps. These maps show well-defined groups of gravity and magnetic anomalies, as well as their gradients. To constrain the upper crustal structure, we have performed 2+1/2D forward modelling on three profiles perpendicular to the main anomalies of the area, and taking into account previously published seismic information. From the gravity and magnetic models, two types of crust were identified. These were interpreted as continental crust (located north of Deception Island) and more basic crust (south of Deception Island). The transition between these crustal types is evident in the Bouguer anomaly map as a high gradient area trending NE-SW. Both magnetic and gravity data show a wide minimum at the eastern part of Deception Island, which suggests a very low bulk susceptibility and low density intrusive body. With historical recorded eruptions and thermal and fumarolic fields, we interpret this anomaly as a partially melted intrusive body. Its top has been estimated to be at 1.7 km depth using Euler deconvolution techniques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Source body magnetization direction of the structures causing magnetic and gravity anomalies can be estimated with some accuracy. In this paper, a further improved method is presented for this purpose. The method searches for maximum correlation between pseudogravity and gravity anomalies. The method is successfully tested with synthetic models without error and with including some error into the data locations. The method is also applied to a field data in Central Turkey, which demonstrates successful pseudogravity transformation with newly estimated angle of body magnetization. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

As part of the assessment and need to clarify the Mesozoic subduction-related accretion history of the East Asian Ocean-Continent Connection Zone (EAOCCZ), 27 micro-blocks were identified on the continental margin of Northeast Asia, of which 22 are related to the Paleo-Pacific Plate (PPP) subduction. Two new methodologies are proposed to fulfil this purpose, comprising the residual crustal anomaly extraction technique and the gravity line-drawing method. The residual crustal gravity anomaly fields were extracted by multi-scale moderate-wavelength gravity field separation to reveal basement structures of the EAOCCZ. Meanwhile, the linear tectonic framework of Northeast Asia is determined through a gravity line-drawing method based on the fourth-order detailed field of the complete Bouguer gravity anomaly, to identify the micro-block boundaries. As a result, the recognized micro-blocks are mainly distributed along the Mongol-Okhotsk Suture Zone, Northeast China, Russian Far East and Japan Island Arc. In addition, the Mesozoic strike-slip faults and the pull-apart basins in the Trans-Baikal are evidenced by the left-stepping horsetail-shaped structure on the magnetic lineations and the continuous gravity high on the residual crustal gravity field. The latter reveals regional crustal extension, which indicates a strong intracontinental sinistral strike-slip motion in the Early Cretaceous on the northern flank of the Mongol-Okhotsk Suture Zone. Affected by the change of motion of the Paleo-Pacific Plate in Mesozoic, the EAOCCZ experienced frontal accretion in the Jurassic and oblique accretion in the Cretaceous. The Cretaceous braided structures on the northeastern continental margins indicate at least two stages of strike-slip movements. The earlier stage is controlled by dextral strike-slip transpression of the arc slivers, from north to south, to form the oroclinal-bending structures; whereas the later stage is controlled by the sinistral strike-slip faulting, moving the Taukha Terrane from south to north. The crustal residual gravity anomaly field reveals the crustal structure of the Okhotsk Micro-plate, which shows the characteristics of a subduction-related accretionary continental margin. This accretionary margin has been located at the northern slope of the Kurile Basin, similar to the Sikhote-Alin and Kamchatka volcanic arcs, and has not yet completely collapsed. Crustal thinning has obviously occurred in the back-arc area, and some main depocenters developed in the northwest, controlled by the NNW-trending boundary faults. • Gravity and magnetic methods provide with new evidence for tectonic boundaries and basement structures in the EAOCCZ. • 27 micro-blocks are recognized in the EAOCCZ, including 22 Mesozoic accretion-related micro-blocks. • Crustal structure of the Okhotsk Micro-plate shows a similar feature to the West Pacific-type continental margin [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Delineation of chromite bearing ultramafic bodies under the thick laterite cover. • Geophysical signatures suggest isolated ultramafic bodies within the granulites. • These are considered as tectonically detached bodies of Sukinda ultramafic complex. • Results well corroborated with the drill hole and petrography data. Chromite and Platinum Group of Elements (PGE) mineralization in the Eastern Indian Shield region is found in the ultramafic rocks distributed in the Baula-Nuasahi and Sukinda massifs intrusive into the Iron Ore Group (IOG) of rocks. In addition to this, recent geological studies have also reported the occurrences of chromiferous ultramafic bodies within the granulite tracts of Eastern Ghat Group around Asurabandha and Maulabhanja areas in the southwestern part of Sukinda Massif. In the present study, detailed gravity and magnetic surveys (1510 stations) were conducted over a laterite covered area of ~0.16 km2 at Bhuban-Asurabandha to locate the anomalous zones/sources, the geometry of the chromite bearing host rocks and its depth continuity in the subsurface. Four distinct coincident positive gravity anomalies (up to ~0.18 to 0.36 mGal) and residual magnetic anomalies (~−200 to 350 nT) with the NE-SW strike indicate the presence of high density mafic/ultramafic bodies under the laterite cover. The results of 3-D Euler deconvolution and two-dimensional compact gravity inversion models in this region further suggest the presence of high-density material (~3100–3600 kg/m3) at a depth of 20–40 m in the subsurface. Exploratory drill hole data in the area confirms the subsurface occurrence of thin chromiferous serpentinite as lensoidal and sandwiched bodies within the granulite rocks of Eastern Ghat Group. Petrological studies of the drill core samples reveal the occurrences of disseminated and thin banded chromite within the serpentinites which is identical to the Sukinda ultramafics in terms of its mineralogy and alteration. On the other hand, the surrounding mafic granulite rocks contain occasional magnetite and sulfides within the granulite rocks. Hence, the chromiferous ultramafic bodies within the granulite rocks can be considered as the tectonically detached portions of the Sukinda ultramafic rocks during the regional thrusting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]