Positive Bouguer Anomalies Research Articles

Lithosphere Removal in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, Colombia

AbstractThe Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta (SNSM) in northwestern Colombia is one of the world's highest coastal mountains, with an elevation above 5 km. Gravity measurements show that the SNSM has a positive Bouguer anomaly (>+130 mGal), indicating that the mountain lacks a crustal root. In this work, we test the hypothesis that these observations can be explained by gravitational removal of the dense lower lithosphere. We use 2D numerical models to examine the dynamics of lithosphere removal and its effect on surface elevation and gravity anomaly. The models consist of continental lithosphere that includes a pre‐thickened crustal region, representing the SNSM. In our preferred model, the dense mantle lithosphere and crustal root are gravitationally unstable and undergo removal as local drips within ∼10 Ma from the onset of foundering. This creates an area of thinned crust (∼38 km) underlain by a buoyant sublithospheric mantle where melting and low seismic velocities are predicted. Subsequent non‐isostatic forces maintain a topography of 3.3 km with a 2D Bouguer gravity anomaly of +103 mGal. Parameter tests show that a strong lower‐crustal rheology provides greater support for the high topography and that a weak mantle lithosphere rheology produces faster removal. The models demonstrate that local lithosphere dynamics can explain the first‐order observations in the SNSM. We propose that lithosphere removal could have occurred recently (∼2 Ma), explaining the localized low seismic velocity zone below the SNSM, or at 56–40 Ma, inducing anomalous short‐lived Eocene magmatism.

Geoelectric model of the Earth’s crust and upper mantle of the Dniester-Bug megablock of the Ukrainian Shield

A network of long-period magnetotelluric and magnetovariational data (124 sites) in the period range of 9—16 to 2500—6400 s made it possible to explore the geoelectric structure of the Erth’s crust and upper mantle of most of the Dniester-Bug and adjacent megablocks of the Ukrainian shield. Based on the resistivity cross-sections along the profiles (with 2D inversion), a three-dimensional matrix was created for the territory limited by coordinates 27.7—30.4° E and 47.7—49.4° N, which included the spatial coordinates of each grid node on each profile, the power of the model cells, and the resistance value in the cell. As a result, geoelectrical anomalous structures were identified at different depths from 3 to 100 km.
 The entire block of rocks 200×200 km down to a depth of 100 km is characterized by high resistivity, against which objects of reduced resistivity (LRO) are identified.
 The resulting distribution of high-resistivity rocks over the entire depth of the model is in good agreement with the laboratory dependencies obtained both for the rocks of the Ukrainian Shield and other data. Model data show a significant difference in resistivities in the upper 14—16 km (above 105 ohm), lower crust (about 104 ohm), and upper mantle (103 ohm). Against a general decrease in resistance with depth in the Earth’s crust, three regions were identified in which anomalously high (for a given depth) resistances extend to the entire thickness of the crust. These high-resistivity objects are consistent with positive Bouguer anomalies.
 Against the background of high-resistivity rocks, LROs stand out, the resistance of which does not exceed 120 ohm·m. The spatial dimensions of the LRO zones indicate their locality and do not form a continuous layer. An analysis of the distribution of LROs in space and depth suggests a genetic relationship between mantle LROs and crustal LROs. Comparison of mantle LROs with the Beltska zone of modern activation on the territory of Ukraine shows their good agreement both vertically and horizontally. To explain the lower LRO resistivity in the upper mantle, overheating of the rocks to solidus and 2—3 % melting and/or the presence of fluids is necessary [Gordienko, 2017]. In recent studies discussing the influence of thermobaric conditions and the fluid content necessary to explain the presence of increased conductivity in the upper mantle, the authors of [Blatter et al., 2022] concluded that an anomalously large amount of volatiles is needed with small amounts of melt. The assumption that mantle LROs are related to crustal LROs has been tested by comparing LROs with fault zones.
 The presence of LROs in the mantle, their vertical extent, and their connection with rejuvenated fault systems can serve as a basis for the deep migration of fluids enriched in volatiles.

