RECENT DEVELOPMENTS IN UNDERGROUND GRAVITY SURVEYS1

Underground gravity observations in deep coal mines using the conventional gravity meters Worden (type Master) and LaCoste-Romberg (model D), both of which have been adapted to the fire damp regulations, can be accurate to ± 10 and ± 3 μgal, respectively. For underground determination of the vertical gradient of gravity the LaCoste-Romberg meter is used together with a specially designed measuring tower. Using this euipment an accuracy in tower gradient observations of ± 30 E was obtained. To apply the equipment to precision gravity observations in underground situations an additional correction, i.e. a gallery correction, is needed. High accuracy in correction is achieved by a new method of three-dimensional modelling. The gravity effect is computed for bodies with a surface approximated by triangular elements, which are generated from corner points of the body. The combination of gallery correction with tower gradient data leads to a new method for in situ density determination. It offers the possibility of horizontal instead of vertical density profiling. To demonstrate the effectiveness of the developments in underground observations the localization of a pump room is presented. Microgravity and tower gradient observations were carried out to detect the cavity. The horizontal gradient was also calculated to give a more reliable location.     

Interpretation of magnetic and gravity gradient tensor data using normalized source strength – A case study from McFaulds Lake,Northern Ontario,Canada

In this paper, we present a case study on the use of the normalized source strength (NSS) for interpretation of magnetic and gravity gradient tensors data. This application arises in exploration of nickel, copper and platinum group element (Ni‐Cu‐PGE) deposits in the McFaulds Lake area, Northern Ontario, Canada. In this study, we have used the normalized source strength function derived from recent high resolution aeromagnetic and gravity gradiometry data for locating geological bodies. In our algorithm, we use maxima of the normalized source strength for estimating the horizontal location of the causative body. Then we estimate depth to the source and structural index at that point using the ratio between the normalized source strength and its vertical derivative calculated at two levels; the measurement level and a height h above the measurement level. To discriminate more reliable solutions from spurious ones, we reject solutions with unreasonable estimated structural indices. This method uses an upward continuation filter which reduces the effect of high frequency noise. In the magnetic case, the advantage is that, in general, the normalized magnetic source strength is relatively insensitive to magnetization direction, thus it provides more reliable information than standard techniques when geologic bodies carry remanent magnetization. For dipping gravity sources, the calculated normalized source strength yields a reliable estimate of the source location by peaking right above the top surface. Application of the method on aeromagnetic and gravity gradient tensor data sets from McFaulds Lake area indicates that most of the gravity and magnetic sources are located just beneath a 20 m thick (on average) overburden and delineated magnetic and gravity sources which can be probably approximated by geological contacts and thin dikes, come up to the overburden.     

Detection of potential fields source boundaries by enhanced horizontal derivative method

A high‐resolution method to image the horizontal boundaries of gravity and magnetic sources is presented (the enhanced horizontal derivative (EHD) method). The EHD is formed by taking the horizontal derivative of a sum of vertical derivatives of increasing order. The location of EHD maxima is used to outline the source boundaries. While for gravity anomalies the method can be applied immediately, magnetic anomalies should be previously reduced to the pole. We found that working on reduced‐to‐the‐pole magnetic anomalies leads to better results than those obtainable by working on magnetic anomalies in dipolar form, even when the magnetization direction parameters are not well estimated. This is confirmed also for other popular methods used to estimate the horizontal location of potential fields source boundaries. The EHD method is highly flexible, and different conditions of signal‐to‐noise ratios and depths‐to‐source can be treated by an appropriate selection of the terms of the summation. A strategy to perform high‐order vertical derivatives is also suggested. This involves both frequency‐ and space‐domain transformations and gives more stable results than the usual Fourier method. The high resolution of the EHD method is demonstrated on a number of synthetic gravity and magnetic fields due to isolated as well as to interfering deep‐seated prismatic sources. The resolving power of this method was tested also by comparing the results with those obtained by another high‐resolution method based on the analytic signal. The success of the EHD method in the definition of the source boundary is due to the fact that it conveys efficiently all the different boundary information contained in any single term of the sum. Application to a magnetic data set of a volcanic area in southern Italy helped to define the probable boundaries of a calderic collapse, marked by a number of magmatic intrusions. Previous interpretations of gravity and magnetic fields suggested a subcircular shape for this caldera, the boundaries of which are imaged with better detail using the EHD method.     

