Kursk Satellite Magnetic Anomaly


The Kursk Satellite Magnetic Anomaly(KMA) of Russia (centered at 51N, 37E) has long been recognized as one of the largest magnetic anomalies on Earth (about 22 nT) Early studies (Taylor et al. 1995) including geological and geophysical modelling indicates that the source region of the KMA comprises the entire crust and portions of the upper mantle. The KMA is coincident with the large Sarmatian crustal province which comprises the Ukranian Shield,Voronezh Massif and the large Devonian Dnepr-Donetz aulacogen. Taylor and Frawley(1987) proposed to interpret KMA as indicating the initiation of a failed aulacogen.

Kursk Magnetic Anomaly and location of iron quartzites (black circles)

 

Location of Iron Quartzites (black circles) in the area of Kursk Magnetic Anomaly, red star shows the location of Big Krivoy Rog Deep BoreHole. KMA is shown in acordance with CMP3 model (Br component)(Sabaka et al., 2000)


Total Intensity Magnetic Anomaly Map of KMA area at 660 km altitude from Oersted data. Contour interval is 0.5 nT(Taylor et al., 2000)

Recent study (Taylor et al., 2000) examined the Oersted magnetic field data over KMA. Magsat and Oersted anomaly data are in agreement over the region of KMA. The largest anomalies of both datasets were totally correspondent. Differences in two anomaly maps were the result of the greater number  of tracks from the Oersted mission.  Comparison of these anomalies with known crustal tectonic features was noted.



Back to Terrestrial Magnetism Home Page