Gravity Map Research Articles

Análisis morfotectónico y gravimétrico en un valle intermontano de la Precordillera Central de San Juan, Argentina

En este trabajo se efectúa un análisis morfotectónico y gravimétrico de la cuenca del río Talacasto, en Precordillera Central, con énfasis en el río de La Burra. Se describen además las principales estructuras con evidencia de actividad tectónica cuaternaria. La morfología irregular de la cuenca y la diversidad de depósitos aluviales encontrados a lo largo del río de La Burra (colector principal de la cuenca) permitieron inferir que la misma se encuentra en un ambiente tectónico activo con fuertes controles litológicos y estructurales. Las principales fallas descritas se ubican en el piedemonte oriental de la Sierra de La Crucecita, y occidental de la sierra de Talacasto (30º 54’-31º S y 68º 47’-68º 55’ O), unos 70 km al noroeste de San Juan, en el Departamento Ullum. Las mismas se denominaron de norte a sur: Las Crucecitas y Vertientes (en el piedemonte oriental de la sierra de La Crucecita) y el sistema de falla Talacasto occidental (piedemonte occidental de la sierra homónima). Las fallas afectan depósitos asignados al Pleistoceno tardío y Holoceno y muestran en las exposiciones naturales identificadas, rasgos típicos de ambientes compresivos y que evidencian su actividad cuaternaria. Las estructuras identificadas coinciden con el estilo estructural de tectónica de piel delgada de vergencia oriental, característico de Precordillera Central. Además, se identificó un control estructural sobre el río de La Burra, con la generación de al menos tres terrazas de erosión sobre su margen izquierda. Esta deformación se vincula con el tectonismo activo que a escala regional afectó y afecta al ámbito precordillerano. Finalmente, se identificaron las principales estructuras geológicas a partir del análisis e interpretación de las anomalías gravimétricas, empleando datos obtenidos de WGM12 (World Gravity Map, 2012), que incluye datos de gravedad terrestre y satelital derivados del modelo EGM2008. La respuesta gravimétrica del basamento que compone el área en estudio, muestra una correlación con la estructura superficial y podría estar asociada a los diferentes dominios morfotectónicos reconocidos en la región.

Insights into crustal architecture and tectonics across Palghat Cauvery Shear Zone, India from combined analysis of gravity and magnetic data

The Palghat Cauvery Shear Zone (PCSZ), which dissects the Southern Granulite Terrane (SGT), evoked much attention for last two‐three decades as it offers an enticing opportunity to understand Precambrian tectonics. Many studies suggest that it is a suture zone or a terrane boundary, but tectonic evolution is mainly derived from structural and geochronological evidences. The present gravity‐magnetic study provides insight into both shallow and deeper crustal architecture and addresses the issues related to validation/modification of the existing tectonic realm. A total of 3,650 gravity and magnetic measurements were made covering ~8,640 km2 area, represented by high‐grade metamorphic rocks and acid intrusives of Archean to Neoproterozoic age. Representative rock samples were also collected for determination of petrophysical properties (density and susceptibility) which have augmented the understanding of gravity‐magnetic signature. The gravity anomaly map and subsequent modelling suggest an occurrence of a high‐density batholith at mid‐crustal level at the central part of the area. The magnetic anomaly map reveals that ENE‐WSW trending linear magnetic low zone is coincident with a residual gravity high, which probably indicates the fossil of an oceanic crust. The horizontal gradient of gravity‐magnetic data reveals the shallow crust, which is bounded by Palghat Cauvery Shear Zone (PCSZ) and Dharapuram Shear Zone (DSZ), and separates two terranes in terms of density and susceptibilities. The study suggests N‐S verging compressional tectonics had led to closure of an ocean, imprints of which is well manifested in gravity and magnetic maps.