SOME RELATIONS BETWEEN POTENTIAL FIELDS AND THE STRENGTH AND CENTER OF THEIR SOURCES*

From gravity it is well known how to determine the excess mass and the horizontal center of mass of the disturbing body. We show that a magnetic body—under rather weak assumptions—possesses excess magnetization and centers of magnetization (both horizontal and vertical), which can be uniquely determined from measurements. It also follows that the vertical center of mass can be uniquely determined from the vertical derivative of the gravity field.     

Interpretation of magnetic anomalies by horizontal and vertical derivatives of the analytic signal

Magnetic anomalies are often disturbed by the magnetization direction, so we can’t directly use the original magnetic anomaly to estimate the exact location and geometry of the source. The 2D analytic signal is insensitive to magnetization direction. In this paper, we present an automatic method based on the analytic signal horizontal and vertical derivatives to interpret the magnetic anomaly. We derive a linear equation using the analytic signal properties and we obtain the 2D magnetic body location parameters without giving a priori information. Then we compute the source structural index (expressing the geometry) by the estimated location parameters. The proposed method is demonstrated on synthetic magnetic anomalies with noise. For different models, the proposed technique can both successfully estimate the location parameters and the structural index of the sources and is insensitive to noise. Lastly, we apply it to real magnetic anomalies from China and obtain the distribution of unexploited iron ore. The inversion results are consistent with the parameters of known ore bodies.     

位场数据解释的Theta-Depth法

Theta图是利用位场(重磁)数据识别边界的常用方法,其表达式为重磁异常水平变化与垂直变化的比值函数.该方法计算浅源地质体边界的效果较好,而由于深源位场数据在换算过程中会产生趋同效应,在深源地质体识别应用中计算结果不准确,为此,本文提出Theta-Depth法并进行地质体埋深的计算.首先给出直接利用Theta图像进行场源体深度估算的方法,然后推导出基于Theta导数的线性方程来自动估算场源位置参数,本文方法可有效地利用Theta图像的特征为约束条件来提高反演结果的精度.理论模型试验证明本文提出的Theta-Depth法能有效地计算出场源体位置和深度.将该方法应用于满都拉地区实测磁数据的解释,帮助圈定了矿脉的分布.     

Earthquake-induced displacements of gravity retaining walls and anchor-reinforced slopes

This paper examines in terms of seismic performance, the effectiveness of anchor reinforcement against gravity retaining walls used to stabilize a dry homogenous fill slope in earthquake-prone environment. Both analyzed stabilizing measures have the same design yield acceleration estimated from a limit equilibrium approach. The earthquake-induced displacements are calculated using a sliding block formulation of the equation of motion. Sliding failure along the base of the gravity retaining wall and rotational failure of the soil active wedge behind the wall, as well as rotational failure of the slide mass of the anchor-reinforced slope were considered in the present formulation. For the specific characteristics of the analyzed fill slope and input horizontal ground motion, the slope reinforced with anchors appears to experience vertical and horizontal seismic displacements at slope crest smaller by 12% and respectively, 32% than the vertical and horizontal earthquake-induced deformations estimated at the top of the active wedge behind the gravity retaining wall.     

