scholarly journals GRV_D_inv: A graphical user interface for 3D forward and inverse modeling of gravity data

2021 ◽  
Vol 43 (1) ◽  
pp. 181-193
Author(s):  
L.T. Pham ◽  
E. Oksum ◽  
M.N. Dolmaz
Keyword(s):  
Fourier Transforms ◽  
Gravity Data ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Gravity Inversion ◽  
Interactive Control ◽  
Moho Interface ◽  
Matlab Code ◽  
Density Interface ◽  
Control Functions ◽  
Forward And Inverse Modeling

This paper presents a new gravity inversion tool GRV_D_inv, specifically a GUI-based Matlab code developed to determine the three-dimensional depth structure of a density interface. The algorithm used performs iteratively in the frequency-domain based on a relationship between the Fourier transforms of the gravity data and the sum of the Fourier transforms of the powers of the depth to the interface. In this context, the proposed code is time-efficient in computations, and thus, it is capable of handling large arrays of data. The GUI-enabled interactive control functions of the code enable the user with easy control in setting the parameters for the inversion strategy prior the operation, and allow optional choice for displaying and recording of the outputs data without requiring coding expertise. We validated the code by applying it to both noise-free and noisy synthetic gravity data produced by a density interface; we obtained good correlation between the calculated ones and the actual relief even in the presence of noise. We also applied the code to a real gravity data from Brittany (France) for determining the 3D Moho interface as a practical example. The recovered depths from the code compare well with the published Moho structures of this study area.

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>

Topography of the crust–mantle interface under the Western Superior craton from gravity data

2003 ◽  
Vol 40 (10) ◽  
pp. 1307-1320 ◽  
Author(s):  
B Nitescu ◽  
A R Cruden ◽  
R C Bailey
Keyword(s):  
Gravity Data ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Gravity Anomalies ◽  
Gravity Inversion ◽  
Constant Density ◽  
Inversion Algorithm ◽  
Data Set ◽  
Mantle Boundary ◽  
Refraction Seismic ◽  
Superior Craton

The Moho undulations beneath the western part of the Archean Superior Province have been investigated with a three-dimensional gravity inversion algorithm for a single interface of constant density contrast. Inversion of the complete gravity data set produces unreal effects in the solution due to the ambiguity in the possible sources of some crustal gravity anomalies. To avoid these effects a censored gravity data set was used instead. The inversion results are consistent with reflection and refraction seismic data from the region and, therefore, provide a basis for the lateral correlation of the Moho topography between parallel seismic lines. The results indicate the existence of a major linear east–west-trending rise of the Moho below the metasedimentary English River subprovince, which is paralleled by crustal roots below the granite–greenstone Uchi and Wabigoon subprovinces. This correlation between the subprovincial structure at the surface and deep Moho undulations suggests that the topography of the crust–mantle boundary is related to the tectonic evolution of the Western Superior belts. Although certain features of the crust–mantle boundary are likely inherited from the accretionary and collisional stages of the Western Superior craton, gravity-driven processes triggered by subsequent magmatism and crustal softening may have played a role in both the preservation of those features, as well as in the development of new ones.

scholarly journals BASEMENT STRUCTURES IN SANTOS BASIN (BRAZIL) FROM SATELLITE ALTIMETRY AND MARINE GEOPHYSICS

2015 ◽  
Vol 33 (1) ◽  
pp. 29
Author(s):  
Renata Constantino ◽  
Eder Cassola Molina
Keyword(s):  
Satellite Altimetry ◽  
Gravity Data ◽  
Bouguer Anomaly ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Gravity Inversion ◽  
Gravity Effect ◽  
Three Dimensional Model ◽  
Basement Depth ◽  
Basement Structures ◽  
Cabo Frio

