Crustal structure of Chuan-Dian region derived from gravity data and its tectonic implications

In this paper, Bouguer gravity data were used to invert crustal structure of the Chuan-Dian region of China. Both multi-scale wavelet analysis and density interface inversive methods were adopted. Three gravity models transverse to major blocks were constructed. Our research indicates that great differences exist in crustal structures between the Eastern Basin and the Western plate, and crustal structures of Chuan-Dian region are closely correlated with tectonic activities of the Eastern Tibetan Plateau. The Western Sichuan platform experienced strong deformation due to eastward extrusion of the Tibetan Plateau. This led to heaving of the upper crust and thickening of the lower crust. The low-density crusts of Western Blocks were deformed by many high-angle faults, and most of these faults cut through to the middle crust. Density structures of upper and middle crusts are restricted by the regional tectonic stress fields and fault zones. The lower crust was deformed by folding, inducing high- and low-density anomalies alternatively. Rocks beneath the Longmenshan sub-block and the Northwestern sub-block of Sichuan were severely broken. For strong eastward extrusion of the plateau, large areas of low-density anomaly were observed in the lower crust. Adjusted by gravity isostasy, the lower crusts of the Chuan-Dian block and the Songpan–Garze block have thickened intensely. Density structures present highly inhomogeneous manner in lateral direction throughout the Western Block. Crustal densities of the Sichuan Basin are much more homogeneous, and the whole lithosphere is denser than that of Western Block. In transitional area between the South China Block and the Chuan-Dian Block, with the decreasing of crustal density, crustal stability is also depressed. In addition, we obtained a detailed map of Moho using variable density model. The Moho topography undulates greatly beneath the Chuan-Dian region. The maximum crustal thickness difference of the Chuan-Dian region is about 30 km. Moho depth across Longmenshan descends from 43 km in the east to nearly 60 km in the west. The maximum and minimum Moho depths of the Western Blocks are about 65 and 46 km in the Litang area and in the Panzhihua area respectively. Structural directions of Moho topography are consistent with strikes of fault tectonics.

► Fine crustal structures of Chuan-Dian area were studied based on large-scale bouguer gravity data.
► Fine crustal thickness map and Moho topography of Chuan-Dian area were inverted by 3D density interface inversion method and variable density model.
► Three typical gravity models transverse to major active blocks and active faults were constructed.
► Densities of Chuan-Dian region behave great inhomogeneous in lateral direction.