Three-dimensional gravity inversion using graph theory to delineate the skeleton of homogeneous sources

Geophysics ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 80 (2) ◽  
pp. G53-G66 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rodrigo Bijani ◽  
Cosme F. Ponte-Neto ◽  
Dionisio U. Carlos ◽  
Fernando J. S. Silva Dias
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Algorithm ◽  
Graph Theory ◽  
Minimum Spanning Tree ◽  
Gravity Data ◽  
A Priori ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Real Data ◽  
Gravity Inversion ◽  
Inversion Method ◽  
Dimensional Gravity

We developed a new strategy, based on graph theory concepts, to invert gravity data using an ensemble of simple point masses. Our method consisted of a genetic algorithm with elitism to generate a set of possible solutions. Each estimate was associated to a graph to solve the minimum spanning tree (MST) problem. To produce unique and stable estimates, we restricted the position of the point masses by minimizing the statistical variance of the distances of an MST jointly with the data-misfit function during the iterations of the genetic algorithm. Hence, the 3D spatial distribution of the point masses identified the skeleton of homogeneous gravity sources. In addition, our method also gave an estimation of the anomalous mass of the source. So, together with the anomalous mass, the skeleton could aid other 3D methods with promising geometric a priori parameters. Several tests with different values of regularizing parameter were made to bespeak this new regularizing strategy. The inversion results applied to noise-corrupted synthetic gravity data revealed that, regardless of promising starting models, the estimated distribution of point masses and the anomalous mass offered valuable information about the homogeneous sources in the subsurface. Tests on real data from a portion of Quadrilátero Ferrífero, Minas Gerais state, Brazil, were performed for complementary analysis of the proposed inversion method.

Three‐dimensional gravity inversion using simulated annealing: Constraints on the diapiric roots of allochthonous salt structures

Geophysics ◽  
2001 ◽  
Vol 66 (5) ◽  
pp. 1438-1449 ◽  
Author(s):  
Seiichi Nagihara ◽  
Stuart A. Hall
Keyword(s):  
Simulated Annealing ◽  
Gulf Of Mexico ◽  
Gravity Data ◽  
A Priori ◽  
Gravity Inversion ◽  
Inversion Method ◽  
A Priori Information ◽  
Final Density ◽  
Smoothing Effects ◽  
Priori Information

In the northern continental slope of the Gulf of Mexico, large oil and gas reservoirs are often found beneath sheetlike, allochthonous salt structures that are laterally extensive. Some of these salt structures retain their diapiric feeders or roots beneath them. These hidden roots are difficult to image seismically. In this study, we develop a method to locate and constrain the geometry of such roots through 3‐D inverse modeling of the gravity anomalies observed over the salt structures. This inversion method utilizes a priori information such as the upper surface topography of the salt, which can be delineated by a limited coverage of 2‐D seismic data; the sediment compaction curve in the region; and the continuity of the salt body. The inversion computation is based on the simulated annealing (SA) global optimization algorithm. The SA‐based gravity inversion has some advantages over the approach based on damped least‐squares inversion. It is computationally efficient, can solve underdetermined inverse problems, can more easily implement complex a priori information, and does not introduce smoothing effects in the final density structure model. We test this inversion method using synthetic gravity data for a type of salt geometry that is common among the allochthonous salt structures in the Gulf of Mexico and show that it is highly effective in constraining the diapiric root. We also show that carrying out multiple inversion runs helps reduce the uncertainty in the final density model.

Integration of geophysical constraints for multilayer geometry refinements in 2.5D gravity inversion

Geophysics ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 81 (5) ◽  
pp. G95-G106 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jian Xing ◽  
Tianyao Hao ◽  
Ya Xu ◽  
Zhiwei Li
Keyword(s):  
Gravity Data ◽  
Inequality Constraints ◽  
Real Data ◽  
Gravity Inversion ◽  
Inversion Method ◽  
Sharp Condition ◽  
Estimated Parameters ◽  
Multiple Interfaces ◽  
Variation Function ◽  
Different Depths

We have explored the feasibility of estimating depths of multiple interfaces from gravity data. The strata are simulated by an aggregate of 3D rectangular prisms whose bottom depths are parameters to be estimated. In the inversion process, we have integrated geophysical constraints including the borehole information and the sharp condition described by the total variation function. The iterative residual function is also introduced to adjust the weighting of the estimated parameters so that layers of different depths have nearly equal likelihood for deviation. The inversion is processed by minimizing the Tikhonov parametric functional by the reweighted regularized conjugate gradient method. Inequality constraints are adopted to deal with the coupling of the interfaces. Synthetic tests show that such integration is conducive to restoring the multilayer depth distribution. Real data applications in Mariana confirm that the inversion method is effective in complex geologic settings in practice. We have also evaluated several issues that specifically deserve attention for obtaining satisfactory results in multilayer gravity inversion.

