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 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.     

A different method for interpretation of magnetic anomalies due to 2-D dipping dikes

In this study a new method is presented to determine model parameters from magnetic anomalies caused by dipping dikes. The proposed method is applied by employing only the even component of the anomaly. First, the maximum of the even component is divided to its value at any distance x in order to obtain S1. Then, theoretical even component values are computed for the minimal depth (h) and half-width (b) values. S2 is obtained by dividing their maximum to the value computed for the same distance x. A set of S2 values is calculated by slowly increasing the half-width, and h and b for the S2 closest to S1 are determined. The same procedure is repeated by increasing the depth. The determined b values are plotted against the corresponding values of h. After repeating the process and plotting curves for different distances, it is possible to determine the actual depth and half-width values.     

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.     

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.     

Interpretation of magnetic anomalies using a genetic algorithm

A genetic algorithm (GA) is an artificial intelligence method used for optimization. We applied a GA to the inversion of magnetic anomalies over a thick dike. Inversion of nonlinear geophysical problems using a GA has advantages because it does not require model gradients or well-defined initial model parameters. The evolution process consists of selection, crossover, and mutation genetic operators that look for the best fit to the observed data and a solution consisting of plausible compact sources. The efficiency of a GA on both synthetic and real magnetic anomalies of dikes by estimating model parameters, such as depth to the top of the dike (H), the half-width of the dike (B), the distance from the origin to the reference point (D), the dip of the thick dike (δ), and the susceptibility contrast (k), has been shown. For the synthetic anomaly case, it has been considered for both noise-free and noisy magnetic data. In the real case, the vertical magnetic anomaly from the Pima copper mine in Arizona, USA, and the vertical magnetic anomaly in the Bayburt–Sar?han skarn zone in northeastern Turkey have been inverted and interpreted. We compared the estimated parameters with the results of conventional inversion methods used in previous studies. We can conclude that the GA method used in this study is a useful tool for evaluating magnetic anomalies for dike models.     

The effect of focal depth error on moment tensor inversion

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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.     

Depth Estimates for Slingram Electromagnetic Anomalies from Dipping Sheet-like Bodies by the Normalized Full Gradient Method

The Normalized Full Gradient (NFG) method was proposed in the mid–1960s and was generally used for the downward continuation of the potential field data. The method eliminates the side oscillations which appeared on the continuation curves when passing through anomalous body depth. In this study, the NFG method was applied to Slingram electromagnetic anomalies to obtain the depth of the anomalous body. Some experiments were performed on the theoretical Slingram model anomalies in a free space environment using a perfectly conductive thin tabular conductor with an infinite depth extent. The theoretical Slingram responses were obtained for different depths, dip angles and coil separations, and it was observed from NFG fields of the theoretical anomalies that the NFG sections yield the depth information of top of the conductor at low harmonic numbers. The NFG sections consisted of two main local maxima located at both sides of the central negative Slingram anomalies. It is concluded that these two maxima also locate the maximum anomaly gradient points, which indicates the depth of the anomaly target directly. For both theoretical and field data, the depth of the maximum value on the NFG sections corresponds to the depth of the upper edge of the anomalous conductor. The NFG method was applied to the in-phase component and correct depth estimates were obtained even for the horizontal tabular conductor. Depth values could be estimated with a relatively small error percentage when the conductive model was near-vertical and/or the conductor depth was larger.     

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.     

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.     

Synthetic magnetic anomaly curves for a two-dimensional model and their use as a new interpretation technique

Summary The author proposes a new technique of magnetic interpretation in the case of a two-dimensional model, whereby six analytical expressions are deduced and computed forDH, DZ, PHB, PZB, AHB andAZB. These expressions denote the induced part of magnetic anomaly inH component, the induced part of anomaly inZ component, the permanent magnetization part ofH anomaly, the permanent magnetization part ofZ anomaly, the sum (DH+PHB), and the sum (DZ+PZB), respectively. The use of a series of these six curves taken together instead of the single profile curve, will improve the existing method of magnetic interpretation, reduce the uncertainties of the inverse problem, and provide a valuable tool for paleomagnetic studies of in situ older rocks commonly found in equatorial Africa. The resulting advantages outweigh the apparent increase in computation. This technique was applied to a field profile obtained across a subsurface dolerite vein, and the results agree with the theoretical predictions outlined.     

