Three-dimensional distribution of igneous rocks near the Pebble porphyry Cu-Au-Mo deposit in southwestern Alaska: Constraints from regional-scale aeromagnetic data

Geophysics ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 79 (2) ◽  
pp. B63-B79 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eric D. Anderson ◽  
Wei Zhou ◽  
Yaoguo Li ◽  
Murray W. Hitzman ◽  
Thomas Monecke ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Porphyry Copper ◽  
Regional Scale ◽  
Copper Deposit ◽  
Magnetic Data ◽  
Horizontal Gradient ◽  
Aeromagnetic Data ◽  
Near Surface ◽  
Magnetic Inversion ◽  
Tilt Derivative ◽  
Southwestern Alaska

Aeromagnetic data helped us to understand the 3D distribution of plutonic rocks near the Pebble porphyry copper deposit in southwestern Alaska, USA. Magnetic susceptibility measurements showed that rocks in the Pebble district are more magnetic than rocks of comparable compositions in the Pike Creek–Stuyahok Hills volcano-plutonic complex. The reduced-to-pole transformation of the aeromagnetic data demonstrated that the older rocks in the Pebble district produce strong magnetic anomaly highs. The tilt derivative transformation highlighted northeast-trending lineaments attributed to Tertiary volcanic rocks. Multiscale edge detection delineated near-surface magnetic sources that are mostly outward dipping and coalesce at depth in the Pebble district. The total horizontal gradient of the 10-km upward-continued magnetic data showed an oval, deep magnetic contact along which porphyry deposits occur. Forward and inverse magnetic modeling showed that the magnetic rocks in the Pebble district extend to depths greater than 9 km. Magnetic inversion was constrained by a near-surface, 3D geologic model that is attributed with measured magnetic susceptibilities from various rock types in the region. The inversion results indicated that several near-surface magnetic sources with moderate susceptibilities converge with depth into magnetic bodies with higher susceptibilities. This deep magnetic source appeared to rise toward the surface in several areas. An isosurface value of 0.02 SI was used to depict the magnetic contact between outcropping granodiorite and nonmagnetic sedimentary host rocks. The contact was shown to be outward dipping. At depths around 5 km, nearly the entire model exceeded the isosurface value indicating the limits of nonmagnetic host material. The inversion results showed the presence of a relatively deep, northeast-trending magnetic low that parallels lineaments mapped by the tilt derivative. This deep low represents a strand of the Lake Clark fault.

scholarly journals Structural features derived from a Multiscale Analysis and 2.75D Modelling of Aeromagnetic Data over the Pitoa-Figuil Area (Northern Cameroon)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Voltaire Souga Kassia ◽  
Theophile Ndougsa-Mbarga ◽  
Arsène Meying ◽  
Jean Daniel Ngoh ◽  
Steve Ngoa Embeng
Keyword(s):  
Multiscale Analysis ◽  
Structural Features ◽  
Magnetic Data ◽  
Horizontal Gradient ◽  
Aeromagnetic Data ◽  
Near Surface ◽  
Subsurface Structures ◽  
Northern Cameroon ◽  
Processing Techniques ◽  
Geological Formations

Abstract. In the Pitoa-Figuil area (Northern Cameroon), an interpretation of aeromagnetic data was conducted. The aim of this investigation was first to emphasize lineaments hidden under geological formations and secondly to propose two 2.75D models of the subsurface structures. Different magnetic data processing techniques were used, notably horizontal gradient magnitude, analytic signal, and Euler deconvolution. These techniques in combination with the 2.75D modelling to the aeromagnetic anomaly reduced to the equator permit to understand the stratification of the deep and near surface structures, which are sources of the observed anomalies. We managed to put in evidence and characterize 18 faults and some intrusive bodies. According to Euler's solutions, anomaly sources go up to a depth of 5.3 km.

Seismic and potential‐field imaging of the Guichon Creek batholith, British Columbia, Canada, to delineate structures hosting porphyry copper deposits

Geophysics ◽  
2000 ◽  
Vol 65 (5) ◽  
pp. 1418-1434 ◽  
Author(s):  
Baishali Roy ◽  
Ron M. Clowes
Keyword(s):  
British Columbia ◽  
Seismic Reflection ◽  
Porphyry Copper ◽  
Regional Scale ◽  
Low Grade ◽  
Depth Range ◽  
Porphyry Copper Deposits ◽  
Near Surface ◽  
Copper Deposits ◽  
South Central

