| Abstract: | Recently observed features in the subsurface geology of the Haifa Bay area (northern Israel) have been evaluated using 3-D forward gravity and magnetic modeling and inversion schemes. The interpretation is based on updated petrophysical data of the Jurassic, Cretaceous and Tertiary sedimentary layers and volcanics. It has been shown that the Bouguer gravity anomalies correspond mainly to thickness variations in the Senonian to Tertiary sediments. The gravity effect of these sediments was calculated using their actual densities and structural setting as interpreted from seismic reflection data. This effect was removed from the Bouguer gravity in order to study the pre-Senonian geological structures. The pattern of residual gravity anomalies (named “stripped gravity”) is essentially different from the pattern of the Bouguer gravity. The prominent Carmel gravity high, clearly seen on the Bouguer gravity map, completely vanishes on the “stripped” gravity map. That suggests that this relatively positive anomaly is caused by the considerable thickness of the low-density young sediments in the surrounding areas and does not correspond to high-density magmatic rocks or crystalline basement uplift as previously suggested. The average densities of the Jurassic and Cretaceous volcanics are generally lower then those of the background sedimentary rocks. Volcanics are the main cause for magnetic anomalies onshore and offshore northern Israel. The magmatic root of the Asher volcanics is, most probably, located close to the Yagur fault. A large, deep-seated gabbroic intrusion is assumed to be located under the Mediterranean abyssal plain in the NW part of the study area. The Atlit marine gravity low appears to be caused by a thick Mesozoic and Tertiary sedimentary accumulation. The results presented should be of considerable assistance in delineating some aspects of hydrocarbon exploration in the area. |