Passive imaging of collisional orogens: a review of a decade of geophysical studies in the Pyrénées

This contribution reviews the challenges of imaging collisional orogens, focusing on the example of the Pyrenean domain. Indeed, important progresses have been accomplished regarding our understanding of the architecture of this mountain range over the last decades, thanks to the development of innovative passive imaging techniques, relying on a more thorough exploitation of the information in seismic signals, as well as new seismic acquisitions. New tomographic images provide evidence for continental subduction of Iberian crust beneath the western and central Pyrénées, but not beneath the eastern Pyrénées. Relics of a Cretaceous hyper-extended and segmented rift are found within the North Pyrenean Zone, where the imaged crust is thinner (10–25 km). This zone of thinned crust coincides with a band of positive Bouguer anomalies that is absent in the Eastern Pyrénées. Overall, the new tomographic images provide further support to the idea that the Pyrénées result from the inversion of hyperextended segmented rift systems.

Understanding the Meaning of the Positive Bouguer Anomaly of Waza (Northernmost Cameroon, Central Africa)

Gravity and magnetic data were analyzed in conjunction with available geological data to determine the origin of observed positive gravity anomaly at Waza and its possible relationship to mafic intrusions. The data analysis includes the construction of a Bouguer gravity anomaly, isostatic residual gravity anomaly, total magnetic gradient and Euler solutions maps, and two and one-half dimensional gravity models. A positive gravity anomaly that occurs in Waza has amplitude of 35 mGal and can be separated into two parts. The top of the disturbing body causing the anomaly cannot be deeper than 4 km. We believe the anomaly is probably caused by a body of basaltic rocks lying at the upper surface of the Precambrian basement and originate from a self-propagating disturbance of magmatic loads on a pre-existing zone of lithospheric weakness. Melt migration might have been aided by tectonic and flexural stresses, such that the intrusion is limited in extent to the melting region of the plume and did not reach the surface. The model calculated to satisfy the observed anomaly consists of a 2.5 Km-thick slab underlain by a 10.5 km deep column. This model is interpreted to represent a sheet or saucer-like mafic intrusion that has a thick deep feeder. Detailed geophysical studies would be necessary to locate any possible economic occurrences.

Observational constraints on the identification of shallow lunar magmatism: Insights from floor-fractured craters

Floor-fractured craters are a class of lunar crater hypothesized to form in response to the emplacement of a shallow magmatic intrusion beneath the crater floor. The emplacement of a shallow magmatic body should result in a positive Bouguer anomaly relative to unaltered complex craters, a signal which is observed for the average Bouguer anomaly interior to the crater walls. We observe the Bouguer anomaly of floor-fractured craters on an individual basis using the unfiltered Bouguer gravity solution from GRAIL and also a degree 100–600 band-filtered Bouguer gravity solution. The low-magnitude of anomalies arising from shallow magmatic intrusions makes identification using unfiltered Bouguer gravity solutions inconclusive. The observed anomalies in the degree 100–600 Bouguer gravity solution are spatially heterogeneous, although there is spatial correlation between volcanic surface morphologies and positive Bouguer anomalies. We interpret these observations to mean that the spatial heterogeneity observed in the Bouguer signal is the result of variable degrees of magmatic degassing within the intrusions.

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.

Mineralogic mapping of the Av-9 Numisia quadrangle of Vesta

In this manuscript we present the mineralogic mapping of the Av-9 Numisia quadrangle of Vesta using the most up-to-date data from the NASA–Dawn mission.This quadrangle is located in Vesta’s equatorial zone (22° south to 22° north, 218° to 288° east, in Claudia coordinate system) and takes its name from the impact crater Numisia. The main feature, which dominates the quadrangle, is the Vestalia Terra plateau, a topographic high about 10km above the surrounding areas. To the south, this region fades into the Rheasilvia basin, while to the north it is bounded by the steep scarp of Postumia basin.The Visible and Infrared mapping spectrometer (VIR) onboard NASA/Dawn provided the main data source for this work, at an unprecedented level of spatial and spectral resolution. In particular we are using spectral parameters to synthesize characteristics of the whole spectra into a single value. Pyroxene-related spectral parameters allow for the detection of lower crust or mantle material (diogenites) and upper crust material (eucrites) in the study area.The combined analysis of albedo from the Framing Camera, the geologic map and the spectroscopic data offer an interesting opportunity to understand better the surface features of this region of Vesta, and their evolution.Numisia, Cornelia, Fabia, Teia and Drusilla are the main craters in the study area, rich in bright and dark material outcrops, pitted terrains and OH-rich materials.Using the spectral parameters we demonstrate that the internal composition of Vestalia Terra is mainly diogenite-rich howardite, as shown by materials excavated by Cornelia and Fabia, and the composition of the slope north of Vestalia Terra. This agrees with the strong positive Bouguer Anomaly observed in the area, indicating a higher density of these features in relation to the surrounding areas.Besides the recently published works based on gravimetric modeling and geologic interpretation, the mineralogic mapping presented herein gives an additional contribution, in order to depict a more complete geologic history of the Numisia quadrangle of Vesta.