The Guichon Creek batholith (GCB), located in south‐central British Columbia, contains several large, low‐grade copper deposits of considerable economic importance. The surface geology of the Guichon batholith and its surrounding region have been well mapped; however, little information about subsurface features is available. The batholith consists of four major phases, emplaced radially outward, which can be separated on the basis of their texture and composition. Previous interpretation of gravity data suggests a mushroom‐shaped structure for the batholith. Data from Lithoprobe seismic reflection line 88-11, acquired across the batholith in 1988, reveal weakly coherent east‐dipping reflections on the west side and west‐dipping reflections on the east in the upper 10 km. To determine if these are related to structures associated with the batholith, we reprocessed the upper 6 s with particular emphasis on applications of signal enhancement techniques (e.g., pattern recognition methods, refraction statics, dip moveout corrections) and correlation of the improved subsurface images with the geological environment associated with porphyry copper deposits. Low near‐surface velocities correlate well with the phases of the batholith hosting the major copper deposits, which structurally lie in faulted and brecciated regions. Although the top 1.5 km cannot be imaged by the regional‐scale seismic reflection data, the reprocessed seismic section helps define the edges of the batholith, its various concentric phases, and the stem in the depth range of 1.5 to 10 km. The seismic results are complemented by 2.5-D (profile sense) modeling and 3-D inversion of regional‐scale gravity and high‐resolution aeromagnetic data. These show a low‐density and low‐magnetic‐susceptibility region associated with the batholith that extends to more than 10 km depth. The region of active mining interest lies above a circular low‐susceptibility area at 2 km depth and a low‐velocity region. Integrated interpretation of geophysical results and geological observations indicates the GCB is a funnel‐shaped feature in which mineralization is located above the stem of the batholith.

Practical considerations in the use of edge detectors for geologic mapping using magnetic data

Geophysics ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 82 (3) ◽  
pp. J1-J8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mark Pilkington ◽  
Victoria Tschirhart
Keyword(s):  
Magnetic Field ◽  
Detection Methods ◽  
Magnetic Data ◽  
Horizontal Gradient ◽  
Recent Effort ◽  
Aeromagnetic Data ◽  
Geologic Mapping ◽  
Magnetization Direction ◽  
Model Studies ◽  
Edge Detectors

Locating the edges of magnetized sources provides a fundamental tool in the geologic interpretation of magnetic field data. Much recent effort has been expended on developing improvements to existing edge-detection methods, resulting in purported increases in accuracy and continuity along edges, reduction of noise effects, and limiting the influences of variable depth to source, magnetization direction, and source dip. These endeavors are valuable and provide interpreters with a wider range of tools to carry out geologic interpretations of aeromagnetic data. Nevertheless, survey parameters such as flight height and line spacing impose limits on the quality of edge locations that can be achieved. Using model studies, we quantify the effects that source size, depth, and interference between sources have on calculated edge locations. Based on the known behavior of established edge detectors, we found that many of the newer approaches offer limited advantages over older methods. Consequently, we studied an example of field mapping of geologic contacts in the Canadian Shield, supported by aeromagnetic data, using calculation of a standard edge detector: the horizontal gradient magnitude of the total magnetic field or TF-hgm. Calculated edge locations estimated from this method appear sufficiently accurate and continuous to provide a solid basis on which the mapping campaign was based and executed successfully.

Magnetic Exploration of Structurally Controlled Mineralization at Low Latitudes: A Case from the Masara Gold District, Mindanao, Philippines

2017 ◽  
Vol 112 (7) ◽  
pp. 1807-1817 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. C. Manalo ◽  
C. B. Dimalanta ◽  
B. R. B. Villaplaza ◽  
W. W. Brown ◽  
G. P. Yumul
Keyword(s):  
Gold Deposit ◽  
Porphyry Copper ◽  
Magnetic Data ◽  
Alteration Zone ◽  
Epithermal Gold ◽  
Structural Mapping ◽  
Data Transformations ◽  
Epithermal Gold Deposit ◽  
Mapping Techniques ◽  
Tilt Derivative

Abstract Magnetic data transformations are applied to the high-resolution magnetic data from the Masara gold district in the southern Philippines to enhance features related to a porphyry copper prospect and epithermal gold deposit. Using several filtering methods and structural mapping techniques, we were able to highlight the signal coming from a shallow chlorite-sericite alteration zone. Although the epithermal veins are mainly composed of nonmagnetic minerals, calculation of the tilt derivative of the magnetic grid revealed linear features that are coincident with the surface projection of the gold-bearing veins. Furthermore, dip directions of the magnetic sources were determined using Euler deconvolution, and they were found to coincide with the dip directions of the veins as determined by structural measurements at different underground levels. Aside from showing the utility of the magnetic methods in epithermal gold deposit exploration, this study also demonstrates that challenges of processing and interpreting magnetic anomalies in areas near the equator can be overcome. This research outlines a processing workflow that can be adopted for further investigation of other mineralized areas.