QUANTITATIVE INTERPRETATION OF HORIZONTAL-LOOP EM MEASUREMENTS USING A PERMEABLE SPHERE MODEL*

An interpretation scheme for horizontal-loop EM measurements is presented for a permeable sphere model. The induced multipole moments are found to contribute significantly even at very low frequencies for a permeable conductor. The anomaly profiles are computed considering multipole excitation (up to 20) to study the effect of depth of burial and permeability of conductor. The anomaly half-width along with the inphase and quadrature anomaly amplitudes allow direct interpretation of the parameters of the sphere. The above scheme is suitable for results of Dighem II (coplanar configuration), Slingram and Max Min II measurements.     

Analysis of gravity anomalies over an inclined fault with quadratic density function

An attempt is made to interpret the gravity anomalies over an inclined fault with variable density contrast. The decrease of density contrast with depth in sedimentary rocks is approximated by a quadratic function. The anomaly equation of an inclined fault is derived with the quadratic density function. The constantsa ₀,a ₁ anda ₂ of the quadratic density function can be found from the known density-depth values. A synthetic anomaly profile of the fault model is interpreted by the non-linear optimisation technique using the Marquardt algorithm. The distances are measured from an arbitrary reference point and thus the origin of the fault model is also treated as an unknown parameter. For the assumed values of the constantsa ₀,a ₁ anda ₂, the various parameters of the fault model are found by the non-linear optimisation technique. The convergence of the method is shown by plotting the values of the objective function, lamda, and the parameters of the fault model with respect to iteration number. The two parameters inclination and origin are found to be correlated. The same program is used to interpret the gravity anomalies with different density contrasts. Finally, the use of modelling with the quadratic density function is discussed.     

Least-squares Minimization Approaches to Interpret Total Magnetic Anomalies Due to Spheres

We have developed three different least-squares approaches to determine successively: the depth, magnetic angle, and amplitude coefficient of a buried sphere from a total magnetic anomaly. By defining the anomaly value at the origin and the nearest zero-anomaly distance from the origin on the profile, the problem of depth determination is transformed into the problem of finding a solution of a nonlinear equation of the form f(z)=0. Knowing the depth and applying the least-squares method, the magnetic angle and amplitude coefficient are determined using two simple linear equations. In this way, the depth, magnetic angle, and amplitude coefficient are determined individually from all observed total magnetic data. The method is applied to synthetic examples with and without random errors and tested on a field example from Senegal, West Africa. In all cases, the depth solutions are in good agreement with the actual ones.     

iSPITM— the improved source parameter imaging method

Interpretation of an anomalous magnetic response involves determining the parameters that characterize the source of the anomaly. The depth to the top of the structure is a parameter that is commonly sought, and the Source Parameter Imaging^TM (SPI^TM) method is one way of determining this depth estimate. One advantage of the SPI method is that the depths can be displayed on an image. Typically there can be one image for an assumed contact (fault) model and another image for an assumed dipping thin sheet (dike) model. The depth estimate obtained will depend on the model assumed. An improvement to the source parameter imaging method extends the method to horizontal cylinders and at the same time allows the most appropriate model to be determined automatically. This model can be displayed on an image and the correct depth estimate for each anomaly can also be determined. The depth estimates can therefore be summarized on one map independent of an assumed model. The images generated from synthetic and field data show that the improved SPI method makes the task of interpreting magnetic data significantly easier.     