Seismicity in central-western Pyrenees (France): A consequence of the subsidence of dense exhumed bodies

Abstract The Pyrenees results from the convergence of the Iberian and Eurasian plates since Cenozoic, but the present stress regime of the range is debated, as most of the recent earthquakes exhibit normal solutions. We analyse the seismicity in central-western Pyrenees, which is the most active part of the range with the largest events. Seismicity maps obtained at different depths reveal quasi-periodic features in focus distribution, and a preferential occurrence of large earthquakes at the base of the upper crust. The superimposition of the seismicity to the gravity anomalies shows that earthquakes are mostly located on the southern border of positive Bouguer anomalies, which correspond to dense lower crust blocks trapped in the upper crust during the Pyrenean convergence. We propose that the seismicity results from the subsidence of these blocks previously exhumed inside pull-apart basins. This scenario explains all together the geographic distribution of the seismicity, its magnitude distribution and the predominance of normal focal solutions. It shows that the normal mechanisms do not necessarily imply a general north–south extension of the range, but may be compatible with a weak compressive regime, and that the stress field may not be uniform along the range.

Seismicity patterns along the Ecuadorian subduction zone: new constraints from earthquake location in a 3-D a priori velocity model

To improve earthquake location, we create a 3-D a priori P-wave velocity model (3-DVM) that approximates the large velocity variations of the Ecuadorian subduction system. The 3-DVM is constructed from the integration of geophysical and geological data that depend on the structural geometry and velocity properties of the crust and the upper mantle. In addition, specific station selection is carried out to compensate for the high station density on the Andean Chain. 3-D synthetic experiments are then designed to evaluate the network capacity to recover the event position using only P arrivals and the MAXI technique. Three synthetic earthquake location experiments are proposed: (1) noise-free and (2) noisy arrivals used in the 3-DVM, and (3) noise-free arrivals used in a 1-DVM. Synthetic results indicate that, under the best conditions (exact arrival data set and 3-DVM), the spatiotemporal configuration of the Ecuadorian network can accurately locate 70 per cent of events in the frontal part of the subduction zone (average azimuthal gap is 289° ± 44°). Noisy P arrivals (up to ± 0.3 s) can accurately located 50 per cent of earthquakes. Processing earthquake location within a 1-DVM almost never allows accurate hypocentre position for offshore earthquakes (15 per cent), which highlights the role of using a 3-DVM in subduction zone. For the application to real data, the seismicity distribution from the 3-D-MAXI catalogue is also compared to the determinations obtained in a 1-D-layered VM. In addition to good-quality location uncertainties, the clustering and the depth distribution confirm the 3-D-MAXI catalogue reliability. The pattern of the seismicity distribution (a 13 yr record during the inter-seismic period of the seismic cycle) is compared to the pattern of rupture zone and asperity of the Mw = 7.9 1942 and the Mw = 7.7 1958 events (the Mw = 8.8 1906 asperity patch is not defined). We observe that the nucleation of 1942, 1958 and 1906 events coincides with areas of positive Simple Bouguer anomalies and areas where marine terraces are still preserved on the coastal morphology. From north to south: (1) the 1958 rupture zone is almost aseismic and is attributed to a zone of high coupling; (2) south of the Galera alignment (perpendicular to the trench), the 1942 rupture zone presents moderate seismicity, deeper on the seismogenic interplate zone, and abutting on the Jama cluster (to the south). This cluster is facing the Cabo Pasado cap and positive Bouguer anomalies on the overriding margin. We suspect that this cluster reflects a zone of local asperity (partial coupling). South of the Jama cluster, the spherical aseismic zone in the Bahia area is interpreted as having a low seismic coupling (steady creep motion or slow slip events). We suspect that the site that generated the three M > 7 events (1896, 1956 and 1998) correspond to a small patch of strong coupling. To the south, in the Manta-Puerto Lopez zone, the seismicity is mainly organized in earthquake swarms (1998, 2002, 2005). Although slow slip events have been observed in the area (Vallée et al. submitted), we infer from the coastline shape, the marine terraces and the high positive Bouguer anomalies that the seismicity here might reveal a significant amount of seismic coupling.

