The seismic b-value and its correlation with Bouguer gravity anomaly over the Shillong Plateau area: Tectonic implications

Clues to the understanding of intra- and inter-plate variations in strength or stress state of the crust can be achieved through different lines of evidence and their mutual relationships. Among these parameters Bouguer gravity anomalies and seismic b-values have been widely accepted over several decades for evaluating the crustal character and stress regime. The present study attempts a multivariate analysis for the Shillong Plateau using the Bouguer gravity anomaly and the earthquake database, and establishes a causal relationship between these parameters. Four seismic zones (Zones I–IV), with widely varying b-values, are delineated and an excellent correlation between the seismic b-value and the Bouguer gravity anomaly has been established for the plateau. Low b-values characterize the southwestern part (Zone IV) and a zone (Zone III) of intermediate b-values separates the eastern and western parts of the plateau (Zones I and II) which have high b-values. Positive Bouguer anomaly values as high as +40 mgal, a steep gradient in the Bouguer anomaly map and low b-values in the southwestern part of the plateau are interpreted as indicating a thinner crustal root, uplifted Moho and higher concentration of stress. In comparison, the negative Bouguer anomaly values, flat regional gradient in the Bouguer anomaly map and intermediate to high b-values in the northern part of the plateau are consistent with a comparatively thicker crustal root and lower concentration of stress, with intermittent dissipation of energy through earthquake shocks. Further, depth wise variation in the b-value for different seismic zones, delineated under this study, allowed an appreciation of intra-plateau variation in crustal thickness from ∼30 km in its southern part to ∼38 km in the northern part. The high b-values associated with the depth, coinciding with lower crust, indicate that the Shillong Plateau is supported by a strong lithosphere.     

The crustal structure of the Sahel Basin (eastern Tunisia) determined from gravity and geothermal gradients: implications for petroleum exploration

An analysis of Bouguer gravity anomaly data and geothermal gradient data obtained from bottom hole and drill stem tests temperature is used to determine the crustal structure of the Sahel Basin in eastern Tunisia and its role in the maturation and location of the large number of oil and gas fields in the region. The regional Bouguer gravity anomaly field is dominated by gradual increase in values from the northwest to southeast and is may be caused by crustal thinning as revealed by regional seismic studies. In addition, higher geothermal gradients in the same region as the Bouguer gravity anomaly maximum add an additional constraint for the existence of crustal thinning in the region. A detailed analysis of the Bouguer gravity anomaly data was performed by both upward continuation and horizontal gradients. These two techniques were combined to show that the study area consists of two structural regions: (1) the North–South Axis (NOSA)–Zeramedine region which is characterized by northwest-dipping, northeast-striking faults, thicker crust (30–31 km) and low geothermal gradients, and (2) the Mahres–Kerkennah region which is characterized by vertical, northwest-striking faults, thinner crust (28–29 km) and higher geothermal gradients. The correlation of a variety of features includes mapped and geophysically defined faults, volcanic rocks, a thinned crust and high geothermal gradients within the same location as known oil and gas fields indicate that the faults are a major factor in the location of these petroleum accumulations.     

Crustal structure under the central High Atlas Mountains (Morocco) from geological and gravity data

Seismic wide angle and receiver function results together with geological data have been used as constraints to build a gravity-based crustal model of the central High Atlas of Morocco. Integration of a newly acquired set of gravity values with public data allowed us to undertake 2–2.5D gravity modelling along two profiles that cross the entire mountain chain. Modelling suggests moderate crustal thickening, and a general state of Airy isostatic undercompensation. Localized thickening appears restricted to the vicinity of a north-dipping crustal-scale thrust fault, that offsets the Moho discontinuity and defines a small crustal root which accounts for the minimum Bouguer gravity anomaly values. Gravity modelling indicates that this root has a northeasterly strike, slightly oblique to the ENE general orientation of the High Atlas belt. A consequence of the obliquity between the High Atlas borders and its internal and deep structure is the lack of correlation between Bouguer gravity anomaly values and topography. Active buckling affecting the crust, a highly elevated asthenosphere, or a combination of both are addressed as side mechanisms that help to maintain the high elevations of the Atlas mountains.     

