Isostatic Gravity Anomalies Research Articles

Gravity evidence for a heterogeneous crust of Mercury

We modeled gravity data to explore Mercury’s internal structure and show the presence of crustal heterogeneities in density. We first evaluated the lithospheric flexure occurring in the spherical harmonic degree range 5–80, according to the flexural isostatic response curve. We thus estimated a mean elastic lithosphere thickness of about 30 pm 10 km and modeled the crust-mantle interface, which varies from 19 to 42 km depth, according to a flexural compensation model. The isostatic gravity anomalies were then obtained as the residual field with respect to the contributions from topography and lithospheric flexure. Isostatic anomalies are mainly related to density variations in the crust: gravity highs mostly correspond to large-impact basins suggesting intra-crustal magmatic intrusions as the main origin of these anomalies. Isostatic gravity lows prevail, instead, above intercrater plains and may represent the signature of a heavily fractured crust.

Delineation of Subsurface Structures Using Gravity Data of the Shallow Offshore, Lamu Basin, Kenya

Lamu Basin is located in South Eastern Kenya and covers about 170 000 km2 both onshore and offshore. Kenya’s Lamu Basin is hitherto underexplored even though there have been notable oil and gas discoveries along the margin of East Africa. This study focuses on the shallow section of the Lamu offshore bounded by 39°E to 43°E by 2°S to 6°S, whereby, unfortunately, some of the wildcat wells turned out to be dry although expensive. Gravity interpretation techniques such as spectral analysis and first horizontal derivative were applied to the reduced gravity data to delineate and model structures to minimize the high investment risks. The gravity data used in this study were sourced from the International Gravity Bureau (BGI) and National Oil Corporation of Kenya (NOCK) digital data courtesy of companies like Woodside Energy, Anadarko Kenya Limited, and Total Exploration and Production companies. The obtained reduced gravity data were gridded to produce the gravity anomaly grids (Free air, Bouguer, and Isostacy), which were consequently drawn into maps. From spectral analysis, depths to shallow sources and deep sources were estimated. These depths were used to set regional and residual separation filters using the Gaussian filter. The first horizontal derivative (FHD) applied to the regional Isostatic gravity anomaly map yielded features that were inferred as intrasediment fractures/faults trending in NW-SE and NE-SW directions. The features like the ridges, troughs, and faults mainly trending in the NW-SE direction are discernable from the regional anomaly map. The developed models show the basement highs and lows with a possibility of anticlinal and synclinal structures and thick sedimentary successions likely to represent good hydrocarbon source kitchens.

Thickness of sediments in the Congo basin based on the analysis of decompensative gravity anomalies

The Congo basin is one of the largest intracratonic basins in the World, locating within a cold lithospheric plate. The structure of the thick sedimentary layer is investigated by seismic studies only in limited places. Here, we present a map of sedimentary thickness for the whole Congo basin, based on the inversion of the decompensative gravity anomalies. Contrary to the conventional Bouguer or isostatic gravity anomalies, the effect of the isostatic compensation of sediments is reduced in the decompensative anomalies, which provides a possibility to recover the full effect of low-density sediments. The calculated decompensative correction reaches ±70 mGal and exceeds the amplitude of the isostatic anomalies, especially in the long wavelengths. The final decompensative anomalies are negative over the whole basin and their patterns well correspond to its tectonic fragmentation. By inverting these anomalies with the predefined density-depth relationship we have obtained the sedimentary thickness map for the whole Congo basin. The maximum basement depth exceeding 10 km is found in the Lokoro basin and basins in the South. In the Lomami basin, thickness of sediments reaches about 6.5 km. It is important to note, that these deep depressions, are not covered by seismic studies. Furthermore, we found a new deep basin adjacent to the Lokonia High (on the SW side) that we propose to name as the Salonga basin.