A GYRO-ORIENTED 3-COMPONENT BOREHOLE MAGNETOMETER FOR MINERAL PROSPECTING,WITH EXAMPLES OF ITS APPLICATION1

A triple axis borehole magnetometer is described that consists of a Förster-probe (fluxgate) triplet (sensitivity 1 n T), a Förster-probe gradiometer (sensitivity 2 nT/40 cm), a gyro unit (mean angular drift approx. 0.5°/h) which is equipped with accelerometers (sensitivity 1/100°), and a data transmission unit (with multiplexer and 16-bit AD converter). The sensitive fluxgate-magnetometer can detect weakly magnetic or small source bodies. Data from the gyro and the accelerometers allow the 3-component magnetic field values to be transformed to north, east and vertical components. Since they do not rely on magnetically-determined directional data, the results are not disturbed by local anomalies of the magnetic declination. Furthermore, the magnetometer can also be used in vertical boreholes. 3-component measurements are carried out at discrete points in the neighbourhood of a source body to locate its position, and within the source body to determine the direction of magnetization. The strength of magnetization and information on magnetic classification are obtained by continuous measurement of one or more components within the source body. Calculation algorithms and computer programs are available to simplify data processing and interpretation. Survey examples are discussed.     

Satellite and surface geophysical expression of anomalous crustal structure in Kentucky and Tennessee

An equivalent layer magnetization model obtained from inversion of long-wavelength satellite magnetic anomaly data indicates a very magnetic source region centered in south central Kentucky. The magnetization maximum nearly coincides with a gravity high elongated north-south and extending into Tennessee. Previous refraction profiles suggest that the source of the gravity anomaly is a large mass of rock occupying much of the crustal thickness. The outline of the source delineated by gravity contours is also discernible in aeromagnetic anomaly patterns. Taken together, the geophysical data suggest a large, localized mass of intracrustal rock which is both dense and very magnetic. A simple magnetization/density model is given which accounts for the gravity and long-wavelength aeromagnetic anomalies due to the body. We interpret it as a mafic plutonic complex, and several lines of evidence are consistent with a rift association. The body is, however, clearly related to the inferred position of the Grenville Front. It is bounded on the north by the fault zones of the 38th Parallel Lineament. The inferred mean magnetization (4 A/m) of the body is large, but not inconsistent with values reported by others for deep crustal bodies associated with long-wavelength magnetic anomalies. Such magnetization levels can be achieved with magnetic mineralogies produced by normal oxidation and metamorphic processes and enhanced by viscous build-up, especially in mafic rocks of alkaline character.     

Three-dimensional structure of the Laguna Salada Basin and its thermal regime

A comprehensive reinterpretation of the available gravity, magnetic, geothermal, geological and borehole information has been made of the Laguna Salada Basin to establish a 3D model of the basement and sedimentary infill. According to statistical spectral analysis, the residual gravity anomaly is due to sources with a mean regional depth of 2.8 km. The topography of the basement was obtained from a three‐dimensional inversion carried out in the wavenumber domain using an iterative scheme. The maximum density contrast of ?300 kg/m³ estimated from previous studies and the mean depth of 2.5 km finally constrained this inversion. The resulting model indicated that the sedimentary infill is up to 4.2 km thick at its deepest point. According to the gravity‐derived basement topography, the basin presents an asymmetry (i.e. it is of the half‐graben type). It is deeper to the east, where it is delimited from the Sierra Cucapah by a step fault. By contrast, the limit with the Sierra de Juarez is a gently sloping fault (i.e. a listric fault). The basement is not even, but it comprises a series of structural highs and lows. N–S to NW–SE and E–W to NE–SW faults delimit these structural units. The magnetic modelling was constrained by (i) the gravity‐derived basement topography; (ii) a Curie isotherm assumed to be between 7 km and 10 km; (iii) assuming induced magnetization only; (iv) the available geological and borehole information. The magnetic anomalies were interpreted successfully using the gravity‐derived basement/sedimentary interface as the top of the magnetic bodies (i.e. the magnetic modelling supports the gravity basement topography). An elongated N–S to NW–SE trending highly magnetized body running from south to north along the basin is observed to the west of the basin. This magnetic anomaly has no gravity signature. Such a feature can be interpreted as an intrusive body emplaced along a fault running through the Laguna Salada Basin. Treatment of the gravity and magnetic information (and of their horizontal gradients) with satellite image processing techniques highlighted lineaments on the basement gravity topography correlating with mapped faults. Based on all this information, we derived detailed geological models along four selected profiles to simulate numerically the heat and fluid flow in the basin. We used a finite‐difference scheme to solve the coupled Darcy and Fourier differential equations. According to our results, we have fluid flow in the sedimentary layers and a redistribution of heat flow from the basin axis toward its rims (Sierra de Juárez and Sierra Cucapah). Our model temperatures agree within an error of 4% with the observed temperature profiles measured at boreholes. Our heat‐flow determinations agree within an error of ±15% with extrapolated observations. The numerical and chemical analyses support the hypothesis of fluid circulation between the clay–lutite layer and the fractured granitic basement. Thermal modelling shows low heat‐flow values along the Laguna Salada Basin. Deep fluid circulation patterns were observed that redistribute such flow at depth. Two patterns were distinguished. One displays the heat flow increasing from the basin axis towards its borders (temperature increase of 20°C). The second pattern shows an increasing heat flow from south to north of the basin. Such behaviour is confirmed by the temperature measurements in the thermometric boreholes.     

