Analysis of the lithospheric magnetic anomalies and tectonics in continental China and the adjacent regions using CHAMP satellite data

In this paper, the CHAMP satellite data from the last decade are used to map the lithospheric magnetic field in continental China at altitudes of 300 and 400 km using the spline function model technique. The results show that our model has higher amplitude than the spherical harmonic magnetic field model MF7. The resulting lithospheric anomaly distribution of continental China agrees with the geotectonic structure and crustal thermal structure. The magnetic anomaly distribution clearly indicates extrusion of the Tibetan Plateau towards the northeast and northwest directions. Northward movement is impeded by the relative rigid Tarim Basin featured with positive magnetic anomalies. The positive magnetic anomalies in Tarim basin extend to the northern Tibetan Plateau, suggesting that the southern part of Tarim Basin underthrusted the northern Tibetan Plateau.