Crustal thickness beneath the Tanlu fault zone and its tectonic significance based on two-layer H-κ stacking

Tanlu fault zone (TLFZ) is the largest active fault zone in eastern China. It is characterized by complex tectonic evolution and multiple faults and marks the boundary between the North and South China blocks. An in-depth understanding of the distinct crustal structures of both parts of the TLFZ will provide valuable insights into the lithospheric and crustal thinning in eastern China, extensive magmatism since the Mesozoic, and formation mechanisms of metallogenic belts along the Yangtze River. In this study, a two-layer H-κ stacking approach was adopted to estimate the thicknesses of the sediment and crystalline crust as well as the corresponding νP/νS ratios based on high-quality teleseismic P-wave receiver functions recorded by permanent and temporary stations in and around the TLFZ. The geological units in the study region were delineated, especially the crustal structures beneath extensive sedimentary basins on both sides of the TLFZ. The following conclusions can be drawn: (1) The crustal thickness in and around the TLFZ greatly varies depending on the segment. In the northern segment, the crust is relatively thin beneath the eastern part of the Songliao Basin, a broad uplift of the Moho can be observed, and the Moho descends from south to north. The crust below the central and southern segments becomes thinner from west to east. The thickness of the crust is less than 30 km toward the eastern side of the boundary between the Jiangsu and Anhui provinces, that is, significantly thinner than in other areas. In terms of the νP/νS ratios, high anomalies were detected in the central-southern segments of the TLFZ, indicating the upwelling of deep mantle magma via deep faults. (2) Positive isostatic gravity anomalies were observed in the eastern part of the northern segment of the TLFZ and in the eastern part of the Suwan segment. The crustal thickness is smaller than that obtained from the Airy model of isostasy. This suggests that the lower crust in this area may have experienced intensive transformation processes, which may be related to crustal thinning (caused by crustal extension) and the strong uplift of the mantle in eastern China. The isostatic gravity anomalies between the eastern and western parts of the TLFZ indicate that the fault zone plays a dominant role in controlling the development of the deep crustal structure. (3) Significant crustal thinning was observed beneath the eastern part of the boundary between the Jiangsu and Anhui provinces in the southern segment of the TLFZ, suggesting that this area is prone to lithospheric thinning of the North China Craton. Due to the subduction, compression, and retreat of the Paleo-Pacific Plate during the Yanshanian Period as well as the dehydration of subducting oceanic crust (within subduction zones), the asthenosphere and oceanic crust in eastern China partially melted, resulting in mantle enrichment. The basic magma from the mantle is accumulated at the base of the crust, leading to magmatic underplating. In areas with weak topography toward the east of the TLFZ, magma rises to the upper crust and surface, resulting in the enrichment of multiple metal deposits in this area.

Decompensative Gravity Anomalies Reveal the Structure of the Upper Crust of Antarctica

As Antarctica is almost entirely covered by thick ice shields impeding in situ measurements, information about upper crustal structures and sedimentary basins is still sparse and the analysis of the gravity anomalies offers new insights. Isostatic gravity anomalies are often used to investigate upper crust structures. However, compensating masses significantly reduce the gravity effect of unknown sedimentary and upper crustal structures. To separate these effects, we apply so-called decompensative corrections to the isostatic anomalies for the Antarctic continent, which reach values of up to ± 70 mGal. The obtained decompensative anomalies well correspond to the known sedimentary basins, such as in the areas of the Filchner-Ronne Ice Shelf and Lambert Graben, and also suggest the existence of other large sedimentary deposits both in West and East Antarctica, which are not or only sparsely mapped by existing seismic surveys, e.g. in coastal Dronning Maud Land and Enderby Land. A dipole-like structure exists at the Transantarctic Mountains and the Wilkes Subglacial Basin, suggesting the presence of isostatic disturbances linked to the dynamic uplift of the Transantarctic Mountains and thick sedimentary accumulations in the east. Extended positive anomalies in East Antarctica are likely related to the old and dense cratonic crust as well as to isostatic disturbances caused by the transition from local to regional compensation around the Lambert Graben.

Isostatic Residual Gravity Anomaly Grid of Onshore Australia

SUMMARY Gravity anomalies from geological features in the upper crust are masked by large amplitude long wavelength gravity variations from isostatic roots. An isostatic residual (IR) gravity anomaly grid of onshore Australia has been produced by Geoscience Australia which has these long wavelength features removed. This gravity map reveals more clearly the density distributions of geological interest within the upper crust. The depth to mantle model and subsequent isostatic corrections were produced using a modified version of the USGS program AIRYROOT provided by Intrepid Geophysics. Geoscience Australia’s 2009 Bathymetry and Topography Grid was used to calculate the depth to crustal bottom following the Airy-Heiskanen crustal-root model. The isostatic corrections were then applied to the complete Bouguer anomalies to produce the Isostatic Residual Gravity Anomaly Grid of Australia.

