Crustal study based on integrated geophysical techniques in the Northwestern Himalayas, Pakistan

The present research aims to explicate the tectonics of northwest Himalayas, Pakistan, based on integrated gravity, magnetic and earthquake data. raw gravity data were processed, seven isoanomaly maps prepared for qualitative interpretation, whereas a model was along selected profile quantitative interpretation. local have also been used identify various seismogenic layers in subsurface understand how seismicity relates regional structural features. Three northwest-trending thick-skinned blind basement faults are identified from study, namely Indus Kohistan Seismic Zone (IKSZ), Bagh Basement Fault Hazara Lower Zone. IKSZ is tectonically most active among them responsible 2005 Kashmir (Mw = 7.6) 1974 Pattan 6.2) region. study delineated prominent location Main Central Thrust which high-grade metamorphic rocks Higher Himalayan Crystalline thrust over low-grade Lesser Himalayas this fault. field evidence such as ductile deformation, zone inverted metamorphism, brittle deformation confirm location. sharp bending crystalline crust, well deep just south Island Arc (KIA), indicate that high density susceptibility arc leading margin Indian Plate Mantle Thrust. This fault major suture separating KIA north south. other region exist sedimentary/meta-sedimentary wedge thin-skinned. It inferred current investigation area exhibits composite style deformation. Moreover, combined with suggested existence multiple décollement zones below Hazara-Kashmir Syntaxis. envisaged an increase thickness continental crust northeast direction.