Gravity map of Kalabsha area, northwest of Aswan Lake, and its structural significance

A detailed gravity survey was carried out in one of the seismo-active areas at the northwestern region of the High Dam Lake (Kalabsha area) to study its subsurface structure. In order to understand the seismicity of the area, the establishment of a geodynamic model from geological and geodetic data is of great importance. After a series of adjustments and corrections of the measured gravity data, free-air and Bouguer anomaly maps were constructed for the Kalabsha area, and several interpretation techniques were applied to analyse these anomalies. The results of the analysis indicate that the Kalabsha area is affected by several faults trending mainly E-W and N-S. The active area located west of Gebel Marawa is bounded by a set of faults striking NE-SW, N-S and E-W. The throws of these faults range from 160 to 370 m.The minimum depth to the basement complex is about 200 m and its maximum depth is around 600 m. The thickness of the sedimentary column (Nubia sandstone) in the Kalabsha area decreases due west and increases toward the southern and eastern parts of the area. The results explain the tectonic framework of the area well.     

A REGIONAL GRAVITY STUDY OF THE NORTHERN NORTH SEA (56–62° N)*

A Bouguer gravity anomaly map is presented of the North Sea and adjacent land areas in Norway and Denmark, covering an area situated between 56° and 62°N, 1°W and 10°E. The gravity data from the UK sector of the North Sea, the land and offshore areas of Denmark, and the land areas of Norway have been published before. However, the gravity data from the Norwegian sector of the North Sea are new. A large number (about 60) of individual gravity features can be defined in the mapped area. Most of those situated in the UK sector of the North Sea and on land in Norway have been discussed earlier; however, most of the anomalies found elsewhere which are qualitatively interpreted here have not been discussed before. An interpreted Bouguer anomaly map is presented which identifies all these features. The majority of the gravity anomalies encountered in the mapped area can be shown to be associated with one of the following geological features: (i) basement highs, (ii) large bodies of heavy basic or ultrabasic rock in the crystalline basement, (iii) large igneous intrusions within the sedimentary column and thick accumulations of volcanic rocks or their associated eruption centers, (iv) major basement faults. Large-scale geological structures such as the Central, Viking and Sogn Grabens and the East Shetland, Stord, Forth Approaches and Norwegian-Danish Basins are essentially in isostatic equilibrium and are only locally marked by relatively weak gravity minima. A residual gravity anomaly map has been produced by subtracting from the observed Bouguer anomalies the estimated gravity effect of an assumed thinned crust. This residual gravity anomaly map shows a number of features of the Bouguer anomaly field with greater clarity.     

3D upper crustal density structure of the Deccan Syneclise,Central India

A constrained 3D density model of the upper crust along a part of the Deccan Syneclise is carried out based on the complete Bouguer anomaly data. Spectral analysis of the complete Bouguer gravity anomaly map of the study region suggests two major sources: short wavelength anomalies (<100 km) caused primarily due to the density inhomogeneities at shallow crustal level and long wavelength anomalies (>100 km) produced due to the sources deeper than the upper crust. A residual map of the short wavelength anomalies is prepared from the complete Bouguer anomaly using Butterworth high‐pass filter (100 km cut‐off wavelength). Utilizing the constraints from deep resistivity sounding, magnetotellurics and deep seismic sounding studies, 2.5D density models have been generated along 39 profiles of this region. The mismatch between the calculated response of the a priori 2.5D model with the residual (short wavelength) gravity anomalies is minimized by introducing high‐density intrusive bodies (≥2.81 g/cm³) in the basement. With these 2.5D density models, the initial geometry of our 3D density model, which includes alluvium, Deccan trap, Mesozoic sediment and high‐density intrusive bodies in the basement up to a depth of 7 km (upper crust), is generated. In the final 3D model, Deccan trap extends from 200 m to nearly 1700 m below the 90–150 m thick Quaternary sediment. Further down, the sub‐trappean Mesozoic sediment is present at a depth range of 600–3000 m followed by the basement. The derived 3D density model also indicates six intrusive bodies of density 2.83 g/cm³ in the basement at an average depth of about 4–7 km that best fits the residual gravity anomaly of the study area.     

关于中国海陆莫霍面深度图编绘的思考

莫霍面是地壳和上地幔的分界面,是一个重要的密度界面.布格重力异常与莫霍面深度之间具有紧密的联系,利用重力异常反演莫霍面深度成是研究莫霍面深度和编制莫霍面深度图的主要手段之一.本文总结了前人编制莫霍图的方法和结果,并加以分析讨论.提出应用布格重力异常反演中国海陆莫霍面深度的方法与技术,并考虑到中国海、陆构造的一体性,进行海陆统一编图以展示莫霍面的海、陆演化与构造关系.     

