Mapping the Structure and Depth of Sedimentary Basins Using the Magnetic Tilt-depth Method

Abstract

The aim of this contribution is to show that it is possible to transform a magnetic anomaly map using the recently introduced 'Tilt-Depth' method, which only uses first order derivatives, into a form that allows an initial and rapid means of evaluating the depth and structure of sedimentary basins. We do this by introducing a new colour mapping method. This method assumes a simple buried vertical contact model such that the 0 degree contour of the Tilt derivative closely following the edge of the vertical contact whilst the distance between the 0 degree and the +/-45 degree contours providing the depth estimate to the top of the buried contact. The method has been tested on simple 2D and 3D models with success and is used here to illustrate its value at regional (continental) and local (exploration) scales data sets.