ACLAS — A method to define geologically significant lineaments from potential-field data

Geophysics ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 82 (4) ◽  
pp. G87-G100 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lorenzo Cascone ◽  
Chris Green ◽  
Simon Campbell ◽  
Ahmed Salem ◽  
Derek Fairhead
Keyword(s):  
Large Scale ◽  
Magnetic Data ◽  
Data Set ◽  
New Approach ◽  
Potential Field Data ◽  
North West ◽  
Gravity And Magnetic ◽  
Lineament Analysis ◽  
The Individual ◽  
Gravity And Magnetic Data

Geologic features, such as faults, dikes, and contacts appear as lineaments in gravity and magnetic data. The automated coherent lineament analysis and selection (ACLAS) method is a new approach to automatically compare and combine sets of lineaments or edges derived from two or more existing enhancement techniques applied to the same gravity or magnetic data set. ACLAS can be applied to the results of any edge-detection algorithms and overcomes discrepancies between techniques to generate a coherent set of detected lineaments, which can be more reliably incorporated into geologic interpretation. We have determined that the method increases spatial accuracy, removes artifacts not related to real edges, increases stability, and is quick to implement and execute. The direction of lower density or susceptibility can also be automatically determined, representing, for example, the downthrown side of a fault. We have evaluated ACLAS on magnetic anomalies calculated from a simple slab model and from a synthetic continental margin model with noise added to the result. The approach helps us to identify and discount artifacts of the different techniques, although the success of the combination is limited by the appropriateness of the individual techniques and their inherent assumptions. ACLAS has been applied separately to gravity and magnetic data from the Australian North West Shelf; displaying results from the two data sets together helps in the appreciation of similarities and differences between gravity and magnetic results and indicates the application of the new approach to large-scale structural mapping. Future developments could include refinement of depth estimates for ACLAS lineaments.

Automatic 3-D interpretation of potential field data using analytic signal derivatives

Geophysics ◽  
1997 ◽  
Vol 62 (1) ◽  
pp. 87-96 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicole Debeglia ◽  
Jacques Corpel
Keyword(s):  
Signal Amplitude ◽  
Vertical Gradient ◽  
Analytic Signal ◽  
Magnetic Data ◽  
Practical Implementation ◽  
Potential Field Data ◽  
Gravity And Magnetic ◽  
Second Derivatives ◽  
Gravity And Magnetic Data ◽  
Derivatives Of

A new method has been developed for the automatic and general interpretation of gravity and magnetic data. This technique, based on the analysis of 3-D analytic signal derivatives, involves as few assumptions as possible on the magnetization or density properties and on the geometry of the structures. It is therefore particularly well suited to preliminary interpretation and model initialization. Processing the derivatives of the analytic signal amplitude, instead of the original analytic signal amplitude, gives a more efficient separation of anomalies caused by close structures. Moreover, gravity and magnetic data can be taken into account by the same procedure merely through using the gravity vertical gradient. The main advantage of derivatives, however, is that any source geometry can be considered as the sum of only two types of model: contact and thin‐dike models. In a first step, depths are estimated using a double interpretation of the analytic signal amplitude function for these two basic models. Second, the most suitable solution is defined at each estimation location through analysis of the vertical and horizontal gradients. Practical implementation of the method involves accurate frequency‐domain algorithms for computing derivatives with an automatic control of noise effects by appropriate filtering and upward continuation operations. Tests on theoretical magnetic fields give good depth evaluations for derivative orders ranging from 0 to 3. For actual magnetic data with borehole controls, the first and second derivatives seem to provide the most satisfactory depth estimations.

Gravity and Magnetic Methods

2000 ◽  
Author(s):  
Richard M. Carruthers ◽  
John D. Cornwell
Keyword(s):  
Large Scale ◽  
Gravity Data ◽  
Integrated Approach ◽  
Rock Properties ◽  
Magnetic Data ◽  
Satellite Gravity ◽  
Fully Integrated ◽  
Continental Shelves ◽  
Gravity And Magnetic ◽  
Gravity And Magnetic Data