scholarly journals 3D Gravity Modeling of Complex Salt Features in the Southern Gulf of Mexico

2016 ◽  
Vol 2016 ◽  
pp. 1-12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mauricio Nava-Flores ◽  
Carlos Ortiz-Aleman ◽  
Mauricio G. Orozco-del-Castillo ◽  
Jaime Urrutia-Fucugauchi ◽  
Alejandro Rodriguez-Castellanos ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gravity Data ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Complex Salt ◽  
Gravity Modeling ◽  
Gravity Inversion ◽  
Inversion Method ◽  
Oil Exploration ◽  
Potential Field Data ◽  
Estimation Algorithms ◽  
3D Gravity

We present a three-dimensional (3D) gravity modeling and inversion approach and its application to complex geological settings characterized by several allochthonous salt bodies embedded in terrigenous sediments. Synthetic gravity data were computed for 3D forward modeling of salt bodies interpreted from Prestack Depth Migration (PSDM) seismic images. Density contrasts for the salt bodies surrounded by sedimentary units are derived from density-compaction curves for the northern Gulf of Mexico’s oil exploration surveys. By integrating results from different shape- and depth-source estimation algorithms, we built an initial model for the gravity anomaly inversion. We then applied a numerically optimized 3D simulated annealing gravity inversion method. The inverted 3D density model successfully retrieves the synthetic salt body ensemble. Results highlight the significance of integrating high-resolution potential field data for salt and subsalt imaging in oil exploration.

Structure-guided gravity inversion for layered density modeling with an application in the Chezhen Depression, Bohai Bay Basin

Geophysics ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 1-54
Author(s):  
Jie Liu ◽  
Jianzhong Zhang
Keyword(s):  
Spline Interpolation ◽  
A Priori ◽  
Structural Similarity ◽  
Gravity Inversion ◽  
Inversion Method ◽  
Bohai Bay ◽  
Bohai Bay Basin ◽  
Lower Paleozoic ◽  
Gas Targets ◽  
Density Modeling

Gravity inversion, as a static potential field inversion, has inherent ambiguity with low vertical resolution. In order to reduce the nonuniqueness of inversion, it is necessary to impose the apriori constraints derived by other geophysical inversion, drilling or geological modeling. Based on the a priori normalized gradients derived from seismic imaging or reference models, a structure-guided gravity inversion method with a few known point constraints is developed for mapping density with multiple layers. The cubic B-spline interpolation is used to parameterize the forward modeling calculation of the gravity response to smooth density fields. A recently proposed summative gradient is used to maximize the structural similarity between the a priori and inverted models. We first demonstrate the methodology, followed by a synthetic fault model example to confirm its validity. Monte Carlo tests and uncertainty tests further illustrate the stability and practicality of the method. This method is easy to implement, and consequently produces an interpretable density model with geological consistency. Finally, we apply this method to the density modeling of the Chezhen Depression in the Bohai Bay Basin. Our work determines the distribution of deep Lower Paleozoic carbonate rocks and Archean buried hills with high-density characteristics. Our results are consistent with the existing formation mechanism of the “upper source-lower reservoir” type oil-gas targets.

Gravity ideal bodies

Geophysics ◽  
1987 ◽  
Vol 52 (9) ◽  
pp. 1265-1278 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mark E. Ander ◽  
Stephen P. Huestis
Keyword(s):  
Gravity Data ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Computer Code ◽  
Solution Set ◽  
Rio Grande Rift ◽  
Positive Anomaly ◽  
Dimensional Gravity ◽  
Exploration Tool ◽  
Ideal Body ◽  
Rigorous Bounds

The interpretation of gravity anomaly data suffers from a fundamental nonuniqueness, even when the solution set is bounded by physical or geologic constraints. Therefore, constructing a single solution that fits or approximately fits the data is of limited value. Consequently, much effort has been applied in recent years to developing inverse techniques for rigorous deduction of properties common to all possible solutions. To this end, Parker developed the theory of an ideal body, which characterizes the extremal solution with the smallest possible maximum density. Gravity ideal‐body analysis is an excellent reconaissance exploration tool because it is especially well suited for handling sparse data contaminated with noise, for finding useful, rigorous bounds on the infinite solution set, and for predicting accurately what data need to be collected in order to tighten those bounds. We present a practical three‐ dimensional gravity ideal‐body computer code, IDB, that can optimize a mesh with over [Formula: see text] cells when used on a CRAY computer. Using actual gravity data, we use IDB to produce ideal‐body tradeoff curves that bound the solution set and show how to restrict the bound on the solution further by applying geologic and geophysical data to the tradeoff curves. As an example, we compare two‐dimensional and three‐dimensional ideal‐body results from a study of a positive anomaly associated with the Lucero uplift located on the western flank of the Rio Grande rift in New Mexico.

