Limitations of determining density or magnetic boundaries from the horizontal gradient of gravity or pseudogravity data

Geophysics ◽  
1987 ◽  
Vol 52 (1) ◽  
pp. 118-121 ◽  
Author(s):  
V. J. S. Grauch ◽  
Lindrith Cordell
Keyword(s):  
Gradient Method ◽  
Gravity Data ◽  
Magnetic Data ◽  
Horizontal Gradient ◽  
Maximum Magnitude ◽  
Gridded Data ◽  
Fourier Techniques ◽  
Gradient Magnitude ◽  
Vertical Fault ◽  
Over The Top

The horizontal‐gradient method has been used since 1982 to locate density or magnetic boundaries from gravity data (Cordell, 1979) or pseudogravity data (Cordell and Grauch, 1985). The method is based on the principle that a near‐vertical, fault‐like boundary produces a gravity anomaly whose horizontal gradient is largest directly over the top edge of the boundary. Magnetic data can be transformed to pseudogravity data using Fourier techniques (e.g., Hildenbrand, 1983) so that they behave like gravity data; thus the horizontal gradient of pseudogravity also has maximum magnitude directly over the boundary. The method normally is applied to gridded data rather than to profiles. The horizontal‐gradient magnitude is contoured and lines are drawn or calculated (Blakely and Simpson, 1986) along the contour ridges. These lines presumably mark the top edges of magnetic or density boundaries. However, horizontal‐gradient magnitude maxima (gradient maxima) can be offset from a position directly over the boundary for several reasons. Offsets occur when boundaries are not near‐vertical, or when several boundaries are close together. This note predicts these offsets. Many other factors also cause offsets, but they are less straightforward and usually are only significant in local studies; we discuss these factors only briefly.

Aeromagnetic Interpretations of the Crittenden County Fault Zone

2020 ◽  
Vol 92 (1) ◽  
pp. 494-507
Author(s):  
Christopher Marlow ◽  
Christine Powell ◽  
Randel Cox
Keyword(s):  
Seismic Hazard ◽  
Fault Zone ◽  
Detection Methods ◽  
Magnetic Data ◽  
Horizontal Gradient ◽  
Reverse Fault ◽  
Maximum Magnitude ◽  
Fault Systems ◽  
Basement Faults ◽  
Seismic Reflection Profiles

Abstract The Crittenden County fault zone (CCFZ) is a potentially active fault zone located within 25 km of Memphis, Tennessee, and poses a significant seismic hazard to the region. Previous research has associated the fault zone with basement faults of the eastern Reelfoot rift margin (ERRM) and described it as a northeast-striking, northwest-dipping reverse fault. However, we suggest that there is an incomplete understanding of the fault geometry of the CCFZ and the ERRM in this region due to significant gaps in seismic reflection profiles used to interpret the fault systems. To improve our understanding of the structure of both fault systems in this region, we apply two processing techniques to gridded aeromagnetic data. We use the horizontal gradient method on reduction-to-pole magnetic data to detect magnetic contacts associated with faults as this technique produces shaper gradients at magnetic contacts than other edge detection methods. For depth to basement estimations, we use the analytic signal as the method does not require knowledge of the remnant magnetization of the source body. We suggest that the CCFZ extends approximately 16 km farther to the southwest than previously mapped and may be composed of three independent faults as opposed to a continuous structure. To the northeast, we interpreted two possible faults associated with the ERRM that intersect the CCFZ, one of which has been previously mapped as the Meeman–Shelby fault. If the CCFZ and the eastern rift margin are composed of isolated fault segments, the maximum magnitude earthquake that each fault segment may generate is reduced, thereby, lowering the existing seismic hazard both fault systems pose to Memphis, Tennessee.

scholarly journals Exploiting Aeromagnetic and Gravity Data Interpretation to Delineate Massif Deposits of Rehamna Area (Western Meseta-Morocco)

2021 ◽  
Vol 54 (2C) ◽  
pp. 13-28
Author(s):  
Kawtar Benyas
Keyword(s):  
Gravity Data ◽  
Precious Metals ◽  
Data Interpretation ◽  
Structural Features ◽  
Magnetic Data ◽  
Gravity Gradient ◽  
Horizontal Gradient ◽  
Geological Structures ◽  
Magnetic Signatures ◽  
First Vertical Derivative

