scholarly journals Structural model of the Northern Latium volcanic area constrained by MT, gravity and aeromagnetic data

1997 ◽  
Vol 40 (5) ◽  
Author(s):  
P. Capuano ◽  
G. Florio ◽  
P. Gasparini

The results of about 120 magnetotelluric soundings carried out in the Vulsini, Vico and Sabatini volcanic areas were modeled along with Bouguer and aeromagnetic anomalies to reconstruct a model of the structure of the shallow (less than 5 km of depth) crust. The interpretations were constrained by the information gathered from the deep boreholes drilled for geothermal exploration. MT and aeromagnetic anomalies allow the depth to the top of the sedimentary basement and the thickness of the volcanic layer to be inferred. Gravity anomalies are strongly affected by the variations of morphology of the top of the sedimentary basement, consisting of a Tertiary flysch, and of the interface with the underlying Mesozoic carbonates. Gravity data have also been used to extrapolate the thickness of the neogenic unit indicated by some boreholes. There is no evidence for other important density and susceptibility heterogeneities and deeper sources of magnetic and/or gravity anomalies in all the surveyed area.

2021 ◽  
Vol 114 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
L. Guglielmetti ◽  
A. Moscariello

AbstractGravity data retrieved from the Bureau Gravimétrique International and the Gravimetric Atlas of Switzerland have been used to evaluate their applicability as a subsurface investigation tool to assess key geological features in support of the geothermal exploration in the Geneva Basin (GB). In this context, the application of an effective processing workflow able to produce reliable residual gravity anomalies was implemented as a crucial first step to investigate whether and to what level gravity anomalies can be correlated to geologic sources of geothermal interest. This study focusses on the processing workflow applied to publicly available gravity data, including the quantification of the uncertainty. This was then also used for first-order 2D forward gravity modelling. The resulting residual anomalies demonstrate the potential use of gravity investigations for geothermal exploration in sedimentary basins, and also reveal areas of significant, irreparable misfit, which calls for the use of complementary data and 3D subsurface structural knowledge. The results of such investigations will be presented in subsequent studies.


Water ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (9) ◽  
pp. 1310
Author(s):  
Hajer Azaiez ◽  
Hakim Gabtni ◽  
Mourad Bédir

Electric resistivity sounding and tomography, as well as electromagnetic sounding, are the classical methods frequently used for hydrogeological studies. In this work, we propose the development and implementation of an original integrated approach using the unconventional hydro–geophysical methods of gravity and seismic reflection for the fast, large–scale characterization of hydrogeological potential using the Ain El Beidha plain (central Tunisia) as an analogue. Extending the values of vintage petroleum seismic reflection profiles and gravity data, in conjunction with available geological and hydrogeological information, we performed an advanced analysis to characterize the geometry of deep tertiary (Oligocene and Eocene) aquifers in this arid area. Residual and tilt angle gravity maps revealed that most gravity anomalies have a short wavelength. The study area was mainly composed of three major areas: the Oued Ben Zitoun and Ain El Beidha basins, which are both related to negative gravity trends corresponding to low–density subsiding depocenters. These basins are separated by an important NE–SW trend called “El Gonna–J. El Mguataa–Kroumet Zemla” gravity high. Evaluation of the superposition of detected lineaments and Euler deconvolution solutions’ maps showed several NE–SW and N–S relay system faults. The 3D density inversion model using a lateral and vertical cutting plane suggested the presence of two different tectonic styles (thin VS thick). Results from the gravity analysis were in concordance with the seismic analysis. The deep Oligocene and Eocene seismic horizons were calibrated to the hydraulic wells and surrounding outcrops. Oligocene and Eocene geological reservoirs appear very fractured and compartmented. The faulting network also plays an important role in enhancing groundwater recharge process of the Oligocene and Eocene aquifers. Finally, generated isochron maps provided an excellent opportunity to develop future comprehensive exploration surveys over smaller and more favorable areas’ sub–basins.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Alistair Stronach

