Improved Sedimentary Thickness Model for Central-Northern Eurasia Derived from Decompensative Gravity Anomalies

This study presents refined models of the sedimentary cover in northern Eurasia, derived using decompensative gravity anomalies (DGA). The DGA-based models enhance the structural resolution of regions with complex geology, accurately delineating denuded mountain-folded zones, thick sedimentary sequences, and basin depocenters that are not well resolved in the initial datasets. In offshore areas, such as the Laptev Sea Basin, South Kara Basin, and Yamal–Taz Basin, the models provide improved estimates of sedimentary thickness and clearer delineation of major faults and rift structures compared to global datasets like GlobSed. For continental basins, the models reveal localized depocenters and subtle variations in thickness, supporting more detailed structural and stratigraphic interpretations. While these models offer substantial improvements, uncertainties increase with depth due to the lower density contrasts between deep sedimentary layers and the crystalline basement. Intermediate Late Paleozoic–Early Mesozoic units and contributions from the upper folded basement can also affect thickness estimates, highlighting the qualitative nature of the models for deep basins. Despite these limitations, the DGA-based models provide a valuable tool in regions with sparse borehole and geophysical data, filling gaps in coverage and enhancing the understanding of basin geometry. These refined sedimentary cover models offer a robust framework for lithospheric and basin modeling, enabling more accurate reconstructions of basin architecture and tectonic evolution across both continental and shelf regions.