Three-dimensional regularized focusing inversion of gravity gradient tensor component data

We develop a new method for interpretation of tensor gravity field component data , based on regularized fo­ cusing inversion. The focusing inversion makes its possi­ ble to reconstruct a sharper image oft he geo logical target than conventional maximum smoo thness inversion .Th is new techn ique can be efficiently applied for the interpre­ tat ion of gravity gradiometer da ta, which a re sensitive to local density anomalies. The numerical modelin g and in­ version results show tha t the reso lution of the gravity method can be improved significantly if we use tensor gravi ty data for interpretation. We also applyour method for inversion of the gradien t gravity data collec ted by BHP Billiton over the Cannington Ag-Pb-Zn orebody in Queensland , Austra lia.The comparison with the drilling resul ts dem onstr ates a remarkable corre lation between the density anomaly reco nstructed by the gravity gra ­ dient dat a and the tru e structure of the orebod y. This result indicates that the emerging new geo physical tech­ nolo gy of the airborne gravi ty gradient observations can improve significantly the practical effectiveness of the gravity meth od in mineral explora tio n.