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Crustal density model across West Bengal basin, India: An integrated interpretation of seismic and gravity data

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Abstract

An integrated interpretation of the seismic refraction and wide-angle reflection data, geological and structural details, bore-hole litholog information and gravity particulars along Beliator-Burdwan-Bangaon deep seismic sounding (DSS) profile in West Bengal basin has helped in getting a crustal density model. This model is consistent with all available surface and bore-hole geophysical data that can realistically explain the trend, shape and magnitude of gravity data across the West Bengal basin.

The present exercise pointed out that the thick sedimentary column (with thickening trend towards east), conspicuous lateral variations in the Moho configuration (with a prominent 40 km wide domal feature covering the eastern part of the stable shelf and trie western segment of the deep basinal part) coupled with the structural trends in the basement, mid and lower crustal columns have combinedly contributed to the gravity effect and as such the prominent lateral variations in the Bouguer gravity anomalies could be mainly attributed to regionally extending causative factors.

The synthesis clearly points out the need to take proper care in selecting the density values as direct conversion of velocities into densities, adapting well-known conversion formulae, does not always hold good specially in the eastern part of the West Bengal basin where a huge thickness of sediments (velocities ranging between 4 to 5 km/sec) of high density 2.6 to 2.8 g/cm3 are sandwiched between younger sediments and the crystalline basement.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. National Geophysical Research Institute, Uppal Road, 500 007, Hyderabad, India

    P. R. Reddy, N. Venkateswarlu, A. S. S. S. R. S. Prasad & P. Koteswara Rao

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  1. P. R. Reddy
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  2. N. Venkateswarlu
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  3. A. S. S. S. R. S. Prasad
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  4. P. Koteswara Rao
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Reddy, P.R., Venkateswarlu, N., Prasad, A.S.S.S.R.S. et al. Crustal density model across West Bengal basin, India: An integrated interpretation of seismic and gravity data. Proc. Indian Acad. Sci. (Earth Planet Sci.) 102, 487–505 (1993). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02841734

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02841734

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