| Abstract: | A discussion is given of the requirements, the advantages and the methods to be considered in attempting the quantitative interpretation of gravity or magnetic fields from computed maps of the vertically derived field. The transform which is used here is the first vertical derivative (or vertical gradient) with or without downward continuation, but the computed maps are in fact obtained by a controllable Fourier method in which two kinds of operations can be simultaneously performed in complete independance: on one hand the separation of any part of the data by frequency cut-off, and on the other hand the transformation by vertical derivation or continuation of the part which is retained. Taking as raw data either actual surveys or artificially constructed maps, it is first shown how separated and transformed maps of this type can be efficiently obtained under quite flexible conditions, using a special computer program. It is further seen that for correctly controlled filterings the accuracy of the computed maps actually permits to take them as the basis for quantitative interpretation. To effect this, any one of the conventional methods which make use of equivalent model computations may in the first place be adapted to the interpretation of gradients, with the benefits, however, of an enhanced lateral separation of the anomalies and of a large attenuation of the regional effects. Particularly, the delineation of horizontal contours for even fairly complex models can often be made directly in a sufficiently safe way on the anomalies as they show on the vertical gradient maps. This greatly accelerates the process of determining equivalent model bodies. More special methods of interpretation can also be designed by taking into account first the fact that the vertical derivation of the field amounts to an operation of separation on the field's sources themselves, and in addition the availability of the frequency form of the information as a result of using a Fourier method of transform computation. Trial utilisations of various such interpretation processes of either the conventional or the less conventional type, are presented especially in connection with an interpretation study on transformed maps of parts of an offshore aeromagnetic survey (English Channel). |