ABSTRACT. This paper estimated the basement depth of the Santos Basin region, S˜ao Paulo State, Brazil, combining gravity data obtained from satellite altimetry and marine gravimetry, bathymetric data and sediment thickness from international data banks, and crustal thickness data available in the region. The first step consisted of calculating the gravity effect of sediments in Santos Basin, and the Crustal Mantle Interface (CMI) was modeled from constrained gravity inversion. Subsequently, the reliability of the models obtained was tested by flexural analysis with satisfactory results, as the flexural and gravimetric CMIs showed good agreement. The gravity effect of flexural CMI and the gravity effect of sediments were then calculated and subtracted from the original Bouguer anomaly. The residual field thus obtained, which is assumed to represent the topographical features of the basement, was inverted in the last step of the work, providing information that shows a basement with features of up to 700 m that appear to be in agreement with tectonic features previous discussed, such as the Avedis volcanic chain. The basement depth estimated during this study showed depths ranging from 1,500 to 10,500 m, and the deepest region is consistent with the Cabo Frio Fault. The methodology used in the study showed that from a combined data analysis, it is possible to obtain a three-dimensional model of the basement in ocean areas. This non-seismic approach can be advantageous in terms of efficiency and cost. The knowledge of the basement can offer important insights for the development of genetic and tectonic models of exploratory interest in the region.Keywords: basement, Santos Basin, gravity. RESUMO. Este trabalho visa estimar a profundidade do embasamento na região da Bacia de Santos por meio de uma análise combinada de dados gravimétricos obtidos a partir de altimetria por satélite e gravimetria marinha, com dados batimétricos e modelos de espessura sedimentar provenientes de bancos de dados internacionais e dados de espessura crustal disponíveis na região. Na primeira etapa do trabalho foi calculado o efeito do pacote sedimentar no sinal gravimétrico na Bacia de Santos, como também foi modelada a profundidade da Interface Crosta Manto (ICM) a partir de inversão gravimétrica com vínculos. Na etapa seguinte, a confiabilidade dos modelos obtidos foi testada através de an´álise flexural e o resultado foi satisfatório, mostrando que a ICM flexural e a ICM gravimétrica estão em concordância. Prosseguindo para etapa seguinte, o efeito gravimétrico da ICM encontrada por análise flexural e o efeito gravimétrico dos sedimentos foram então calculados e subtraídos da anomalia Bouguer original. O campo residual assim obtido, que se admite representar as feições topográficas do embasamento, foi invertido na última etapa do trabalho, fornecendo informações que mostram um embasamento com feições topográficas de até 700 m, que parecem estar em concordância com feições tectônicas discutidas em trabalhos pretéritos, como por exemplo a cadeia vulcânica Avedis. A profundidade do embasamento estimada durante este trabalho mostrou profundidades que vão desde 1.500 a 10.500 m, sendo que a região mais profunda corresponde à falha de Cabo Frio. Este trabalho demonstrou que, a partir de uma análise combinada de dados, é possível obter um modelo tridimensional do embasamento. O método, por ser não sísmico, pode ser vantajoso em questões de eficiência. O conhecimento deste embasamento é crucial na identificação de feições tectônicas, enquanto as informações sobre sua profundidade e topografia podem oferecer importantes subsídios para a elaboração de modelos genéticos e tectônicos de interesse exploratório na região.Palavras-chave: embasamento, Bacia de Santos, gravimetria.

scholarly journals Subsurface structure investigation of the United Arab Emirates using gravity data

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 262-271
Author(s):  
Hakim Saibi ◽  
Diab Bakri Hag ◽  
Mohammed Saeed Mohammed Alamri ◽  
Hamdan Abdo Ali
Keyword(s):  
United Arab Emirates ◽  
Crustal Structure ◽  
Gravity Data ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Petroleum Exploration ◽  
Gravity Inversion ◽  
Subsurface Structure ◽  
Bouguer Anomalies ◽  
Groundwater Aquifers ◽  
3D Gravity