Estimation of the mass density contrasts and the 3D geometrical shape of the source bodies in the Yilgarn area, Eastern Goldfields, Western Australia

We invert 2D surface gravity data constrained both by geological and seismic information. We use a number of pre-processing tools in order to reduce the general multi-body inversion into several single-body inversions, whereby we can reduce the overall complexity of the inversion task. This is done with as few assumptions as possible. Furthermore, for a single-body inversion we uncouple the determination of the shape of the causative sources from the determination of their mass density contrast to the surroundings. The inversion for the geometrical shape of the source body is done in steps. Firstly, a rough 3D shape of the source is modelled—a model consisting of the vertical mass columns of equal height. The horizontal extension is implied by the surface gravity signal. Subsequently, the shape of each source body is modified to obtain a better fit to the surface gravity data. In each modification step, the overall change of the shape of the source body is followed by an update of the mass density contrast to the surroundings. The technique was applied to a set of gravity data from the Eastern Goldfield area in Western Australia. The area has been widely studied in the past. In 1999, two seismic profiles that cross-sect the area were measured. Furthermore, an extensive geological modelling for the area has been conducted. The practical goal of this work was to verify the geological interpretation using the potential field data (mainly the gravity data although magnetic data were also available) and only weakly constrained by the seismic information. The result was the reconstruction of the ‘rough’ 3D geometry of the source bodies and the estimation of a constant mass density contrast to the surroundings. A possible extension of this technique for detailed studies of the geological model is briefly discussed.     

位场解析信号振幅极值位置空间变化规律研究

通过对单一边界、双边界、多边界以及点(线)质量模型重力异常解析信号振幅和重力异常垂向导数解析信号振幅的极值位置空间变化规律研究表明,重力异常垂向导数解析信号振幅和化极磁力异常解析信号振幅的极值位置相同,且与重力异常解析信号振幅的极值位置空间变化规律相似.利用位场解析信号振幅极大值位置能够准确识别单一直立边界地质体的边缘位置,但不能准确识别其它任何形体的边缘位置,其识别结果的偏移量大小随地质体的埋深、水平尺寸以及倾斜程度等变化.虽然重力异常垂向导数解析信号振幅比重力异常解析信号振幅的峰值更加尖锐、横向识别能力更强,其极大值位置更靠近地质体上顶面边缘位置,但均受地质体埋深的影响较大;随着埋深的增加,位场解析信号振幅的极大值位置会快速收敛到形体的"中心位置",其轨迹类似"叉子状";且对多边界模型会出现"极大值位置盲区"而无法识别其边缘位置.通过这些理论研究表明,位场解析信号振幅只能识别单一边界地质体的边缘位置;而不宜用来识别多边界地质体的边缘位置,但可以用来识别多边界地质体的"中心位置".     

