Depth from extreme points method for gravity gradient tensor data

Abstract

ABSTRACTThe ‘depth from extreme points’ method is an important tool to estimate the depth of sources of gravity and magnetic data. In order to interpret gravity gradient tensor data conveniently, formulas for the tensor data form regarding depth from the extreme points method were calculated in this paper. Then, all of the gradient tensor components were directly used to interpret the causative source. Beyond the gzz component, also the gxx and gyy components can be used to obtain depth information. In addition, the total horizontal derivative of the depth from extreme points of the gradient tensor can be used to describe the edge information of geologic sources. In this paper, we investigated the consistency of the homogeneity degree calculated by using the different components, which leads to the calculated depth being confirmed. Therefore, a more integrated interpretation can be obtained by using the gradient tensor components. Different synthetic models were used with and without noise to test the new approach, showing stability, accuracy and speed. The proposed method proved to be a useful tool for gradient tensor data interpretation. Finally, the proposed method was applied to full tensor gradient data acquired over the Vinton Salt Dome, Louisiana, USA, and the results are in agreement with those obtained in previous research studies.