Abstract The crustal structure beneath the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is still relatively unknown. Here, we use regional gravity data to constrain the subsurface density distribution and structure of the crust of the UAE by applying diverse gravity derivatives methods such as horizontal derivative (HDR), analytic signal (AS), and tilt angle (TA) to analyze the subsurface structure and perform three-dimensional (3D) gravity inversion for imaging crustal structure from the surface down to 35 km depth. The results are compared with known geological regional structures and the location of the petroleum fields. The Bouguer anomalies range from −100.8 to 113.5 mGal. The 3D gravity inversion results and the maximum Bouguer values coincide with the ophiolitic Hajar mountains in the east and the successive anticlines (uplifted basement rocks) and synclines in different parts of UAE, which could be promising sites for future mining and petroleum exploration. Also, the 3D density model results and the minimum Bouguer anomalies are located over the Aruma Basin, eastern UAE Platform, and Low Central UAE Platform, which can be the places for deep groundwater aquifers. These new results from HDR, AS, and TA successfully identify known geological structures, especially in the eastern part of UAE.

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.

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.

Assessing Model Uncertainty for the Scaling Function Inversion of Potential Fields

Geophysics ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 1-39
Author(s):  
Mahak Singh Chauhan ◽  
Ivano Pierri ◽  
Mrinal K. Sen ◽  
Maurizio FEDI
Keyword(s):  
Simulated Annealing Algorithm ◽  
Scaling Function ◽  
Vertical Section ◽  
Gravity Data ◽  
Geometric Model ◽  
Salt Dome ◽  
The Body ◽  
Gravity Inversion ◽  
Geometrical Parameters ◽  
The Scaling Function

We use the very fast simulated annealing algorithm to invert the scaling function along selected ridges, lying in a vertical section formed by upward continuing gravity data to a set of altitudes. The scaling function is formed by the ratio of the field derivative by the field itself and it is evaluated along the lines formed by the zeroes of the horizontal field derivative at a set of altitudes. We also use the same algorithm to invert gravity anomalies only at the measurement altitude. Our goal is analyzing the different models obtained through the two different inversions and evaluating the relative uncertainties. One main difference is that the scaling function inversion is independent on density and the unknowns are the geometrical parameters of the source. The gravity data are instead inverted for the source geometry and the density simultaneously. A priori information used for both the inversions is that the source has a known depth to the top. We examine the results over the synthetic examples of a salt dome structure generated by Talwani’s approach and real gravity datasets over the Mors salt dome and the Decorah (USA) basin. For all these cases, the scaling function inversion yielded models with a better sensitivity to specific features of the sources, such as the tilt of the body, and reduced uncertainty. We finally analyzed the density, which is one of the unknowns for the gravity inversion and it is estimated from the geometric model for the scaling function inversion. The histograms over the density estimated at many iterations show a very concentrated distribution for the scaling function, while the density contrast retrieved by the gravity inversion, according to the fundamental ambiguity density/volume, is widely dispersed, this making difficult to assess its best estimate.

scholarly journals Basin Depth Mapping Beneath Wellington City Based on Residual Gravity Anomalies

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Alistair Stronach
Keyword(s):  
Gravity Anomaly ◽  
Sedimentary Basin ◽  
Gravity Data ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Maximum Amplitude ◽  
Central Business District ◽  
Gravity Anomalies ◽  
Depth Map ◽  
Capital City ◽  
Detailed Knowledge

<p><b>New Zealand’s capital city of Wellington lies in an area of high seismic risk, which is further increased by the sedimentary basin beneath the Central Business District (CBD). Ground motion data and damage patterns from the 2013 Cook Strait and 2016 Kaikōura earthquakes indicate that two- and three-dimensional amplification effects due to the Wellington sedimentary basin may be significant. These effects are not currently accounted for in the New Zealand Building Code. In order for this to be done, three-dimensional simulations of earthquake shaking need to be undertaken, which requires detailed knowledge of basin geometry. This is currently lacking, primarily because of a dearth of deep boreholes in the CBD area, particularly in Thorndon and Pipitea where sediment depths are estimated to be greatest.</b></p> <p>A new basin depth map for the Wellington CBD has been created by conducting a gravity survey using a modern Scintrex CG-6 gravity meter. Across the study area, 519 new high precision gravity measurements were made and a residual anomaly map created, showing a maximum amplitude anomaly of -6.2 mGal with uncertainties better than ±0.1 mGal. Thirteen two-dimensional geological profiles were modelled to fit the anomalies, then combined with existing borehole constraints to construct the basin depth map. </p> <p>Results indicate on average greater depths than in existing models, particularly in Pipitea where depths are interpreted to be as great as 450 m, a difference of 250 m. Within 1 km of shore depths are interpreted to increase further, to 600 m. The recently discovered basin bounding Aotea Fault is resolved in the gravity data, where the basement is offset by up to 13 m, gravity anomaly gradients up to 8 mGal/km are observed, and possible multiple fault strands identified. A secondary strand of the Wellington Fault is also identified in the north of Pipitea, where gravity anomaly gradients up to 18 mGal/km are observed.</p>

