Investigating subduction orogeny dynamics of Manabhum high in the Upper Assam foreland basin, NE India by geophysical data-based modelling

Abstract

The Manabhum structural high, situated on the southern bank of the Brahmaputra River in the foreland part of the Upper Assam basin, is characterised by an elongated NNW-SSE direction of the fold axis. This study utilises seismic and satellite gravity data to model subsurface geological cross-sections across the Manabhum structure, providing insights into the presence of high-density material at the basement level, supported by the distribution of ophiolites at varying depths. The Manabhum, a compressional structure controlled by the complex folding involved in the Mishmi Hills and Naga Schuppen belt, subjected to compression at different stages, presents an excellent opportunity to understand subduction orogeny involving the collision between the Indian plate and the Tethys oceanic lithosphere subducting beneath the Myanmar continental lithosphere.