Crustal structure and tectonic setting of the south central Andes from gravimetric analysis

Based on terrestrial gravity data, in this paper we prepared a map of Bouguer anomalies, which was filtered to separate shallow and deep gravity sources. Based on a density model and gravimetric inversion techniques, the discontinuous crust-mantle boundary and the top of crystalline basement were modeled. Subsequently, the equivalent elastic thickness (Te) was evaluated, considering information from the crust-mantle discontinuity and topographic load, finding high Te values in the eastern Andean foothills and west of the Velasco range. These results are consistent with the positive isostatic and residual Bouguer anomaly values, which suggest the presence of high-density rocks in the mid-to upper crust. In addition, petrographic and geochemical analysis conducted in surface outcrops suggest a mantle origin.     

Gravimetric study of a potential mineral deposit in the Itapororoca region, Brazil

A semi-detailed gravity survey was carried out over an area of 650 km² localized in the Eo-Neoproterozoic coastal zone of Paraiba State where 548 new gravity stations were added to the existing database. Gravity measurements were made with a LaCoste and Romberg model G meter with a precision of 0.04 mGal. The altitude was determined by barometric levelling with a fixed base achieving a 1.2 m measure of uncertainty, corresponding to an overall accuracy of 0.24 mGal for the Bouguer anomaly. The residual Bouguer map for a 7th degree regional polynomial showed a circumscribed negative anomaly coincident with a localized aero-magnetic anomaly and with hydro-thermally altered outcrops, near the city of Itapororoca. The 3D gravity modelling, constrained by geologic mapping was interpreted as a low density, fractured and/or altered material with a most probable volume of approximately 23 km³, extending to about 8,500 m depth. This result is in accordance with a volcanic body associated with hydrothermal processes accompanied by surface mineralization evidence, which may be of interest to the mining industry.     

Sea gravity data in the Gulf of Naples. A contribution to delineating the structural pattern of the Phlegraean Volcanic District

Bathymetric and gravity surveys were carried out from 1988 to 1994, in the Gulf of Naples (Southern Italy) to offshore extend the already existing Bouguer anomaly map. In order to improve the knowledge of the structural setting beneath the active Neapolitan volcanoes (Vesuvio, Campi Flegrei and Ischia), 862 stations were surveyed within the isobath of 400 m; at the same time, and about 2000 on-land gravity values were also collected. A new Bouguer anomaly map spanning the whole volcanic region was drawn from the final data set. Gravity anomalies were referred to the new absolute gravity station in Naples and computed according to 1980 Geodetic Reference System. Finally, a density value of 2200 kg/m³ was used in the computation of the Bouguer and terrain effects. We carried out the inversion of the gravity anomalies adopting a 2.5-D modelling along selected profiles crossing the investigated area. The interpretative models were constrained to data obtained from deep wells and other geophysical investigations.     

Location of secondary faults from cross-correlation of the second vertical derivative of gravity anomalies1

A method is described to locate secondary faults, which can be difficult to identify on the Bouguer gravity map. The method is based on cross-correlation between the theoretical anomaly due to a vertical step and the second vertical derivative of the Bouguer anomaly. Faults are located from the closed maxima and minima on the cross-correlation contour map calculated for two perpendicular directions. One-dimensional model computations show that the magnitude of the extremum of the cross-correlation is related to the depth to the top of the hanging wall and the throw of the fault. Application of the method to the Bouguer gravity map of the former mouth of the Yellow River in the Shengli Oilfield area near the Bo Hai Sea shows the effectiveness of the method.     

