A new least-squares minimization approach to depth and shape determination from magnetic data

We have developed a least‐squares minimization approach to depth determination using numerical second horizontal derivative anomalies obtained from magnetic data with filters of successive window lengths (graticule spacings). The problem of depth determination from second‐derivative magnetic anomalies has been transformed into finding a solution to a non‐linear equation of the form, f(z) = 0. Formulae have been derived for a sphere, a horizontal cylinder, a dike and a geological contact. Procedures are also formulated to estimate the magnetic angle and the amplitude coefficient. We have also developed a simple method to define simultaneously the shape (shape factor) and the depth of a buried structure from magnetic data. The method is based on computing the variance of depths determined from all second‐derivative anomaly profiles using the above method. The variance is considered a criterion for determining the correct shape and depth of the buried structure. When the correct shape factor is used, the variance of depths is less than the variances computed using incorrect shape factors. The method is applied to synthetic data with and without random errors, complicated regionals, and interference from neighbouring magnetic rocks. Finally, the method is tested on a field example from India. In all the cases examined, the depth and the shape parameters are found to be in good agreement with the actual parameters.     

A Least-squares Window Curves Method for Interpretation of Magnetic Anomalies Caused by Dipping Dikes

We have developed a least-squares method to determine simultaneously the depth and the width of a buried thick dipping dike from residualized magnetic data using filters of successive window lengths. The method involves using a relationship between the depth and the half-width of the source and a combination of windowed observations. The relationship represents a family of curves (window curves). For a fixed window length, the depth is determined for each half-width value by solving one nonlinear equation of the form f (z) = 0 using the least-squares method. The computed depths are plotted against the width values representing a continuous curve. The solution for the depth and the width of the buried dike is read at the common intersection of the window curves. The method involves using a dike model convolved with the same moving average filter as applied to the observed data. As a result, this method can be applied to residuals as well as to measured magnetic data. Procedures are also formulated to estimate the amplitude coefficient and the index parameter. The method is applied to theoretical data with and without random errors. The validity of the method is tested on airborne magnetic data from Canada and on a vertical component magnetic anomaly from Turkey. In all cases examined, the model parameters obtained are in good agreement with the actual ones and with those given in the published literature.     

Interpretation of magnetic anomalies of dikes using correlation factors

The magnetic anomaly due to a buried dike consists of the sum of two easily separated elementary functions. These functions, which have simple symmetry, are called even and odd functions. The correlation factors (r _0,1 for the even andr _0,2 for the odd function) between least-squares residual anomalies from even and odd functions are computed. Correlation values are used to determine the depth to the top and the half-width of the dike. The method also includes the determination of the index parameter and the amplitude coefficient. The validity of the method is tested against a theoretical and a field example where the parameters of the latter were determined by other investigators in comparing the results.     

A Least-squares Minimization Approach to Depth Determination from Magnetic Data

—We have developed a least-squares minimization approach to depth determination from magnetic data. By defining the anomaly value T(0) at the origin and the anomaly value T(N) at any other distance (N) on the profile, the problem of depth determination from magnetic data has been transformed into finding a solution to a nonlinear equation of the form f(z)=0. Formulas have been derived for a sphere, horizontal cylinder, dike, and for a geologic contact. Procedures are also formulated to estimate the effective magnetization intensity and the effective magnetization inclination. A scheme for analyzing the magnetic data has been formulated for determining the model parameters of the causative sources. The method is applied to synthetic data with and without random errors. Finally, the method is applied to two field examples from Canada and Arizona. In all cases examined, the estimated depths are found to be in goodagreement with actual values.     

Magnetic interpretation of two-dimensional dikes using integration-nomograms

The magnetic anomaly caused by a buried dike is separated into its even and odd components, which have a simple symmetry with respect to the origin. These values are integrated up to the half-maximum abscissa for the even component, and the maximum abscissa for the odd component. The integration nomograms are generated using various values to the half-width and depth in the theoretical anomaly equations. These nomograms are used to determine the half-width and depth to the top of the dike for the field anomaly. The method also includes the determination of the index parameter (Q) and the amplitude coefficient (P). An example using theoretical data shows the effectiveness of the present method.     

A Least-squares Approach to Shape Determination from Residual Self-potential Anomalies

—We have developed a least-squares minimization approach to determine the shape (shape-factor) of a buried polarized body from a residual self-potential anomaly profile. By defining the zero anomaly distance and the anomaly value at the origin on the profile, the problem of the shape-factor determination is transformed into the problem of finding a solution of a nonlinear equation of the form f(q) = 0. Procedures are also formulated to estimate the depth of polarization angle, and the electric dipole moment. The method is applied to synthetic data with and without random noise. The obtained shape-factor agrees very well with the model shape-factor when using synthetic data. After adding ± 2 percent random error in the synthetic data, the shape factor obtained is within ± 4 percent. Finally the validity of the method is tested on a field example from the Ergani copper district, Turkey.     