scholarly journals COMBINING TILT DERIVATIVE FILTERS: NEW APPROACHES TO ENHANCE MAGNETIC ANOMALIES

2018 ◽  
Vol 36 (3) ◽  
pp. 1
Author(s):  
Fabrício Rodrigues Castro ◽  
Saulo Pomponet Oliveira ◽  
Jeferson de Souza ◽  
Francisco José Fonseca Ferreira
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Methods ◽  
Magnetic Anomaly ◽  
Computational Cost ◽  
Magnetic Anomalies ◽  
Horizontal Gradient ◽  
Local Phase ◽  
Aeromagnetic Data ◽  
Addition And Subtraction ◽  
Deep Sources ◽  
Tilt Derivative

ABSTRACT. We extend the concept of two earlier enhancement techniques based on the local phase of the magnetic anomaly, namely the vertical (TDR) and horizontal (TDX) tilt angles, which are defined by the inverse tangent of ratios involving the total horizontal gradient and the vertical derivative. These filters are useful to locate both shallow and deep sources, because they equalize the signal amplitudes. The proposed approach is based on the addition and subtraction of TDR and TDX. The TDR+TDX filter produces constant values over the causative bodies, while TDR-TDX generates peaks over the center of bodies and is constant out of them. By applying the proposed techniques to synthetic and aeromagnetic data we show that they locate more clearly the centers and edges of the sources in comparison to TDR and TDX, respectively. The combined filters have essentially the same computational cost as TDR and TDX and can replace them as auxiliary interpretation tools.Keywords: Qualitative Methods, Local Phase Filters, Aeromagnetic Data.RESUMO. Estendemos o conceito de duas técnicas de realce baseadas na fase local da anomalia magnética: as inclinações do sinal analítico (TDR) e do gradiente horizontal total (TDX), definidos pelo arco tangente de razões envolvendo o gradiente horizontal total e a derivada vertical. Estes filtros são úteis para localizar tanto fontes rasas quanto profundas. O método proposto baseia-se na adição e subtração dos filtros TDR e TDX. O filtro TDR+TDX produz valores constantes sobre as fontes causadoras, enquanto que o TDR-TDX produz picos sobre o centro dos corpos e é constante onde fontes causadoras não são verificadas. Aplicando as técnicas propostas aos dados sintéticos e reais mostra-se que elas localizam mais claramente os centros e as bordas dos corpos em comparação com o TDR e o TDX, respectivamente. Os filtros combinados têm essencialmente o mesmo custo computacional dos filtros originais, TDR e TDX, e podem substituí-los como ferramentas de interpretação.Palavras-chave: Métodos Qualitativos, Filtros de Fase Local, Dados Aeromagnéticos. Federal

INTEGRATING SEISMIC, GRAVITY AND AEROMAGNETIC DATA IN THE STRUCTURAL INTERPRETATION OF THE MERLINLEIGH SUB-BASIN, WESTERN AUSTRALIA

1997 ◽  
Vol 37 (1) ◽  
pp. 205
Author(s):  
A. J. Mory ◽  
R. P. lasky
Keyword(s):  
Potential Field ◽  
Gravity Data ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Late Carboniferous ◽  
Petroleum Exploration ◽  
Magnetic Data ◽  
Limited Information ◽  
Aeromagnetic Data ◽  
Near Surface ◽  
Potential Field Data

The southern Merlinleigh Sub-basin is a frontier area for petroleum exploration within the onshore Southern Carnarvon Basin, with limited seismic coverage and only two deep exploration wells. High resolution aeromag- netic and semi-detailed gravity data acquired in 1995 provide relatively low cost structural inf ormation"comple- mentary to the regional seismic coverage.Two-dimensional seismic data can be mapped with confidence if the lines are closely spaced. By identifying lineaments on potential-field images, orientations for structures within the sedimentary succession, and at basement or intra-basement levels, can assist in the interpretation of faults and structures in areas of limited seismic coverage, and to extrapolate them outside areas of seismic control. Consequently, by integrating seismic and potential-field data, a more rigorous interpretation of the structural geometry can be achieved and thereby assists in reconstructing the evolution of a sedimentary basin.The aeromagnetic data provided only limited information about the structure of the Merlinleigh Sub-basin because magnetic anomalies appear to be dominated either by near-surface or deep intra-basement sources. In contrast, the gravity data provide a more reliable definition of the structure at basement level and, to a lesser extent, within the sedimentary sequence.Seismic, gravity and magnetic data show that the region is a large north-trending Late Carboniferous to Permian depocentre and can be sub-divided into two main troughs east of the Wandagee and Kennedy Range Faults. These are en-echelon fault systems with syn- depositional growth during the main period of rifting in the Late Carboniferous to Early Permian.