3-D gravity and magnetic interpretation for the Haifa Bay area (Israel)

Recently observed features in the subsurface geology of the Haifa Bay area (northern Israel) have been evaluated using 3-D forward gravity and magnetic modeling and inversion schemes. The interpretation is based on updated petrophysical data of the Jurassic, Cretaceous and Tertiary sedimentary layers and volcanics. It has been shown that the Bouguer gravity anomalies correspond mainly to thickness variations in the Senonian to Tertiary sediments. The gravity effect of these sediments was calculated using their actual densities and structural setting as interpreted from seismic reflection data. This effect was removed from the Bouguer gravity in order to study the pre-Senonian geological structures. The pattern of residual gravity anomalies (named “stripped gravity”) is essentially different from the pattern of the Bouguer gravity. The prominent Carmel gravity high, clearly seen on the Bouguer gravity map, completely vanishes on the “stripped” gravity map. That suggests that this relatively positive anomaly is caused by the considerable thickness of the low-density young sediments in the surrounding areas and does not correspond to high-density magmatic rocks or crystalline basement uplift as previously suggested. The average densities of the Jurassic and Cretaceous volcanics are generally lower then those of the background sedimentary rocks. Volcanics are the main cause for magnetic anomalies onshore and offshore northern Israel. The magmatic root of the Asher volcanics is, most probably, located close to the Yagur fault. A large, deep-seated gabbroic intrusion is assumed to be located under the Mediterranean abyssal plain in the NW part of the study area. The Atlit marine gravity low appears to be caused by a thick Mesozoic and Tertiary sedimentary accumulation. The results presented should be of considerable assistance in delineating some aspects of hydrocarbon exploration in the area.     

A view of tectonic structure and gravity anomalies of Hatay Region Southern Turkey using wavelet analysis

In this study, we demonstrate wavelet analysis as a method of delineating the boundaries of subsurface geological structures. We applied wavelet transform to Bouguer anomaly data of the Cilicia Region and adjacent areas. The residual anomalies are the results of various depth and other properties of buried structures on the gravity anomaly map. The superposition of anomaly of the underground structures with different properties such as depth, density and size, increases the complexity of the overall system. Thus the extraction of the desired properties from the anomaly map becomes difficult. Different separation techniques are used to solve this problem. Wavelet transform is one of these modern approaches. Here, we tested various types of wavelet transform modeling on synthetic examples and then applied them to the gravity anomaly map of the Cilicia Region in Turkey. We have detected the borders of the Hatay Region in southern Turkey and proposed the tectonic model of this real complex structure using the wavelet transformation. The most important result we have found is the presence of a triple junction near the Hatay region.     

Topography of the Moho and Conrad discontinuities in the Kyushu district,Southwest Japan

The first P-arrival time data from local earthquakes are inverted for two-dimensional variation of the depths to the Conrad and Moho discontinuities in the Kyushu district, southwest Japan. At the same time, earthquake hypocenters and station corrections are determined from the data. The depths to the discontinuities are estimated by minimizing the travel time residuals of first P-arrival phases for 608 earthquakes observed at 57 seismic stations. In the land area of Kyushu, the Conrad and Moho discontinuities are located within the depth ranges of 16–18 and 34–40 km, respectively. The Conrad discontinuity is not as largely undulated as the Moho discontinuity. The depth to the Moho is deep along the east coast of Kyushu, and the deepest Moho is closely related to markedly low velocity of P wave. We regard the deepest Moho as reflecting the Kyushu–Palau ridge subducting beneath the Kyushu district, together with the Philippine Sea slab. In western Kyushu, the shallow Moho is spreading in the north–northeast–south–southwest direction in the Okinawa trough region. Based on the presence of low-velocity anomaly in three-dimensional velocity structure and seismogenic stress field of shallow crustal earthquakes, the shallow Moho is interpreted as being due to lower crustal erosion associated with a small-scale mantle upwelling in the Okinawa trough region. The velocity discontinuity undulation basically has insignificant effect on hypocenter determination of the local earthquakes, but the Moho topography makes changes in focal depths of some upper mantle earthquakes. The depth variation of the Moho discontinuity has a good correlation with the Bouguer gravity anomaly map; i.e., the shallow Moho of western Kyushu and the deep Moho of eastern Kyushu closely correlate with the positive and negative Bouguer gravity anomalies, respectively.     

