Euler deconvolution of gravity tensor gradient data

Abstract

Tensor Euler deconvolution has been developed to help interpret gravity tensor gradient data in terms of 3-D subsurface geological structure. Two forms of Euler deconvolution have been used in this study: conventional Euler deconvolution using three gradients of the vertical component of the gravity vector and tensor Euler deconvolution using all tensor gradients. These methods have been tested on point, prism, and cylindrical mass models using line and gridded data forms. The methods were then applied to measured gravity tensor gradient data for the Eugene Island area of the Gulf of Mexico using gridded and ungridded data forms. The results from the model and measured data show significantly improved performance of the tensor Euler deconvolution method, which exploits all measured tensor gradients and hence provides additional constraints on the Euler solutions.