AN APPROXIMATE SOLUTION OF THE PROBLEM OF MAXIMUM DEPTH IN GRAVITY INTERPRETATION

Abstract

It is assumed that the maximum depth for the mass responsible for a given gravity anomaly is closely approximated by the depth to the top of the vertical‐sided mass (prism or cylinder, as the case may be) whose calculated anomaly gives the closest fit to the observed anomaly, and whose density contrast is the maximum permitted from geological considerations. A set of charts is presented by means of which the depth and dimensions of the prism (or cylinder) of “best fit” can be determined quickly from the amplitude, half‐maximum, and three‐quarter maximum widths of the anomaly, together with the assumed density contrast. Four examples are given of the use of the method with actual data.