THE DEPTH OF MOHO INTERFACE AND CRUSTAL THICKNESS IN SICHUAN-YUNNAN REGION,CHINA

By using moving average method to separate Bouguer gravity anomaly field in Sichuan-Yunnan region, we got the low-frequency Bouguer gravity anomaly field which reflects the undulating of Moho interface. The initial model is obtained after seismic model transformation and elevation correction. Then, we used Parker method to invert the low-frequency Bouguer gravity anomaly field to obtain the depth of Moho interface and crustal thickness in the area. The results show that the Qinghai-Tibet block in the northwest of the study area deepens and thickens from the edge to the interior, with the depth of Moho interface and the crust thickness of about 52~62km and 54~66km, respectively. The depth of Moho interface in Sichuan Basin is about 38~42km. In Sichuan-Yunnan block, the depth of Moho interface is about 42~62km from southeast to northwest. Beneath the West Yunnan block, west of the Red River fault zone, the Moho depth is about 34~52km from south to north. The Longmen Mountains and Red River fault zone are the gradient zone of the Moho depth change. Along the Red River fault zone, the depth difference of Moho interface is increasing gradually from north to south. No obvious uplift is found on the Moho interface of Panzhihua rift valley. The depth of Moho interface distribution in Sichuan and Yunnan is obviously restricted by the collision between the Indian plate and the Eurasian plate and the lateral subduction of the Indo-China peninsula. The mean square error of the depth of Moho interface is less than 1.7km between the result of divisional density interface inversion and artificial seismic exploration. At the same time, we compared the integral with divisional inversion result. It shows that:in areas where there is obvious difference between the crust velocity and density structure in different tectonic blocks, the use of high resolution seismic exploration data as the constraints to the divisional density interface inversion can effectively improve the reliability of inversion results.     

3D Crustal and Lithospheric Structures in the Southeastern Mediterranean and Northeastern Egypt

Crustal and lithospheric thicknesses of the southeastern Mediterranean Basin region were determined using 3D Bouguer and elevation data analysis. The model is based on the assumption of local isostatic equilibrium. The calculated regional and residual Bouguer anomaly maps were employed for highlighting both deep and shallow structures. Generally, the regional field in the area under study is considered to be mainly influenced by the density contrast between the crust and upper mantle. Use of the gravity and topographic data with earthquake focal depths has improved both the geometry and the density distribution in the 3-D calculated profiles. The oceanic-continental boundary, the basement relief, Moho depth and lithosphere-asthenosphere boundary maps were estimated. The results point to the occurrence of thick continental crust areas with a thickness of approximately 32 km in northern Egypt. Below the coastal regions, the thickness of crust decreases abruptly (transition zone). An inverse correlation between sediment and crustal thicknesses shows up from the study. Furthermore, our density model reveals the existence of a continental crustal zone below the Eratosthenes Seamount block. Nevertheless, the crustal type beneath the Levantine basin is typically oceanic; this is covered by sedimentary sequences more than 14 km thick. The modeled Moho map shows a depth of 28–30 km below Cyprus and a depth of 26–28 km beneath the south Florence Rise in the northern west. However, the Moho lies at a constant shallow depth of 22–24 km below the Levantine Basin, which indicates thinning of the crust beneath this region. The Moho map reveals also a maximum depth of about 33–35 km beneath both the northern Egypt and northern Sinai, both of which are of the continental crust. The resulting mantle density anomalies suggest important variations of the lithosphere-asthenosphere boundary (LAB) topography, indicating prominent lithospheric mantle thinning beneath south Cyprus (LAB ~90 km depth), followed by thickening beneath the Eratosthenes seamount, Florence Rise, Levantine Basin and reaching to maximum thickness below Cyprian Arc (LAB ~115–120 km depth), and further followed by thinning in the north African margin plate and north Sinai subplate (LAB ~90–95 km depth). According to our density model profiles, we find that almost all earthquakes in the study area occurred along the western and central segments of the Cyprian arc while they almost disappear along the eastern segment. The active subduction zone in the Cyprian Arc is associated with large negative anomalies due to its low velocity upper mantle zone, which might be an indication of a serpentinized mantle. This means that collision between Cyprus and the Eratosthenes Seamount block is marked by seismic activity. Additionally, this block is in the process of dynamically subsiding, breaking-up and being underthrusted beneath Cyprus to the north and thrusted onto the Levantine Basin to the south.     

Gravity anomaly, lithospheric structure and seismicity of Western Himalayan Syntaxis

A compiled gravity anomaly map of the Western Himalayan Syntaxis is analysed to understand the tectonics of the region around the epicentre of Kashmir earthquake of October 8, 2005 (Mw = 7.6). Isostatic gravity anomalies and effective elastic thickness (EET) of lithosphere are assessed from coherence analysis between Bouguer anomaly and topography. The isostatic residual gravity high and gravity low correspond to the two main seismic zones in this region, viz. Indus–Kohistan Seismic Zone (IKSZ) and Hindu Kush Seismic Zones (HKSZ), respectively, suggesting a connection between siesmicity and gravity anomalies. The gravity high originates from the high-density thrusted rocks along the syntaxial bend of the Main Boundary Thrust and coincides with the region of the crustal thrust earthquakes, including the Kashmir earthquake of 2005. The gravity low of HKSZ coincides with the region of intermediate–deep-focus earthquakes, where crustal rocks are underthrusting with a higher speed to create low density cold mantle. Comparable EET (∼55 km) to the focal depth of crustal earthquakes suggests that whole crust is seismogenic and brittle. An integrated lithospheric model along a profile provides the crustal structure of the boundary zones with crustal thickness of about 60 km under the Karakoram–Pamir regions and suggests continental subduction from either sides (Indian and Eurasian) leading to a complex compressional environment for large earthquakes.     

