Distribution of the crustal magnetic anomaly and geological structure in Xinjiang, China

Abstract

Based on the high-order crustal magnetic field model NGDC-720-V3, we investigate the distribution of crustal magnetic anomaly, the decay characteristics of the anomaly, and the relationship between the magnetic anomaly and geological structure in Xinjiang, China. Topography of the magnetic layer basement is studied through Curie isothermal surface using the power spectrum method. It is found that south Tarim Basin, Junggar Basin, and Turpan–Hami Basin have strong positive magnetic anomaly, whereas west Kunlun Mountain, Altun Mountain, Tianshan Mountain, and Altai Mountain have weak or negative anomaly. The magnetic anomaly well reflects the regional tectonic structure, i.e., three alternating mountains intervened by two basins. The magnetic anomaly on the ground surface in Tarim Basin is well corresponding to the mafic dykes. The decay of the magnetic anomaly with altitude indicates that Xinjiang is a large massif composed of several magnetic blocks with different sizes in different directions. The Curie surface presents a feature of being shallow under mountains whereas being deep under basins, roughly having an anti-mirror correspondence with the Moho depth.