Isostatic anomaly characteristics and tectonism of the New Britain Trench and neighboring Papua New Guinea

In this paper, we calculated Bouguer gravity anomalies and Airy-Heiskanen isostatic anomalies in the New Britain Trench and surrounding areas of Papua New Guinea. The calculations are based on a topographic model and a gravity anomaly model from the Scripps Institute of Oceanography. Characteristics of the isostatic anomaly and the earthquake dynamic environment of this region are analyzed, and the results show that there are obvious differences in the isostatic state between each block in the region. Tectonic movements are very intense in regions with high positive or negative isostatic gravity anomalies, and a number of sub-plates in this area are driven by external tectonic action, such as plate subduction and thrusting, of the Pacific, Indo-Australian and Eurasian plates. From the distribution of the isostatic gravity anomaly, the tectonic action of anti-isostatic movement obviously is the main source of power. Based on isostatic gravity and spatial distribution of earthquakes in the region, it is obvious that further contraction of the Indo-Australian Plate will result in the southwestern part of the Solomon Plate becoming part of the Owen Stanley thrust belt, and the northern part will enter the lower part of the Bismarck Plate. The eastern part of the Solomon Plate will enter the front of the Pacific Plate, resulting in northward and eastward migration of significant earthquakes along the Solomon Plate.

Geodynamic insights of the Cameroon Volcanic Line (Western Africa) from isostatic gravity anomalies

The Cameroon Volcanic Line (CVL) is one of the major features of the African Plate which consists of volcanic islands of the Gulf of Guinea in the Atlantic Ocean, volcanoes and plutonic complexes in the continent trending NE-SW. Volcanic activities of the CVL are still current with eruptions of Mount Cameroon (the latest in 2000) and emission of deadly gases from lakes Monoun and Nyos in 1984 and 1986 respectively. Based on Airy-Heiskanen local compensation model, this work computes isostatic gravity anomalies to study the geodynamics of the lithosphere beneath the CVL using the Earth Gravitational Model EGM2008 and the digital topographic data ETOPO1. Isostatic regional anomalies obtained outline two major crustal zones corresponding to two distinct quasi-ellipsoidal shape zones oriented NE-SW. The southern part of the CVL including Mount Cameroon, coastal and oceanic zones is characterized by the highest values, while the northern part comprising Kumbo zone, lakes Monoun and Nyos shows lower magnitudes. Successive and located positive anomalies observed on the isostatic residual anomaly map line up towards the CVL direction. These findings bring forward the fluctuations inside the crust and the lithosphere in conformity with the CVL direction. Upper mantle with higher density than asthenosphere and crust may influence the highly positive gravity anomalies observed in the study area. In conformity with the principle of isostasy, most of the mountains of the study area may be located in zones where the conditions of complete isostatic compensation are not satisfied. Asthenospheric uplift would therefore be the cause of upward flow of materials from depths through volcano vents or fractures in both Mount Cameroon and Kumbo regions, aiming at restoring the isostatic equilibrium.

Crustal Uplift in the Longmen Shan Mountains Revealed by Isostatic Gravity Anomalies along the Eastern Margin of the Tibetan Plateau

AbstractThis study examines the relationship between high positive isostatic gravity anomalies (IGA), steep topography and lower crustal extrusion at the eastern margin of the Tibetan Plateau. IGA data has revealed uplift and extrusion of lower crustal flow in the Longmen Shan Mountains (the LMS). Firstly, The high positive IGA zone corresponds to the LMS orogenic belt. It is shown that abrupt changes in IGA correspond to zones of abrupt change of topography, crustal thickness and rock density along the LMS. Secondly, on the basis of the Airy isostasy theory, simulations and inversions of the positive IGA were conducted using three‐dimensional bodies. The results indicated that the LMS lacks a mountain root, and that the top surface of the lower crust has been elevated by 11 km, leading to positive IGA, tectonic load and density load. Thirdly, according to Watts's flexural isostasy model, elastic deflection occurs, suggesting that the limited (i.e. narrow) tectonic and density load driven by lower crustal flow in the LMS have led to asymmetric flexural subsidence in the foreland basin and lifting of the forebulge. Finally, based on the correspondence between zones of extremely high positive IGA and the presence of the Precambrian Pengguan‐Baoxing complexes in the LMS, the first appearance of erosion gravels from the complexes in the Dayi Conglomerate layer of the Chengdu Basin suggest that positive IGA and lower crustal flow in the LMS took place at 3.6 Ma or slightly earlier.

