Marquardt optimization of gravity anomalies of anticlinal and synclinal structures with prescribed depth-dependent density

Abstract

An inversion technique using the Marquardt optimization is developed to interpret the gravity anomalies due to anticlinal and synclinal structures with density contrast varying continuously with depth. The algorithm simultaneously estimates the parameters of the respective models, in addition to the regional gravity background that is invariably associated with the residual gravity anomaly. Forward modelling is realized through analytically derived gravity expressions for the respective models in the space domain. The efficacy of the inversion is demonstrated with the gravity anomaly due to a theoretical model, in each case with and without the regional background. In addition, the applicability is illustrated using the gravity anomalies of the Pays De Bray anticline, situated north-west of Paris, France. The interpreted depth of the Pays De Bray anticline using the present inversion compares well with the drilling depth. © 2007 European Association of Geoscientists & Engineers.