Density block models creation based on isostasy usage

Abstract

We offer two approaches for construction of block lithosphere models. First is for selection of blocks in mantle only, it is applicable to both two- and three-dimensial models. Second method (3D) helps to select blocks related to known tectonic structures. Usual approach for tectonic maps construction is the gravity field analysis. However, this method is significantly limited because the gravity field includes integral information about density features in lithosphere. This makes impossible to split selected tectonic blocks by depth. Out technique is based on lithostatic pressure calculation. In the 2D case we show the way to split the mantle to blocks with vertical boundaries. Such separation of the mantle can help to diminish discrepancy between model and observed fields. In 3D case we suggest a method, which can be used to construct tectonic structure maps with information about approximate depth and height of each tectonic block. It is based on comparison of known map of tectonic structures with horizontal maps of anomaly lithosphere pressure on different depths. © SGEM 2017. All Rights Reserved.