Analyses of magnetic and gravity data in search for meteorite impact crater at Bukit Bunuh, Lenggong, Perak, Malaysia

• Main Authors: Ismail, Noer El Hidayah, Muhammad, Sabiu Bala, Saad, Rosli, Saidin, Mokhtar
• Format: Article
• Published: Penerbit Universiti Sains Malaysia 2018
• Subjects: Q Science (General); QC Physics; QE Geology
• Online Access: http://eprints.um.edu.my/15118/; https://doi.org/10.21315/jps2018.29.3.9

Analyses and interpretation of magnetic and gravity fields data acquired at Bukit Bunuh, Lenggong, Perak, Malaysia have been carried out in this study. The objective is to identify the meteorite impact crater and possible rebound locations. This study was instigated by an archaeological investigation carried out by the Centre for Global Archaeological Research, Universiti Sains Malaysia. The investigation suggested evidences of shock metamorphisms (suevite breccia) and crater morphology at Bukit Bunuh in Lenggong area of northern Perak, Malaysia. To justify the occurrence of the impact crater, ground magnetic and gravity surveys were conducted first as regional study in the entire area, followed by detailed study at the suspected crater region. Data from both surveys were compiled and corrected. The residual magnetic data ranged between -272 nT and +134.2 nT, whereas the Bouguer gravity data were between -25 mGal and 120 mGal. Both the magnetic and gravity data were gridded and plotted for qualitative interpretation. It was found that low magnetic and gravity region, believed to be an impact crater which is now filled with sediments and surrounded by a highly magnetised shallow bedrock, exists at the mid-part of the study area. Other high magnetic and gravity key features located within the central regions are interpreted as rebounds. In conclusion, the impact structure was successfully modelled as a complex impact crater.