Geomagnetic field reconnaissance in Kuwait

Abstract

Nearly 150 measurements of the total magnetic field intensity were made in Kuwait in early 1988. Observation points are located primarily along major highways over lines varying in length from few to several tens of kilometers. Measurements were made with a proton magnetometer. Station spacing varied from nearly 1 to 5 km. Diurnal correction to the data was made possible by frequent excursions to the base station. Preliminary analysis of the data indicates that the field intensity undulates in SW-NE direction nearly perpendicular to the regional tectonic trend. The amplitude of these variations range approximately from 30 to 90 γ over wavelengths varying nearly from 38 to 70 km. We have made a combined inversion of the data with the unpublished Bouguer gravity map of the country along a N-S profile in the central region and find that the data are reasonably well matched with predictions of a simple two-dimensional block model. The model consists of a layer overlying a half-space. The variables of the model are the thickness and density of the surface layer and the susceptibility of the basement rock. The observed variation of the magnetic field and Bouguer anomalies for the selected profile may be accounted for either by the simultaneous northward density reduction of about 0.06 g/cm 3 in the surface layer and approximately 15% increase of the basement susceptibility, or else by nearly 800 m variation of the sedimentary thickness.