Insights into Moho depth beneath the northwestern Andean region from gravity data inversion

SUMMARY The complex Moho topography beneath the northwestern Andes is result of multiple geodynamic processes during Cenozoic. To contribute to our understanding depth distribution this region, we inverted gravity data from two widely used satellite-derived sets (EGM2008 and EIGEN-6C4) one regional airborne Bouguer anomaly map (ANH2010). Their inversion allowed choosing ANH2010, based on lower residual a higher agreement with seismic estimations, as most suitable set gain insights into its relationship previously identified tectonic features. argues for 40–50 km Central Eastern cordilleras, reaching depths beyond 50 below Cordillera, shallower between 30 40 mainly along foreland region east, Western Cordillera coastal plains. Three main thickened crust features extent were identified: (1) deep expression crustal thickness greater than in northwesternmost which consider direct consequence adjacent involving fold thrust deformation migration range towards foreland, flexural proposed eastern foothills; (2) (50–60 km) axis related shortening history including phases Cenozoic thick-skinned magmatic underplating; (3) deeper 60 southern latitude (1°S–1°N) modern arc, whose interpretation more complex, likely combined mafic addition base crust, foundering tectonics, lateral displacement prompted by subducting Carnegie ridge.