Lateral variations in the density and magnetization of the rocks within the crust give rise to "anomalies" in the Earth's gravity and magnetic fields. These anomalies can be measured and interpreted in terms of the geology both in a qualitative sense, by mapping out trends and changes in anomaly style, and quantitatively, by creating models of the subsurface which reproduce the observed fields. Such interpretations are generally less definitive in themselves than the results from seismic surveys (see chapter 12), but the data are widely available and can provide information in areas where other methods are ineffective or have not been applied. As the different geophysical techniques respond to specific rock properties such as density, magnetization, and acoustic velocity, the results are complementary, and a fully integrated approach to data collection and interpretation is generally more effective than the sum of its parts assessed on an individual basis. Gravity and magnetic data have been acquired, at least to a reconnaissance scale, over most of the world. In particular, the release into the public domain of satellite altimetry information (combined with improved methods of data processing) means that there is gravity coverage to a similar standard for most of the offshore region to within about 50 km of the coast. Magnetic anomalies recorded from satellites provide global coverage, but the high altitude of the observations means that only large-scale features extending over many 10s of kilometers are delineated. Reconnaissance aeromagnetic surveys with flight lines 10-20 km apart provide a lateral anomaly resolution similar to that of the satellite gravity data. Oceanographic surveys undertaken by a variety of academic and research institutions are another valuable source of data in remote regions offshore which supplement and extend the more detailed coverage obtained over the continental shelves, for example, by oil companies in areas of hydrocarbon interest. Surveys over land vary widely in terms of acquisition parameters and quality, but some form of national compilation is available from many countries. A number of possible applications of the potential field (i.e., gravity and magnetic) data follow from the terms set out by UNCLOS. Paragraph 4(b) of article 76 states, "In the absence of evidence to the contrary, the foot of the continental slope is to be determined as the point of maximum change in the gradient at its base" (italics added).

Petroleum potential of the offshore southern Carnarvon Basin—insights from new Geoscience Australia data

2011 ◽  
Vol 51 (2) ◽  
pp. 746
Author(s):  
Irina Borissova ◽  
Gabriel Nelson
Keyword(s):  
Seismic Data ◽  
Source Rocks ◽  
Magnetic Data ◽  
Long Distance ◽  
Potential Field Data ◽  
Petroleum Potential ◽  
Gravity And Magnetic ◽  
Gravity And Magnetic Data ◽  
Insight Into ◽  
Carnarvon Basin

In 2008–9, under the Offshore Energy Security Program, Geoscience Australia (GA) acquired 650 km of seismic data, more than 3,000 km of gravity and magnetic data, and, dredge samples in the southern Carnarvon Basin. This area comprises the Paleozoic Bernier Platform and southern part of the Mesozoic Exmouth Sub-basin. The new seismic and potential field data provide a new insight into the structure and sediment thickness of the deepwater southernmost part of the Exmouth Sub-basin. Mesozoic depocentres correspond to a linear gravity low, in water depths between 1,000–2,000 m and contain between 2–3 sec (TWT) of sediments. They form a string of en-echelon northeast-southwest oriented depressions bounded by shallow-dipping faults. Seismic data indicates that these depocentres extend south to at least 24°S, where they become more shallow and overprinted by volcanics. Potential plays in this part of the Exmouth Sub-basin may include fluvio-deltaic Triassic sandstone and Lower–Middle Jurassic claystone source rocks sealed by the regional Early Cretaceous Muderong shale. On the adjoining Bernier Platform, minor oil shows in the Silurian and Devonian intervals at Pendock–1a indicate the presence of a Paleozoic petroleum system. Ordovician fluvio-deltaic sandstones sealed by the Silurian age marine shales, Devonian reef complexes and Miocene inversion anticlines are identified as potential plays. Long-distance migration may contribute to the formation of additional plays close to the boundary between the two provinces. With a range of both Mesozoic and Paleozoic plays, this under-explored region may have a significant hydrocarbon potential.

Concealed faults and intrusions identification based on multiscale edge detection and 3D inversion of gravity and magnetic data: A case study in Qiongheba area, Xinjiang, Northwest China

2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. T331-T345 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jiayong Yan ◽  
Xiangbin Chen ◽  
Guixiang Meng ◽  
Qingtian Lü ◽  
Zhen Deng ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Edge Detection ◽  
Junggar Basin ◽  
Northwest China ◽  
Gold Deposits ◽  
Combination Method ◽  
Magnetic Data ◽  
3D Inversion ◽  
Data Set ◽  
Gravity And Magnetic ◽  
Gravity And Magnetic Data

Qiongheba is a polymetallic ore concentration area located in the east margin of the Junggar Basin in Xinjiang, Northwest China. Because all three main types of metal deposits (porphyry-type copper, skarn-type iron-copper, and structural altered rock-type gold deposits) in this area are controlled strictly by fault structures and intrusions buried under the Quaternary sediments, the detection of concealed faults and intrusions is of great significance for mineral prospecting. We aim to make clear the faults and intrusions based on the high-precision gravity and magnetic data set. First, multiscale edge detection of gravity and magnetic data is used to distinguish and divide the faults system. Second, 3D recognition of concealed intrusions combining with 3D inversion and multiscale edge detection of gravity and magnetic is carried out to construct the 3D formation of concealed intrusions. Last, seven prospecting targets are proposed based on our research and existed regional geologic and geochemical information, and two of them have been confirmed to be rich in polymetal (Cu-Fe-Mo-Au in the Layikeleke deposit and Cu in the Baxi deposit) by drilling. Our research results not only proved the effectiveness of the combination method of 3D inversion and multiscale edge detection of gravity and magnetic data in the prospecting of concealed faults and intrusions, but they also provide abundant information for mineral exploration prediction in the Qiongheba area.