The analysis of the magnetic signatures and gravity gradient values of the Rehamna Massif south of the Moroccan Western Meseta by using Geosoft Oasis Montaj 7.0.1 software, allowed us to detect several useful anomalies to be exploited and which are related to magmatic bodies and structural features within the study area. These data were analyzed by applying several techniques, including the horizontal gradient filters combined with the first vertical derivative. Subsurface structures; such as geological boundaries, faults, dykes and folds, were visualized as lineaments on geophysical maps, then results were compared with structural features provided by previous studies in the region. Thus, the Rehamna Massif structural map shows sets of linear features which may represent faults or boundaries of geological structures, which can be either faults or boundaries of geological structures, and they are mostly oriented in the directions: N-S, NNE-SSW, NE-SW, E-W with the predominance of the NNE-SSW to NE-SW directions. In addition, the super position of the minerals bearing beds or formations were distinguished from gravity and magnetic data processing results. Some of the recognized anomalies are related to the existence of precious metals which belong to the granitic bodies within the study area.

scholarly journals Mapping of Deep Tectonic Structures of Central and Southern Cameroon by an Interpretation of Surface and Satellite Magnetic Data

2018 ◽  
Vol 2018 ◽  
pp. 1-11
Author(s):  
Constantin Mathieu Som Mbang ◽  
Charles Antoine Basseka ◽  
Joseph Kamguia ◽  
Jacques Etamè ◽  
Cyrille Donald Njiteu Tchoukeu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Magnetic Data ◽  
Horizontal Gradient ◽  
Maximum Magnitude ◽  
Tectonic Structures ◽  
Structural Domains ◽  
3D Euler Deconvolution ◽  
Intensity Field ◽  
Southern Cameroon ◽  
Types Of Faults

The aim of this study is to determine the depth of deep tectonic structures observed in the Adamawa-Yadé zone (central part of Cameroon) and propose a new structural map of this area. The horizontal gradient associated with upward continuation and the 3D Euler deconvolution methods have been applied to the Earth Magnetic Anomaly Grid 2 (EMAG2) data from the study area. The determination of the maximum magnitude of the horizontal gradient of the total magnetic intensity field reduced to the equator, in addition to the main contacts deducted by Euler solution, allowed the production of a structural map to show the fault systems for the survey area. This result reveals the existence of two structural domains which is thus confirmed by the contrast of magnetic susceptibility in the Central Cameroon Zone. The suggested depths are in the range of 3.34 km to 4.63 km. The structural map shows two types of faults (minors and majors) with W-E, N-S, NW-SE, NE-SW, ENE-WSW, WNW-ESE, NNE-SSW, and NNW-SSE trending. The major faults which are deepest (3.81 km to 4.63 km) with NE-SW, W-E, and N-S direction are very represented in the second domain which includes the Pangar-Djerem zone. This domain which recovers many localities (Ngaoundéré, Tibati, Ngaoundal, Yoko Bétaré-Oya, and Yaoundé) is associated with the Pan-African orogeny and the Cameroon Volcanic Line.

scholarly journals A least-squares minimization approach to interpret gravity anomalies caused by a 2D thick, vertically faulted slab

2019 ◽  
Vol 49 (3) ◽  
pp. 229-247
Author(s):  
El-Sayed Abdelrahman ◽  
Mohamed Gobashy
Keyword(s):  
Least Squares ◽  
Gravity Data ◽  
Gravity Anomalies ◽  
Central Valley ◽  
Real Data ◽  
Horizontal Gradient ◽  
Vertical Fault ◽  
Independent Observations ◽  
Minimization Approach ◽  
Least Squares Minimization

Abstract We present a least-squares minimization approach to estimate simultaneously the depth to and thickness of a buried 2D thick, vertically faulted slab from gravity data using the sample spacing – curves method or simply s-curves method. The method also provides an estimate for the horizontal location of the fault and a least-squares estimate for the density contrast of the slab relative to the host. The method involves using a 2D thick vertical fault model convolved with the same finite difference second horizontal gradient filter as applied to the gravity data. The synthetic examples (noise-free and noise affected) are presented to illustrate our method. The test on the real data (Central Valley of Chile) and the obtained results were consistent with the available independent observations and the broader geological aspects of this region.