EXPERIENCES WITH AUTOMATIC MAGNETIC INTERPRETATION USING THE THICK PLATE MODEL *

Various experiments are described in designing two-dimensional magnetic interpretation algorithms using computer curve fitting techniques. For a single anomaly the position of the anomaly maximum and the half-width of the anomaly give good initial estimates of the plate position and thickness. A nomogram and formulae for improving these estimates is given. Curves and estimates for the effects of finite depth extent of a plate show the limits, when the lower surface of the plate can be neglected in curve fitting. The combined anomaly of two parallel plates can be separated into partial anomalies with no common points using the horizontal derivative of the anomaly. The changes of the anomaly maxima and changes in anomaly half-widths are studied as a function of plate separation. The position of the maxima and the half-widths can be corrected before applying the one-plate procedure for obtaining initial estimates of plate positions and thicknesses. The performance of standard optimization methods of Powell, Davidon, and Marquardt in improving the values of the plate parameters are compared. The Powell method seems to be the most reliable for both single and multi-plate anomalies. All methods become unacceptably slow when the number of plates is greater than 2 or 3. In these cases feasible interpretation times are obtained using the partial anomalies and sequential parabolic search of the parameter values as tailored specially to the thick plate model. Experiments with three different error norms, the classical least squares, weighted least squares and minimax, show that the first norm gives the best overall performance in automatic interpretation. The behaviour of the classical least squares norm as a function of the plate parameters is also briefly described.     

On the Limitation of the H/V Spectral Ratio Using Seismic Noise as an Exploration Tool: Application to the Grenoble Valley (France), a Small Apex Ratio Basin

The H/V spectral ratio method based on seismic noise (HVSRN) was used in the Grenoble Basin (France), an Alpine valley characterized by a small apex ratio. The resonance frequencies obtained in the experiments were compared to the thickness of the sediments deduced from a microgravimetric survey and to the 1-D theoretical assessment of site responses. Given the abundance of data on the sediments and depth of the basin, the values of the theoretical resonance frequency f_o can be determined quite accurately. However, it has been observed that the effects of basin geometry can disturb f_o measurements using the HVSR method, in particular for a case like the Grenoble Basin, which has a small apex ratio (w/H) and strong suspected 2-D and/or 3-D effects. Interpretation of f_o values in terms of bedrock depth gives rise to estimation errors of about 10% in certain cases, with the most significant errors (>50%) occurring on the edges of the basin, where subsurface layers are characterised by larger heterogeneities and where the basin topography is accentuated. This study suggests that great care must be taken when using the HVSRN method as an exploration tool, at least in valleys with a small apex ratio.     

Interpretation of self-potential anomalies of some simple geometric bodies

Summary An entirely new procedure for interpreting selfpotential anomalies of spheres, rods and dipping sheets is presented. The anomaly of a sphere is divided into two parts — the anomaly of odd symmetry and the anomaly of even symmetry — from which the depth can be obtained by fitting them with the master curves. The self-potential anomalies of a finite rod are transformed to the anomalies of a veritcal sheet, for which standard curves are presented. The case of a sheet was divided into three parts; (a) finite line of poles; (b) infinite double line of poles and (c) finite double line of poles. For the first case logarithmic curves were prepared and presented; by their comparison with the field profile, different parameters can be obtained. In the second case, a geometrical construction is provided to obtain the various values. In the third case, the anomalies of finite sheet (finite double line of poles) are transformed into those due to an infinite double line of poles for interpretation.     

An enhanced method for source parameter imaging of magnetic data collected for mineral exploration

We have developed a method for imaging magnetic data collected for mineral exploration to yield the following structural information: depth, model type (structural index) and susceptibility. The active nature of mineral exploration data requires we derive the structural information from a robust quantity: we propose that the first‐ or second‐order analytic‐signal amplitude is suitably stable. The procedure is to normalize the analytic‐signal amplitude by the peak value and then use non‐linear inversion to estimate the depth and the structural index for each anomaly. In our field example, different results are obtained depending on whether we inverted for the first‐ or second‐order analytic‐signal amplitude. This is probably because the two‐dimensional contact, thin sheet or horizontal cylinder models we have assumed are not appropriate. In cases such as these, when our model assumptions are not correct, the results should not be interpreted quantitatively, but they might be useful for giving a qualitative indication of how the structure might vary. With a priori information, it is possible to assume a model type (i.e. set the structural index) and generate estimates of the depth and susceptibility. These data can then be gridded and imaged. If a contact is assumed, the susceptibility contrast is estimated; for the dike model, the susceptibility‐thickness is estimated; for the horizontal cylinder, the susceptibility‐area is estimated. To emphasize that the results are dependent on our assumed model, we advocate prefixing any derived quantity by the term ‘apparent’.