Gravity interpretation of the Laguna Salada Basin, Baja California, México

Abstract

A gravity interpretation of the Laguna Salada Basin, B. C., Mexico, is carried out applying two inversion techniques for a two-dimensional model. The ideal body theory is applied in combination with linear progranuning to compute bounds on the density contrast and thickness of the sedimentary fill under Laguna Salada. If a maximum density contrast of -0.3 g/cm3 is assigned to the model, the lower bound of the thickness of the sedimentary fill is 3.7 km. This result is employed to constrain the two- dimensional geometrical model of the basin.The thin sheet approximation method is then used to compute the shape of the basin and the inverted initial solution can be constrained within the bounds obtained. The final model shows that the sedimentary fill is up to 5.3 km thick at its deepest point. The interpretation is consistent with the geological setting of the area.