Comparison between Upward Continuation and Gaussian Techniques, and their Relation to the Source Depth, Case Study in Eastern Central Iraq

Abstract

The IGMAS+ forward program is used to compare upward continuation and Gaussian wavelength techniques in separating residual from regional anomalies of gravity data of a synthetic model and case study area, in eastern central Iraq. The comparison indicate a certain relation between the upward continuation and the Gaussian wavelength cutoff, so it is possible to produce the same regional and residual anomaly maps using each one of them. For the study area, the Gaussian cutoff 115000 maps coincide with the upward 12km regional and residuals maps, also the Gaussian cutoff 455000 maps coincide the upward 54km.The relation between the parameters of the two techniques, in case of produce coincide maps, it may be used to obtain the depth of gravity anomaly causative sources. It is found that ratio of Gaussian wavelength cutoff parameter to the upward parameter multiplied by 1.25 equal to the average level depth below the deeper source causing the residual anomalies. The average depth of residual anomalies in the case study area found equal to 10.5 km. The basement depth in the study area were coincide with the depth values from previous studies and geologically is very acceptabile.