On application of fractal magnetization in Curie depth estimation from magnetic anomalies

Abstract

As an independent geothermal proxy, the Curie-point depth has important geodynamic implications, but its estimation from magnetic anomalies requires an understanding of the spatial correlation of source magnetization, mathematically characterized by a fractal exponent. In this paper, we show that fractal exponent and Curie depth are so strongly inter-connected that attempts to simultaneous or iterative estimation of both of them often turn out to be futile. In cases of true large Curie depths, the iterative “de-fractal” method has a tendency of overcorrecting fractal exponents and thereby producing erroneously small Curie depths and smearing out true geological trends. While true fractal exponent can no way be constant over a large area, a regionally fixed fractal exponent is better than any mathematical treatments that are beyond the limit of data resolution and the underlying physics.