Crustal deformation, active tectonics and seismic potential in the Sicily Channel (Central Mediterranean), along the Nubia\u2013Eurasia plate boundary

Based on multidisciplinary data, including seismological and geodetic observations, as well as seismic reflection profiles and gravity maps, we analysed the pattern of crustal deformation and active tectonics in the Sicily Channel, a key observation point to unravel the complex interaction between two major plates, Nubia and Eurasia, in the Mediterranean Sea. Our data highlight the presence of an active ~ 220-km-long complex lithospheric fault system (here named the Lampedusa-Sciacca Shear Zone), approximately oriented N–S, crossing the study area with left-lateral strike-slip deformations, active volcanism and high heat flow. We suggest that this shear zone represents the most active tectonic domain in the area, while the NW–SE elongated rifting pattern, considered the first order tectonic feature, appears currently inactive and sealed by undeformed recent (Lower Pleistocene?) deposits. Estimates of seismological and geodetic moment-rates, 6.58 × 1015 Nm/year and 7.24 × 1017 Nm/year, respectively, suggests that seismicity accounts only for ~ 0.9% of crustal deformation, while the anomalous thermal state and the low thickness of the crust would significantly inhibit frictional sliding in favour of creeping and aseismic deformation. We therefore conclude that a significant amount of the estimated crustal deformation-rate occurs aseismically, opening new scenarios for seismic risk assessments in the region.

Mapping New IOCG Mineral Systems in Brazil: The Vale do Curaçá and Riacho do Pontal Copper Districts

The Vale do Curaçá and Riacho do Pontal copper districts are located within the northern part of the Archaean São Francisco Craton and represent two pulses of mineralization. The copper districts have been identified as Iron-Oxide-Copper-Gold (IOCG) classes of deposits. An older metallogenic event associated with the Caraíba copper deposit, which is located in the Vale do Curaçá district, is related to Palaeoproterozoic (ca. 2 to 2.2 Ga) hydrothermal processes. A younger Neoproterozoic (ca. 750 to 570 Ma) episode of volcanism and associated plutonism is represented by the Riacho do Pontal mineral district. Seismic tomography data from across east-central Brazil show that the multiage Carajás province and Vale do Curaçá and Riacho do Pontal copper districts sit along either side of a prominent NW-trending upper lithospheric high-velocity zone. The edges of the high-velocity zone point to long-lived subparallel transcrustal structures that have been the focus of multiple reactivations and copper mineralization events. Regional gravity and magnetic maps show that the Vale do Curaçá copper district extends over an area greater than 110 km by 22 km. The magnetic and gravity values show significant variations correlated with this area. The district includes high gravity values associated with the Caraíba copper mine (>−35 mGal), which has a greater density (3.13 g/cm3) than the nonmineralized host rock density (2.98 g/cm3). The gravity anomaly signature over the Riacho do Pontal copper district is characterized by a 40-km long NW–SE trending Bouguer gravity low. The Ria4 occurrences of the Riacho do Pontal copper district are situated in these regional low-gravity domains. Data from regional airborne magnetic and ground gravity surveys were inverted to obtain a 3D magnetic susceptibility and density model, respectively, for the known districts. The results show that the Caraíba deposit is characterized by a both dense and magnetic source showing structural control by thrust shear zones. The 2D and 3D geological models show two main NNW prospective trends. Trends I and II have a sigmoidal shear shape and are positioned in the contact zone between domains with high magnetic susceptibility (SI > 0.005) and density > 0 g/cm3). Trend I is 40 km × 10 km in size and hosts the Caraíba, Surubim, and Vermelho copper mines and other minor deposits. The results obtained from the 3D magnetic inversion model for the region of the Riacho do Pontal district show weak magnetic anomaly highs extending along a NW–SE magnetic gradient trend. The gradient is related to mapped shear zones that overprint older and deeper NE–SW features of the São Francisco cratonic root. The area includes high gravity values associated with the Caraíba copper deposit, which has a greater density (3.13 g/cm3) than the nonmineralized host rock density (2.4 g/cm3).