Formation mechanism of the moniliform seamounts outside the West Melanesian Trench

Our study on the seamounts in the southeast Caroline Plate reveals a formation of a special kind of seamounts in the oceanic basin. These moniliform seamounts link up like the reason of hotspots, but the tectonic factors lead to their formation. The differential motions of the Caroline, North Bismarck, and Pacific plates resulted in the shear stress field by the West Melanesian Trench. The R and R′ faults can be distinguished obviously by seafloor topography. The evolution history of these seamounts can be subdivided into two stages as follows. (a) The R′ faults developed firstly as normal faults to generate ridges on these faults as the release of the underlying sediments. (b) The R faults appeared as shear faults and cut off the ridge from the older R′ faults. These faults can be very deep fractures, which cut through the lithosphere and produced a NW‐trending negative anomaly in isostatic gravity anomaly. As the pressure is released by the R faults, the sediments releasing under the R faults accumulated into these seamounts. The other sections of the R faults performed like a valley because of the leakage of sediments along the faults. Sediments would also release along the R faults to generate ridges when no seamount occurs on the faults.

Characteristics of isostatic gravity anomaly in Sichuan-Yunnan region, China

Sichuan-Yunnan region in China, a tectonic transition belt where earthquakes occurred frequently and intensely, has a distinct variation characteristic of gradient zone of Bouguer gravity anomaly (BGA). Many deep faults and epicenters of severe earthquake scatter along the BGA gradient zones. Here we apply two forward models (Airy model and Vening Meinesz model) of isostatic gravity mechanisms (local versus regional) in this region to calculated the isostatic gravity anomaly (IGA). Afterwards, the relationship between IGA and distribution of faults as well as seismicity is also illustrated. The IGA results show that the two models are similar and most parts of the study area are in an isostatic state. Most featured faults are distributed along the steep anomaly gradient zones; earthquakes tend to occur in the non-isostatic area and steep gradient belt of IGA. The distribution of root thickness based on regional mechanism can be associated with the main trend of BGA variation. The regional mechanism is more plausible and closer to the reality because of its relatively further consideration of the horizontal forces derived from adjacent particles in the crust. Then we analyze the effect of isostasy on the tectonic movements and find that the isostatic adjustment is not the main cause of the continuous uplift process of Longmenshan Mountain fault zone, which is due to the Indian-Eurasian continental collision.

Is uplift of volcano clusters in the Tohoku Volcanic Arc, Japan, driven by magma accumulation in hot zones? A geodynamic modeling study

AbstractIn many volcanic arcs, the rate of tectonic uplift cannot be explained by lithospheric plate motion alone but may be associated with dynamic uplift. Buoyant forces associated with underplated magma bodies lift the upper crust and leads to relatively high rates of topographic change. One such region is northern Honshu, Japan, where Quaternary volcano clusters are spatially associated with uplifted crust and isostatic gravity anomalies. Axisymmetric inversion of Bouguer gravity data for the Sengan volcano cluster shows that these gravity anomalies can be modeled by 30 km radius bodies emplaced at ∼15 km depth. Axisymmetric, finite element models, generated using GTECTON, of a layered Earth representative of the Tohoku crust indicate that the deformation of these midcrustal intrusions produces elevated topography on the surface directly above the intrusion that is bounded by a shallow peripheral trough. The wavelengths of vertical deformation produced by these bodies are sensitive to the thickness of the models' elastic layer and relatively insensitive to the models' rheology. This suggests that the amplitude of the vertical deformation represents a trade‐off between the size of the intrusion and the thickness of the elastic layer and is less strongly influenced by the rheology of the lithosphere into which the bodies are emplaced. Our results are consistent with hot zone and hot finger models for the arc and indicate that Tohoku Volcanic Arc features such as gravity anomalies and uplifted basement are related to crustal magma intrusions and hot zones rather than directly related to mantle processes.