Correlations between soil gas and seismic activity in the Generalized Haiyuan Fault Zone,north-central China

Radon and mercury concentrations were measured in 10 fault gas profiles in Generalized Haiyuan Fault. This paper aims to predetermine the potential seismic risk in different segments of the fault zone from the perspective of geochemistry. The background value and anomaly threshold were adopted and synthesized using the maximum value method and average method to calculate concentration intensity values of radon and mercury. Fault soil gas mercury and radon concentrations show a decreasing gradient from NW to SE indicating evident segmentation. Higher values are mostly distributed in the Maomao Mountain–Tiger Mountain fault and Jingtai area. Combined with the seismotectonic background of historical and recent earthquakes and the spatial distribution characteristics of b-values, the fault soil gas concentration intensity shows a close correlation with earthquake activity within the fault zone. Concentrations of fault gas are higher and the b-value lower in areas of strong seismic activity, and regions with weak seismic activity correspond to lower fault gas concentrations and higher b-values. It is thus considered that the Jingtai area may be more dangerous than the other areas. This paper could provide vital background information for earthquake prediction in the Generalized Haiyuan Fault Zone.     

新疆于田及周边地区地震活动性与重力异常特征

基于最新重力场模型对2014年于田M_s7.3地震震区的重力异常特征进行分析, 并应用Crust1.0地壳模型计算得到震区的深部构造形态, 结果显示: 震中位于地壳厚度陡变带上.同2008年于田M_s7.3地震相比, 震中虽位于不同位置, 但发震机制均与深部地壳结构变化密切相关.统计研究区内历史地震活动性与重力异常之间的关系, 发现震中的自由空气异常与地形存在明显的线性相关性, 而布格异常和均衡异常的结果则明显不同.进一步地分别计算不同重力异常的水平总梯度和线性信号, 结果表明: 重力异常梯度量与地形的相关特性更明显.研究表明: M_s7.0以上大震活动与重力异常之间具有明显的统计特性学, 这可能与重力异常反映的深部结构和壳内质量分布的不均匀有关.      

Asymmetry in oceanic crustal structure of the South China Sea basin and its implications on mantle geodynamics

ABSTRACT

We investigated the oceanic crustal structure and lithospheric dynamics of the South China Sea (SCS) basin through a comprehensive analysis of residual gravity anomaly and bathymetry combined with seismic constraints and interpretation from geodynamic modelling. We first calculated the residual mantle Bouguer anomaly (RMBA) of the oceanic crustal regions of the SCS by removing from free-air gravity anomaly the predicted gravitational attractions of water-sediment, sediment-crust, and crust-mantle interfaces, as well as the effects of lithospheric plate cooling, using the latest crustal age constraints including IODP Expedition 349 and recent deep-tow magnetic surveys. We then calculated models of the gravity-derived crustal thickness and calibrated them using the available seismic refraction profiles of the SCS. The gravity-derived crustal thickness models correlate positively with seismically determined crustal thickness values. Our analysis revealed that the isochron-averaged RMBA are consistently more negative over the northern flank of the SCS basin than the southern conjugate for magnetic anomaly chrons C8n (~25.18 Ma) to C5Dn (~17.38 Ma), implying warmer mantle and/or thicker crust over much of the northern flank. Computational geodynamic modelling yielded the following interpretations: (1) Models of asymmetric and variable spreading rates based on the relatively high-resolution deep-tow magnetic analysis would predict alternating thicker and thinner crust at the northern flank than the southern conjugate, which is inconsistent with the observed systematically thicker crust on the northern flank. (2) Models of episodic southward ridge jumps could reproduce the observed N-S asymmetry, but only for crustal age of 23.6–20 Ma. (3) Southward migration of the SCS ridge axis would predict slightly thinner crust at the northern flank, which is inconsistent with the observations. (4) Models of higher mantle temperatures of up to 25–50°C or >2% less depleted mantle sources on the northern flank could produce large enough anomalies to explain the observed N-S asymmetries.     