scholarly journals Crustal structure in the Campanian region (Southern Apennines, Italy) from potential field modelling

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Y. Kelemework ◽  
M. Milano ◽  
M. La Manna ◽  
G. de Alteriis ◽  
M. Iorio ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Potential Field ◽  
Carbonate Platform ◽  
Vertical Gradient ◽  
Magnetic Data ◽  
Potential Field Data ◽  
Gravity And Magnetic ◽  
Significant Depression ◽  
Mountain Chain ◽  
Surrounding Areas ◽  
Gravity And Magnetic Data

AbstractWe present a 3D model of the main crustal boundaries beneath the Campanian region and the onshore and offshore surrounding areas, based on high-resolution potential field data. Our main objective is the definition of the main structural interfaces in the whole Campanian region from gravity and magnetic data, thanks to their ability to define them on a regional and continuous way. The complex morphology of the Mesozoic carbonate platform, which is fundamental to constrain the top of geothermal reservoir, was reconstructed by inverting the vertical gradient of gravity. We assumed local information from seismic models and boreholes to improve the model. We modeled the deep crustal structures by spectral analysis of Bouguer gravity and magnetic data. The inferred depth estimates indicate a shallow crystalline basement below the Tyrrhenian crust and the Apulian foreland and a significant depression beneath the Bradanic foredeep. The map of the Moho boundary shows a NE-SE verging trough below the Southern Apennine chain and two pronounced uplifts beneath the foreland and the Tyrrhenian crust. We also estimated the depth to the magnetic bottom, showing a thick magnetic crust below the mountain chain and shallow depths where the crustal heat flow is high. The models were compared with seismic sections along selected profiles; a good agreement was observed, despite of some inherent lower resolution for the gravity modelling from spectral methods. The regional covering and the continuity of our estimated crustal interfaces make it a new and valid reference for further geological, geophysical and geothermal studies, especially in areas such as northern and eastern Campania, where there is an incomplete geophysical and geological information.

Gravity and magnetic data analysis based on Poisson wavelet-transforms

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kirill Kuznetsov ◽  
Bulychev Andrey ◽  
Ivan Lygin
Keyword(s):  
Data Analysis ◽  
Magnetic Fields ◽  
Potential Field ◽  
Wavelet Transforms ◽  
Geophysical Methods ◽  
Magnetic Data ◽  
Potential Field Data ◽  
Gravity And Magnetic ◽  
Gravity And Magnetic Data ◽  
Poisson Wavelets

<p>Studies of the Earth’s interior structure are one of the most complex topics in modern science. Integration of different geophysical methods plays a key role in effectively tackling the problem. In the last decade capabilities of potential field geophysical methods have been increasing due to development of advanced digital technologies. Improved resolution and accuracy of gravity and magnetic fields measurements made by modern equipment makes it possible to build more detailed geological models. Different tectonic and structural elements being interpreted in such models produce potential field signals with different spectral characteristics. Like any geophysical signals, potential fields can be described as a spatially non-stationary signal. This means its frequency content may change depending on a given signal sample, in particular with different spatial location of a sample. In this case, approaches of gravity and magnetic fields analysis based on Fourier transform or signal decomposition into a number of harmonic functions can lead to incorrect results. One of the ways to solve this challenge involves using wavelet transform based algorithms, since these transforms do not assume stationary signals and each function of a wavelet-based basis is localized in space domain.</p><p>In gravity and magnetic data analysis it is beneficial to use wavelets based on partial derivatives of the Poisson kernel, which correspond to derivatives of a point source gravity potential. Application of Poisson wavelets in potential field data analysis has begun in the 1990's and is predominantly aimed at studying gravity and magnetic fields singularity points during data interpretation.</p><p>Similar to Fourier-based potential field techniques, it is possible to construct a number of data filtering algorithms based on Poisson wavelets. Current work demonstrates that it is possible to construct algorithms based on Poisson wavelets for transforming profile and spatially gridded gravity and magnetic data, e.g. for calculation of equivalent density and magnetization distributions, upward and downward continuations, reduction to pole and many other filters that take into account spatial distribution of the signal.</p><p>Wavelet-transforms allow to account for spatially non-stationary nature of geophysical signals. Use of wavelet based techniques allows to effectively carry out potential field data interpretation in a variety of different geologic and tectonic settings in a consistent fashion.</p>