Gravitational search for cryptovolcanism on the Moon: Evidence for large volumes of early igneous activity

We define lunar cryptovolcanism as volcanic deposits on the Moon hidden by overlying material. Notably, cryptovolcanism includes both cryptomaria (subsurface extrusive basaltic deposits that are obscured by overlying higher albedo basin and crater ejecta) and earlier candidate extrusives, such as the Mg-suite. Knowledge of the volume and extent of cryptovolcanism is necessary for a comprehensive understanding of lunar volcanic history, particularly in early (pre 3.8 Ga) epochs when abundant impact craters and basins obscured surface volcanic deposits by lateral emplacement of ejecta. We use Gravity Recovery and Interior Laboratory (GRAIL) gravity and Lunar Orbiter Laser Altimeter (LOLA) topography data to construct maps of the Moon's positive Bouguer and isostatic gravity anomalies, and explore the possibility that these features are due to mass excesses associated with cryptovolcanism by cross-referencing the regions with geologic data such as dark halo craters. We model the potential cryptovolcanic deposits as buried high-density rectangular prisms at depth in the upper crust, and find a volume of candidate buried cryptovolcanism between 0.4×106 km3 and 4.8×106 km3, depending on assumptions about density and crustal compensation state. These candidate deposits correspond to a surface area of between 0.50×106 km2 and 1.14×106 km2, which would increase the amount of the lunar surface containing volcanic deposits from 16.6% to between 17.9% and 19.5%. The inferred volume of cryptovolcanism is comparable to the smallest estimates of the volume of visible mare basalts and up to ∼50% of the largest estimates; the high-resolution GRAIL and LOLA observations thus would collectively indicate that early (pre 3.8 Ga) lunar volcanism is an important element of lunar thermal evolution. Alternatively, the buried material could represent the presence of intrusive Mg-suite sills or plutons.

Isostatic Model and Isostatic Gravity Anomalies of the Arabian Plate and Surroundings

The isostatic modeling represents one of the most useful “geological” reduction methods of the gravity field. With the isostatic correction, it is possible to remove a significant part of the effect of deep density heterogeneity, which dominates in the Bouguer gravity anomalies. Although there exist several isostatic compensation schemes, it is usually supposed that a choice of the model is not an important factor to first order, since the total weight of compensating masses remains the same. We compare two alternative models for the Arabian plate and surrounding area. The Airy model gives very significant regional isostatic anomalies, which cannot be explained by the upper crust structure or disturbances of the isostatic equilibrium. Also, the predicted “isostatic” Moho is very different from existing seismic observations. The second isostatic model includes the Moho, which is based on seismic determinations. Additional compensation is provided by density variations within the lithosphere (chiefly in the upper mantle). According to this model, the upper mantle under the Arabian Shield is less dense than under the Platform. In the Arabian platform, the maximum density coincides with the Rub’ al Khali, one of the richest oil basin in the world. This finding agrees with previous studies, showing that such basins are often underlain by dense mantle, possibly related to an eclogite layer that has caused their subsidence. The mantle density variations might be also a result of variations of the lithosphere thickness. With the combined isostatic model, it is possible to minimize regional anomalies over the Arabian plate. The residual local anomalies correspond well to tectonic structure of the plate. Still very significant anomalies, showing isostatic disturbances of the lithosphere, are associated with the Zagros fold belt, the collision zone of the Arabian and Eurasian plates.