Sensitivity Analysis of Precision Inertial Sensor‐based Navigation System (SAPIENS)

The future of deep space exploration depends upon technological advancement towards improving spacecraft's autonomy and versatility. This study aims to examine the feasibility of autonomous orbit determination using advanced accelerometer measurements. The objective of this research is to ascertain specific sensor requirements to meet pre-defined mission navigation error budgets. Traditional inertial navigation (dead reckoning and external aiding) is not considered. Instead, measurements from pairs of advanced, highly sensitive accelerometers (e.g., cold atom accelerometers) are used onboard to determine gravity field gradients, which are then correlated to onboard gravity maps and used to determine orbital information. Linear Covariance Theory helps to efficiently conduct an error budget analysis of the system. This error budget analysis helps to determine the effect of specific error sources in the sensor measurements, thereby providing information to rank and compare relevant sensor parameters and determine an optimal sensor configuration for a given space mission. The procedure is repeated to evaluate different accelerometer configurations and sensor parameters.

Overview on the subsurface structure-tectonic controls in the northwest Bahariya, Western Desert, Egypt

A regional structural investigation was done on the northwestern part of Bahariya Oasis, using the potential field maps aided by geo-seismic sections and wells data. The gravity and magnetic maps were reinterpreted in context of geotectonic evolution of the north Western Desert to throw more light on the source of subsurface structures. Several processing methods and filtering techniques were applied to delineate locations, trends and depths of main source structures. Qualitatively, the study indicates that Bahariya horst is the highest in gravity, Sitra platform has the strongest magnetism, whereas Misawage graben is the largest in depth to the basement surface. The results were integrated to construct a tentative tectonic map, which exhibits an older folding in the NW direction intersected by a younger ENE trend, which seems to be crossed by a set of NW-trending faults. The map underlines regional folding in NE-SW trend (Syrian arc), forming four major structural features (Misawage graben, Sitra platform, Bahariya uplift and Dirrut basin), each has distinctive characteristics. The tectonic model suggests two different forces (NNW-compression and ENE-tension) affected the area, forming two main fold trends and five cycles of deformation. The models indicate a rough basement surface with a regional dip regime toward the north, overlain by a sedimentary cover ranges between 1 and 4.5 km in thickness. The basement is generally of acidic composition with some basic intrusions penetrate the boundary faults.

Crustal structure of the metasedimentary Kisseynew domain and bounding volcanic–plutonic domains, Trans-Hudson orogen, Canada

The Kisseynew domain (KD) is the largest component of the Paleoproterozoic Trans-Hudson orogen (THO) in Saskatchewan and Manitoba. It is bounded to the north by the Lynn Lake – Leaf Rapids (LL-LR) domain and to the south by the Glennie – Flin Flon (G-FF) complex. The THO was the focus of one of the study areas of Lithoprobe, Canada’s national Earth science research project (1984–2005). To further investigate the crustal structure of the KD and its bounding domains, this study reprocesses reflection line S3a across its northern boundary, analyses four 2.5-D gravity profiles, carries out 3-D gravity inversions for two areas, and replicates results from reflection lines 7 and 10 across the southern boundary of the KD. The reprocessed seismic section enhances the continuity of reflections within the crust. The reflectivity is representative of the complex tectonic development of the boundary zone and clearly identifies a subsurface deformation zone consistent with the boundary. The reflection section also shows that a lower plate (at about 30 to 50 km depth), interpreted as remnant lower crust of the G-FF complex, extends 30 km further northward than in the original section. Lines 7 and 10 illustrate the complex nature of the transition from the KD to the G-FF complex. The gravity analyses show that the variability and complexities of the boundary region between the LL-LR domain and KD, and the G-FF complex and KD, as indicated by the geological and Bouguer gravity maps, extend at depth throughout the crust.

