Precambrian Basement beneath the Central Midcontinent United States As Interpreted from Potential Field Imagery

Abstract

Analysis of the Decade of North American Geology gravity and magnetic data for the central Midcontinent United States, together with their derivative fields, provides an unprecedented perspective on the Precambrian basement provinces underlying the region. Classification of the basement based on the similarities in the pattern and trends of the potential field data reveals important differences in the nature and character of the provinces. Correlation between the potential field data and published geologic information has been useful in resolving discrepancies in the location of some basement province boundaries. In some cases, evidence has been presented that validates the location of major, recognizable structural boundaries within the central Midcontinent region. In other cases, significant questions have been raised regarding the position of some major lithotectonic boundaries, specifically in the location of the Superior-Penokean boundary at the Spirit Lake trend. More studies are suggested to better resolve this boundary. Finally, the role and influence of these boundaries on the tectonic evolution of major structural features within the central Midcontinent region have been evaluated.

Department(s)

Geosciences and Geological and Petroleum Engineering

International Standard Book Number (ISBN)

978-0813723082

International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)

0072-1077

Document Type

Book - Chapter

Document Version

Citation

File Type

text

Language(s)

English

Rights

© 1996 Geological Society of America (GSA), All rights reserved.

Publication Date

01 Jan 1996

Link to Full Text

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