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Regular Research Article 29 Apr 2013
2University of Mining and Geology, St. Ivan Rilski, Sofia, Bulgaria
Received: 14 Feb 2013 – Revised: 04 Apr 2013 – Accepted: 05 Apr 2013 – Published: 29 Apr 2013 Abstract. Deformations in the earth's upper layer can be mapped using a
variety of methods and techniques. This paper examines the regional pattern
of linear structures on the territory of Bulgaria using Bouguer gravity
anomalies. The gravity data were analyzed using integrated gradient
interpretation techniques, such as the Total Horizontal Gradient (THG) and
Vertical Gravity Gradient (VGG). Derived gravity maps reveal persistent
lateral changes in density caused by faults, thrusts or dislocated block
borders. We thoroughly examine and describe the observed lineation pattern
and relate it to the existing tectonostratigraphic information. Several
decades after the earliest attempts of potential field data application for
revealing first order faults and crustal blocks in the Bulgarian territory,
we take advantage of improved techniques and high quality gravity and
seismological data for more reliable estimation of the seismogenic potential
of faults and thrust structures in the earth's crust. The interpreted
structural elements are compared with the epicentral map and epicentral
density function of the examined area, to evidence relations between the
revealed structures and seismicity. The study indicates possible seismological
significance of these lineations and motivates the interest of further
quantitative investigations for the purposes of seismic hazard assessment.
Citation: Trifonova, P., Solakov, D., Simeonova, S., Metodiev, M., and Stavrev, P.: Regional pattern of the earth's crust dislocations on the territory of Bulgaria inferred from gravity data and its recognition in the spatial distribution of seismicity, Pattern Recogn. Phys., 1, 25-36, doi:10.5194/prp-1-25-2013, 2013.
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