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.

The edge of northwestern North America at ∼1.8 Ga

The ∼1.80 Ga edge of the northwestern North American craton is buried beneath Phanerozoic and Proterozoic rocks of the Western Canada Sedimentary Basin and the adjacent Cordillera. It is visible in more than eight deep seismic reflection profiles that have images of west-facing crustal-scale monoclines with up to 15–20 km of vertical relief, and it produces regional isostatic gravity anomalies that can be followed for more than 1500 km along strike. The deep reflection profiles include two major transects of Lithoprobe (southern Canadian Cordillera transect and Slave – Northern Cordillera Lithospheric Evolution (SNORCLE) transect) and industry profiles that are strategically located to provide depth and geometry constraints on the monoclines. The isostatic anomalies mark the density transition from Paleoproterozoic and older crystalline rocks of the Canadian Shield to less dense supracrustal rocks of westward-thickening late Paleo proterozoic and younger strata. These gravity anomaly patterns thus provide areal geometry of crustal structure variations along strike away from the depth control provided by the seismic data. Although many of the monoclines follow the Fort Simpson geophysical trend along the Cordilleran deformation front, isostatic anomalies near Great Bear Lake delineate a northeast-striking region of low values that may coincide with a failed rift arm or the southern margin of a large basin. The monoclines are interpreted as a series of en echelon structures that probably formed as a result of lithospheric extension at about 1.80–1.70 Ga following terminal accretion of the Paleoproterozoic Wopmay Orogen.