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Aeromagnetic anomaly patterns reveal buried faults along the eastern margin of the Wilkes Subglacial Basin (East Antarctica)

January 1, 2007
The Wilkes Subglacial Basin (WSB) is the major morphological feature recognized in the hinterland of the Transantarctic Mountains. The origin of this basin remains contentious and relatively poorly understood due to the lack of extensive geophysical exploration. We present a new aeromagnetic anomaly map over the transition between the Transantarctic Mountains and the WSB for an area adjacent to northern Victoria Land. The aeromagnetic map reveals the existence of subglacial faults along the eastern margin of the WSB. These inferred faults connect previously proposed fault zones over Oates Land with those mapped along the Ross Sea Coast. Specifically, we suggest a link between the Matusevich Frature Zone and the Priestley Fault during the Cenozoic. The new evidence for structural control on the eastern margin of the WSB implies that a purely flexural origin for the basin is unlikely.
Publication Year 2007
Title Aeromagnetic anomaly patterns reveal buried faults along the eastern margin of the Wilkes Subglacial Basin (East Antarctica)
DOI 10.3133/ofr20071047SRP091
Authors E. Armadillo, Fausto Ferraccioli, A. Zunino, E. Bozzo
Publication Type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Series Title Open-File Report
Series Number 2007-1047-SRP-091
Index ID ofr20071047SRP091
Record Source USGS Publications Warehouse
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