3-D inversion of gravity data

Geophysics ◽  
1998 ◽  
Vol 63 (1) ◽  
pp. 109-119 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yaoguo Li ◽  
Douglas W. Oldenburg
Keyword(s):  
Objective Function ◽  
Gravity Data ◽  
Depth Information ◽  
Constant Density ◽  
Structure Model ◽  
Inversion Algorithm ◽  
Final Density ◽  
Magnetic Inversion ◽  
Natural Decay ◽  
Geological Constraints

We present two methods for inverting surface gravity data to recover a 3-D distribution of density contrast. In the first method, we transform the gravity data into pseudomagnetic data via Poisson’s relation and carry out the inversion using a 3-D magnetic inversion algorithm. In the second, we invert the gravity data directly to recover a minimum structure model. In both approaches, the earth is modeled by using a large number of rectangular cells of constant density, and the final density distribution is obtained by minimizing a model objective function subject to fitting the observed data. The model objective function has the flexibility to incorporate prior information and thus the constructed model not only fits the data but also agrees with additional geophysical and geological constraints. We apply a depth weighting in the objective function to counteract the natural decay of the kernels so that the inversion yields depth information. Applications of the algorithms to synthetic and field data produce density models representative of true structures. Our results have shown that the inversion of gravity data with a properly designed objective function can yield geologically meaningful information.

Topography of the crust–mantle interface under the Western Superior craton from gravity data

2003 ◽  
Vol 40 (10) ◽  
pp. 1307-1320 ◽  
Author(s):  
B Nitescu ◽  
A R Cruden ◽  
R C Bailey
Keyword(s):  
Gravity Data ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Gravity Anomalies ◽  
Gravity Inversion ◽  
Constant Density ◽  
Inversion Algorithm ◽  
Data Set ◽  
Mantle Boundary ◽  
Refraction Seismic ◽  
Superior Craton

The Moho undulations beneath the western part of the Archean Superior Province have been investigated with a three-dimensional gravity inversion algorithm for a single interface of constant density contrast. Inversion of the complete gravity data set produces unreal effects in the solution due to the ambiguity in the possible sources of some crustal gravity anomalies. To avoid these effects a censored gravity data set was used instead. The inversion results are consistent with reflection and refraction seismic data from the region and, therefore, provide a basis for the lateral correlation of the Moho topography between parallel seismic lines. The results indicate the existence of a major linear east–west-trending rise of the Moho below the metasedimentary English River subprovince, which is paralleled by crustal roots below the granite–greenstone Uchi and Wabigoon subprovinces. This correlation between the subprovincial structure at the surface and deep Moho undulations suggests that the topography of the crust–mantle boundary is related to the tectonic evolution of the Western Superior belts. Although certain features of the crust–mantle boundary are likely inherited from the accretionary and collisional stages of the Western Superior craton, gravity-driven processes triggered by subsequent magmatism and crustal softening may have played a role in both the preservation of those features, as well as in the development of new ones.

scholarly journals The collocation approach to Moho estimate

2014 ◽  
Vol 57 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Riccardo Barzaghi ◽  
Ludovico Biagi
Keyword(s):  
Gravity Data ◽  
The Body ◽  
Observation Equation ◽  
Moho Depth ◽  
Inversion Method ◽  
Depth Information ◽  
Constant Density ◽  
Separation Surface ◽  
Collocation Approach ◽  
Moho Depths

<p>In this paper, the collocation approach to Moho estimate is presented. This method is applied to the inversion of gravity data that can be complemented by Moho depth information coming from e.g. seismic information. In this context, a two layers model is considered and discussed in order to give a general theoretical framework for the inversion method. A body with two inner constant density layers and an inner separation surface between is considered and a uniqueness theorem is proved for the estimability of the separation surface given the gravity outside the body itself. Based on this result, a discussion is given on the estimation of the Moho depths based on terrestrial gravity observations. The observation equation is presented and its local planar approximation is derived. The application of the collocation method to the estimate of Moho depths is then studied and discussed in relationship to the planar observation equation. Also, numerical tests are presented. To this aim, the collocation inversion algorithm is implemented and tested on simulated data to prove its effectiveness. The results show that the proposed method is reliable provided that proper data reductions for model discrepancies are taken into account.</p>

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.

