Ground magnetic survey and 3D geophysical model of ultrabasic rocks from the Martín García Complex (Buenos Aires, Argentina)

The Martín García Complex, which crops out at the homonymous island of the Río de la Plata Estuary, is composed of intermediate to silicic orthogneisses and granitoids, hornblende and olivine gabbros, and felsic dykes of Paleoproterozoic and Mesoproterozoic ages, as well as serpentinized ultrabasic rocks of unknown age. A major part of this igneous-metamorphic basement is covered by sediments and vegetation, hiding the relationships between the different rock units, and hindering their study. Therefore, a ground magnetic survey and the consequent 3D geophysical modeling were conducted to elucidate the geometry of the ultrabasic bodies in the subsurface. Normal and reverse dipolar sub-circular and elongated (∼ENE-WSW) magnetic anomalies were identified. It is proposed that Cr-rich spinels would be responsible for some of the detected magnetic anomalies. Our results suggest the existence of three magnetic units with a dyke-type geometry, all of them with ∼ENE-WSW trend and steep dip. The magnetic survey and 3D modeling allowed us to confirm the continuity and extension in the subsurface of the ultrabasic bodies cropping out discontinuously on the surface. According to their crosscutting relationships, a post-Stenian age is proposed for these rocks. Magnetic patterns identified in Martín García Island are similar to those observed in western Uruguay, suggesting that the Martín García Complex would be part of the Piedra Alta Terrane (Río de la Plata Craton). •A magnetic survey and a 3D model were conducted in Isla Martín García, Argentina.•Undeformed and serpentinized ultrabasic rocks from the island were investigated.•Normal and reverse dipolar sub-circular and elongated anomalies were identified.•Ultrabasic rocks have a dyke-type geometry with ∼ ENE-WSW trend and steep dip.•Ultrabasic rocks crosscut the already deformed Paleo- and Mesoproterozoic basement.