Calculation of Moho Depth by Gravity Anomalies in Qinghai–Tibet Plateau Based on an Improved Iteration of Parker–Oldenburg Inversion

Abstract

A derivative formula for interface inversion using gravity anomalies, combining the Parker–Oldenburg method for calculating and inverting gravity anomalies with Xu’s iteration method for continuing potential fields, leads to a convergent inversion algorithm and an optimally located density interface geometry. In this algorithm, no filtering or any other convergence control techniques are needed during iteration. The method readily iterates the variable depth of the gravity interface by means of upward continuation in a form equivalent to inversion iteration in the Fourier domain instead of the divergent, downward continuation term. This iteration algorithm not only efficiently solves the divergence problem in the inversion iteration procedure but also validly obtains an excellent result for the density interface. A numerical example is presented to illustrate perfect execution of this approach in gravity exploration, and a real geophysical example of inversion of the Moho depth by means of this approach using a set of measured gravity anomalies over the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau in China is offered.