Characterizing fault features in low-density seismic coverage areas using the satellite gravity and EMAG magnetic data: A case study of the southeastern Gulf of Mexico basin

Abstract Seismic data can provide an intuitive and accurate reflection of stratigraphic information. However, in areas with low-density seismic line coverage, relying solely on seismic profiles to accurately describe the spatial distribution characteristics of faults in the study area is not convincing. This study used two boundary identification methods of gravity and magnetic potential fields: analytical signal amplitude and mean normalized total horizontal derivative, to identify the boundaries of geological bodies in the southeastern Gulf of Mexico basin, based on the lateral heterogeneity of geological structures. Combined with the interpretation results of seismic profiles, the accuracy of the potential field boundary identification was verified, enhancing the rationality of joint gravity, magnetic, and seismic interpretation results for studying the spatial distribution characteristics of faults. The study confirmed that the analytical signal amplitude and the mean normalized total horizontal derivative methods can be effectively applied to fault characterization in areas with insufficient seismic coverage. Multiscale faults identified using various approaches controlled the stratigraphic deposition during the Jurassic and Early Cretaceous periods. This research implemented a method for enhancing the satellite gravity and magnetic anomalies and provided new insights into studying the sedimentary faults and regional tectonic evolution in the southeastern Gulf of Mexico basin.