Fast 3D magnetic inversion of a surface relief in the space domain

Geophysics ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 84 (5) ◽  
pp. J57-J67 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marlon C. Hidalgo-Gato ◽  
Valéria C. F. Barbosa
Keyword(s):  
Hessian Matrix ◽  
Computational Cost ◽  
Magnetization Vector ◽  
Forward Modeling ◽  
Magnetic Data ◽  
Total Field ◽  
Inversion Algorithm ◽  
Sensitivity Matrix ◽  
Magnetic Inversion ◽  
Magnetic Basement

We have developed a fast 3D regularized magnetic inversion algorithm for depth-to-basement estimation based on an efficient way to compute the total-field anomaly produced by an arbitrary interface separating nonmagnetic sediments from a magnetic basement. We approximate the basement layer by a grid of 3D vertical prisms juxtaposed in the horizontal directions, in which the prisms’ tops represent the depths to the magnetic basement. To compute the total-field anomaly produced by the basement relief, the 3D integral of the total-field anomaly of a prism is simplified by a 1D integral along the prism thickness, which in turn is multiplied by the horizontal area of the prism. The 1D integral is calculated numerically using the Gauss-Legendre quadrature produced by dipoles located along the vertical axis passing through the prism center. This new magnetic forward modeling overcomes one of the main drawbacks of the nonlinear inverse problem for estimating the basement depths from magnetic data: the intense computational cost to calculate the total-field anomaly of prisms. The new sensitivity matrix is simpler and computationally faster than the one using classic magnetic forward modeling based on the 3D integrals of a set of prisms that parameterize the earth’s subsurface. To speed up the inversion at each iteration, we used the Gauss-Newton approximation for the Hessian matrix keeping the main diagonal only and adding the first-order Tikhonov regularization function. The large sparseness of the Hessian matrix allows us to construct and solve a linear system iteratively that is faster and demands less memory than the classic nonlinear inversion with prism-based modeling using 3D integrals. We successfully inverted the total-field anomaly of a simulated smoothing basement relief with a constant magnetization vector. Tests on field data from a portion of the Pará-Maranhão Basin, Brazil, retrieved a first depth-to-basement estimate that was geologically plausible.

Gravity and magnetic inversion with minimization of a specific functional

Geophysics ◽  
1984 ◽  
Vol 49 (8) ◽  
pp. 1354-1360 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Guillen ◽  
V. Menichetti
Keyword(s):  
Physical Properties ◽  
Magnetic Data ◽  
Constant Density ◽  
Minimum Volume ◽  
Data Inversion ◽  
Gravity And Magnetic ◽  
Magnetic Inversion ◽  
Line Passing ◽  
Susceptibility Contrast ◽  
The Moment

The nonuniqueness of gravity or magnetic data inversion is well known. In order to remove ambiguity, some authors have sought solutions minimizing a functional describing geometrical or physical properties. Last and Kubik (1983), in particular, developed a method explaining the observed anomaly by structures of minimum volume. In this method the domain where anomalous sources are searched is divided into elementary prisms of a constant density or susceptibility contrast. Each elementary contrast is allowed to vary individually. Thus a contrast distribution is computed. The search for this kind of solution leads in general to geologically more appropriate bodies, but exceptions do occur. In this paper, the technique is broadened to include the search for solutions minimizing the moment of inertia with respect to the center of gravity or with respect to a given dip line passing through it. The resulting structures are both deeper and more compact, precisely as is required in specific cases. Theoretical and actual examples illustrate this flexible inversion technique.

Framework geophysical modelling of granitoid versus supracrustal basement to the northeast Thelon Basin around the Kiggavik uranium camp, Nunavut

2013 ◽  
Vol 50 (6) ◽  
pp. 667-677 ◽  
Author(s):  
V. Tschirhart ◽  
W.A. Morris ◽  
C.W. Jefferson
Keyword(s):  
Gravity Data ◽  
Quantitative Comparison ◽  
Rock Properties ◽  
Intrusive Complex ◽  
Uranium Deposits ◽  
Metasedimentary Rocks ◽  
Thelon Basin ◽  
Basement Gneiss ◽  
Geological Constraints ◽  
Depth Extent

The northeast Thelon Basin in the Kivalliq region of Nunavut is prospective for uranium deposits. Recently discovered basement-hosted, unconformity-associated prospects west of Kiggavik are restricted to deformed and metamorphosed Neoarchean psammitic enclaves of the Woodburn Lake group within 1.83 Ga Hudson granite and Martell syenite that together comprise the Shultz Lake intrusive complex (SLIC). The depth and geometry of the intrusive complex are relatively unknown as the geological constraints are poor; the drilling is sparse and of shallow depth extent as it was not targeting the basement but shallower multiply faulted and highly altered demagnetized zones. This study aims to constrain the geometry and context of the Shultz Lake intrusive complex with respect to the ore-hosting Neoarchean metasedimentary rocks and intersecting reactivated fault arrays through geophysical modelling of detailed aeromagnetic and gravity data integrated with new geological knowledge. By integrating detailed gravity, aeromagnetic, and structural geology observations measured along a series of transects with a petrophysical rock properties database, it is possible to derive constraints on the depth and thickness (200–300 m) of the SLIC. Quantitative comparison and integration of multiple hypothetical geometries favours a model wherein the SLIC, together with metasedimentary and older basement gneiss, has been structurally emplaced over the Neoarchean metasediments.

