Abstract
The gravity map of the Aveiro Basin, North West Portugal was produced in 2000/2001 and some limited two dimensional (2D) interpretation was carried out. It is intended in this article to advance the interpretation and modelling of the original Aveiro basin gravity data.
Thus, the data were processed and the horizontal gradient, the second vertical derivative and downward continued field computed. The corresponding maps have been processed and a new interpretation of the basin tectonic features has been proposed.
This is compared with the previous geological and tectonic information obtained from former surveys and local boreholes. As the next step a more detailed modelling of the Aveiro Basin took place.
Bearing the interpretation of the basin tectonic features in mind, several north-south and east-west gravity profiles were established and modelled. The proposed models were presented and discussed.
As a result, a comprehensive mass distribution model for the basin was proposed. Finally, comparison was made between the new gravity model and the previously published tectonic features map.
This modelling is particularly useful for groundwater protection, exploration and exploitation and also for the dimensioning of drilling operations. Bearing in mind the geomorphology of the basin the gravity method is a very economical tool for the investigation of basin structures. (C) 2010 Academie des sciences.
Published by Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.