On the origin of mascon basins on the Moon (and beyond)

AbstractMascon basins on the Moon are large craters that display significant positive free‐air and Bouguer gravity anomalies. An important question is why is not every large crater a mascon, as less than half have been previously determined to be. We detrend the free‐air, topographic, and Bouguer gravity anomalies and find that most large basins (28 of 41) display mascon characteristics (e.g., strong positive Bouguer anomalies narrower than the surface rims). Negative free‐air gravity annuli surrounding the central highs generally are absent in the Bouguer gravity, implicating surface topography. We propose that beneath a forming large basin, the relatively narrow transient crater drives mantle uplift, while upward and inward collapse forms the surface topography. Furthermore, the nonmascon basins are all ancient and heavily degraded, indicating a postimpact evolutionary process. Our results suggest that mascon formation is the standard for large impacts on the Moon and by extension on other terrestrial planets.

Gravity evidence for a mafic intrusion beneath a mineralized zone in the Bondy gneiss complex, Grenville Province, Quebec — Exploration implications

A ground gravity survey over the Bondy gneiss complex and its mineralized iron oxide- and copper-rich hydrothermal system(s) in the Grenville Province of SW Quebec was undertaken to aid mineral exploration in mapping subsurface intrusions. Several kilometric-scale positive Bouguer anomalies were identified that coincide with outcropping mafic and intermediate intrusive rocks of the post peak-metamorphic, 1.17–1.16 Ga mafic to intermediate Chevreuil suite intrusions and a 1.09–1.07 Ga Rolleau ultramafic stock. An additional 4 × 3 kilometre positive gravity anomaly indicates a mafic body underlies part of the metamorphosed hydrothermal system in the area of magnetite , pyrite , pyrrhotite , and chalcopyrite mineralization . Advanced argilic alteration associated with sulphide enrichment here is however indicative of an epithermal system with a felsic intrusion fluid source. As a felsic intrusion cannot explain the positive Bouguer gravity anomaly both felsic and mafic bodies must be present beneath the mineralized zone. Our preferred interpretation based on integrating gravity data and 2D forward gravity modelling with the results of field and geochemical studies is that this anomaly corresponds to a ca. 500 m deep mafic 1.17–1.16 Ga Chevreuil suite pluton that may have provided the source for hydrothermal fluids associated with late ductile shear- and fault-related mineralization or remobilization of early mineralization associated with a felsic pluton into late structures. This interpretation is compatible with gabbro xenoliths in the 1.07 Ga Rivard lamprophyre dyke on the NW margin of the gravity anomaly that bear significant similarities with those of the Chevreuil intrusive suite. The presence of both early felsic and late mafic intrusions beneath a group of three mineral occurrences in the Bondy gneiss complex strengthens their prospectivity in comparison to other mineral occurrences in the area. That early, pre-metamorphic mineralization was upgraded late in the tectonothermal evolution during a subsequent igneous and deformation event agrees with interpretations of other IOCG-style deposits in the Lac Manitou area of the eastern Grenville Province. ► A ground gravity survey provides new data that aids mineral exploration. ► Most gravity anomalies are associated with mafic to intermediate intrusive rocks. ► A Gravity anomaly over mineralized outcrops may be generated by a deep gabbro. ► Mafic intrusion may be the driving source for mineralization or remobilisation.