Style of active intraplate deformation from gravity and seismicity data: the Baikal Rift, Asia

To better understand how active deformation localizes within a continental plate in response to extensional and transtensional tectonics, a combined analysis of high-quality gravity (Bouguer anomaly) and seismicity data is presented consisting of about 35000 earthquakes recorded in the Baikal Rift Zone. This approach allows imaging of deformation patterns from the surface down to the Moho. A comparison is made with heat flow variations in order to assess the importance of lithospheric rheology in the style of extensional deformation. Three different rift sectors can be identified. The southwestern rift sector is characterized by strong gravity and topography contrasts marked by two major crustal faults and diffuse seismicity. Heat flow shows locally elevated values, correlated with recent volcanism and negative seismic P-velocity anomalies. Based on earthquake fault plane solutions and on previous stress field inversions, it is proposed that strain decoupling may occur in this area in response to wrench-compressional stress regime imposed by the India–Asia collision. The central sector is characterized by two major seismic belts; the southernmost one corresponds to a single, steeply dipping fault accommodating oblique extension; in the centre of lake Baikal, a second seismic belt is associated with several dip-slip faults and subcrustal thinning at the rift axis in response to orthogonal extension. The northern rift sector is characterized by a wide, low Bouguer anomaly which corresponds to a broad, high topographic dome and seismic belts and swarms. This topography can be explained by lithospheric buoyancy forces possibly linked to anomalous upper mantle. At a more detailed scale, no clear correlation appears between the surficial fault pattern and the gravity signal. As in other continental rifts, it appears that the lithospheric rheology influences extensional basins morphology. However, in the Baikal rift, the inherited structural fabric combined with stress field variations results in oblique rifting tectonics which seem to control the geometry of southern and northeastern rift basins.     

Regional gravity analysis of the crustal structure of Tunisia

Gravity data were integrated with seismic refraction/reflection data, well data and geological investigations to determine a general crustal structure of Tunisia. The gravity data analysis included the construction of a complete Bouguer gravity anomaly map, residual gravity anomaly maps, horizontal gravity gradient maps and a 2.5-D gravity model. Residual gravity anomaly maps illustrate crustal anomalies associated with various structural domains within Tunisia including the Sahel Block, Saharian Flexure, Erg Oriental Basin, Algerian Anticlinorium, Gafsa Trough, Tunisian Trough, Kasserine Platform and the Tell Mountains. Gravity anomalies associated with these features are interpreted to be caused either by thickening or thinning of Palæozoic and younger sediments or by crustal thinning. Analysis of the residual gravity anomaly and horizontal gravity gradient maps also determined a number of anomalies that may be associated with previously unknown structures. A north-south trending gravity model in general indicated similar subsurface bodies as a coincident seismic model. However, thinner Mesozoic sediments within the Tunisian Trough, thinner Palæozoic sediments in the Gafsa Trough, and a greater offset on the Saharian Flexure were required by the gravity data. Additionally, basement uplifts under the Kasserine Platform and Gafsa Trough, not imaged by seismic data, were required by the gravity data. The gravity model revealed two previously unknown basins north and south of the Algerian Anticlinorium (5 km), while the Erg Oriental Basin is composed of at least two sub-basins, each with a depth of 5 km.     

Integrated 3D density modelling and segmentation of the Dead Sea Transform

A 3D interpretation of the newly compiled Bouguer anomaly in the area of the “Dead Sea Rift” is presented. A high-resolution 3D model constrained with the seismic results reveals the crustal thickness and density distribution beneath the Arava/Araba Valley (AV), the region between the Dead Sea and the Gulf of Aqaba/Elat. The Bouguer anomalies along the axial portion of the AV, as deduced from the modelling results, are mainly caused by deep-seated sedimentary basins (D > 10 km). An inferred zone of intrusion coincides with the maximum gravity anomaly on the eastern flank of the AV. The intrusion is displaced at different sectors along the NNW–SSE direction. The zone of maximum crustal thinning (depth 30 km) is attained in the western sector at the Mediterranean. The southeastern plateau, on the other hand, shows by far the largest crustal thickness of the region (38–42 km). Linked to the left lateral movement of approx. 105 km at the boundary between the African and Arabian plate, and constrained with recent seismic data, a small asymmetric topography of the Moho beneath the Dead Sea Transform (DST) was modelled. The thickness and density of the crust suggest that the AV is underlain by continental crust. The deep basins, the relatively large intrusion and the asymmetric topography of the Moho lead to the conclusion that a small-scale asthenospheric upwelling could be responsible for the thinning of the crust and subsequent creation of the Dead Sea basin during the left lateral movement. A clear segmentation along the strike of the DST was obtained by curvature analysis: the northern part in the neighbourhood of the Dead Sea is characterised by high curvature of the residual gravity field. Flexural rigidity calculations result in very low values of effective elastic lithospheric thickness (t _e < 5 km). This points to decoupling of crust in the Dead Sea area. In the central, AV the curvature is less pronounced and t _e increases to approximately 10 km. Curvature is high again in the southernmost part near the Aqaba region. Solutions of Euler deconvolution were visualised together with modelled density bodies and fit very well into the density model structures. An erratum to this article can be found at     

