The Adriatic Magnetic Anomaly

Abstract

Magnetic data in the Adriatic Sea (Italy) show a large-scale intense anomaly whose features are evident also at satellite-level observations. The origin and characteristics of the associated source are thus of particular interest for understanding the deep crustal setting of this region. Geological information about the investigated region doesn’t show any connection between the very intense magnetic anomaly and any outcropping evidence. The Adriatic Sea in fact is a Basin confined between the Dinarides and Apenninic chains, where sedimentary amagnetic structures characterize the upper crustal portion. This suggests that the source responsible of the observed anomaly may have a deep origin. We analyze thus in details this anomaly, both at aeromagnetic and satellite levels.