Application of inverse methods to the aero-geophysical mapping of LATEA area, Central Hoggar, southern Algeria.

Abstract

This research effectively contributes to a deeper understanding of the subsurface structure of LATEA the located within metacraton in central Hoggar (southern Algeria) a region characterized by significant geological complexity due to the diversity and intertwinement of rock formations and tectonic structures from various geological periods. The study primarily focuses on the application of inverse methods to aero-geophysical data to highlight the major fault systems that characterize this region. By employing these advanced inversion techniques, the research aims to quantitatively evaluate and identify the geometric properties of these faults, including their geographic orientations, depth of occurrence, as well as their density and spatial distribution across different parts of the studied area. The processing and quantitative inversion of aeromagnetic data led to the identification of several significant magnetic anomalies, which enabled a more accurate, three-dimensional delineation of fault locations and a clearer understanding of their structural framework. The achieved results represent a valuable contribution to mapping the area's subsurface architecture, providing critical constraints that assist in reconstructing its complex tectonic evolution and geological history.