<p><b>New Zealand’s capital city of Wellington lies in an area of high seismic risk, which is further increased by the sedimentary basin beneath the Central Business District (CBD). Ground motion data and damage patterns from the 2013 Cook Strait and 2016 Kaikōura earthquakes indicate that two- and three-dimensional amplification effects due to the Wellington sedimentary basin may be significant. These effects are not currently accounted for in the New Zealand Building Code. In order for this to be done, three-dimensional simulations of earthquake shaking need to be undertaken, which requires detailed knowledge of basin geometry. This is currently lacking, primarily because of a dearth of deep boreholes in the CBD area, particularly in Thorndon and Pipitea where sediment depths are estimated to be greatest.</b></p> <p>A new basin depth map for the Wellington CBD has been created by conducting a gravity survey using a modern Scintrex CG-6 gravity meter. Across the study area, 519 new high precision gravity measurements were made and a residual anomaly map created, showing a maximum amplitude anomaly of -6.2 mGal with uncertainties better than ±0.1 mGal. Thirteen two-dimensional geological profiles were modelled to fit the anomalies, then combined with existing borehole constraints to construct the basin depth map. </p> <p>Results indicate on average greater depths than in existing models, particularly in Pipitea where depths are interpreted to be as great as 450 m, a difference of 250 m. Within 1 km of shore depths are interpreted to increase further, to 600 m. The recently discovered basin bounding Aotea Fault is resolved in the gravity data, where the basement is offset by up to 13 m, gravity anomaly gradients up to 8 mGal/km are observed, and possible multiple fault strands identified. A secondary strand of the Wellington Fault is also identified in the north of Pipitea, where gravity anomaly gradients up to 18 mGal/km are observed.</p>


Geosciences ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (10) ◽  
pp. 398
Author(s):  
Federico Cella ◽  
Rosa Nappi ◽  
Valeria Paoletti ◽  
Giovanni Florio

Sediments infilling in intermontane basins in areas with high seismic activity can strongly affect ground-shaking phenomena at the surface. Estimates of thickness and density distribution within these basin infills are crucial for ground motion amplification analysis, especially where demographic growth in human settlements has implied increasing seismic risk. We employed a 3D gravity modeling technique (ITerative RESCaling—ITRESC) to investigate the Fucino Basin (Apennines, central Italy), a half-graben basin in which intense seismic activity has recently occurred. For the first time in this region, a 3D model of the Meso-Cenozoic carbonate basement morphology was retrieved through the inversion of gravity data. Taking advantage of the ITRESC technique, (1) we were able to (1) perform an integration of geophysical and geological data constraints and (2) determine a density contrast function through a data-driven process. Thus, we avoided assuming a priori information. Finally, we provided a model that honored the gravity anomalies field by integrating many different kinds of depth constraints. Our results confirmed evidence from previous studies concerning the overall shape of the basin; however, we also highlighted several local discrepancies, such as: (a) the position of several fault lines, (b) the position of the main depocenter, and (c) the isopach map. We also pointed out the existence of a new, unknown fault, and of new features concerning known faults. All of these elements provided useful contributions to the study of the tectono-sedimentary evolution of the basin, as well as key information for assessing the local site-response effects, in terms of seismic hazards.


2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (24) ◽  
pp. 213-225
Author(s):  
Shazad Jamal Jalal ◽  
Tajul Ariffin Musa ◽  
Ami Hassan Md Din ◽  
Wan Anom Wan Aris

Gravity data and computing gravity anomalies are regarded as vital for both geophysics and physical geodesy fields. The mountainous areas of Iraq are characterized by the lack of regional gravity data because gravity surveys are rarely performed in the past four decades due to the Iraq-Iran war and the internal unstable political situation of this particular region. In addition, the formal map of the available terrestrial gravity which was published by the French Database of Bureau Gravimetrique International (International Gravimetric Bureau-in English) (BGI), introduces Iraq and the study area as a remote area and in white color because of the unavailability of gravity data. However, a dense and local (not regional) gravity data is available which was conducted by geophysics researchers 13 years ago. Therefore, the regional gravity survey of 160 gravity points was performed by the authors at an average 11 km apart, which was covers the whole area of Sulaymaniyah Governorate (part of the mountainous areas of Iraq). In spite of Although the risk of mine fields within the study area, suitable safe routes as well as a helicopter was used for the gravity survey of several points on the top of mountains. The survey was conducted via Lacoste and Romberg geodetic gravimeter and GPS handheld. The objective of the study is to determine and map the gravity anomalies for the entire study area, the data of which would assist different geosciences applications.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Arcangela Bollino ◽  
Anna Maria Marotta ◽  
Federica Restelli ◽  
Alessandro Regorda ◽  
Roberto Sabadini