Structure of the Alima and associated anticlines in the foreland basin of the southern Atlas Mountains, Tunisia

Based on data presented in this study, the E-W–trending Alima anticline in the Metlaoui region of the southern Tunisian Atlas Mountains formed due to far-foreland, brittle deformation. The Alima anticline is one in a series of en echelon folds in the Atlas fold-and-thrust belt of North Africa. Geologic mapping indicates that the Alima anticline has a steep southern limb, a gently dipping northern limb, and pervasive normal fault sets. Fracture orientations suggest that fracturing occurred early in the fold history as a synfolding process, not as a pre- or postdeformational process. Gravity data show positive Bouguer anomalies near fold crests, not the negative anomalies that would be expected if the anticline were salt cored. Seismic data, collected along lines in basins surrounding the Alima anticline, suggest the presence of several high-angle reverse faults. Based on surface and subsurface studies, we attribute the development of the Alima anticline to far-foreland deformation associated with late Cenozoic contraction. N-S–directed elongation in the Triassic reoriented to NW-SE–directed shortening in the Miocene, causing Triassic normal faults to be reactivated as oblique-slip reverse faults. A comparison of the Alima anticline to other anticlines in the region suggests that several different styles of folding are present, each representing a different time of initiation.

The Gravity Anomaly of Ungaran Volcano, Indonesia : Analysis and Interpretation

Ungaran Volcano is located in the province of Central Java, Indonesia, and is a Quaternary volcano that consists of older and younger volcanoes. The older Ungaran volcano formed over 500,000 years ago, and the younger volcano was active until 300,000 years ago. The younger volcano seems to have been constructed inside a caldera formed by the older Ungaran activity. In this study, gravity data was used in an attempt to determine the exact location of the younger and older Ungaran volcanoes, and to investigate the relationship between fault structure and geothermal manifestations. A positive Bouguer anomaly was observed over the volcanic body. From detailed analysis of the gravity data, high anomalies were located over the northern part of the summit that correlate with the older Ungaran volcano. Various interpretation methods, such as horizontal gradient analysis, spectral analysis, and 2-D forward modeling, were applied to the gravity data. The younger Quaternary volcanic rocks, which consist of hornblende-augite-andesite (andesite lava) of the Gajahmungkur volcanics, have an average density of 2,390 ± 120 kg/m 3 , while the older Quaternary volcanic rocks, consisting of augite-olivine basalt flows (basaltic lava) from the Kaligesik formation, have an average density of 2,640 ± 100 kg/m 3 . The structural setting of the Ungaran volcano has characterized by circular structure where most geothermal manifestations are located. The result of gravity analysis shows that Ungaran volcano seems to have occurred in tectonic depression, and prominent caldera depression has not formed within Ungaran volcano without surficial caldera rim. The horizontal gradient analysis indicates that geothermal features at Ungaran volcano are structurally controlled and are located within the younger volcano.

FA2BOUG—A FORTRAN 90 code to compute Bouguer gravity anomalies from gridded free-air anomalies: Application to the Atlantic-Mediterranean transition zone

In this paper we present a computer program written in FORTRAN 90 specifically designed to determine the Bouguer anomaly from publicly available global gridded free-air anomaly and elevation database sets. FA2BOUG computes the complete Bouguer correction (i.e. Bullard A, B and C corrections) for both land and sea points in several spatial domains according to the distance between the topography and the calculation point. In each zone a different algorithm is used. In a distant zone we consider the harmonic spherical expansion of the potential of each right rectangular prism representing an elevation grid point. In an intermediate zone we compute the gravitational attraction produced by each prism using the analytic formula. Finally, an inner zone contribution is divided into two parts: a flat-topped prism with a height equal to the elevation of the calculation point, and four quadrants of a conic prism sloping continuously from each square of the inner zone to the calculation point. The program has been applied to the Atlantic-Mediterranean transition zone to obtain a complete Bouguer anomaly map of the area, integrating available onshore Bouguer anomaly with satellite-derived free-air anomaly data. Positive Bouguer anomalies are found in the Atlantic oceanic domain (240–300 mGal), central and eastern Alboran Basin (40–160 mGal) and SW Iberian Peninsula (>40 mGal). Major negative Bouguer anomalies are located beneath the west Alboran Basin (<−40 mGal), the Rif, the Rharb Basin and the Atlas Mountains (<−120 mGal). An isostatic residual anomaly map of the study area has been computed and compared with the crustal and lithospheric structure inferred from previous work.