A New Algorithm for Depth Determination from Total Magnetic Anomalies due to Spheres

We have developed an automatic method to determine the depth of a buried sphere from numerical second horizontal derivative anomalies obtained from total field magnetic data. The method is based on using a relationship between the depth and a combination of observations at symmetric points with respect to the coordinate of the projection of the center of the source in the plane of the measurement points with a free parameter (graticule spacing). The problem of depth determination has been transformed into the problem of finding a solution of a nonlinear equation of f(z) = 0. Procedures are also formulated to determine the magnetic moment and the effective angle of magnetization. The method is applied to synthetic examples with and without random errors and tested on a field example from Senegal. In all cases, the depth solutions are in good agreement with the actual ones.     

A New Best-Estimate Methodology for Determining Magnetic Parameters Related to Field Anomalies Produced by Buried Thin Dikes and Horizontal Cylinder-like Structures

A new best estimate methodology is proposed and oriented towards the determination of parameters related to a magnetic field anomaly produced by a simple geometric-shaped model or body such as a thin dike and horizontal cylinder. This approach is mainly based on solving a system of algebraic linear equations for estimating the three model parameters, e.g., the depth to the top (center) of the body (z), the index parameter or the effective magnetization angle (θ) and the amplitude coefficient or the effective magnetization intensity (k). The utility and validity of this method is demonstrated by analyzing two synthetic magnetic anomalies, using simulated data generated from a known model with different random errors components and a known statistical distribution. This approach was also examined and applied to two real field magnetic anomalies from the United States and Brazil. The agreement between the results obtained by the proposed method and those obtained by other interpretation methods is good and comparable. Moreover, the depth obtained by such an approach is found to be in high accordance with that obtained from drilling information. The advantages of such a proposed method over other existing interpretative techniques are clarified, where it can be generalized to be automatically applicable for interpreting other geological structures described by mathematical formulations.     

Magnetic interpretation of long horizontal cylinders using correlation factors between successive least-squares residual anomaly profiles

Procedures are formulated using the correlation factors between successive least-squares residual magnetic anomaly profiles due to long horizontal cylinders for interpreting the three principal anomalies (vertical, horizontal, and total). It is demonstrated that correlation values can be used to determine the depth to the center of the buried structure and the index parameter. Procedures are also formulated to estimate the amplitude coefficient. Two worked examples using theoretical data show the effectiveness of the present method.     

NUMERICAL VLF MODELING*

The VLF response of laterally inhomogeneous and anisotropic models is calculated numerically using the finite element method. Some results are presented for a slab model in terms both of the polarization parameters, i.e., the tilt angle and ellipticity of the magnetic polarization ellipse, and the amplitude ratio |H_z/H_x|. On the basis of both the ellipticity and the tilt angle, it is possible to discriminate between a poor conductor and a good one. The direction of the dip can be determined from the anomaly profiles of all diagnostic parameters. The effect of the conductive overburden is most noticeable on the ellipticity profile: one observes attenuation for a poor conductor and “negative attenuation” for a good conductor. The anomaly profiles for anisotropic cases are consistent with the ones of the isotropic cases.     

Quantitative Interpretation of Self-Potential Anomalies of Some Simple Geometric Bodies

We have developed a new numerical method to determine the shape (shape factor), depth, polarization angle, and electric dipole moment of a buried structure from residual self-potential (SP) anomalies. The method is based on defining the anomaly value at the origin and four characteristic points and their corresponding distances on the anomaly profile. The problem of shape determination from residual SP anomaly has been transformed into the problem of finding a solution to a nonlinear equation of the form q = f (q). Knowing the shape, the depth, polarization angle and the electric dipole moment are determined individually using three linear equations. Formulas have been derived for spheres and cylinders. By using all possible combinations of the four characteristic points and their corresponding distances, a procedure is developed for automated determination of the best-fit-model parameters of the buried structure from SP anomalies. The method was applied to synthetic data with 5% random errors and tested on a field example from Colorado. In both cases, the model parameters obtained by the present method, particularly the shape and depth of the buried structures are found in good agreement with the actual ones. The present method has the capability of avoiding highly noisy data points and enforcing the incorporation of points of the least random errors to enhance the interpretation results.     

