Location and dimensionality estimation of geological bodies using eigenvectors of "Computed Gravity Gradient Tensor"

One of the methodologies employed in gravimetry exploration is eigenvector analysis of Gravity Gradient Tensor (GGT) which yields a solution including an estimation of a causative body’s Center of Mass (COM), dimensionality and strike direction. The eigenvectors of GGT give very rewarding clues about COM and strike direction. Additionally, the relationships between its components provide a quantity (I), representative of a geologic body dimensions. Although this procedure directly measures derivative components of gravity vector, it is costly and demands modern gradiometers. This study intends to obtain GGT from an ordinary gravity field measurement (gz). This Tensor is called Computed GGT (CGGT). In this procedure, some information about a geologic mass COM, strike and rough geometry, just after an ordinary gravimetry survey, is gained. Because of derivative calculations, the impacts of noise existing in the main measured gravity field (gz) could be destructive in CGGT solutions. Accordingly, to adjust them, a “moving twenty-five point averaging” method, and “upward continuation” are applied. The methodology is tested on various complex isolated and binary models in noisy conditions. It is also tested on real geologic example from a salt dome, USA, and all the results are highly acceptable.