Intrusion versus inversion—a 3D density model of the southern rim of the Northwest German Basin

An unsolved problem of regional importance for both the evolution and structure of the Northwest German Basin is the existence or non-existence of the so-called Bramsche Massif. Explaining the nature of this massif and the cause of a related strong, positive Bouguer anomaly (Bramsche Anomaly) is critical. In the study described here, we tested an existing “intrusion model” against a newer “inversion model” in the southern Northwest German Basin. In the intrusion model, the strongly-positive Bouguer anomaly represents the gravity effect of an intrusion at depths between 6 and 10 km. More recent interpretations invoke tectonic inversion rather than intrusion to explain increased burial and the low level of hydrocarbon maturity found in boreholes. We tested these different interpretations by constructing 3D forward density models to 15 km depth. The intrusion model was updated and adjusted to incorporate recent data and we also modelled pre-Zechstein structures using different scenarios. The final model has a very good fit between measured and modelled gravity fields. Based on currently available seismic and structural models, as well as borehole density measurements, we show that the positive Bouguer anomaly cannot be modeled without a high-density, intrusive-like body at depth. However, further in-sight into the crustal structures of the Bramsche region requires more detailed investigations.

The seismic b-value and its correlation with Bouguer gravity anomaly over the Shillong Plateau area: Tectonic implications

Clues to the understanding of intra- and inter-plate variations in strength or stress state of the crust can be achieved through different lines of evidence and their mutual relationships. Among these parameters Bouguer gravity anomalies and seismic b-values have been widely accepted over several decades for evaluating the crustal character and stress regime. The present study attempts a multivariate analysis for the Shillong Plateau using the Bouguer gravity anomaly and the earthquake database, and establishes a causal relationship between these parameters. Four seismic zones (Zones I–IV), with widely varying b-values, are delineated and an excellent correlation between the seismic b-value and the Bouguer gravity anomaly has been established for the plateau. Low b-values characterize the southwestern part (Zone IV) and a zone (Zone III) of intermediate b-values separates the eastern and western parts of the plateau (Zones I and II) which have high b-values. Positive Bouguer anomaly values as high as +40 mgal, a steep gradient in the Bouguer anomaly map and low b-values in the southwestern part of the plateau are interpreted as indicating a thinner crustal root, uplifted Moho and higher concentration of stress. In comparison, the negative Bouguer anomaly values, flat regional gradient in the Bouguer anomaly map and intermediate to high b-values in the northern part of the plateau are consistent with a comparatively thicker crustal root and lower concentration of stress, with intermittent dissipation of energy through earthquake shocks. Further, depth wise variation in the b-value for different seismic zones, delineated under this study, allowed an appreciation of intra-plateau variation in crustal thickness from ∼30 km in its southern part to ∼38 km in the northern part. The high b-values associated with the depth, coinciding with lower crust, indicate that the Shillong Plateau is supported by a strong lithosphere.

Strength of Martian lithosphere beneath large volcanoes

This paper provides an estimate of the thermal state of Martian lithosphere established since the formation of the shield volcanoes. Comparison of the spherical harmonic models of Martian topography derived using harmonics truncated at degrees 10, 11, 12, and 14 shows that the volcanoes have almost no contribution from harmonic coefficients of the topography less than degree 11. Therefore intermediate‐scale surface topography and gravity anomalies of Mars, specified by harmonics of degree 11–50, are considered in this study. These harmonics are dominated by shield volcanoes, Alba Patera, and Isidis basin. The central part of Valles Marineris is also well defined by these harmonics. The strong correlation of the topography and gravity anomalies over these harmonics and the positive Bouguer anomalies of the volcanoes suggest significant excess masses beneath these surface features in addition to their topographic masses. This indicates that the Martian lithosphere has been strong enough to support both the topography and the internal excess masses. We determine the rigidity of the lithosphere beneath a given surface feature. The lithosphere is modeled by a thin elastic spherical shell that overlies an inviscid interior of higher density and is subjected to both surface and internal loads. The thickness of the shell and the magnitude of the internal load are calculated such that the deformed structure resulting from the flexure of the shell under both surface and internal loads gives rise to the observed topography and gravity anomaly. It is shown that the lithosphere beneath Elysium Mons, Alba Patera, and the central part of Valles Marineris can be modeled by elastic shells subjected to topographic loads alone, whereas the lithosphere beneath Olympus and Tharsis Montes cannot. Internal excess masses of at least 40%, and more likely 50%, of the topographic masses are required, and the lithosphere beneath must have an elastic core of ∼100–80 km to support these volcanoes. The mean thermal gradient beneath this region of Tharsis is estimated to be ∼7–10 K/km on the basis of the strength envelopes calculated using diabase rheology for the crust of 50 km thickness and olivine rheology for the underlying mantle.

