Multiscale Analysis of Bouguer Gravity Anomalies: Unveiling the Deep Structure of Eastern Himalayan Syntaxis Faults

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Authors: Rui Zhang, Guiju Wu, Jian Wang, Yufei Xi, Hongtao Hao, Qinghong Long
Cited by: 0
References: 40

Abstract

The Eastern Himalayan Syntaxis (EHS), which is located at the southeastern edge of the Qinghai–Xizang Plateau, is a key region for understanding mountain‐building and subduction processes. Bouguer gravity anomalies derived from the Earth Gravitational Model 2008 free‐air anomaly data following topographic corrections, were analyzed. Wavelet multiscale decomposition and normalized full gradient methods were employed to analyze the data, revealing complex crustal density structures and fault depth characteristics in both the lateral and vertical dimensions. The results indicate significant lateral density variations within the crust, attributed to the wedging of the Indian Plate and partial melting of deep materials. The article also revealed several major faults that extend to 40 km in depth that potentially play crucial roles in regional stress release and material migration between the crust and mantle. Additionally, smaller faults at middle to shallow depths may influence the near‐surface stress distribution and the evolution of shallow crustal structures. The analysis of Bouguer gravity anomalies in the EHS provides new insights into the complex crustal density architecture of the EHS and improves our understanding of mountain‐building processes and subduction dynamics in this geologically significant region.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Geological and Geophysical Studies Geophysical and Geoelectrical Methods Geophysics and Gravity Measurements

Publication details

Journal / source
New Zealand Journal of Geology and Geophysics
Volume
69
Issue
1
Publication date
8 February 2026
Language
EN