3-D inversion of gravity and magnetic data with depth resolution

Geophysics ◽  
1999 ◽  
Vol 64 (2) ◽  
pp. 452-460 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maurizio Fedi ◽  
Antonio Rapolla
Keyword(s):  
Potential Field ◽  
Field Data ◽  
Vertical Direction ◽  
Depth Resolution ◽  
Magnetic Data ◽  
Data Set ◽  
Potential Field Data ◽  
Magnetic Methods ◽  
Level Data ◽  
Gravity And Magnetic

Magnetization and density models with depth resolution are obtained by solving an inverse problem based on a 3-D set of potential field data. Such a data set is built from information on vertical and horizontal variations of the magnetic or gravity field. The a priori information consists of delimiting a source region and subdividing it in a set of blocks. In this case, the information related to a set of field data along the vertical direction is not generally redundant and is decisive in giving a depth resolution to the gravity and magnetic methods. Because of this depth resolution, which derives solely from the potential field data, an unconstrained and joint inversion of a multiobservation‐level data set is shown to provide surprising results for error‐free synthetic data. On the contrary, a single‐observation level data inversion produces an incorrect and too shallow model. Hence, a good depth resolution is likely to occur for the gravity and magnetic methods when based on the information along the vertical direction. This is also evidenced by an analysis of the kernel function versus the field altitude level and by a singular value analysis of the inversion operators for both the single and multilevel cases. Errors connected to numerical upward continuation do not affect the quality of the solution, provided that the data set extent is larger than that of the anomaly field. Application of the method to a 3-D magnetic data set relative to Vesuvius indicates that the method may significantly improve interpretation of potential fields.

Preliminary Study on Fusion Scheme of Multi-dimensional and Multi-scale Potential Field Data

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiaolin Ji ◽  
Wanyin Wang ◽  
Fuxiang Liu ◽  
Min Yang ◽  
Shengqing Xiong ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Potential Field ◽  
Field Data ◽  
Gravity Data ◽  
Magnetic Data ◽  
Potential Field Data ◽  
Multi Scale ◽  
Gravity And Magnetic ◽  
Different Dimensions ◽  
Fusion Scheme ◽  
Gravity And Magnetic Data

<p>Gravity and magnetic surveys are widely used in geology exploration because of its advantages, such as efficient and economy, green and environment-friendly, widely coverage and strong horizontal resolution. In order to well study in the geology exploration, it is required to comprehensively combine the different scales (different scales data) and different dimensions (satellite data, aeronautical data, ground data, ocean data, well data, etc.) of gravity and magnetic data that were observed in different periods, however, the comprehensive application of the multi-dimensional and multi-scale gravity and magnetic data still stays in the initial stage. In this paper, we do research on the key point of the fusion of potential field data (gravity and magnetic data): the way to fuse the different scales and different dimensions of potential field data into a benchmark and the same surface. Based on this research, we propose a scheme to fuse the multi-dimensional and multi-scale gravity and magnetic data. The synthetic models show that this fusion scheme is able to fuse the multi-dimensional and multi-scale gravity and magnetic data with great fusion results and small errors, in addition, the most important is that the fusion data conform to the characteristics of the potential field data and can meet the needs of data processing in the following steps. One of case studies in China has been accomplished to fuse aeronautical and ground gravity data that are different scales by using this fusion scheme. The fusion scheme we proposed in this study can be used in the fusion of the multi-dimensional (aeronautical, ground and ocean) and multi-scale gravity and magnetic data, which is good for interpretation and popularization.</p>

An improved terracing algorithm for potential-field data

Geophysics ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 85 (5) ◽  
pp. G109-G113
Author(s):  
G. R. J. Cooper
Keyword(s):  
Potential Field ◽  
Field Data ◽  
Shape Index ◽  
Magnetic Data ◽  
Threshold Parameter ◽  
Potential Field Data ◽  
Gravity And Magnetic ◽  
Realistic Result ◽  
Geologic Map ◽  
Gravity And Magnetic Data

Although the boundaries between geologic units with different physical properties are usually quite distinct, the potential-field anomalies associated with them are relatively smooth, particularly for deeper bodies. The terracing filter has been introduced to sharpen anomaly edges and to produce regions of constant amplitude between them, mimicking geologic units on a geologic map. The boundaries between the pseudogeologic units are defined by the zero contour of the Laplacian function. Unfortunately, this can result in the domains of terraced anomalies extending far from the original location of the causative body, producing an image that poorly represents the geology. I have determined that the use of the mathematical shape index of the anomalies, rather than their Laplacian, produces a much more geologically realistic result. The effect can be controlled as desired using a threshold parameter. I evaluate the benefits of the method on gravity and magnetic data from southern Africa.

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