凤凰─茶陵地学断面重力异常机制分析

对凤凰─茶陵地学断面重力异常，根据爆炸地震测深资料，确定密度分层，用变密度水平梯形体构制剖面密度模型，计算理论重力异常和实测布格重力异常吻合较好。根据剖面密度模型，可以合理地解释布格重力异常。并将地壳划分为沉积盖层、变质岩层、麻粒岩层三层结构，分别计算三层的重力效应曲线及上地幔低密度体重力效应曲线。还计算了莫霍面起伏引起的重力异常曲线，分析了引起地壳重力异常的各种因素及特点。     

凤凰─茶陵地学断面重力异常机制分析

对凤凰─茶陵地学断面重力异常,根据爆炸地震测深资料,确定密度分层,用变密度水平梯形体构制剖面密度模型,计算理论重力异常和实测布格重力异常吻合较好。根据剖面密度模型,可以合理地解释布格重力异常。并将地壳划分为沉积盖层、变质岩层、麻粒岩层三层结构,分别计算三层的重力效应曲线及上地幔低密度体重力效应曲线。还计算了莫霍面起伏引起的重力异常曲线,分析了引起地壳重力异常的各种因素及特点。     

Crustal structure and sedimentation history over the Alleppey platform,southwest continental margin of India:Constraints from multichannel seismic and gravity data

The Alleppey Platform is an important morphological feature located in the Kerala-Konkan basin off the southwest coast of India. In the present study, seismic reflection data available in the basin were used to understand the sedimentation history and also to carry out integrated gravity interpretation. Detailed seismic reflection data in the basin reveals that:(1) the Alleppey Platform is associated with a basement high in the west of its present-day geometry(as observed in the time-structure map of the Trap Top(K/T boundary)),(2) the platform subsequently started developing during the Eocene period and attained the present geometry by the Miocene and,(3) both the Alleppey platform and the Vishnu fracture zone have had significant impact on the sedimentation patterns(as shown by the time-structure and the isochron maps of the major sedimentary horizons in the region). The 3-D sediment gravity effect computed from the sedimentary layer geometry was used to construct the crustal Bouguer anomaly map of the region.The 3-D gravity inversion of crustal Bouguer anomaly exhibits a Moho depression below the western border of the platform and a minor rise towards the east which then deepens again below the Indian shield. The 2-D gravity modelling across the Alleppey platform reveals the geometry of crustal extension,in which there are patches of thin and thick crust. The Vishnu Fracture Zone appears as a crustal-scale feature at the western boundary of the Alleppey platform. Based on the gravity model and the seismic reflection data, we suggest that the basement high to the west of the present day Alleppey platform remained as a piece of continental block very close to the mainland with the intervening depression filling up with sediments during the rifting. In order to place the Alleppey platform in the overall perspective of tectonic evolution of the Kerala-Konkan basin, we propose its candidature as a continental fragment.     

Asymmetric crustal structure of the ultraslow-spreading Mohns Ridge

ABSTRACT

New analysis of the geophysical data of the ultraslow-spreading Mohns Ridge and its off-axis structure reveals a distinctive asymmetric structure. We calculate residual bathymetry (RB) and residual mantle Bouguer gravity anomaly (RMBA) and decompose the anomalies into symmetric and asymmetric components between the ridge conjugates. The western flank of the Mohns Ridge at crustal age of ~50–15 Ma is characterized by a broad zone of elevated RB and more negative RMBA, which we term the Vesteris Plateau (VP). The VP anomaly has a surface area of ~1.12 × 10⁵ km² and an excess crust volume of ~2.33 × 10⁵ km³, making it a significant anomaly comparable to other anomalies such as the Bermuda Rise. Extending north of the Kolbeinsey Ridge for more than 500 km, the VP lies above an anomalous upper mantle region of low shear-wave seismic velocity, indicating that the VP might represent the northernmost reach of the Iceland-Jan Mayen mantle anomaly. In addition, the western ridge flank of the Mohns Ridge at crustal age of 6–0 Ma is associated with higher RB and more positive RMBA relative to the eastern conjugate, indicating tectonic uplift and associated exposure of lower crust and upper mantle near the ridge axis.     

