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Data Series 234

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Nevada Magnetic and Gravity Maps and Data: A Website for the Distribution of Data

By Robert P. Kucks, Patricia L. Hill, and David A. Ponce

thumbnail of Merged Aeromagnetic Anomaly Image of Alaska and link to Downloads
DS 234
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Nevada composite magnetic anomaly map.
Project Description

Magnetic anomalies are due to variations in the Earth's magnetic field caused by the uneven distribution of magnetic minerals (primarily magnetite) in the rocks that make up the upper part of the Earth's crust. The features and patterns of the magnetic anomalies can be used to delineate details of subsurface geology, including the locations of buried faults and magnetite-bearing rocks and the depth to the base of sedimentary basins. This information is valuable for mineral exploration, geologic mapping, and environmental studies.

The Nevada magnetic map is constructed from grids that combine information (see data processing details) collected in 82 separate magnetic surveys conducted between 1947 and 2004. The data from these surveys are of varying quality. The design and specifications (terrain clearance, sampling rates, line spacing, and reduction procedures) varied from survey to survey depending on the purpose of the project and the technology of that time. Every attempt was made to acquire the data in digital form. Most of the available digital data...>>MORE



Crustal Imaging and Characterization Team


Version 1.0

Posted December 2006

For more information about this report contact: Bob Kucks