A method for determination of the magnetization direction by probability tomography

Abstract

Abstract Knowledge of the total magnetization direction of the magnetic anomaly plays an important role in the interpretation of the magnetic survey data. Common methods for estimating the magnetization direction are those for calculating the correlation between the reduced-to-the-pole (RTP) field and the various transformation data of magnetic anomalies. A new method for estimating the magnetization direction through the analysis of magnetic anomalies by probability tomography in the presence of residual magnetization is proposed. The occurrence probability function of magnetic anomalies using probability tomography with the any magnetization inclination and declination was calculated, and then its maximum was searched. Then, the occurrence probability function maxima (OPFMs) at different magnetization inclinations and declinations were calculated and found that the correct magnetization direction corresponds to the largest value of the OPFMs. The proposed method is tested on both synthetic and field data. The results showed that this method was effective in a variety of situations and the computational process was simpler than the other methods.