A Three-Dimensional Density Model of the Upper Crust at the Junction of the Losevo and Vorontsovka Terranes (Voronezh Crystalline Massif)

Abstract

The detailed three-dimensional density modeling results obtained for the upper part of the earth’s crust in the area located in the northeastern part of the Voronezh crystalline massif at the junction of Losevo and Vorontsovka terranes are considered. The model obtained by solving the inverse gravimetry problem characterizes the rock density distribution in the crystalline basement to a depth of 16 km. An important role in such constructions is given to the starting model of the studied environment taking into account the available a priori geological and geophysical information: the regional density model of the East European Platform lithosphere and gravity field, data on rock density in the sedimentary cover and crystalline basement, estimated “gravity” layer thickness, the geological map of the crystalline basement, and digital elevation models of the region. The three-dimensional density model made it possible to specify the geological structure of the upper crust in the study area and to trace a deep continuation of surface structures of the basement. The obtained results are reliable due to the consistency of the accepted a priori data on the environment and agreement of model and observed gravity fields in the study area.