Geological structure of central Vietnam by interpretation processing of gravitational survey data using the 'COSCAD 3D' computer technology

Background. The central regions of Vietnam are of strategic importance for the Republic, being, in fact, the gateway to the ASEAN countries. Investing in the exploration and evaluation of mineral resources, in particular ore minerals hidden at great depths, is a specific and necessary task for the country.Aim. To clarify the structural-tectonic scheme of the analysed area and to identify the main fault systems and zoning of the Central Vietnam area by the gravitational field based on classification algorithms.Materials and methods. The objectives were achieved by assessing the total gradient of the gravitational field, analysing the distribution of the field variance and the results of tracing the axes of the gravitational field anomaly. Interpretation processing of gravity data was carried out using the “COSCAD 3D” computer technology of statistical and spectral correlation data analysis.Results. The defined fault systems, which play an important role in the processes of mineral formation, have a northwestern, northeastern and latitudinal strike. The zoning of the study area according to the gravitational field, its characteristics and available geological information made it possible to identify 13 homogeneous areas. Each area is characterised by a certain level of gravitational field, the values of dispersion and total field gradient, as well as correlations between attributes. The classification results confirms the complexity of the geological structure of the area under study and the presence of three main strikes of the systems of tectonic dislocations – northwestern, northeastern and latitudinal.Conclusions. A large number of tectonic dislocations of various strikes and intensities, revealed using the methods of the probabilistic-statistical approach, implemented in the “COSCAD 3D” computer technology, indicates that the area under study is promising in terms of ore deposits.