Magnetization distribution and susceptibility inversions of the Balapur fault in the northern region of Kashmir basin, NW Himalaya

Abstract

Ground magnetic surveys were carried out in the northern region of the Kashmir basin, NW Himalaya to calculate the total magnetic intensities and subsurface constraints at the Balapur fault. The susceptibility index of -0.020 SI to 0.001SI was found associated with the strike of the Balapur fault. Further, the susceptibility index of the associated Gulmarg fault was recorded as -0.01SI to 0.001 SI. The present study implies that the Balapur fault has produced well-developed magnetic constraints throughout its strike. The 3D inversion modeling implies that the Balapur fault in north Kashmir has developed enough subsurface strain features and can lead to high earthquake intensity. Little or no variation was found between the observed and predicted databases and the analysis recorded an accuracy factor of 0.002 with 20 iterations. The study suggests that ground magnetic surveys are very useful in understanding the subsurface fault characteristics based on the Magnetization factor.