Density mapping from gravity data using the Walsh transform

Geophysics ◽  
1992 ◽  
Vol 57 (4) ◽  
pp. 637-642 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pierre Keating
Keyword(s):  
Potential Field ◽  
Gravity Data ◽  
Regional Scale ◽  
Physical Property ◽  
Walsh Transform ◽  
Magnetic Data ◽  
Earth Model ◽  
Horizontal Gradient ◽  
Rectangular Array ◽  
Density Mapping

One of the main purposes of geophysical mapping is the identification of units that can be related to known geology. On a regional scale, aeromagnetic and gravity maps are the most useful tools presently available, although other techniques such as conductivity mapping (Palacky, 1986) or remote sensing (Watson, 1985) are very helpful in locating lithologic boundaries. Interpretation now makes extensive use of enhanced maps: susceptibility maps for magnetic data, density maps for gravity data, first and second vertical derivative, and horizontal gradient maps for both types of data. The objective of susceptibility and density mapping is to transform the potential field data into a physical property map. For physical property mapping, some hypotheses and simplifications are made. The earth model is assumed to consist of right rectangular prisms of finite (gravity) or infinite (magnetics) depth extent. For ease of data processing, the potential field is interpolated onto a regular rectangular array, so that each point in the array corresponds to one prism.

The role of airborne geophysics for detecting hydrocarbon microseepages and related structural features: The case of Remanso do Fogo, Brazil

Geophysics ◽  
2012 ◽  
Vol 77 (2) ◽  
pp. B35-B41 ◽  
Author(s):  
Julia B. Curto ◽  
Augusto C.B. Pires ◽  
Adalene M. Silva ◽  
Álvaro P. Crósta
Keyword(s):  
Gamma Ray ◽  
Sedimentary Cover ◽  
Structural Features ◽  
Magnetic Data ◽  
Gamma Ray Spectrometry ◽  
Horizontal Gradient ◽  
Near Surface ◽  
Residual Values ◽  
Basement Structures ◽  
New Occurrences

The first direct indication of hydrocarbon occurrence in Remanso do Fogo area (Minas Gerais State, Brazil) was the existence of microseepages. However, Quaternary sedimentary cover in the area made the identification of new occurrences and associated controlling structures quite difficult. This study investigated the spatial distribution of hydrocarbon related gases in shallower to intrasedimentary depths in Remanso do Fogo area, using airborne gamma-ray spectrometry and magnetic data. The geophysical data were processed using techniques designed to suppress the influence of regional geological signatures. Known and possible new occurrences of microseepages were detected by mapping low residual potassium values and high uranium residual values in relation to potassium, termed as DRAD values, which resulted from the subtraction of potassium from uranium residual values, using a Thorium (Th)-normalizing approach. The validation of these occurrences was done based on existing gas geochemistry data in the soil. For the magnetic data, the amplitude of the analytic signal, combined with the total horizontal gradient of the subtraction between the 1200- and 400-meter upward continuations, enhanced the northwest–southeast and east–west magnetic lineaments, which are partially related to the microseepages and the drainage of the area. The distinction of near-surface and deep signatures also allowed the general identification of intrasedimentary and basement structures, which are potentially controlling the occurrences of seepages in the area.

scholarly journals EVALUATION OF ENHANCEMENT TECHNIQUES OF MAGNETIC ANOMALIES APPLIED TO STRUCTURAL INTERPRETATION OF THE ITAITUBA REGION, STATE OF PARÁ – BRAZIL

2012 ◽  
Vol 30 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Alessandra De Barros e Silva Bongiolo ◽  
Francisco José Fonseca Ferreira
Keyword(s):  
Amazon Basin ◽  
Synthetic Data ◽  
Maximum Amplitude ◽  
Magnetic Anomalies ◽  
Magnetic Data ◽  
Horizontal Gradient ◽  
Structural Interpretation ◽  
Amazonian Craton ◽  
Reduction To The Pole ◽  
Tilt Derivative

The purpose of this article is to describe the work carried out for evaluating enhancement techniques of magnetic anomalies applying the reduction-to-the-pole method and its implications for structural interpretation of a region located in low magnetic latitude. With this objective, the answer given by several data enhancement methods with and without reduction-to-the-pole was analyzed. These methods were applied to synthetic prisms located at low magnetic latitudes similar to the area of analysis and the resulting anomalies were compared to those calculated at the magnetic pole. The synthetic data has been generated from a program that calculates the anomalies from prisms with arbitrary dimensions, susceptibilities and depths. The enhancement methods were also applied to magnetic data of rocks from the Amazon Basin and the Amazonian Craton, in the Itaituba region, Par´a state, northern Brazil. The reduction-to-the-pole algorithm applied to synthetic data during this work improved the performance of the enhancement methods, once, after its application, the maximum amplitude of the transformed anomalies were positioned over the edges of the sources, facilitating magnetic-structural interpretation. Good correlation among magnetic lineaments – particularly those inferred by the recently proposed tilt derivative of the total horizontal gradient method – and the already interpreted geologic structures back up the reduction to the pole indicating it may be applied even when data is collected in low magnetic latitudes.

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