Gravimetric analysis of the rifts and volcanic fields of the Jalisco block, Mexico

The gravity map of the complete Jalisco Block (JB) is obtained from satellite-derived measurements at a resolution of ~1 km separation, including the offshore region up to the Middle America Trench (MAT). Tepic-Zacoalco (TZ) and Colima delimiting rifts of the JB are identified as gravimetric minima. The NW limit of the block appears also as a rifted zone, with a gravity minimum connecting Bahia de Banderas with the TZ rift, defining a new triple point: the Compostela Triple Point (rift-rift-rift) that together with the Guadalajara Triple Point determine the north boundary of the Jalisco Block. The largest negative gravity anomalies are observed associated with the Central Jalisco Volcanic Lineament (CJVL) and Bahía de Banderas; they appear to be connected since they are only separated by a small positive anomaly east of Bahía de Banderas. The CJVL is parallel to the Middle America Trench, exhibiting a discontinuous alignment of Quaternary volcanism from the Colima Volcanic Complex to the northwestern rifted limit of the Jalisco Block. Ameca and Santiago rivers flow parallel to each other in a northwesterly direction for 100 km, then Santiago river changes course to continue 64 km in a north-northwesterly direction up to Aguamilpa dam. Ameca river should follow the same direction; instead, it abruptly changes its course to a southwesterly direction to discharge in Bahía de Banderas. The drastic course deviation is attributed to the intersection of Ameca river causeway with the Bahía de Banderas-Compostela rift, proposed in this study to be the northwestern limit of the Jalisco Block.

An integrated lineament extraction from satellite imagery and gravity anomaly maps for groundwater exploration in the Gongola Basin

Structural trends in the earth's crust can be detected in the form of lineaments and may be useful in several environmental applications such as mineral exploration and hydrogeology. In this study, structural lineaments in the western sector of the Gongola Basin of northern Nigeria were mapped using two approaches - the analysis of gravity data and the processing of Landsat 8 imagery. In the analysis of gravity data, a convolution was done between the fourier kernel obtained from the second horizontal derivative of the truncated horizontal plate and the gravity anomaly. The lineaments were extracted as the sharp gradients in the second horizontal derivative map. The NE-SW and E-W trending lineaments were interpreted as fault (strike-slip wrench) systems. In the second approach, a 5 × 5 directional filter was applied to the Landsat imagery in the N–S, NE-SW, E-W and NW-SE directions. Next, edge detection, thresholding and curve detection were done to extract the lineaments. It was observed that the NW-SE and NE-SW lineaments correlated more with the lineaments/faults in the gravity maps. Comparison of rose diagrams of lineaments as obtained from the remote sensing method shows a high correlation with the major linear structures in the study area. High correlation exists between lineaments delineated from remote sensing and gravity data. Results from the lineament analysis show that groundwater potential is high in the areas with high lineament density. Settlements such as Mallurin Tudu Yautare, Wuro Bundu, Kunde and Tauya which are located in the northern part of the basin have high groundwater potential due to the high lineament density observed from the gravity and the remote sensing methods. Lafiya and Jimbom communities located in the south eastern part of the basin also have high lineament density which signifies good groundwater potential. These results have demonstrated the advantage of remote sensing for detecting lineaments in support of groundwater mapping. This good correlation between lineaments mapped from both methods strengthens existing studies on the structural manifestation of the Gongola Basin. This can serve as a reconnaissance approach to aid more precise geophysical observations.

The Bouguer Anomaly Map of Iraq According to a New Local Theoretical Gravity Equation and Its Geological Importance

Four hundred and seventy eight gravity base stations in Iraq were used to obtain a new local theoretical gravity equation. The obtained equation was used to construct a Bouguer anomaly map of Iraq depending on the available gravity base stations. This map was compared with the Bouguer map constructed for the same stations using the international formula (1930). Good similarity in shapes and locations of the anomaly were observed, while the gravity anomaly values in the new map were increased by about 30 mGal. The eastern zero gravity contour line of the new obtained gravity map coincides with the western boundary of the tectonic Mesopotamian zone, while the main negative gravity values coincide with the Mesopotamian area, which contains most oil fields in eastern Iraq. All negative gravity anomaly areas coincide with the deepest basement rocks (the sedimentary basins) in Iraq. The obtained results are very valuable in geological applications.