&lt;p&gt;Subduction is responsible for surface displacements and deep mass redistribution. This rearrangement generates density anomalies in a wide spectrum of wavelengths which, in turn, causes important anomalies in the Earth's gravity field that are visible as lineaments parallel to the arc-trench systems. In these areas, when the traditional analysis of the deformation and stress fields is combined with the analysis of the perturbation of the gravity field and its slow time variation, new information on the background environment controlling the tectonic loading phase can be disclosed.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Here we present the results of a comparative analysis between the geodetically retrieved gravitational anomalies, based on the EIGEN-6C4 model, and those predicted by a 2D thermo-chemical mechanical modeling of the Sumatra and Mariana complexes.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The 2D model accounts for a wide range of parameters, such as the convergence velocity, the shallow dip angle, the different degrees of coupling between the facing plates. The marker in cell technique is used to compositionally differentiate the system. Phase changes in the crust and in the mantle and mantle hydration are also allowed. To be compliant with the geodetic EIGEN-6C4 gravity data, we define a model normal Earth considering the vertical density distribution at the margins of the model domain, where the masses are not perturbed by the subduction process.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Model predictions are in good agreement with data, both in terms of wavelengths and magnitude of the gravity anomalies measured in the surroundings of the Sumatra and Marina subductions. Furthermore, our modeling supports that the differences in the style of the gravity anomaly observed in the two areas are attributable to the different environments &amp;#8211; ocean-ocean or ocean-continental subduction &amp;#8211; that drives a significantly different dynamic in the wedge area.&lt;/p&gt;


1999 ◽  
Vol 36 (1) ◽  
pp. 75-89 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hamid Telmat ◽  
Jean-Claude Mareschal ◽  
Clément Gariépy

Gravity data were obtained along two transects on the southern coast of Ungava Bay, which provide continuous gravity coverage between Leaf Bay and George River. The transects and the derived gravity profiles extend from the Superior craton to the Rae Province across the New Quebec Orogen (NQO). Interpretation of the transect along the southwestern coast of Ungava Bay suggests crustal thickening beneath the NQO and crustal thinning beneath the Kuujjuaq Terrane, east of the NQO. Two alternative interpretations are proposed for the transect along the southeastern coast of the bay. The first model shows crustal thickening beneath the George River Shear Zone (GRSZ) and two shallow bodies correlated with the northern extensions of the GRSZ and the De Pas batholith. The second model shows constant crustal thickness and bodies more deeply rooted than in the first model. The gravity models are consistent with the easterly dipping reflections imaged along a Lithoprobe seismic line crossing Ungava Bay and suggest westward thrusting of the Rae Province over the NQO. Because no gravity data have been collected in Ungava Bay, satellite altimetry data have been used as a means to fill the gap in data collected at sea. The satellite-derived gravity data and standard Bouguer gravity data were combined in a composite map for the Ungava Bay region. The new land-based gravity measurements were used to verify and calibrate the satellite data and to ensure that offshore gravity anomalies merge with those determined by the land surveys in a reasonable fashion. Three parallel east-west gravity profiles were extracted: across Ungava Bay (59.9°N), on the southern shore of the bay (58.5°N), and onshore ~200 km south of Ungava Bay (57.1°N). The gravity signature of some major structures, such as the GRSZ, can be identified on each profile.


2016 ◽  
Author(s):  
Godfred Osukuku ◽  
Abiud Masinde ◽  
Bernard Adero ◽  
Edmond Wanjala ◽  
John Ego

Abstract This research work attempts to map out the stratigraphic sequence of the Kerio Valley Basin using magnetic, gravity and seismic data sets. Regional gravity data consisting of isotactic, free-air and Bouguer anomaly grids were obtained from the International Gravity Bureau (BGI). Magnetic data sets were sourced from the Earth Magnetic Anomaly grid (EMAG2). The seismic reflection data was acquired in 1989 using a vibrating source shot into inline geophones. Gravity Isostacy data shows low gravity anomalies that depict a deeper basement. Magnetic tilt and seismic profiles show sediment thickness of 2.5-3.5 Km above the basement. The Kerio Valley Basin towards the western side is underlain by a deeper basement which are overlain by succession of sandstones/shales and volcanoes. At the very top are the mid Miocene phonolites (Uasin Gishu) underlain by mid Miocene sandstones/shales (Tambach Formation). There are high gravity anomalies in the western and southern parts of the basin with the sedimentation being constrained by two normal faults. The Kerio Valley Basin is bounded to the west by the North-South easterly dipping fault system. Gravity data was significantly of help in delineating the basement, scanning the lithosphere and the upper mantle according to the relative densities. The basement rocks as well as the upper cover of volcanoes have distinctively higher densities than the infilled sedimentary sections within the basin. From the seismic profiles, the frequency of the shaley rocks and compact sandstones increases with depths. The western side of the basin is characterized by the absence of reflections and relatively higher frequency content. The termination of reflectors and the westward dip of reflectors represent a fault (Elgeyo fault). The reflectors dip towards the west, marking the basin as an asymmetrical syncline, indicating that the extension was towards the east. The basin floor is characterized by a nearly vertical fault which runs parallel to the Elgeyo fault. The seismic reflectors show marked discontinuities which may be due to lava flows. The deepest reflector shows deep sedimentation in the basin and is in reasonable agreement with basement depths delineated from potential methods (gravity and magnetic). Basement rocks are deeper at the top of the uplift footwall of the Elgeyo Escarpment. The sediments are likely of a thickness of about 800 M which is an interbed of sandstones and shales above the basement.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mirko Scheinert ◽  
Philipp Zingerle ◽  
Theresa Schaller ◽  
Roland Pail ◽  
Martin Willberg