Three‐dimensional gravity inversion using simulated annealing: Constraints on the diapiric roots of allochthonous salt structures

Geophysics ◽  
2001 ◽  
Vol 66 (5) ◽  
pp. 1438-1449 ◽  
Author(s):  
Seiichi Nagihara ◽  
Stuart A. Hall
Keyword(s):  
Simulated Annealing ◽  
Gulf Of Mexico ◽  
Gravity Data ◽  
A Priori ◽  
Gravity Inversion ◽  
Inversion Method ◽  
A Priori Information ◽  
Final Density ◽  
Smoothing Effects ◽  
Priori Information

In the northern continental slope of the Gulf of Mexico, large oil and gas reservoirs are often found beneath sheetlike, allochthonous salt structures that are laterally extensive. Some of these salt structures retain their diapiric feeders or roots beneath them. These hidden roots are difficult to image seismically. In this study, we develop a method to locate and constrain the geometry of such roots through 3‐D inverse modeling of the gravity anomalies observed over the salt structures. This inversion method utilizes a priori information such as the upper surface topography of the salt, which can be delineated by a limited coverage of 2‐D seismic data; the sediment compaction curve in the region; and the continuity of the salt body. The inversion computation is based on the simulated annealing (SA) global optimization algorithm. The SA‐based gravity inversion has some advantages over the approach based on damped least‐squares inversion. It is computationally efficient, can solve underdetermined inverse problems, can more easily implement complex a priori information, and does not introduce smoothing effects in the final density structure model. We test this inversion method using synthetic gravity data for a type of salt geometry that is common among the allochthonous salt structures in the Gulf of Mexico and show that it is highly effective in constraining the diapiric root. We also show that carrying out multiple inversion runs helps reduce the uncertainty in the final density model.

Structurally constrained impedance inversion

2016 ◽  
Vol 4 (4) ◽  
pp. T577-T589 ◽  
Author(s):  
Haitham Hamid ◽  
Adam Pidlisecky
Keyword(s):  
Objective Function ◽  
Seismic Data ◽  
Field Data ◽  
A Priori ◽  
Structural Constraints ◽  
Inversion Algorithm ◽  
Data Set ◽  
Impedance Inversion ◽  
Single Trace ◽  
Complex Geology

In complex geology, the presence of highly dipping structures can complicate impedance inversion. We have developed a structurally constrained inversion in which a computationally well-behaved objective function is minimized subject to structural constraints. This approach allows the objective function to incorporate structural orientation in the form of dips into our inversion algorithm. Our method involves a multitrace impedance inversion and a rotation of an orthogonal system of derivative operators. Local dips used to constrain the derivative operators were estimated from migrated seismic data. In addition to imposing structural constraints on the inversion model, this algorithm allows for the inclusion of a priori knowledge from boreholes. We investigated this algorithm on a complex synthetic 2D model as well as a seismic field data set. We compared the result obtained with this approach with the results from single trace-based inversion and laterally constrained inversion. The inversion carried out using dip information produces a model that has higher resolution that is more geologically realistic compared with other methods.

scholarly journals Gravity Data Inversion with Method of Local Corrections for Finite Elements Models

Geosciences ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (10) ◽  
pp. 373 ◽  
Author(s):  
Petr Martyshko ◽  
Igor Ladovskii ◽  
Denis Byzov ◽  
Alexander Tsidaev
Keyword(s):  
Finite Element ◽  
Finite Elements ◽  
Gravity Field ◽  
Gravity Data ◽  
Gradient Methods ◽  
Iteration Algorithm ◽  
Constant Density ◽  
Field Calculation ◽  
Data Set ◽  
Data Inversion

We present a new method for gravity data inversion for the linear problem (reconstruction of density distribution by given gravity field). This is an iteration algorithm based on the ideas of local minimization (also known as local corrections method). Unlike the gradient methods, it does not require a nonlinear minimization, is easier to implement and has better stability. The algorithm is based on the finite element method. The finite element approach in our study means that the medium (part of a lithosphere) is represented as a set of equal rectangular prisms, each with constant density. We also suggest a time-efficient optimization, which speeds up the inversion process. This optimization is applied on the gravity field calculation stage, which is a part of every inversion iteration. Its idea is to replace multiple calculations of the gravity field for all finite elements in all observation points with a pre-calculated set of uniform fields for all distances between finite element and observation point, which is possible for the current data set. Method is demonstrated on synthetic data and real-world cases. The case study area is located on the Timan-Pechora plate. This region is one of the promising oil- and gas-producing areas in Russia. Note that in this case we create a 3D density model using joint interpretation of seismic and gravity data.

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