The Southern Mid-Content Rift Regional Gravity Removal with Geology Constrained Density Inversion

Abstract:

In the southern mid-content rift through Kansas, Oklahoma and northern Texas there are gravity anomalies that obscure the near surface geology. Standard gravity data processing techniques and filtering schemes within the area have been presented over and over again and yet the near surface geologic structure remain un-resolved. It’s time to investigate the source of the gravity field; the geology. Simple, and consistent 3D geology interpretations and density inversions yields regional removal. Additionally it has often been observed the gravity and magnetic anomalies are inconsistent the geology holds another explanation. The source of many of the gravity anomalies are located in the deep crust below curie depth. The results of the initial 3D geology interpretation and the density inversion produces a residual free-air anomaly, RFAA, reflecting the near surface geology and structures and un-modeled geologic effects.