Density mapping from gravity data using the Walsh transform

Geophysics ◽  
1992 ◽  
Vol 57 (4) ◽  
pp. 637-642 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pierre Keating
Keyword(s):  
Potential Field ◽  
Gravity Data ◽  
Regional Scale ◽  
Physical Property ◽  
Walsh Transform ◽  
Magnetic Data ◽  
Earth Model ◽  
Horizontal Gradient ◽  
Rectangular Array ◽  
Density Mapping

One of the main purposes of geophysical mapping is the identification of units that can be related to known geology. On a regional scale, aeromagnetic and gravity maps are the most useful tools presently available, although other techniques such as conductivity mapping (Palacky, 1986) or remote sensing (Watson, 1985) are very helpful in locating lithologic boundaries. Interpretation now makes extensive use of enhanced maps: susceptibility maps for magnetic data, density maps for gravity data, first and second vertical derivative, and horizontal gradient maps for both types of data. The objective of susceptibility and density mapping is to transform the potential field data into a physical property map. For physical property mapping, some hypotheses and simplifications are made. The earth model is assumed to consist of right rectangular prisms of finite (gravity) or infinite (magnetics) depth extent. For ease of data processing, the potential field is interpolated onto a regular rectangular array, so that each point in the array corresponds to one prism.

Edge enhancement of potential field data using spectral moments

Geophysics ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 81 (1) ◽  
pp. G1-G11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yanyun Sun ◽  
Wencai Yang ◽  
Xiangzhi Zeng ◽  
Zhiyong Zhang
Keyword(s):  
Potential Field ◽  
Moment Method ◽  
Field Data ◽  
Gravity Data ◽  
Magnetic Data ◽  
Horizontal Gradient ◽  
Spectral Moment ◽  
Edge Enhancement ◽  
Potential Field Data ◽  
Geologic Maps

Edge enhancement in potential-field data helps geologic interpretation, where the lineaments on the potential-field frequently indicate subsurface faults, contacts, and other tectonic features. Therefore, a variety of edge-enhancement methods have been proposed for locating edges, most of which are based on the horizontal or vertical derivatives of the field. However, these methods have several limitations, including thick detected boundaries, blurred response to low-amplitude anomalies, and sensitivity to noise. We have developed the spectral-moment method for detecting edges in potential-field anomalies based on the second spectral moment and its statistically invariable quantities. We evaluated the spectral-moment method using synthetic gravity data, EGM-2008 gravity data, and the total magnetic field reduced to the pole. Compared with other edge-enhancing filters, such as the total horizontal derivative (TDX), profile curvature, curvature of the total horizontal gradient amplitude, enhancement of the TDX using the tilt angle, theta map, and normalized standard deviation, this spectral-moment method was more effective in balancing the edges of different-amplitude anomalies, and the detected lineaments were sharper and more continuous. In addition, the method was also less sensitive to noise than were the other filters. Compared with geologic maps, the edges extracted by the spectral-moment method from gravity and the magnetic data corresponded well with the geologic structures.

Computer Application in Geosciences: Imaging of the Subsurface by Structural Coupled Inversion of Potential Field Data

2014 ◽  
Vol 644-650 ◽  
pp. 2670-2673
Author(s):  
Jun Wang ◽  
Xiao Hong Meng ◽  
Fang Li ◽  
Jun Jie Zhou
Keyword(s):  
Potential Field ◽  
Field Data ◽  
Gravity Data ◽  
Computer Application ◽  
Magnetic Data ◽  
Imaging Method ◽  
Inversion Algorithm ◽  
Constant Property ◽  
Near Surface ◽  
Potential Field Data

With the continuing growth in influence of near surface geophysics, the research of the subsurface structure is of great significance. Geophysical imaging is one of the efficient computer tools that can be applied. This paper utilize the inversion of potential field data to do the subsurface imaging. Here, gravity data and magnetic data are inverted together with structural coupled inversion algorithm. The subspace (model space) is divided into a set of rectangular cells by an orthogonal 2D mesh and assume a constant property (density and magnetic susceptibility) value within each cell. The inversion matrix equation is solved as an unconstrained optimization problem with conjugate gradient method (CG). This imaging method is applied to synthetic data for typical models of gravity and magnetic anomalies and is tested on field data.

Application of gravity and magnetic methods to assess geological hazards and natural resource potential in the Mosida Hills, Utah County, Utah

Geophysics ◽  
2000 ◽  
Vol 65 (5) ◽  
pp. 1514-1526 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alvin K. Benson ◽  
Andrew R. Floyd
Keyword(s):  
Gravity Data ◽  
Magnetic Data ◽  
Geological Hazards ◽  
Mafic Lava ◽  
Subsurface Geology ◽  
Gravity And Magnetic ◽  
Geophysical Surveys ◽  
Utah County ◽  
Gravity And Magnetic Data ◽  
Hills Area