Imaging of offset VSP data acquired in complex areas with modified reverse-time migration

A modified reverse-time migration algorithm for offset vertical seismic profiling data is proposed. This algorithm performs depth imaging of target areas in the borehole vicinity without taking into account the overburden. Originally recorded seismograms are used; reliable results can be obtained using only the velocity profile obtained along the well. The downgoing wavefield emitted from a surface source is approximated in the target area using the transmitted P-wave, recorded by the receivers deployed in the well. This is achieved through a reverse-time extrapolation of the direct transmitted P-wave into the target area after its separation in offset vertical seismic profiling seismograms generated using a finite-difference scheme for the solution of the scalar wave equation.
The proposed approach produces 'kinematically' reliable images from reflected PP- and PS-waves and, furthermore, can be applied as a salt proximity tool for salt body flank imaging based on the transmitted PS-waves. Our experiments on synthetic data demonstrate that the modified reverse-time migration provides reliable depth images based on offset vertical seismic profiling data even if only the velocity profile obtained along the borehole is used.     

Two-Dimensional Magnetotelluric Modelling of Ore Deposits: Improvements in Model Constraints by Inclusion of Borehole Measurements

A combination of magnetotelluric (MT) measurements on the surface and in boreholes (without metal casing) can be expected to enhance resolution and reduce the ambiguity in models of electrical resistivity derived from MT surface measurements alone. In order to quantify potential improvement in inversion models and to aid design of electromagnetic (EM) borehole sensors, we considered two synthetic 2D models containing ore bodies down to 3000 m depth (the first with two dipping conductors in resistive crystalline host rock and the second with three mineralisation zones in a sedimentary succession exhibiting only moderate resistivity contrasts). We computed 2D inversion models from the forward responses based on combinations of surface impedance measurements and borehole measurements such as (1) skin-effect transfer functions relating horizontal magnetic fields at depth to those on the surface, (2) vertical magnetic transfer functions relating vertical magnetic fields at depth to horizontal magnetic fields on the surface and (3) vertical electric transfer functions relating vertical electric fields at depth to horizontal magnetic fields on the surface. Whereas skin-effect transfer functions are sensitive to the resistivity of the background medium and 2D anomalies, the vertical magnetic and electric field transfer functions have the disadvantage that they are comparatively insensitive to the resistivity of the layered background medium. This insensitivity introduces convergence problems in the inversion of data from structures with strong 2D resistivity contrasts. Hence, we adjusted the inversion approach to a three-step procedure, where (1) an initial inversion model is computed from surface impedance measurements, (2) this inversion model from surface impedances is used as the initial model for a joint inversion of surface impedances and skin-effect transfer functions and (3) the joint inversion model derived from the surface impedances and skin-effect transfer functions is used as the initial model for the inversion of the surface impedances, skin-effect transfer functions and vertical magnetic and electric transfer functions. For both synthetic examples, the inversion models resulting from surface and borehole measurements have higher similarity to the true models than models computed exclusively from surface measurements. However, the most prominent improvements were obtained for the first example, in which a deep small-sized ore body is more easily distinguished from a shallow main ore body penetrated by a borehole and the extent of the shadow zone (a conductive artefact) underneath the main conductor is strongly reduced. Formal model error and resolution analysis demonstrated that predominantly the skin-effect transfer functions improve model resolution at depth below the sensors and at distance of \(\sim \) 300–1000 m laterally off a borehole, whereas the vertical electric and magnetic transfer functions improve resolution along the borehole and in its immediate vicinity. Furthermore, we studied the signal levels at depth and provided specifications of borehole magnetic and electric field sensors to be developed in a future project. Our results suggest that three-component SQUID and fluxgate magnetometers should be developed to facilitate borehole MT measurements at signal frequencies above and below 1 Hz, respectively.     

Two examples of spectral approach to source depth estimation in gravity and magnetics

Fourier transformation of gravity and magnetic anomalies from space to the frequency domain provides aready method for source depth estimation since progressively deeper sources are indicated by the lower frequency components of an anomaly. Two examples are presented here to demonstrate the efficacy of this approach. One example pertains to the interpretation of vertical intensity magnetic anomalies over a layered ultramafic body for estimating the thickness of relatively non-magnetic layer in it and map the dispositions of the layers. The other example is the estimation of crustal thickness in the Indian region from the Bouguer anomaly map. The spectral method is shown, by these two examples, to provide a rapid and elegant tool for the source depth estimation for magnetic and gravity data.     

