Density Structure of the Lithosphere in upper Priamurye

Abstract A 3D density model for the lithosphere of Upper Priamurye, which extends to a depth of 130 km, was constructed based on the anomalous gravity field. The lithospheric mantle displays a banded structure defined by a series of alternating relatively low and high density zones. A series of sublatitudinal zones of low-density mantle are identified, which are spatially associated with Cretaceous volcanoplutonic and plutonic belts. Low-density areas are identified with paleomagmatic chambers and mantle transformation zones of the stage. A spatial relationship is established between gold mineralization in the region and the identified zones of low-density mantle. Zones of higher-density lithosphere are believed to primarily reflect accretionary wedges of the Mongol–Okhotsk belt and remnants of oceanic lithosphere at depth.