Lowe, M., Jordan, T., Moorkamp, M. et al. (5 more authors) (Cover date: October 2024) The 3D Crustal Structure of the Wilkes Subglacial Basin, East Antarctica, Using Variation of Information Joint Inversion of Gravity and Magnetic Data. Journal of Geophysical Research: Solid Earth, 129 (10). e2023JB027794. ISSN 2169-9313
Abstract
Direct geological information in Antarctica is limited to ice free regions along the coast, high mountain ranges, or isolated nunataks. Therefore, indirect methods are required to reveal subglacial geology and heterogeneities in crustal properties, which are critical steps toward interpreting geological history. We present a 3D crustal model of density and susceptibility distribution in the Wilkes Subglacial Basin (WSB) and the Transantarctic Mountains (TAM) based on joint inversion of airborne gravity and magnetic data. The applied “variation of information” technique enforces a coupling between inferred susceptibility and density, relating these quantities to the same gravity and magnetic sources to give an enhanced inversion result. Our model reveals a large body located in the interior of the WSB interpreted as a batholithic intrusive structure, as well as a linear dense body at the margin of the Terre Adélie Craton. Density and susceptibility relationships are used to inform the interpretation of petrophysical properties and the reconstruction of the origin of those crustal bodies. The petrophysical relationship indicates that the postulated batholitic intrusion is granitic, but independent from the Granite Harbor Igneous Complex described previously in the TAM area. Emplacement of a large volume of intrusive granites can potentially elevate local geothermal heat flow significantly. Finally, we present a new conceptual tectonic model based on the inversion results, which includes development of a passive continental margin with seaward dipping basalt horizons and magmatic underplating followed by two distinct intrusive events associated with the protracted Ross Orogen.
Metadata
Item Type: | Article |
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Authors/Creators: |
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Copyright, Publisher and Additional Information: | © 2024. The Author(s). This is an open access article under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits use, distribution and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. |
Keywords: | joint inversion; gravity and magnetic airborne data; crustal structure; Antarctica; Tectonophysics |
Dates: |
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Institution: | The University of Leeds |
Academic Units: | The University of Leeds > Faculty of Environment (Leeds) > School of Earth and Environment (Leeds) > Institute for Applied Geosciences (IAG) (Leeds) |
Depositing User: | Symplectic Publications |
Date Deposited: | 13 Jan 2025 13:31 |
Last Modified: | 13 Jan 2025 13:31 |
Status: | Published |
Publisher: | American Geophysical Union (AGU) |
Identification Number: | 10.1029/2023jb027794 |
Related URLs: | |
Open Archives Initiative ID (OAI ID): | oai:eprints.whiterose.ac.uk:221627 |