利用随钻正交偶极子声波测井评价地层各向异性的数值研究

在随钻测井条件下,由于钻铤占据了井孔内的大部分空间,充液井孔中沿着井轴方向传播的模式波的特性与电缆测井非常不同.本文建立了随钻正交偶极子测井声学模型,采用三维有限差分方法模拟了偶极子声源在随钻条件下各向异性地层井孔内激发的声场,研究了地层的声学各向异性在随钻正交偶极子声波测井中的响应特征.数值模拟结果表明,在随钻测井条件下,对于井轴同TI地层对称轴垂直的情况,弯曲波分裂现象仍然存在,通过正交偶极子测量方式和合适的反演算法能够准确有效地确定地层的快横波方位角,可以考虑采用同正演理论相结合的反演算法来获得地层的快、慢横波速度及声学各向异性信息;对于井轴同介质对称轴呈一定夹角的TI地层井孔,情况变得非常复杂,不同井斜倾角下弯曲波的速度的变化趋势并非同对应的地层横波速度的变化趋势完全一致,不过在一定的频段内,地层横波速度仍然是弯曲波的最主要控制因素.对于本文研究的模型,当井轴同介质对称轴的夹角大于大于60°时,此时获得的弯曲波的各向异性值基本能够反映对应角度下地层横波速度的各向异性信息.     

宜川—泰安重力剖面布格重力异常及归一化总梯度的构造意义

利用宜川—泰安剖面高精度重力观测及GPS测量结果,计算得到该剖面较为精细的垂向一阶导数梯度和布格重力异常归一化总梯度图像.结合前人相关研究结果,本文认为垂向一阶导数梯度主要反映浅部异常场源的位置和低密度地质体的特性.利用该梯度图像,对宜川—泰安剖面经过的7条主要断裂及其空间分布特征进行分析解释,并推测各断裂的可能埋深和性质.      

Age of the source of the Jarrafa gravity and magnetic anomalies offshore Libya and its geodynamic implications

The interpretation of the Jarrafa magnetic and gravity highs, NW Libyan offshore, suggests that it may be caused by a body of high-density and high magnetization. Analysis of their power spectra indicates two groups of sources at: (1) 2.7 km depth, probably related to the igneous rocks, some of which were penetrated in the JA-1 borehole, (2) 5 km depth, corresponding to the top of the causative body and (3) 10 km depth, probably referring to the local basement depth. The boundary analysis derived from applied horizontal gradient to both gravity and magnetic data reveals lineaments many of which can be related to geological structures (grabens, horsts and faults).The poor correlation between pseudogravity fields for induced magnetization and observed gravity fields strongly suggests that the causative structure has a remanent magnetization (D = −16°, I = 23°) of Early Cretaceous age, fitting with the opening of the Neo Tethys 3 Ocean.Three-dimensional interpretation techniques indicate that the magnetic source of the Jarrafa magnetic anomaly has a magnetization intensity of 0.46 A/m, which is required to simulate the amplitude of the observed magnetic anomaly. The magnetic model shows that it has a base level at 15 km.The history of the area combined with the analysis and interpretation of the gravity and magnetic data suggests that: (1) the source of the Jarrafa anomaly is a mafic igneous rock and it may have formed during an Early Cretaceous extensional phase and (2) the Jarrafa basin was left-laterally sheared along the WNW Hercynian North Graben Fault Zone, during its reactivation in the Early Cretaceous.     

A gradient‐ratio method for the semi‐automatic interpretation of gravity map data sets

The application of semi‐automatic interpretation techniques to potential field data can be of significant assistance to a geophysicist. This paper generalizes the magnetic vertical contact model tilt‐depth method to gravity data using a vertical cylinder and buried sphere models. The method computes the ratio of the vertical to the total horizontal derivative of data and then identifies circular contours within it. Given the radius of the contour and the contour value itself, the depth to the source can be determined. The method is applied both to synthetic and gravity data from South Africa. The Matlab source code can be obtained from the author upon request.