An Integration of Magnetic, Gravity and Seismic Data in Evaluating the Algoa Basin in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa for Stratigraphic and Structural Geodynamics

The Algoa Basin is a hydrocarbon potential basin which lies off the southern continental margin of South Africa, along the coastal region of Port Elizabeth area with both onshore and offshore components. Despite the continued consensus on the basin’s hydrocarbon potential, both its structural and stratigraphic geodynamics are still not well documented. In this study, gravity data constrained by borehole data was modelled to reveal onshore subsurface geology whereas the seismic sections were used for offshore. In addition, magnetic data was used to delineate magnetic zones and lineaments. The onshore magnetic results show the localised occurrence of large-scale geologic bodies, with high and positive anomalies forming bounding rims coincidental with the edges of the basin. The average depths to the top of the shallowest and deepest magnetic sources were estimated from the power spectrum to be approximately 0.4–0.6 km and 9.5 km, respectively. The onshore Bouguer gravity map is characterised by a gravity low zone over the basin’s sediment where it attains its lowest value over the depocentre. 2¾ D gravity modelling results along five profiles show that the basin comprises of two to three ‘“V” shaped’ sub-basins of shallow crustal depth with sediment thickness of up to 4.6 km. The models also revealed discontinuity in sediment units, confirming the diachronous nature of the Uitenhage Group. Analyses of offshore seven seismic sections show that the stratigraphic sequence consists of diachronous geological units, which are characterised by displacements, forming a series of minor and major faults. Complementary to onshore gravity models, seismic sections also shows relatively shallow vertical extension to the Paleozoic crustal basement between 1.3 and 5.3 km.

Pūhāhonu: Earth's biggest and hottest shield volcano

New bathymetric and gravity mapping, refined volume calculations and petrologic analyses show that the Hawaiian volcano Pūhāhonu is the largest and hottest shield volcano on Earth. This ∼12.5-14.1 Ma volcano in the northwest Hawaiian Ridge (NWHR) is twice the size of Mauna Loa volcano (148 ± 29 vs. 74.0×103km3), which was assumed to be not only the largest Hawaiian volcano but also the largest known shield volcano. We considered four testable mechanisms to increase magma production, including 1) thinner lithosphere, 2) slower propagation rate, 3) more fertile source, and 4) hotter mantle. The first three of these have been ruled out. The lithosphere was old (∼88 Myrs) when Pūhāhonu was formed, and thus, too thick and cold to allow for greater extents of partial melting. The propagation rate was relatively fast when it erupted (87 km/Myr), so this is another unlikely reason. Source fertility was Kea-like and no more fertile than for other much smaller NWHR volcanoes. A hotter mantle remains the best mechanism to produce the large magma volumes and is consistent with the high forsteritic olivine phenocryst compositions (up to 91.8%) and the calculated high percent of melting (24%). Thus, the gargantuan size of Pūhāhonu reflects its high melting temperature, the highest reported for any Cenozoic basalt. A solitary wave within the Hawaiian plume is the probable cause of Pūhāhonu's higher melting temperature and the resulting increased volume flux given the absence of a more fertile source for Pūhāhonu basalts, as found for many basalts from the Hawaiian Islands.