Crustal structure and tectonics of the Hidaka Collision Zone, Hokkaido (Japan), revealed by vibroseis seismic reflection and gravity surveys

This study is the first integrated geological and geophysical investigation of the Hidaka Collision Zone in southern Central Hokkaido, Japan, which shows complex collision tectonics with a westward vergence. The Hidaka Collision Zone consists of the Idon'nappu Belt (IB), the Poroshiri Ophiolite Belt (POB) and the Hidaka Metamorphic Belt (HMB) with the Hidaka Belt from west to east. The POB (metamorphosed ophiolites) is overthrust by the HMB (steeply eastward-dipping palaeo-arc crust) along the Hidaka Main Thrust (HMT), and in turn, thrusts over the Idon'nappu Belt (melanges) along the Hidaka Western Thrust (HWT). Seismic reflection and gravity surveys along a 20-km-long traverse across the southern Hidaka Mountains revealed hitherto unknown crustal structures of the collision zone such as listric thrusts, back thrusts, frontal thrust-and-fold structures, and duplex structures. The main findings are as follows. (1) The HMT, which dips steeply at the surface, is a listric fault dipping gently at a depth of ∼7 km beneath the eastern end of the HMB, and cutting across the lithological boundaries and schistosity of the Hidaka metamorphic rocks. (2) A second reflector is detected 1 km below the HMT reflector. The intervening part between these two reflectors is inferred to be the POB, which is only little exposed at the surface. This inference is supported by the high positive Bouguer anomalies along the Hidaka Mountains. (3) The shallow portion of the IB at the front of the collision zone has a number of NNE-dipping reflectors, indicative of imbricated fold-and-thrust structures. (4) Subhorizontal reflectors at a depth of 14 km are recognized intermittently at both sides of the seismic profile. These reflectors may correspond to the velocity boundary (5.9–6.6 km/s) previously obtained from seismic refraction profiling in the northern Hidaka Mountains. (5) These crustal structures as well as the back thrust found in the eastern end of the traverse represent characteristics of collisional tectonics resulting from the two collisional events since the Early Tertiary.

The Isostatic State of Mead Crater

We have analyzed high-resolution Magellan Doppler tracking data over Mead crater, using both line-of-sight and spherical harmonic methods, and have found a negative gravity anomaly of about 4-5 mgal (at spacecraft altitude, 182 km). This is consistent with no isostatic compensation of the present topography; the uncertainty in the analysis allows perhaps as much as 30% compensation at shallow depths (∼25 km). This is similar to observations of large craters on Earth, which are not generally compensated, but contrasts with at least some lunar basins which are inferred to have large Moho uplifts and corresponding positive Bouguer anomalies. An uncompensated load of this size requires a lithosphere with an effective elastic lithosphere thickness greater than 30 km. In order for the crust-mantle boundary not to have participated in the deformation associated with the collapse of the transient cavity during the creation of the crater, the yield strength near the top of the mantle must have been significantly higher on Earth and Venus than on the Moon at the time of basin formation. This might be due to increased strength against frictional sliding at the higher confining pressures within the larger planets. Alternatively, the thinner crusts of Earth and Venus compared to that of the Moon may result in higher creep strength of the upper mantle at shallower depths.

On the Gravity Signature of Archaean Greenstones in the Widgiemooltha-Tramways Area, Eastern Goldfields, Western Australia

A detailed gravity traverse is described along the Western Mining Corporation ? Australian Geological Survey Organisation (WMC-AGSO) Widgiemooltha-Tramways crustal seismic profile. Positive Bouguer anomalies of up to 20 mGal over the greenstone sequence imply that up to 3.5 km of mafic stratigraphy occur along the profile. Comparisons to the seismic data imply the presence of a felsic stratigraphic unit forming the base of the supracrustal greenstone succession. The 3-D structure of local successor basins (Black Flags and Merougil Beds) above the mafic stratigraphy are also constrained by the gravity data to a maximum vertical thickness in the order of 3 km. The Widgiemooltha granodiorite is modelled by the seismic and gravity data as a steep-sided intrusion underlain at depth (~ 3 km) by felsic greenstone stratigraphy.