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Exploring Basement Surface relationship of north-west Bengal Basin using satellite images and tectonic modeling

The Bengal basin is one of the thickest sedimentary basins and is being constantly affected by the collision of the Indian plate with the Burma and Tibetan plates. The northwest part of the basin, our study area, is one of the least explored areas where the shallowest faulted basement is present. Controversies exist about the origin of the basement and its role to the formation of surface landforms. We analyze satellite images, Bouguer anomaly data, and develop a geodynamic model to explore the relationship between the faulted basement and surface landforms. Satellite images and gravity anomalies show a spatial correlation between the surface topography and basement fault structures. The elevated tracts and the low-lying flood plains are located on top of the gravity highs (horsts) and lows (grabens). The geodynamic model suggests that conjugate thrust faults may exist beneath the horsts that push the horst block upward. Our observations suggest the regional compression and basement faults have a more considerable influence on the development of surface landforms such as the uplifted tracts and the low-lying flood plains.