渭河盆地及邻区重力异常小波多尺度分解与解释

基于EGM2008重力场模型计算获得了渭河盆地及邻区布格重力异常。采用小波多尺度分解方法对布格重力异常进行了4阶小波逼近和小波细节分解,同时基于平均径向对数功率谱方法定量化地计算出1~4阶小波细节和小波逼近所对应的场源平均埋深。结合区域地质和地震资料,对获得的重力场结果进行分析,得到如下结论:①鄂尔多斯地块、渭河盆地、秦岭造山带3个一级构造单元的布格重力异常之间存在明显差异;构造区内部重力异常也存在横向的显著差异。布格重力异常的走向、规模、分布特征与二级构造区及主要的断裂具有一定的对应关系。②渭河盆地及邻区布格重力异常1~4阶细节对应4~23 km不同深度的场源信息,鄂尔多斯地块南缘东、西部的地壳结构存在明显的差异;渭河盆地凹陷、凸起构造区边界清晰,断裂边界与重力异常边界具有较好的一致性;秦岭造山带重力异常连贯性不好,东、西部重力异常变化特征表现出明显的差异。③渭河盆地及邻区布格重力异常分布与莫霍面埋深具有非常明显的镜像关系。渭河盆地及邻区地震主要分布在六盘山—陇县—宝鸡断裂带、渭河断裂与渭南塬前断裂交汇处、韩城断裂与双泉—临猗断裂交汇处。渭河盆地及邻区重力异常主要由中上地壳剩余密度体所影响,这可能是该区地震以浅源地震为主的主要原因。     

ANALYSIS ON STRUCTURAL FEATURES:INSIGHTS FROM SATELLITE-DERIVED GRAVITY MODEL AND SEISMIC PATTERN

In this paper, based on a large number of cumulative observational data from the seismic monitoring network in China, we grid the research area to calculate the density values at each grid node and convert the qualitative earthquake epicenter distribution to quantitative seismic pattern. Minimum magnitude of completeness(M_C)is determined by magnitude-rank analysis, which provides lower limit earthquake and original time. New satellite-derived gravity model v23.1, which is based on satellites CryoSat-2 and Jason-1 data, is used to determine the Bouguer gravity anomaly derived from free-air gravity anomaly and elevation database sets SRTM30, and ultimately, the complete Bouguer correction is obtained. In this paper, the Xingtai earthquake zone and Tanlu fault zone (Anhui segment) are selected for case study. Bouguer gravity anomaly presents a NE-trending U-shaped narrow strip in the Xingtai earthquake zone, and its location is consistent with Shulu Fault Basin. Grid density value contours are restricted by the U-shaped strip, and the extreme value of seismic activity density lies in the bottom of the U-shaped strip as shown in the cross section. The results of Bouguer gravity anomaly and upward continuations to the different heights show good linearity and gradient in the Tanlu fault zone (Anhui segment); and both long-axis direction of seismic pattern and nodal plane strike of seismogenic fault from focal mechanism solutions trend NNE. In short, the Tanlu fault zone(Anhui segment)is a large deep-seated fault that still has the ability to control seismic activity along it. Based on the measured gravity and magmatic data, using the edge detection TDX method to interpret the concealed boundary of the Anqing M4.8 earthquake near the Tanlu fault, and combining with the results from deep seismic reflection profiles of the study area, we discussed the causative fault of the Anqing earthquake.     