The igneous rock intrusion beneath Ambon and Seram islands, eastern Indonesia, based on the integration of gravity and magnetic inversion: its implications for geothermal energy resources

Ambon and Seram islands in eastern Indonesia are located in the convergence zone of three major plates, causing this area to have many geothermal manifestations on the surface. A subsurface geological study on Ambon and Seram has been conducted based on the integration of gravity and magnetic inversion modeling to determine the intrusion of igneous rock as a potential source of geothermal energy. The gravity and magnetic inversion utilized gravity and magnetic anomaly data from the World Gravity Map (WGM) and the Earth Magnetic Anomaly Grid (EMAG), as well as the CRUST 1.0 global earth crust model, as the constraints. In general, gravity and magnetic anomalies in the study area are compatible, in which the southern part of Ambon is dominated by high anomalies and the northern part is covered by low anomalies associated with the Seram trench. The high anomaly is thought to be related to the intrusion of igneous rocks underneath the surface that have cooling and are rich in magnetic minerals, while the low anomaly is related to the destruction zone due to subduction in the north of Seram. The gravity inversion shows the distribution of subsurface rock density ranging from 1.86 g cm-3 to 2.82 g cm-3, while magnetic inversion produces rock susceptibility contrast ranging from -0.0034 SI to 0.0058 SI. Based on Curie point depth analysis of magnetic data, the bottom depth of the magnetic source is estimated at 25 km. The 3D subsurface model of Ambon and Seram based on gravity and magnetic inversion shows a massive and evident intrusion pattern with high rock density and susceptibility contrast down to a depth of 10 km. The distribution of high density and susceptibility is thought to have implications for geothermal resources in Ambon and Seram.

Years of Arabian Peninsula gravity exploration by Chevron and its legacy companies, including discovery of the Ghawar and Burgan super-giants

Exploration of the eastern Arabian Platform in the 1930s and 1940s by Chevron and its legacy company Gulf Oil resulted in discovery of Kuwait's super-giant Burgan Field by Gulf Oil in 1938 and Saudi Arabia's super-giant Ghawar Field by California Arabian Standard Oil Company in 1948. Ghawar Field and Burgan Field are widely regarded as the first- and second-largest oil fields in the world, respectively. Gravity methods featured prominently in Gulf's and Chevron's subsurface explorations. Gravity mapping identified the Burgan structure and was important in delineating the Ghawar structural complex. Gravimetric technology continues to provide value for deep exploration in Chevron's Partitioned Zone concession in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait.

DTN and Non-DTN Routing Protocols for Inter-CubeSat Communications: A comprehensive survey

CubeSats, which are limited by size and mass, have limited functionality. These miniaturised satellites suffer from a low power budget, short radio range, low transmission speeds, and limited data storage capacity. Regardless of these limitations, CubeSats have been deployed to carry out many research missions, such as gravity mapping and the tracking of forest fires. One method of increasing their functionality and reducing their limitations is to form CubeSat networks, or swarms, where many CubeSats work together to carry out a mission. Nevertheless, the network might have intermittent connectivity and, accordingly, data communication becomes challenging in such a disjointed network where there is no contemporaneous path between source and destination due to satellites’ mobility pattern and given the limitations of range. In this survey, various inter-satellite routing protocols that are Delay Tolerant (DTN) and Non Delay Tolerant (Non-DTN) are considered. DTN routing protocols are considered for the scenarios where the network is disjointed with no contemporaneous path between a source and a destination. We qualitatively compare all of the above routing protocols to highlight the positive and negative points under different network constraints. We conclude that the performance of routing protocols used in aerospace communications is highly dependent on the evolving topology of the network over time. Additionally, the Non-DTN routing protocols will work efficiently if the network is dense enough to establish reliable links between CubeSats. Emphasis is also given to network capacity in terms of how buffer, energy, bandwidth, and contact duration influence the performance of DTN routing protocols, where, for example, flooding-based DTN protocols can provide superior performance in terms of maximizing delivery ratio and minimizing a delivery delay. However, such protocols are not suitable for CubeSat networks, as they harvest the limited resources of these tiny satellites and they are contrasted with forwarding-based DTN routing protocols, which are resource-friendly and produce minimum overheads on the cost of degraded delivery probability. From the literature, we found that quota-based DTN routing protocols can provide the necessary balance between delivery delay and overhead costs in many CubeSat missions.