Hilbert transform in the interpretation of magnetic anomalies of various components due to a thin infinite dike

The Hilbert transformH(x) applicable to vertical (Z), horizontal (H), and total (T) magnetic anomalies due to a thin dike of infinite depth extent is derived from the generalised expression of magnetic effectF(x). The depth and dip of the dike is extracted by a simple procedure making use ofF(x) andH(x). A modified version of the amplitude of the analytic signal is given to locate the origin. The abscissa of the point of intersection ofF(x) and the discrete Hilbert transformH(1.x) directly yields the depth to the top. An example for each case is considered theoretically to illustrate the process. Applicability of the method is examined on the vertical component of the well-known magnetic anomaly at Kiirunavaara in northern Sweden, originally described by Von Carlheim Gyllenskjold, as well as on total magnetic anomaly of Bensons Mines, U.S.A.     

Estimation of depth and magnetization of magnetic sources from magnetic data: The linearized continuous inverse problem for 21/2D structures

The estimation of the depth to the top and bottom of a magnetic source from magnetic data defines a nonlinear inverse problem, while the evaluation of the distribution of magnetization determines a linear inverse problem. In this paper, these interpretation problems are resolved in the continuous case of 2_1/2D magnetized bodies with lateral magnetization variations. A formulation of the magnetic problem accounting for different directions of remanent and total magnetization vectors and including a more general definition of apparent susceptibility is presented. Differences between 2D and 2_1/2D formulations are stressed, as regards the anomaly amplitude, shape and zero-level.In order to utilize well-known continuous linear inverse methods, Fréchet derivatives of the data functionals with respect to the depth of the source top and bottom, are analytically described. Thus, using the spectral expansion inverse method (Parker, 1977) and linearizing the problem at several steps of an iterative process, the source depth is obtained within a few iterations, although the starting model is distant from the final solution. The interpretation of an anomaly in the Italian region shows the usefulness of the method.     

A Least-squares Approach to Depth Determination from Numerical Horizontal Self-potential Gradients

We have developed a least-squares minimization approach to depth determination of a buried ore deposit from numerical horizontal gradients obtained from self-potential (SP) data using filters of successive window lengths (graticule spacings). The problem of depth determination from SP gradients has been transformed into the problem of finding a solution to a nonlinear equation of the form f(z)=0. Formulas have been derived for vertical and horizontal cylinders and spheres. Procedures are also formulated to estimate the electrical dipole moment and the polarization angle. The method is applied to synthetic data with and without random noise. Finally, the validity of the method is tested on two field examples. In both cases, the depth obtained is found to be in a very good agreement with that obtained from drilling information.     

An Automatic Method of Direct Interpretation of Residual Gravity Anomaly Profiles due to Spheres and Cylinders

We have developed a least-squares minimization approach to determine the depth and the amplitude coefficient of a buried structure from residual gravity anomaly profile. This approach is basically based on application of Werner deconvolution method to gravity formulas due to spheres and cylinders, and solving a set of algebraic linear equations to estimate the two-model parameters. The validity of this new method is demonstrated through studying and analyzing two synthetic gravity anomalies, using simulated data generated from a known model with different random error components and a known statistical distribution. After being theoretically proven, this approach was applied on two real field gravity anomalies from Cuba and Sweden. The agreement between the results obtained by the proposed method and those obtained by other interpretation methods is good and comparable. Moreover, the depth obtained by the proposed approach is found to be in very good agreement with that obtained from drilling information.     

Nomograms for rapid evaluation of magnetic anomalies over long tabular bodies

The magnetic anomaly due to a long tabular body usually consists of a maximum and a minimum. The distances and the amplitudes of the maximum and the minimum, when defined in dimensionless quantities, may be used as characteristics of the source. In this paper, a method based on the positions of the maximum and the minimum on the magnetic anomaly due to a long tabular body has been presented. Characteristic ratios,D andA involving the distances and amplitudes of the maximum and the minimum points on the anomaly curve are defined. Nomograms showing the variations ofD andA with the parameters of (1) the dike and (2) the vertical fault models are presented. The parameters of the causative source are evaluated from the two ratiosD andA and the nomograms, using some simple analytical relations presented here. From the nomograms, it is observed that (a) for a thick dike,A is always greater thanD, (b)A=D for a thin sheet and (c) for a vertical fault,A is always less thanD. Thus from the characteristic ratiosD andA it is possible to evaluate the source parameters and also to distinguish whether the source is a dike, sheet or a vertical fault. The method is fast and is applicable for the magnetic anomalies either in total, vertical or horizontal component. The method has been applied on two field examples and the results are found to be in close agreement with those obtained by using other methods. A simple method of locating the origin on the anomaly curve is included. The limitations of the method are also discussed.     

