Structure of the Marathon basin (NE Attica, Greece) based on gravity measurements

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Published: Jan 1, 2007
DOI: https://doi.org/10.12681/bgsg.16825
Keywords:
NE Attica gravity modelling Riedel structure
S. Chailas
Department of Geophysics - Geothermy, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens
A. Tzanis
Department of Geophysics - Geothermy, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens
E. Lagios
Department of Geophysics - Geothermy, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens
Abstract

This work presents the results of a high resolution gravity survey conducted in the area of Marathon Basin to asses the structure of the basement. A total of 120 gravity stations were measured. Standard data reduction procedures were followed, albeit based on modern, high precision techniques. The inversion of the Bouguer anomaly map provided a rather detailed image of the basement topography completing the information available from surface geological and morphological surveys. The major structural features of the Marathon Basin appear to be controlled by a system of NE-SW neotectonic faults causing stepwise NW-SE deepening of the basement to a maximum detectable depth of~450m. These faults, together with a system of NW-SE major, and a host of minor faulting features, lend to the Basin characteristics of a Riedel structure formed by a predominantly N-S extensional field effecting clockwise block rotation. This mode of deformation may also have facilitated the formation of local anticlinal/ synclinal structures, which endow the area with its rather complicated morphology. Finally, the multiple intersecting faults appear to form a permeable network, presumably responsible for the salination of the local aquifer system; the NE-SW major normal faults may the most significant contributor to this effect.

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  • Geophysics and Seismology
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