Subsurface density distribution and structure of the crust of the United Arab Emirates from gravity data

Abstract

The crustal structure beneath the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is still relatively unknown. Here we use regional gravity data to constrain the subsurface density distribution and structure of the crust of the UAE by applying diverse gravity derivatives methods such as: horizontal derivative (HDR), analytic signal (AS) and tilt angle (TA) to the subsurface structure and three-dimensional (3D) gravity inversion for crustal structure from the surface down to 35 km depth. The results are compared to known geological regional structures and the location of petroleum fields. The Bouguer anomalies range from -100.8 mGal to 113.5 mGal. The 3D gravity inversion results and the maximum Bouguer values coincide with the ophiolitic Hajar mountains in the east, and the successive anticlines (uplifted basement rocks) in the southwestern parts of UAE which could be promising sites for future petroleum exploration. Also, the 3D gravity inversion results and the minimum Bouguer anomalies are located over the Aruma Basin, eastern UAE Platform and Low Central UAE Platform, which can be places for deep groundwater aquifers. The results from HDR, AS and TA are in agreement with known geological structures.