A Fast Interpretation Method for Inverse Modeling of Residual Gravity Anomalies Caused by Simple Geometry

An inversion technique using a fast method is developed to estimate, successively, the depth, the shape factor, and the amplitude coefficient of a buried structure using residual gravity anomalies. By defining the anomaly value at the origin and the anomaly value at different points on the profile, the problem of depth estimation is transformed into a problem of solving a nonlinear equation of the form fz=0. Knowing the depth, the shape factor can be estimated and finally the amplitude coefficient can be estimated. This technique is applicable for a class of geometrically simple anomalous bodies, including the semiinfinite vertical cylinder, the infinitely long horizontal cylinder, and the sphere. The efficiency of this technique is demonstrated with gravity anomaly due to a theoretical model, in each case with and without random errors. Finally, the applicability is illustrated using the residual gravity anomaly of Mobrun ore body, situated near Noranda, QC, Canada. The interpreted depth and the other model parameters are in good agreement with the known actual values.