Three-dimensional gravity modelling applied to the exploration of uranium unconformity-related basement-hosted deposits: the Contact prospect case study, Kiggavik, northeast Thelon region (Nunavut, Canada)

2017 ◽  
Vol 54 (8) ◽  
pp. 869-882 ◽  
Author(s):  
Régis Roy ◽  
Antonio Benedicto ◽  
Alexis Grare ◽  
Mickaël Béhaegel ◽  
Yoann Richard ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gravity Data ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Gravity Anomalies ◽  
3D Models ◽  
Low Density ◽  
Uranium Deposits ◽  
Geological Interpretation ◽  
Thelon Basin ◽  
Dimensional Gravity ◽  
Density Values

In unconformity-related uranium deposits, mineralization is associated with hydrothermal clay-rich alteration haloes that decrease the density of the host rock. In the Kiggavik uranium project, located in the eastern Thelon Basin, Nunavut (Canada), basement-hosted shallow deposits were discovered by drilling geophysical anomalies in the 1970s. In 2014, gravity data were inverted for the first time using the Geosoft VOXI Earth ModellingTM system to generate three-dimensional (3D) models to assist exploration in the Contact prospect, the most recent discovery at Kiggavik. A 3D unconstrained inversion model was calculated before drilling, and a model constrained by petrophysical data was computed after drilling. The unconstrained inversion provided a first approximation of the geometry and depth of a low-density body and helped to collar the discovery holes of the Contact mineralization. The constrained inversion was computed using density values measured on 315 core samples collected from 21 drill holes completed between 2014 and 2015. The constrained modelling highlights three shallower and smaller low-density bodies that match the geological interpretation and refines the footprint of the gravity anomalies in relation to the current understanding of the deposit. The 3D inversion of gravity data is a valuable tool to guide geologists in exploration of shallow basement-hosted uranium deposits associated with alteration haloes and to assess the deposit gravity geometry.

Three-dimensional depth-to-basement modelling based on seismic and potential field data – basement configuration in the westernmost Polish Outer Carpathians

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mateusz Mikołajczak ◽  
Jan Barmuta ◽  
Małgorzata Ponikowska ◽  
Stanislaw Mazur ◽  
Krzysztof Starzec
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Analysis ◽  
Cross Sections ◽  
Potential Field ◽  
Field Data ◽  
Gravity Data ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Magnetic Data ◽  
Gravity Inversion ◽  
Potential Field Data ◽  
Outer Carpathians

<p>The Silesian Nappe in the westernmost part of the Polish Outer Carpathians Fold and Thrust Belt exhibits simple, almost homoclinal character. Based on the field observations, a total stratigraphic thickness of this sequence equals to at least 5400 m. On the other hand, the published maps of the sub-Carpathian basement show its top at depths no greater than 3000 m b.s.l. or even 2000 m b.s.l. in the southern part of the Silesian Nappe. Assuming no drastic thickness variations within the sedimentary sequence of the Silesian Nappe, such estimates of the basement depth are inconsistent with the known thickness of the Silesian sedimentary succession. The rationale behind our work was to resolve this inconsistency and verify the actual depth and structure of the sub-Carpathian crystalline basement along two regional cross-sections. In order to achieve this goal, a joint 2D quantitative interpretation of gravity and magnetic data was performed along these regional cross-sections. The interpretation was supported by the qualitative analysis of magnetic and gravity maps and their derivatives to recognize structural features in the sub-Carpathian basement. The study was concluded with the 3D residual gravity inversion for the top of basement. The cross-sections along with the borehole data available from the area were applied to calibrate the inversion.</p><p>In the westernmost part of the Polish Outer Carpathians, the sub-Carpathian basement comprises part of the Brunovistulian Terrane. Because of great depths, the basement structure was investigated mainly by geophysical, usually non-seismic, methods. However, some deep boreholes managed to penetrate the basement that is composed of Neoproterozoic metamorphic and igneous rocks. The study area is located within the Upper Silesian block along the border between Poland and Czechia. There is a basement uplift as known mainly from boreholes, but the boundaries and architecture of this uplift are poorly recognized. Farther to the south, the top of the Neoproterozoic is buried under a thick cover of lower Palaeozoic sediments and Carpathian nappes.</p><p>Our integrative study allowed to construct a three-dimensional map for the top of basement the depth of which increases from about 1000 m to over 7000 m b.s.l. in the north and south of the study area, respectively. Qualitative analysis of magnetic and gravity data revealed the presence of some  basement-rooted faults delimiting the extent of the uplifted basement. The interpreted faults are oriented mainly towards NW-SE and NE-SW. Potential field data also document the correlation between the main basement steps and important thrust faults.</p><p> </p><p>This work has been funded by the Polish National Science Centre grant no UMO-2017/25/B/ST10/01348</p>

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