New insights into the contribution of gravity data for mapping the lithospheric architecture

Abstract

Amongst all the potential field methods, gravity data constitutes the frequently measured geophysical information for deep seated lithospheric structures. The present work aims to outline the structural pattern, the main basins of Sinai and the depths to both Conrad and Moho discontinuities (CMD) by utilizing the gravity data. Several basins were depicted based on high-pass filtered gravity map and much of them are in a close agreement with the former studies. Additionally, the dominant fault trends are NE, NW, EW and ENE. An empirical equation was applied to low-pass-filtered gravity data to estimate the depth of the CMD. However, the thickness of the sedimentary basins increases northwards, reaching approximately 8 km, the minimum depths of Conrad and Moho discontinuities were attained in the northern compartments to be about 18 and 31 km respectively. Meanwhile, far a way to the south, the maximum detectable depth of Conrad and Moho discontinuities are 21 and 37 km. Eventually, 2D gravity modeling was constructed and constrained by 15 drilled wells and the calculated depth of CMD to figure out the comprehensive lithospheric geometry beneath Sinai Peninsula.