&lt;p&gt;In the frame of the IAG Subcommission 2.4f &amp;#8220;Gravity and Geoid in Antarctica&amp;#8221; (AntGG) a first Antarctic-wide grid of ground-based gravity anomalies was released in 2016 (Scheinert et al. 2016). That data set was provided with a grid space of 10 km and covered about 73% of the Antarctic continent. Since then a considerably amount of new data has been made available, mainly collected by means of airborne gravimetry. Regions which were formerly void of any terrestrial gravity observations and have now been surveyed include especially the polar data gap originating from GOCE satellite gravimetry. Thus, it is timely to come up with an updated and enhanced regional gravity field solution for Antarctica. For this, we aim to improve further aspects in comparison to the AntGG 2016 solution: The grid spacing will be enhanced to 5 km. Instead of providing gravity anomalies only for parts of Antarctica, now the entire continent should be covered. In addition to the gravity anomaly also a regional geoid solution should be provided along with further desirable functionals (e.g. gravity anomaly vs. disturbance, different height levels).&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;We will discuss the expanded AntGG data base which now includes terrestrial gravity data from Antarctic surveys conducted over the past 40 years. The methodology applied in the analysis is based on the remove-compute-restore technique. Here we utilize the newly developed combined spherical-harmonic gravity field model SATOP1 (Zingerle et al. 2019) which is based on the global satellite-only model GOCO05s and the high-resolution topographic model EARTH2014. We will demonstrate the feasibility to adequately reduce the original gravity data and, thus, to also cross-validate and evaluate the accuracy of the data especially where different data set overlap. For the compute step the recently developed partition-enhanced least-squares collocation (PE-LSC) has been used (Zingerle et al. 2021, in review; cf. the contribution of Zingerle et al. in the same session). This method allows to treat all data available in Antarctica in one single computation step in an efficient and fast way. Thus, it becomes feasible to iterate the computations within short time once any input data or parameters are changed, and to easily predict the desirable functionals also in regions void of terrestrial measurements as well as at any height level (e.g. gravity anomalies at the surface or gravity disturbances at constant height).&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;We will discuss the results and give an outlook on the data products which shall be finally provided to present the new regional gravity field solution for Antarctica. Furthermore, implications for further applications will be discussed e.g. with respect to geophysical modelling of the Earth&amp;#8217;s interior (cf. the contribution of Schaller et al. in session G4.3).&lt;/p&gt;


2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 145-153 ◽  
Author(s):  
O.I. Apeh ◽  
E.C. Moka ◽  
V.N. Uzodinma

Abstract Spherical harmonic expansion is a commonly applied mathematical representation of the earth’s gravity field. This representation is implied by the potential coeffcients determined by using elements/parameters of the field observed on the surface of the earth and/or in space outside the earth in the spherical harmonic expansion of the field. International Centre for Gravity Earth Models (ICGEM) publishes, from time to time, Global Gravity Field Models (GGMs) that have been developed. These GGMs need evaluation with terrestrial data of different locations to ascertain their accuracy for application in those locations. In this study, Bouguer gravity anomalies derived from a total of eleven (11) recent GGMs, using sixty sample points, were evaluated by means of Root-Mean-Square difference and correlation coeficient. The Root-Mean-Square differences of the computed Bouguer anomalies from ICGEMwebsite compared to their positionally corresponding terrestrial Bouguer anomalies range from 9.530mgal to 37.113mgal. Additionally, the correlation coe_cients of the structure of the signal of the terrestrial and GGM-derived Bouguer anomalies range from 0.480 to 0.879. It was observed that GECO derived Bouguer gravity anomalies have the best signal structure relationship with the terrestrial data than the other ten GGMs. We also discovered that EIGEN-6C4 and GECO derived Bouguer anomalies have enormous potential to be used as supplements to the terrestrial Bouguer anomalies for Enugu State, Nigeria.


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