scholarly journals P-wave velocity and density structure beneath Mt. Vesuvius: a magma body in the upper edifice?

2013 ◽  
Vol 56 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Paolo Capuano ◽  
Guido Russo ◽  
Roberto Scarpa
Keyword(s):  
High Resolution ◽  
Wave Velocity ◽  
Gravity Data ◽  
High Energy ◽  
P Wave ◽  
Gravity Inversion ◽  
Density Structure ◽  
Resolution Image ◽  
High Resolution Image ◽  
P Wave Velocity

<p>A high-resolution image of the compressional wave velocity and density structure in the shallow edifice of Mount Vesuvius has been derived from simultaneous inversion of travel times and hypocentral parameters of local earthquakes and from gravity inversion. The robustness of the tomography solution has been improved by adding to the earthquake data a set of land based shots, used for constraining the travel time residuals. The results give a high resolution image of the P-wave velocity structure with details down to 300-500 m. The relocated local seismicity appears to extend down to 5 km depth below the central crater, distributed into two clusters, and separated by an anomalously high Vp region positioned at around 1 km depth. A zone with high Vp/Vs ratio in the upper layers is interpreted as produced by the presence of intense fluid circulation alternatively to the interpretation in terms of a small magma chamber inferred by petrologic studies. In this shallower zone the seismicity has the minimum energy, whilst most of the high-energy quakes (up to Magnitude 3.6) occur in the cluster located at greater depth. The seismicity appears to be located along almost vertical cracks, delimited by a high velocity body located along past intrusive body, corresponding to remnants of Mt. Somma. In this framework a gravity data inversion has been performed to study the shallower part of the volcano. Gravity data have been inverted using a method suitable for the application to scattered data in presence of relevant topography based on a discretization of the investigated medium performed by establishing an approximation of the topography by a triangular mesh. The tomography results, the retrieved density distribution, and the pattern of relocated seismicity exclude the presence of significant shallow magma reservoirs close to the central conduit. These should be located at depth higher than that of the base of the hypocenter volume, as evidenced by previous studies.</p>

scholarly journals Grid preparation for magnetic and gravity data using fractal fields

2012 ◽  
Vol 19 (2) ◽  
pp. 291-296 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Pilkington ◽  
P. Keating
Keyword(s):  
Potential Field ◽  
Fourier Transforms ◽  
Gravity Data ◽  
Fractal Model ◽  
Data Sets ◽  
Spectral Character ◽  
Aeromagnetic Survey ◽  
Fractal Method ◽  
Gravity Measurements ◽  
Interpretive Method

Abstract. Most interpretive methods for potential field (magnetic and gravity) measurements require data in a gridded format. Many are also based on using fast Fourier transforms to improve their computational efficiency. As such, grids need to be full (no undefined values), rectangular and periodic. Since potential field surveys do not usually provide data sets in this form, grids must first be prepared to satisfy these three requirements before any interpretive method can be used. Here, we use a method for grid preparation based on a fractal model for predicting field values where necessary. Using fractal field values ensures that the statistical and spectral character of the measured data is preserved, and that unwanted discontinuities at survey boundaries are minimized. The fractal method compares well with standard extrapolation methods using gridding and maximum entropy filtering. The procedure is demonstrated on a portion of a recently flown aeromagnetic survey over a volcanic terrane in southern British Columbia, Canada.

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