Inferring geologic structure from gravity anomalies: Proceed with caution
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Abstract
Characterization of key geologic structures within a study region, such as basin depths, fault offsets, and fault dip, are often derived from gravity data. Gravity modeling of such subsurface geologic structure generally assumes either homogeneous or spatially uncorrelated densities within modeled rock bodies and overlying sediments. This assumption allows modeling to focus on the shape of the subsurface bodies, for example, body depth or fault dip, which then underpin subsequent structural interpretations. However, both surface and drill-hole samples from rock bodies and sediments show a range of density values that exhibit spatial correlation, The spatially-correlated densities add low-frequency noise to the models that is difficult to detect and characterize which can lead to misinterpretations of the subsurface structure.
Suggested Citation
Phelps, G., 2023, Inferring geologic structure from gravity anomalies: Proceed with caution, in Geologic mapping forum 22/23 abstracts, p. 39-40.
| Publication type | Conference Paper |
|---|---|
| Publication Subtype | Conference Paper |
| Title | Inferring geologic structure from gravity anomalies: Proceed with caution |
| Year Published | 2023 |
| Language | English |
| Publisher | Minnesota Geological Survey |
| Contributing office(s) | Geology, Minerals, Energy, and Geophysics Science Center |
| Description | 2 p. |
| Larger Work Type | Book |
| Larger Work Subtype | Conference publication |
| Larger Work Title | Geologic mapping forum 22/23 abstracts |
| First page | 39 |
| Last page | 40 |