VIDL Network introduces you to Potential Fields, or more specifically, gravity and magnetics. The experience allows you to review some applications of these data or to embark on solving a specific geologic problem.
Magnetic data are a little more complicated to use since the magnetic field is dipolar. This means that a magnetized body’s signature (anomaly) character has a minimum and a maximum, and it changes shape based on its geographic relation to the earth’s magnetic field. The initial measured fields must therefore be corrected for geographic location. Once the magnetic field is corrected, the interpretation of geologic structures becomes simpler because their signatures (anomalies) relate to the size, shape, depth, and magnetic susceptibility of the various bodies.
Gravity data can contribute to the resolution of a wide range of geologic problems. The interpretation correlations are considered less complicated than magnetic or electromagnetic fields.
The gravity field relate directly to high- and low-density mass distributions (i.e., geologic bodies). However, interaction between several masses can mask individual body signatures (anomalies). Therefore one needs to be versed on residualization techniques to isolate the anomaly of geologic interest.
Gravity is just as useful a tool for investigating deep tectonic structures as part of regional syntheses as it is for finding buried streambeds or caves in urban engineering studies. Data acquisition survey parameters and meter precision will differ, of course, with the intended use of the data.
Singularly or integrated with other potential field data, one can outline sedimentary basins, delineate basement structure, rifts, faults, dykes, sills, salt features, granitic plutons, igneous intrusives, regolith drainage patterns, barite veins or kimberlite pipes.
VIDL Network allows you to select either specific modules pertaining to your objective or project options to investigate.