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Horizontal gravity gradient: An aid to the definition of crustal structure in North America
Author(s) -
Sharpton V. L.,
Grieve R. A. F.,
Thomas M. D.,
Halpenny J. F.
Publication year - 1987
Publication title -
geophysical research letters
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.007
H-Index - 273
eISSN - 1944-8007
pISSN - 0094-8276
DOI - 10.1029/gl014i008p00808
Subject(s) - geology , classification of discontinuities , tectonics , bouguer anomaly , seismology , geodesy , rift , geophysics , gravity anomaly , paleontology , mathematical analysis , mathematics , oil field
A map of the magnitude of the horizontal Bouguer gravity gradient over the North American continent is used to delineate lateral discontinuities in upper crustal density and/or thickness associated with such processes as suturing and rifting. The usefulness of gradient trends in mapping major structural boundaries, which are sometimes poorly exposed or completely buried, is demonstrated by examples such as the buried southward extension of the Grenville Front and buried boundaries of the Superior Province. Gradient trends also draw attention to poorly known structures, which may have major tectonic significance, and to a continent‐wide structural fabric, which may provide a record of the tectonic growth of the North American continent.