Identification of uppercrustal discontinuities using dip curvature analysis of isostatic residual gravity: examples from the central Andes

Abstract

Structural analysts are often faced with the problem of identifying prominent structural discontinuities covered by post-tectonic sedimentary or volcanic rocks. Gravity fields are often used to delineate the trace of buried discontinuities but are frequently found to be too crude to localize discontinuities adequately. Here, we introduce the importance of dip curvature of the isostatic residual gravity for identifying upper-crustal discontinuities. The relationship between Bouguer gravity, isostatic residual gravity and its dip curvature, first-order structural elements and distribution of Neogene volcanic rocks was examined in the central Andean plateau, more specifically, the southern Altiplano and the Puna...