Results of airborne magnetometer profile from offshore Mangalore to offshore Madras (India) along the 13th degree parallel

Summary A study is made of an airborne magnetometer profile from 130 km offshore Mangalore to 60 km offshore Madras approximately along the 13th degree parallel obtained in May 1967 by the National Geophysical Research Institute. The total length of the profile is about 770 km. A Bouguer gravity anomaly profile along same traverse over the land section has been also studied along with the magnetic profile.Eight major anomalies on the magnetic profile were chosen for depth calculations. Depths of the magnetic bodies were determined by elementary approximation method ofSmellie. It is found that in most of the cases the sources of the magnetic anomalies lie between 5 to 20 km (approximately). Only one anomaly yielded a depth of 2.7 km for its source. These anomalies are accounted for in terms of possible basic intrusions, faults, zones of weakness and ridge-like structures in deeper Crustal levels.N.G.R.I. Contribution Number 131.     

Magnetic field transforms with low sensitivity to the direction of source magnetization and high centricity

Magnetic data interpretation faces difficulties due to the various shapes of magnetic anomalies and the positions of their extrema with respect to the causative bodies for different directions of the source magnetization. The well‐known transforms — reduction to the pole, pseudogravity field, and analytic signal (total gradient) — help in reducing the problem. Another way to achieve the required effect is the transformation of magnetic data, ΔT or Z, into values of the anomalous magnetic intensity T. In this respect, we have found some transforms based on differential operators such as the gradient of T and its modulus R = |?T|, the Laplacian L = ?²T, the product T ?²T and its square root Q, and the Laplacian ?²(T²) and its square root E, to be useful. They are slightly sensitive to the magnetization orientation and their extrema occur above the sources. For a 2D anomaly of a homogeneous causative body, the proposed transforms do not depend on the inclination of magnetization. In the 3D case, such independence does not exist even for the elementary field of a point dipole. The influence of the magnetization direction is estimated by an integral coefficient of sensitivity. This coefficient takes values of up to 2.0 for ΔT or Z anomalies, while their transforms T, R, E, Q and L have values of less than 0.28, 0.29, 0.24, 0.16 and 0.07, respectively, i.e. on average, 10 times less. The estimation of the centricity is carried out using the relative deviation of the principal extremum of the anomaly or its transforms from the epicentre of the model body at a depth equal to 100 units. For a ΔT anomaly this deviation is up to 67%; for the L transform it is less than 8%; for Q, E, R and T it is less than 10%, 15%, 20% and 25%, respectively. The proposed transforms take only non‐negative values. With respect to their shape, the peripheral magnetic extrema are removed, the anomalous configuration is simplified and the resolution of complicated interference patterns is improved. Their calculation does not require additional data for the direction of magnetization, which is an essential advantage over the reduction‐to‐the‐pole and pseudogravity‐field transforms. A joint analysis of the measured field and its transforms T, E and L offers possibilities for more confident separation of the anomalous effects and direct correlation to their sources. The model tests performed and the 3D field applications to real magnetic data confirm the useful properties of the transforms suggested here.     

Curie-point Depth from Spectral Analysis of Magnetic Data in Erciyes Stratovolcano (Central TURKEY)

Curie-point depth and heat flow values of the Erciyes region are determined to identify the thermal regime of the Central Anatolia by applying the spectral analysis method to the magnetic anomaly data. To compute the spectrum of the data, the magnetic anomaly of the region is transformed into 2-D Fourier domain to attain the average Curie depth. This method is useful in determining the top boundary of magnetic anomaly sources and reveals the Curie depth as 13.7 km in the study area. The obtained results imply a high thermal gradient (42.3°C km^?1) and corresponding heat flow values (88.8 mWm^?2) in the research area. Using the temperature value measured at borehole drilled by the General Directorate of Mineral Research and Exploration of Turkey (MTA), the values for the thermal gradient and heat flow value were computed as 50.7°C km^?1, 106.5 mWm^?2. From the heat flow value, the Curie-point depth was determined as 11.4 km in this region. It is concluded from the obtained values that the region has very high geothermal potential caused by partial melting of the lower crust.     

A method for rapid evaluation of magnetic anomalies over thin sheets

A method for rapid evaluation of magnetic anomalies over thin sheets is presented. This method is based on characteristic distancesX _3/4,X _1/2,X _1/4 at which the anomaly falls off to 3/4, 1/2, and 1/4 of the total (peak to peak) amplitude, respectively. Simple mathematical relations using these characteristic distances are presented to estimate the death and dip of the sheet. This method is fast and does not require prior knowledge of the base level and the origin. A few field examples are included to show the applicability and efficacy of the method.