Gravity–magnetic appraisal at the interface of Cuddapah Basin and Nellore Schist Belt (NSB) for shallow crustal architecture and tectonic settings

Cuddapah Basin (CB) is an intracontinental, Proterozoic basin flanked by Eastern Dharwar Craton (EDC) in the west, Nellore Schist Belt (NSB) and Eastern Ghat Mobile Belt (EGMB) in the east, represents second largest Proterozoic basin of India. Gravity and magnetic surveys were carried out at the interface of Cuddapah Basin (CB) and Nellore Schist Belt (NSB) covering ~2880 km2 area. Gravity map has brought out some distinct zones. The thrusted contact of NSB and Cuddapah sediments has been well delineated from the gravity map by NE–SW trending steep gradient of contours. Relatively high gravity values are observed over NSB in the southeastern part, moderately high values are observed over Cumbum Formation, but distinct low is observed over Baironkonda Formation. These gravity highs and lows are mainly the manifestation of basement characteristics and intrusives. The magnetic map shows two distinct domains, viz., moderate to low zone in the southern part, and moderate to high zone in the northern part. Regional gravity map suggests a change in basement characteristics from felsic to mafic from NW to SE. Presence of mafic basement may be representing EGMB group of rocks underneath the Cuddapah sediments at the eastern part of the study area. The joint gravity and magnetic modelling reveal varied nature of sedimentary units in terms of density and susceptibility and change in basement characteristic.

Delineation of shallow structures in Madawara igneous complex, Bundelkhand Craton, India using gravity–magnetic data: Implication to tectonic evolution and mineralization

An integrated gravity–magnetic study has been carried out over Madawara Igneous Complex (MIC) in southern part of Bundelkhand Craton with an aim to decipher shallow crustal configuration and mineralized zones, thereby to improve the understanding of tectonic evolution of the region. Derived gravity and magnetic anomaly maps show good correlation with known geology and have delineated continuity of mafic–ultramafic intrusive bodies in EW direction. Radially averaged power spectrum (2D) and solutions derived from 3D Euler deconvolution have revealed average basement depths for gravity sources as ~0.3, 1.2 and 3.2 km, whereas for magnetic sources as ~0.3 and 1.2 km. From this study, these interfaces could be attributed to sedimentary origin for shallowest layer, mafic–ultramafic intrusive for intermediate layer and changes within the granite–gneissic basement for deeper solutions. Two-dimensional inverse modelling of residual gravity anomaly has delineated intrusion of highly dense mafic–ultramafic rocks from deeper part within the granite gneissic complex. Deeper basement from gravity and shallower from magnetic data indicate presence of two-stage magmatism within a subduction setting where the second magmatic emplacement probably occurred with a magma that comprises high magnetic material. High gravity and magnetic anomalies are observed over the mafic and ultramafic rock samples which are already identified (based on previous geochemical studies) as prospective zones for Cr, Ni and PGE mineralization. Thus, it can be inferred from this study that the mafic–ultramafic intrusive bodies are favourable targets for Cr–Ni–PGE mineralisation which may be obtained between a depth range of around 300 m to 3 km. Thus, the study enhances the scope for further integrated geophysical investigation over the identified prospective zones as well as provides important clues on magmatic evolution of the region.

Significant Tectono-Geophysical Features of the African-Arabian Tectonic Region: An Overview

Satellite gravimetry is recognized now as powerful and reliable tool for regional tectono-geodynamic zonation. The studied region contains intricate geodynamical features (high seismological indicators, active rift systems and collision processes), richest structural arrangement (existence of mosaic blocks of oceanic and continental Earth’s crust of various age), and a number of high-amplitude gravity anomalies and complex geomagnetic pattern. The most hydrocarbon reserves and diamonds, gold, platinum and deposits occur in this region. Comprehensive analysis of satellite derived gravity data by different methodologies were used to develop a sequence of maps specifying crucial properties of the region deep structure. Combined analysis of the compiled gravity map and its transformations with obtained geological data allowed to detecting significant geotectonic features of lithosphere of the region. For instance, Zagros-Makran terrane was classified as a separately developing structural segment (element) of the Arabian craton. Detailed examination of numerous geological sources and their combined examination with the GPS pattern, paleomagnetic, tectonic, geoid isoline map, seismic and other data revealed some sophisticated tectono-geophysical feature apparently located in middle-lower mantle below the Arabian-African region.