Interpretation of gravimetric and magnetic anomalies in the Cameros Basin (North Spain): combination of deep and shallow sources

Outstanding potential field anomalies (gravimetric and magnetic) in the Cameros Basin (N Spain) follow a WNW-ESE trend, parallel to the geological structures resulting from Mesozoic extension and Tertiary basin inversion. The positive Bouguer gravity anomaly (15 mGal) is interpreted as the result of a strong contrast between the density of Tertiary rocks of the foreland basin and the Paleozoic and Mesozoic rocks, combined with crustal thickening in the Iberian Chain with respect to the Ebro Basin. The dipolar magnetic anomaly, slightly shifted to the south with respect to the relative maximum of the Bouguer anomaly, can be interpreted as related to volcanic rocks within the basement, which are linked to Triassic rifting as witnessed by outcrops of basalts along the basin margins. An exhaustive analysis of rock properties (density, magnetic susceptibility and remanence) and basin geometry from other sources (seismic reflection profiles) allow to constrain variations in crustal thickness and the location of large-scale basement faults.     

近地表密度估计的重力贝叶斯分析方法及在云南地区的应用

基于布格重力异常相对于地形起伏光滑分布的约束条件,从一维自由空气重力异常数据出发,采用贝叶斯方法估算近地表岩石密度,同时采用三次B样条函数拟合布格重力异常,获取光滑分布的布格重力异常.数据拟合和光滑约束之间的权重采用Akaike贝叶斯准则(ABIC准则)自动确定.均匀剖分模型和不均匀剖分模型数据试验都验证了该方法的有效性.相关参数评价表明,足够多的样条系数可以提高估计结果的准确性,样条系数的个数接近测点数时可获得较稳定的估计结果.增大异常的噪声水平时,ABIC准则可有效地自动增大先验光滑约束的权重.云南地区两条重力剖面应用结果表明,剖面沿线的近地表密度值起伏变化明显(达2.45~2.8g·cm^-3),前寒武纪和古生代地层密度相对较高(主要为2.53~2.75g·cm^-3),而中生代密度较低(2.45~2.73g·cm^-3);本文估计的近地表密度结果与区域物性资料及地表地质特征较吻合;估计的剖面布格重力异常具有光滑性;红河断裂两侧近地表密度差异较大,可达0.4g·cm^-3.本文获得的两条剖面近地表密度结构和布格重力异常为该区深部结构与构造研究提供更可靠的重力基础数据.     

大别造山带东段重力异常多尺度分解及其构造意义

文中通过多源数据融合、模型构建、数据试验、二维离散小波变换和功率谱分析等方法获取了大别造山带东段深、浅部场源布格异常及其场源似深度,并结合地壳结构、地质构造、岩石圈有效弹性厚度和地震活动等资料,讨论了地壳深、浅部的结构特征及地震活动构造背景。结果表明,低频布格异常显示大别造山带东段与华北地块间深部构造缝合带在东部应位于青山-晓天断裂前缘,在落儿岭-土地岭断裂和商城-麻城断裂之间向N偏移至梅山-龙河口断裂之下,造山带南侧与扬子地块间深部构造缝合带位于襄樊-广济断裂以北约20km,造山带东侧与扬子地块间的深部构造转换带位于郯庐断裂带之下,造山带东段腹地显著的低频布格异常低值表明对应部位的莫霍面存在明显下凹,造山带内部的布格异常高梯度带表明其深部结构不完整;高频布格异常揭示肥中断裂、六安-合肥断裂、肥西-韩摆渡断裂和郯庐断裂带等主要断裂对地壳中上部密度结构的影响明显,落儿岭-土地岭断裂对地壳中上部密度结构的影响范围向N延伸至肥西-韩摆渡断裂前缘。结合地震活动资料进一步分析认为,大别造山带东段与华北地块在青山-晓天断裂前缘附近接触和相互作用,且大别造山带东段地壳深、浅部结构均不完整,不利于应力积累,趋向于在断裂交错的脆弱部位频繁释放应力,是霍山地区小地震活动频繁的主要原因。     

The application of combined gravity and seismic data formation separation for revealing deep structure

In some oilfields with 3D seismic data, the deeper structure cannot be observed due to poor quality deep seismic data. Layer stripping using both seismic and gravity data is a solution for this problem but it cannot get satisfactory results because the horizontal variations in formation density are ignored. We present a variable-density formation separation technique to address this problem. Based on 3D seismic depth data and laterallyvariable density derived from 3D seismic velocity data, the upper formation gravity effect is calculated by forward modeling and removed from the Bouguer gravity. The formation-separated gravity anomaly with variable density is obtained, which mainly reflects the deeper geological structure. In block XX of North Africa, the shallow formations seismic data is excellent but the data at the top of basement is poor. The formation-separated gravity anomaly processed under the control of 3D seismic data fits well with the known seismic interpretation and wells. It makes the geological interpretation more reliable.