An integrated geophysical investigation of the upper crust in the epicentral area of the 1980, Ms=6.9, Irpinia earthquake (Southern Italy)

In this paper, we investigate the upper crustal structure of the Irpinia region, Southern Apennines thrust belt, Italy, through analysis and joint interpretation of gravity data, seismic reflection lines and subsurface information from many deep wells. The investigated region includes the epicentral area of the 1980 (M_s=6.9) Irpinia earthquake and is one of the Italian regions with the highest seismic hazard. The upper crustal structure is imaged by modeling a series of 15 SW-trending gravity profiles, spaced about 5 km apart, plentifully constrained by seismic reflection lines and wells, thus reducing the inherent ambiguity of the gravity modeling. Despite of the complexity of the modeled Bouguer anomalies, the application of a calibrating procedure to constrain the range of variability of the density values, as well as the use of geometric constraints, results in a good level of stability in the final density cross-sections, which in fact appear coherent both in the density values and in the geometrical features. The inferred model shows important lateral density variations that can be mostly related to NW-trending geologic structures. High-density bodies delineate carbonate platform thrust sheets and broad antiforms involving Mesozoic basinal rocks, while low-density shallow bodies are associated with Pliocene basins. In addition, important density (i.e. lithological) variations are evident along the strike of the range, the most relevant being an abrupt deepening of the Apulia Carbonate Platform in the southeastern part of the investigated region. In the epicentral region of the 1980 event, we find that the geometry of the high-density, high-velocity carbonates of the Apulia Platform appears correlated with the distribution of the aftershocks and with the P-wave velocity anomaly pattern as inferred from a previous local earthquake tomography. The structural highs of the Apulia Platform correspond to high-velocity regions, where aftershocks and coseismic slip of the mainshock are concentrated. This correlation suggests that the Apulia Carbonate Platform geometry played an important role in the rupture propagation and in the aftershock distribution.     

Geodynamic evolution of Jbel Cheid (Northern Tunisian Atlas) from geophysical and geological data

Understanding the formation and the development of salt structures is very important especially because they are of significant economical interest. Detailed understanding of this process will help reservoir prediction and hydrocarbon recovery. In this work, we use a combination of geological observations along with the interpretation of geophysical data (seismic and Bouguer anomaly data) to better constrain the geology of the Jbel Cheid structure. The shape of Triassic body of Jbel Cheid (Northern Tunisian Atlas) structure and its geodynamic evolution have been determined by gravity analyses and 2.5D modeling, correlated with others geophysical data (seismic) and geological observations. Semi-automatic structural analysis was performed before modeling, to identify lateral gravity discontinuities. The complete Bouguer and residual gravity anomaly maps indicate a positive amplitude gravity anomaly over the Triassic evaporitic outcrop (Jbel Cheid) and prominent NE–SW-trending features associated with the boundary of the Triassic rocks and surrounded layers. The seismic profile shows a thickness variation of post-salt layers. Taking into account the 2.5D gravity model, seismic profile and surface data, geodynamic evolution of Jbel Cheid can be subdivided on three stages (reactive, active, and passive) which well correlated to the model proposed by Vendeville (2002).     

THE STRUCTURE OF THE EARTH'S CRUST IN THE TRANSITIONAL AREA BETWEEN THE ASIAN CONTINENT AND THE PACIFIC OCEAN

Geophysical investigation in the Sea of Okhotsk, the Kuril-Kamchatka area, and the adjacent parts of the Pacific Ocean have been made to determine the crustal structure in the transitional zone between the Asian continent and Pacific Ocean. Seismic and gravimetric work show the MohoroviCiC surface at about 10 km on the oceanic side and gradual deepening toward the continent with a gentle gradient into the sea of Okhotsk. The first approximation of the Bouguer gravity anomaly relation is H_km = 35 (1?th 0.0037 Δg), H_km being the crustal thickness and Δg the Bouguer anomaly.--C. E. Sears.     

Gravity and height changes in the ocean-continent transition zone in western Colombia

Crustal studies in western Colombia, by deep seismic, gravity and geomagnetic surveys, during the last two decades have revealed an extremely anomalous crustal structure as compared to the South American Andes further south. Strong gravity gradients and differences in seismic velocities showed a transition from oceanic to continental character between the Western and Central Andes.