Gravity and magnetic data were collected in the Mosida Hills, Utah County, Utah, at over 1100 stations covering an area of approximately 58 km2 (150 mi2) in order to help define the subsurface geology and assess potential geological hazards for urban planning in an area where the population is rapidly increasing. In addition, potential hydrocarbon traps and mineral ore bodies may be associated with some of the interpreted subsurface structures. Standard processing techniques were applied to the data to remove known variations unrelated to the geology of the area. The residual data were used to generate gravity and magnetic contour maps, isometric projections, profiles, and subsurface models. Ambiguities in the geological models were reduced by (1) incorporating data from previous geophysical surveys, surface mapping, and aeromagnetic data, (2) integrating the gravity and magnetic data from our survey, and (3) correlating the modeled cross sections. Gravity highs and coincident magnetic highs delineate mafic lava flows, gravity lows and magnetic highs reflect tuffs, and gravity highs and magnetic lows spatially correlate with carbonates. These correlations help identify the subsurface geology and lead to new insights about the formation of the associated valleys. At least eight new faults (or fault segments) were identified from the gravity data, whereas the magnetic data indicate the existence of at least three concealed and/or poorly exposed igneous bodies, as well as a large ash‐flow tuff. The presence of low‐angle faults suggests that folding or downwarping, in addition to faulting, played a role in the formation of the valleys in the Mosida Hills area. The interpreted location and nature of concealed faults and volcanic flows in the Mosida Hills area are being used by policy makers to help develop mitigation procedures to protect life and property.

scholarly journals Estimating Effectiveness of Some Methods for Detecting Edge of Potential Field Sources

2020 ◽  
Vol 36 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Pham Thanh Luan ◽  
Le Thi Sang ◽  
Vu Duc Minh ◽  
Ngo Thi To Nhu ◽  
Do Duc Thanh ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gravity Anomaly ◽  
Tilt Angle ◽  
Northeast China ◽  
Signal Amplitude ◽  
Analytic Signal ◽  
Detection Methods ◽  
Magnetic Data ◽  
Horizontal Gradient ◽  
North Vietnam ◽  
Gradient Amplitude

This paper presents a comparative study of effectiveness of edge detection methods such as total horizontal gradient, analytic signal amplitude, tilt angle, gradient amplitude of tilt angle, theta map, horizontal tilt angle, tilt angle of total horizontal gradient, tilt angle of analytic signal, improved theta map, and total horizontal gradient of improved tilt angle. The effectiveness of each method was estimated on synthetic magnetic data and synthetic gravity anomaly data with and without noise. The obtained results show that the tilt angle of gradient amplitude can detect all the edges more clearly and precisely. The applicability of each method is demonstrated on the aeromagnetic anomaly data from the Zhurihe region of Northeast China, and Bouguer gravity anomaly data from a region of North Vietnam. The results computed by the tilt angle of horizontal gradient were also in accord with the geologic structures of the areas.

Magnetization vector imaging for borehole magnetic data based on magnitude magnetic anomaly

Geophysics ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 78 (6) ◽  
pp. D429-D444 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shuang Liu ◽  
Xiangyun Hu ◽  
Tianyou Liu ◽  
Jie Feng ◽  
Wenli Gao ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Conjugate Gradient Method ◽  
Conjugate Gradient ◽  
Gradient Method ◽  
Magnetization Vector ◽  
Real Data ◽  
Magnetic Anomalies ◽  
Magnetic Data ◽  
Preconditioned Conjugate Gradient ◽  
Magnetization Direction ◽  
Magnetization Intensity

Remanent magnetization and self-demagnetization change the magnitude and direction of the magnetization vector, which complicates the interpretation of magnetic data. To deal with this problem, we evaluated a method for inverting the distributions of 2D magnetization vector or effective susceptibility using 3C borehole magnetic data. The basis for this method is the fact that 2D magnitude magnetic anomalies are not sensitive to the magnetization direction. We calculated magnitude anomalies from the measured borehole magnetic data in a spatial domain. The vector distributions of magnetization were inverted methodically in two steps. The distributions of magnetization magnitude were initially solved based on magnitude magnetic anomalies using the preconditioned conjugate gradient method. The preconditioner determined by the distances between the cells and the borehole observation points greatly improved the quality of the magnetization magnitude imaging. With the calculated magnetization magnitude, the distributions of magnetization direction were computed by fitting the component anomalies secondly using the conjugate gradient method. The two-step approach made full use of the amplitude and phase anomalies of the borehole magnetic data. We studied the influence of remanence and demagnetization based on the recovered magnetization intensity and direction distributions. Finally, we tested our method using synthetic and real data from scenarios that involved high susceptibility and complicated remanence, and all tests returned favorable results.

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