On Gravity Inversion by No-Topography and Rigorous Isostatic Gravity Anomalies

We discuss some theoretical aspects and practical consequences of using traditional versus “new”/rigorous formulations of the Bouguer and isostatic gravity anomalies/disturbances. In principle, the differences between these two concepts are in the definition of the so-called secondary indirect topographic effect (SITE) on the gravity data. Although we follow the tradition to call this effect SITE, we show that it is formally a direct topographic effect (DITE), needed to remove all topographic signal, but in practice not regarded as such. Consequently, there is a need for a no-topography gravity anomaly, which removes all topographic effects, leaving the below-crust Earth transparent for gravity inversion. Similarly, a rigorous isostatic gravity anomaly includes also a compensation effect for the SITE. By using a simple topographic model, we confirm a theoretically found ratio of 2/(n + 1) between the magnitudes of the SITE and DITE by wavelength (spherical harmonic degree n), both for the Bouguer and isostatic gravity anomalies. Finally, global gravity inversions are applied by utilizing the Vening Meinesz-Moritz isostatic model to determine the Moho geometry using the Bouguer gravity disturbances/anomalies and the no-topography gravity anomalies, and the results are compared. The numerical results confirm our theoretical findings that the Bouguer gravity disturbances and the no-topography gravity anomalies provide very similar results. A comparison of these gravimetrically computed Moho depths with the CRUST1.0 seismic model shows rms agreements of 4.3 and 4.5 km, respectively. This is a significant improvement when compared to the Moho result obtained by using the Bouguer gravity anomalies, yielding the rms difference of 7.3 km for the CRUST1.0 model. These results confirm a theoretical deficiency of the classical definition of the Bouguer and isostatic gravity anomalies, which do not take into consideration the SITE effects on the topography and its compensation.

Using isostatic gravity anomalies from spherical harmonic models and elastic plate compensation to interpret the lithosphere of the Bolivian Andes

We have determined for the Bolivian Andes that the new global gravity models derived from the Gravity field and steady-state Ocean Circulation Explorer (GOCE) satellite mission may be used directly to study lithospheric structure. Toward this end, we have formulated Bouguer and isostatic gravity anomalies in spherical approximation, rather than in the usual planar approach, using spherical harmonic series consistent with the satellite-derived gravitational models. From the approximate equivalency of topographic masses and surface density layers using the Helmert condensation method we further derived and used isotropic transfer relations between the spherical spectra of topographic loads and elastic spherical shell deflections, where the Airy isostatic compensation is the special case of no flexural rigidity. A numerical comparison of these spherical harmonic models to conventional three-dimensional modeling based on topographic data and newly acquired surface gravity data in Bolivia confirmed their suitability for lithospheric interpretation. Specifically, the relatively high and uniform resolution of the satellite gravitational model (better than 83 km) produces detailed maps of the isostatic anomaly that clearly delineate the flexure of the Brazilian shield that is thrust under the Sub-Andes. Inferred values of the thickness of Airy-type roots and the flexural rigidity of the elastic lithosphere agree reasonably with published results based on seismic and surface gravity data. In addition, a local minimum in the flexural rigidity is evident at the sharp bend of the eastern margins of the Sub-Andes in Bolivia. This feature is consistent with earlier theories for counter rotations about a vertical axis at this minimum, associated with the confluence of the subducted Nazca plate and the Brazilian craton. The GOCE model thus generates high-resolution isostatic anomaly maps that offer additional structural detail not seen as clearly from previous seismic and gravity investigations in this region.

Structural Evolution of the East Sierra Valley System (Owens Valley and Vicinity), California: A Geologic and Geophysical Synthesis

The tectonically active East Sierra Valley System (ESVS), which comprises the westernmost part of the Walker Lane-Eastern California Shear Zone, marks the boundary between the highly extended Basin and Range Province and the largely coherent Sierra Nevada-Great Valley microplate (SN-GVm), which is moving relatively NW. The recent history of the ESVS is characterized by oblique extension partitioned between NNW-striking normal and strike-slip faults oriented at an angle to the more northwesterly relative motion of the SN-GVm. Spatially variable extension and right-lateral shear have resulted in a longitudinally segmented valley system composed of diverse geomorphic and structural elements, including a discontinuous series of deep basins detected through analysis of isostatic gravity anomalies. Extension in the ESVS probably began in the middle Miocene in response to initial westward movement of the SN-GVm relative to the Colorado Plateau. At ca. 3–3.5 Ma, the SN-GVm became structurally separated from blocks directly to the east, resulting in significant basin-forming deformation in the ESVS. We propose a structural model that links high-angle normal faulting in the ESVS with coeval low-angle detachment faulting in adjacent areas to the east.

