Fore-arc structure, plate coupling and isostasy in the Central Andes: Insight from gravity data modelling

2017 ◽  
Vol 104 ◽  
pp. 27-35 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sophia Rutledge ◽  
Rezene Mahatsente
Keyword(s):  
Gravity Data ◽  
Central Andes ◽  
Data Modelling ◽  
Plate Coupling ◽  
Structure Plate

scholarly journals Lithospheric Structure of the Central Andes Forearc from Gravity Data Modeling: Implication for Plate Coupling

Lithosphere ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-13
Author(s):  
Greg Gushurst ◽  
Rezene Mahatsente
Keyword(s):  
Continental Crust ◽  
Buoyancy Force ◽  
Gravity Data ◽  
Central Andes ◽  
High Density ◽  
Gravity Models ◽  
The West ◽  
Nazca Plate ◽  
Plate Coupling ◽  
Nazca Ridge

Abstract Geodetic and seismological data indicates that the Central Andes subduction zone is highly coupled. To understand the plate locking mechanism within the Central Andes, we developed 2.5-D gravity models of the lithosphere and assessed the region’s isostatic state. The densities within the gravity models are based on satellite and surface gravity data and constrained by previous tomographic studies. The gravity models indicate a high-density (~2940 kg m-3) forearc structure in the overriding South American continental lithosphere, which is higher than the average density of the continental crust. This structure produces an anomalous pressure (20-40 MPa) on the subducting Nazca plate, contributing to intraplate coupling within the Central Andes. The anomalous lithostatic pressure and buoyancy force may be controlling plate coupling and asperity generation in the Central Andes. The high-density forearc structure could be a batholith or ophiolite emplaced onto the continental crust. The isostatic state of the Central Andes and Nazca plate is assessed based on residual topography (difference between observed and isostatic topography). The West-Central Andes and Nazca ridge have ~0.78 km of residual topography, indicating undercompensation. The crustal thickness beneath the West-Central Andes may not be sufficient to isostatically support the observed topography. This residual topography may be partially supported by small-scale convective cells in the mantle wedge. The residual topography in the Nazca ridge may be attributed to density differences between the subducting Nazca slab and the Nazca ridge. The high density of the subducted Nazca slab has a downward buoyancy force, while the less dense Nazca ridge provides an upward buoyancy force. These two forces may effectively raise the Nazca ridge to its current-day elevation.

scholarly journals Plate Coupling Mechanism of the Central Andes Subduction: Insight from Gravity Model

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 13-21
Author(s):  
Rezene Mahatsente
Keyword(s):  
Subduction Zone ◽  
Continental Crust ◽  
Gravity Model ◽  
Central Andes ◽  
High Density ◽  
Seismic Gap ◽  
Coupling Mechanism ◽  
Crust And Upper Mantle ◽  
Velocity Models ◽  
Plate Coupling

Abstract The Central Andes experienced major earthquake (Mw =8.2) in April 2014 in a region where the giant 1877 earthquake (Mw=8.8) occurred. The 2014 Iquique earthquake did not break the entire seismic gap zones as previously predicted. Geodetic and seismological observations indicate a highly coupled plate interface. To assess the locking mechanism of plate interfaces beneath Central Andes, a 2.5-D gravity model of the crust and upper mantle structure of the central segment of the subduction zone was developed based on terrestrial and satellite gravity data from the LAGEOS, GRACE and GOCE satellite missions. The densities and major structures of the gravity model are constrained by velocity models from receiver function and seismic tomography. The gravity model defined details of crustal and slab structure necessary to understand the cause of megathrust asperity generation. The densities of the upper and lower crust in the fore-arc (2970 – 3000 kg m−3) are much higher than the average density of continental crust. The high density bodies are interpreted as plutonic or ophiolitic structures emplaced onto continental crust. The plutonic or ophiolitic structures may be exerting pressure on the Nazca slab and lock the plate interfaces beneath the Central Andes subduction zone. Thus, normal pressure exerted by high density fore-arc structures and buoyancy force may control plate coupling in the Central Andes. However, this interpretation does not exclude other possible factors controlling plate coupling in the Central Andes. Seafloor roughness and variations in pore-fluid pressure in sediments along subduction channel can affect plate coupling and asperity generation.

scholarly journals SIMULATION MODELLING IN THE STRUCTURAL GRAVITY PROSPECTING

2019 ◽  
pp. 38-48
Author(s):  
S. H. Anikeyev ◽  
S. M. Bahriy ◽  
B. B. Hablovskiy
Keyword(s):  
Cross Sections ◽  
Gravity Data ◽  
A Priori ◽  
Structural Type ◽  
Simulation Modelling ◽  
Gravity Modeling ◽  
Gravity Inversion ◽  
Density Structure ◽  
Data Modelling ◽  
Computer Technologies

In accordance with the purpose of geophysical exploration, the gravity data interpretation is aimed at prospecting mineral resources which is based on the study of the geological cross-section structure. The task of quantitative interpretation, which uses methods of gravity modeling and gravity inversion, is the modelling of a gravity field (gravity modeling) and of a density structure of geological environments (gravity inversion). The article presents the definition and steps of the gravity data modelling technique. This technique is based on the construction of an informal sequence of equivalent solutions. The technological and geological features of methods for modelling the density structure of complex geological environments are given; among them geological content, consistency with a priori data and the subordination of modelling to geological hypotheses are important. The topicality and methods of simulation modelling are outlined. The purpose of simulation modelling is to study the properties of gravity inversion in the general formulation, as well as to evaluate the degree of detail and reliability of the methods and technologies of gravity modelling, which claim to be an effective solution to geological problems. The example of structural simulation testing of the methods of informal sequence of equivalent solutions and its computer technologies shows that a complex interpretation of seismic and gravity measurements data enables the creation of detailed density models of structural cross-sections. The ways of increasing the veracity of gravity data modelling of structural cross-sections have been studied. It is revealed that the best approximation of the regional background is an inclined plane which approximates the observed field of gravity according to characteristic pickets over the research areas that are better studied. The increase in the veracity of modeling can also be achieved by rebuilding the near side zones in the structural type models in an interactive process of solving structural gravity inversion problems. Substantive modeling depends primarily on the experience of the interpreter since computer technologies for gravity modeling and gravity inversion are merely an interpretation tool.

scholarly journals Space-Wise approach for airborne gravity data modelling

2016 ◽  
Vol 91 (5) ◽  
pp. 535-545 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. Sampietro ◽  
M. Capponi ◽  
A. H. Mansi ◽  
A. Gatti ◽  
P. Marchetti ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gravity Data ◽  
Airborne Gravity ◽  
Data Modelling
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