Structural mapping and depth configuration of the Sinanpaşa and western Afyon-Akşehir grabens (SW Türkiye) using advanced gravity data interpretation methods

The Afyon-Akşehir and Sinanpaşa grabens, located in the eastern part of the Akşehir-Simav Fault System, are important sedimentary basins in the western Anatolia, Türkiye. This region, particularly the western of Afyon-Akşehir Graben, is a significant region known for its geothermal potential. The study focuses on analyzing gravity data to identify structural elements and examine the geological structures in the basins. The edge detection and enhancement techniques such as total horizontal gradient, tilt angle of the total horizontal gradient, enhanced dip angle and curvature analysis were used to investigate the structural lineaments in the area. Furthermore, 2D/3D gravity modeling techniques were utilized to investigate the sedimentary depths of the Afyon-Akşehir and Sinanpaşa grabens. Based on the findings from the edge detection studies, three distinct linear features were highlighted in addition to previously identified geological structures. 3D gravity inversion modeling reveals sedimentary basin depths of up to 470 m in Sinanpaşa Graben and 720 m in the western Afyon-Akşehir Graben. As a result of the structural mapping and 2D/3D gravity modeling studies, a structural uplift that may be linked to geothermal activity was detected among the local depressions in the Afyon-Akşehir Graben. The obtained features may be of potential interest for geothermal exploration; therefore, further investigations using additional geophysical data are recommended.