Comparative analysis of Vening-Meinesz Moritz isostatic models using the constant and variable crust-mantle density contrast – a case study of Zealandia

We compare three different numerical schemes of treating the Moho density contrast in gravimetric inverse problems for finding the Moho depths. The results are validated using the global crustal model CRUST2.0, which is determined based purely on seismic data. Firstly, the gravimetric recovery of the Moho depths is realized by solving Moritz’s generalization of the Vening-Meinesz inverse problem of isostasy while the constant Moho density contrast is adopted. The Pratt-Hayford isostatic model is then facilitated to estimate the variable Moho density contrast. This variable Moho density contrast is subsequently used to determine the Moho depths. Finally, the combined least-squares approach is applied to estimate jointly the Moho depths and density contract based on ap riorierror model. The EGM2008 global gravity model and the DTM2006.0 global topographic/bathymetric model are used to generate the isostatic gravity anomalies. The comparison of numerical results reveals that the optimal isostatic inverse scheme should take into consideration both the variable depth and density of compensation. This is achieved by applying the combined least-squares approach for a simultaneous estimation of both Moho parameters. We demonstrate that the result obtained using this method has the best agreement with the CRUST2.0 Moho depths. The numerical experiments are conducted at the regional study area of New Zealand’s continental shelf.

Global model of the upper mantle lateral density structure based on combining seismic and isostatic models

We compile the global model of the upper mantle lateral density structure with a 2×2 arc-deg spatial resolution using the values of the crust-mantle density contrast estimated relative to the adopted crust density model. The combined least-squares approach based on solving Moritz’s generalization of the Vening-Meinesz inverse problem of isostasy is facilitated to estimate the crust-mantle density contrast. The global geopotential model (EGM08), the global topographic/bathymetric model (DTM2006.0) including ice-thickness data, and the global crustal model (CRUST2.0) are used to compute the isostatic gravity anomalies. The estimated upper mantle densities globally vary between 2751 and 3635 kg/m3. The minima correspond with locations of the divergent oceanic tectonic plate boundaries (along the mid-oceanic ridges). The maxima are found along the convergent tectonic plate boundaries in the Andes and Himalayas (extending under the Tibetan Plateau). A comparison of the estimated upper mantle densities with the CRUST2.0 data shows a relatively good agreement between these two models within the continental lithosphere with the differences typically within ±100 kg/m3. Much larger discrepancies found within the oceanic lithosphere are explained by the overestimated values of the CRUST2.0 upper mantle densities. Our result shows a prevailing pattern of increasing densities with the age of oceanic lithosphere which is associated with the global mantle convection process.

Improved global crustal thickness modeling based on the VMM isostatic model and non-isostatic gravity correction

In classical isostatic models for a gravimetric recovery of the Moho parameters (i.e., Moho depths and density contrast) the isostatic gravity anomalies are usually defined based on the assumption that the topographic mass surplus and the ocean mass deficiency are compensated within the Earth's crust. As acquired in this study, this assumption yields large disagreements between isostatic and seismic Moho models. To assess the effects not accounted for in classical isostatic models, we conduct a number of numerical experiments using available global gravity and crustal structure models. First, we compute the gravitational contributions of mass density contrasts due to ice and sediments, and subsequently evaluate respective changes in the Moho geometry. Residual differences between the gravimetric and seismic Moho models are then used to predict a remaining non-isostatic gravity signal, which is mainly attributed to unmodeled density structures and other geophysical phenomena. We utilize three recently developed computational schemes in our numerical studies. The apparatus of spherical harmonic analysis and synthesis is applied in forward modeling of the isostatic gravity disturbances. The Moho depths are estimated globally on a 1 arc-deg equiangular grid by solving the Vening-Meinesz Moritz inverse problem of isostasy. The same estimation model is applied to evaluate the differences between the isostatic and seismic models. We demonstrate that the application of the ice and sediment density contrasts stripping gravity corrections is essential for a more accurate determination of the Moho geometry. We also show that the application of the additional non-isostatic correction further improves the agreement between the Moho models derived based on gravity and seismic data. Our conclusions are based on comparing the gravimetric results with the CRUST2.0 global crustal model compiled using results of seismic surveys.