Gravity modelling along CROP04 seismic profile

Abstract

The processing and interpretation of seismic lines, together with the analysis of surficial geological data and hydrocarbon wells data, are powerful tools for the investigation of crust structures. Nevertheless, for depths exceeding that portion of crust usually investigated for commercial purposes, only geophysical data are generally available (among the others: NVR seismic from CROP project, DSS data, magnetic data, gravity data). In this context, the possibility of comparing two independent geophysical data sets, such as data from seismic exploration (CROP Project) and gravimetric analysis (Bouguer anomalies), is of particular interest for investigations into the deeper crust portion. In the present work gravity data modelling was used to study deep crust, constraints being provided by WARR data and by reflection seismic data obtained along the CROP04 profile that crosses the Southern Apennines (Italy) from Agropoli (SW) to Barletta (NE). A preliminary interpretation has been made of the regional gravity anomaly trend in deep crust in Southern Italy; the role of this anomaly trend as an independent constraint for the geological interpretation of the CROP04 seismic line is discussed.