Processing and Interpretation of UAV Magnetic Data: A Workflow Based on Improved Variational Mode Decomposition and Levenberg-Marquardt Algorithm

Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) have become a research hotspot in the field of magnetic exploration because of their unique advantages, e.g., low cost, high safety, and easy to operate. However, the lack of effective data processing and interpretation method limits their further deployment. In view of this situation, a complete workflow of UAV magnetic data processing and interpretation is proposed in this paper, which can be divided into two steps: (1) the improved variational mode decomposition (VMD) is applied to the original data to improve its signal-to-noise ratio as much as possible, and the decomposition modes number K is determined adaptively according to the mode characteristics; (2) the parameters of target position and magnetic moment are obtained by Euler deconvolution first, and then used as the prior information of the Levenberg–Marquardt (LM) algorithm to further improve its accuracy. Experiments are carried out to verify the effectiveness of the proposed method. Results show that the proposed method can significantly improve the quality of the original data; by combining the Euler deconvolution and LM algorithm, the horizontal positioning error can be reduced from 15.31 cm to 4.05 cm, and the depth estimation error can be reduced from 16.2 cm to 5.4 cm. Moreover, the proposed method can be used not only for the detection and location of near-surface targets, but also for the follow-up work, such as the clearance of targets (e.g., the unexploded ordnance).

Interpretation of Aeromagnetic Data of Part of Gwagwalada Abuja Nigeria for Potential Mineral Targets

This study analyzes aeromagnetic data over a section of Gwagwalada in Abuja. The data were obtained from the Nigerian Geological Survey Agency acquired at 100 m terrain clearance. The study area spans longitudes 7.0875 E to 7.1458 E and latitude 8.9625 N to 9.0 N (about 27 km2). The dataset was reduced to the equator (RTE) and downward continued by 50 m. Analytic signal filter was applied on TMI-RTE grid to detect the edges of the magnetic bodies present. The structure was observed to trend NE-SW. The CET lineament map reveals intersections such as junctions and corners on the map. This revealed structure liable for potential mineralization zone. Euler deconvolution technique applied over the transformed dataset ascertain the location and depth of the structure,having a maximum depth of about 421 m and a minimum of about 59 m.Variation in magnetic depth and susceptibility contrast is specified by the gridded SPI depth map.

Application of the Euler deconvolution 2D and 3D at the Pari syncline, internal area of the Paraguay Belt, Mato Grosso, Brazil

Among the several techniques that allow the estimation of mean depths from airborne geophysical magnetic data, the Euler deconvolution became popular due to the high level of reliability in the generated data. With the use of this tool, it is possible to study structures remotely at different crustal levels that may or may not contain mineralization, consequently being able to determine potential targets for mineral exploration or to study better its relation with the structural background. With the analysis of the magnetic susceptibility of subsurface and the inversion profiles of the magnetic data (Euler deconvolution 2D) were interpolate a 3D model of the region, that allowed to generate a descriptive suggestion of the geometry of the Pari syncline, located in the Cuiabá Group, in the northwestern portion of the Paraguay belt. It has a strong structural control in the context of the Pari River basin and a great auriferous potential, as evidenced by updated research and exploration data. The data applied in this paper were extract from the Cuiabá aerogeophysical project and previous mappings and have their mean depths correlated with the Cuiabá group.

Estimation of Depth to Bouguer Anomaly Sources Using Euler Deconvolution Techniques

The geophysical measurement of variations in gravitational field of the Earth for a particular location is carried out through a gravity survey method. These variations termed anomalies can help investigate the subsurface of interest. An investigation was carried out using the airborne satellite-based (EGM08) gravity dataset to reveal the geological information inherent in a location. Qualitative analysis of the gravity dataset by filtering techniques of two-dimensional fast Fourier transform (FFT2D) shows that the area is made up of basement and sedimentary Formations. Further enhancements on the residual anomaly after separation show the sedimentary intrusion into the study area and zones of possible rock minerals of high and low density contrasts. Quantitative interpretations of the study area by 3-D Euler deconvolution depth estimation technique described the depth and locations of gravity bodies that yielded the gravity field. The result of the depth to basement approach was found to be in the depth range of 930 m to 2,686 m (for Structural Index, SI = 0). The research location is a probable area for economic mineral deposits and hydrocarbon exploration.

Multi-scale analysis and modelling of aeromagnetic data over the Bétaré-Oya area in eastern Cameroon, for structural evidence investigations

This study was carried out in the Lom series in Cameroon, at the border with Central African Republic, located between the latitudes 5∘30′–6∘ N and the longitudes 13∘30′–14∘45′ E. A multi-scale analysis of aeromagnetic data combining tilt derivative, Euler deconvolution, upward continuation, and 2.75D modelling was used. The following conclusions were drawn. (1) Several major families of faults were mapped. Their orientations are ENE–WSW, E–W, NW–SE, and N–S with a NE–SW prevalence. The latter are predominantly sub-vertical with NW and SW dips and appear to be prospective for future mining investigations. (2) The evidence of compression, folding, and shearing axis was concluded from superposition of null contours of the tilt derivative and Euler deconvolution. The principal evidence of the local tectonics was due to several deformation episodes (D1, D2, and D4) associated with NE–SW, E–W, and NW–SE events, respectively. (3) Depths of interpreted faults range from 1000 to 3400 m. (4) Several linear structures correlating with known mylonitic veins were identified. These are associated with the Lom faults and represent the contacts between the Lom series and the granito-gneissic rocks; we concluded the intense folding was caused by senestral and dextral NE–SW and NW–SE stumps. (5) We propose a structural model of the top of the crust (schists, gneisses, granites) that delineates principal intrusions (porphyroid granite, garnet gneiss, syenites, micaschists, graphite, and garnet gneiss) responsible for the observed anomalies. The 2.75D modelling revealed many faults with a depth greater than 1200 m and confirmed the observations from reduced-to-Equator total magnetic intensity (RTE-TMI), tilt derivative, and Euler deconvolution. (6) We developed a lithologic profile of the Bétaré-Oya basin.

The Use of Euler Deconvolution Technique in the Estimation of Depth to Magnetic Source Bodies around the Schist Belt Parts of Kano State, Nigeria

Depth estimation of magnetic source bodies in parts of the Schist Belt of Kano, using Euler Deconvolution is presented in this paper. Detail ground magnetic survey was carried out using SCINTREX proton precession magnetometer to produce the Total Magnetic Intensity (TMI) map and consequently the residual map. The TMI ranges from 34,261 nT to 34,365 nT, while the residual field ranges from -160 nT to 115 nT. The depth estimate for contacts ranges from 6.5 m to 39.8 m, while that of dyke ranges from 8.9 m to 51.3 m. The depth estimation presented in this work is compared with the results of aeromagnetic study carried out in the same area and found to agree fairly well. Further, this also ensures the validity of aeromagnetic investigation in such applications. Keywords: Contacts, Dykes, Euler Deconvolution, Schist Belt. PACS: 91.25.F and 91.25.Rt.