Structural mapping over the 85°E Ridge and surroundings using EIGEN6C4 high-resolution global combined gravity field model: an integrated approach

Abstract

A revised gravity anomaly map, generated from the EIGEN6C4 high resolution global gravity model, has been utilized for understanding structure and tectonics over the 85°E Ridge and surroundings. EIGEN6C4 data have been analysed using different derivatives and Analytical Signal techniques for delineation of structural features and comparative analysis with the published results, which shows good correlation. All the structural features observed in two seismic reflection sections over a small part of the 85°E Ridge have also been delineated very well. The lineament trends of N–S, NNW–SSE, ENE–WSW and E–W are consequences of the major changes occurred in the mid-Cretaceous towards the spreading trends from NNW–SSE to N–S and resulted in northward movement of the Indian Plate trailed by interaction with the Asian Plate in the Early Eocene. The lineaments in the eastern side of the ridge have greater circular variances and greater circular standard deviation than those of the western side, which reveals that the eastern side of the ridge has suffered more tectonic activities.