The Vaasa Migmatitic Complex (Svecofennian Orogen, Finland): Buildup of a LP‐HT Dome During Nuna Assembly

AbstractTectonic evolution of the Paleoproterozoic Vaasa migmatitic complex (VMC) in the central part of the Svecofennian accretionary orogen is deciphered using aeromagnetic and gravity maps, deep seismic and magnetotelluric profiles, and structural and metamorphic data. The VMC is a semicircular structure with migmatitic rim and granitic core composed of several subdomes. It evolved in three main tectonic events (D1–D3). The D1 event (ca. 1.89–1.88 Ga) corresponds to the stacking of supracrustal rocks and the formation of an inverted metamorphic gradient. Anatexis at LP‐HT metamorphic conditions enabled the material to flow. The D2 event (ca. 1.88–1.87 Ga) corresponds to large‐scale folding of the partially molten crust within an orocline. It is marked by folds with an E‐W vertical axial planar foliation. The late D3 event resulted from mass redistribution owing to mechanical instabilities within the hinge of the orocline. It is marked by vertical shearing (ca. 1.87–1.85 Ga) in the marginal parts of the complex and along the granitoid subdomes. The seismic reflection profile (FIRE 3a) and magnetotelluric profiles (MT‐PE and MT‐B2) image large‐scale D1 stacking structures within an accretionary prism. Near vertical breaks in crustal‐scale reflectivity and conductivity models are interpreted as D3 shear zones. The VMC is an example of early mass and heat transfer within a collage of hot supracrustal rocks in an accretionary belt. Partial melting enhanced the flow of material, the production, and rise of magma as well as exhumation, marked by magmatic domes in the hinge of the orocline.

Discussion on ‘A reassessment of the proposed ‘Lairg impact structure’ and its potential implications for the deep structure of northern Scotland’ Journal of the Geological Society, London, 176, 817-829

The interpretation of the Stac Fada Member of the Stoer Group of NW Scotland as a proximal ejecta blanket of late Mesoproterozoic age (Amor et al. 2008) has led to the search for the impact crater from which it originated. One prominent suggestion has been that this crater lies buried beneath east-central Sutherland, broadly centred on the village of Lairg (Fig. 1; Simms 2015). Simms & Ernstson (2019) develop this suggestion by interpreting the well-known negative anomaly that dominates the Bouguer gravity map of northern Scotland to represent the roots of this crater. However, they qualify their interpretation, noting that the geology at the Stac Fada outcrops implies a more distant crater location, and go on to propose hitherto unreported ‘crustal shortening structures' to explain this discrepancy. In doing so, they challenge current understanding of structural evolution in the Moine Thrust Belt and for crustal structure in NW Scotland. The purpose of this discussion is to demonstrate not only that the Simms & Ernstson (2019) proposals are incompatible with the known structural geology of northern Scotland, but that the geology of the Moine Thrust Belt renders the Lairg site to be one of the very few places that can be regarded as a highly unlikely source for the Stac Fada impact rocks. Internal Earth processes, rather than extra-terrestrial interventions, should be sought as explanations for the ‘Lairg gravity low'. A more general aim is to show, through this discussion, that making small changes to tectonic models commonly carries unintended consequences for geological interpretations that can go unrecognized if only illustrated on unscaled sketches. Fig. 1. Simplified geological map of northern Scotland, with locations discussed in the text, together with the location of the contested ‘Lairg impact crater’. X–Y is the location of the section line for Figure 2a. As recognized …