Measured gravity and height variations of opposite sign and lengths of 50 to 100 km on three east-west running profiles correlate surprisingly well with the typical positive Bouguer anomaly of the Western Andes which represents an isostatic instability. A gravity decrease of 0.5–1.0 mGal on two profiles and an increase on an intermediate one and corresponding ratios of gravity to apparent height variations of nearly −20 mGal/m are interpreted as consequences of deep-seated density variations. They may be related to collision tectonics and recent obduction processes between aseismic ridges riding on the Pacific Nazca plate and the continent.     

Seismic, gravity and petrological evidence for partial melt beneath the thickened Central Andean crust (21–23°S)

On the basis of seismic refraction investigations and gravimetric data we have modelled the crustal structure of the southern Central Andes (21–23°S). A pronounced variation in crustal parameters is seen in N-S- and W-E-crossing seismic profiles over the entire Andean orogene, characterized by a crustal thickness of up to 70 km under the magmatic arc and backarc, strongly reduced seismic velocities and a Bouguer minimum of −450 mGal. Anomalously low velocities of 5.9–6.0 km/s in the deeper crust of the Western Cordillera and Altiplano regions lead to an over-compensation of the Bouguer minima resulting in values of crustal densities higher than estimates based purely on seismic velocity measurements. In an attempt to reconcile these differences, the behavior of crystalline rocks based on published laboratory data was studied under varying pressure and temperature conditions up to the range of partial melting. If the temperature is increased above the melting point, a rapid decrease in seismic velocity is accompanied by a slow decrease in density. For the Central Andes, a good fit of the observed and calculated Bouguer anomalies is obtained if the densities of the rocks from the low-velocity zone (LVZ) beneath the Western Cordillera and the Altiplano are varied. Model calculations lead to a velocity-density relation for partial molten rocks that allows the melt proportions of rocks to be estimated. Model calculations indicate that 15–20 vol.% of basaltic to andesitic melt at depth is necessary to explain the LVZ and Bouguer anomaly beneath the arc and parts of the backarc. High heat flow values (100 mW/m²) support the idea that large areas of the deeper Andean crust are strongly weakened by the presence of partially molten rocks, resulting in reduced seismic velocities, with the Western Cordillera, the active volcanic arc of the Andean mountain range, acting as a ductile buffer between the two more rigid crustal blocks of the forearc and backarc regions.     

Tectonics and crustal structures related to Bhuj earthquake of January 26, 2001: based on gravity and magnetic surveys constrained from seismic and seismological studies

Gravity and magnetic data of the Kachchh basin and surrounding regions have delineated major E–W and NW–SE oriented lineaments and faults, which are even extending up to plate boundaries in the north Arabian Sea and western boundary of the Indian plate, respectively. The epicentral zone of Bhuj earthquake and its aftershocks is located over the junction of Rann of Kachchh and median uplifts viz. Kachchh mainland and Wagad uplifts, which are separated by thrust faults. Gravity data with constraints from the results of the seismic studies along a profile suggest that the basement is uplifted towards the north along thrust faults dipping 40–60° south. Similarly gravity and magnetic modeling along a profile across Wagad uplift suggest south dipping (50–60°) basement contacts separating rocks of high susceptibility and density towards the north. One of these contacts coincides with the fault plane of the Bhuj earthquake as inferred from seismological studies and its projection on the surface coincides with the E–W oriented north Wagad thrust fault. A circular gravity high in contact with the fault in northern part of the Wagad uplift along with high amplitude magnetic anomaly suggests plug type mafic intrusive in this region. Several such gravity anomalies are observed over the island belt in the Rann of Kachchh indicating their association with mafic intrusions. The contact of these intrusives with the country rock demarcates shallow crustal inhomogeneities, which provides excellent sites for the accumulation of regional stress. A regional gravity anomaly map based on the concept of isostasy presents two centers of gravity lows of −11 to −13 mGal (10⁻⁵ m/s²) representing mass deficiency in the epicentral region. Their best-fit model constrained from the receiver function analysis and seismic refraction studies suggest crustal root of 7–8 km (deep crustal inhomogeneity) under them for a standard density contrast of −400 kg/m³. It is, therefore, suggested that significant amount of stress get concentrated in this region due to (a) buoyant crustal root, (b) regional stress due to plate tectonic forces, and (c) mafic intrusives as stress concentrators and the same might be responsible for the frequent and large magnitude earthquakes in this region including the Bhuj earthquake of January 26, 2001.