Coastal bathymetry inversion using SAR-based altimetric gravity data:A case study over the South Sandwich Island

The global bathymetry models are usually of low accuracy over the coastline of polar areas due to the harsh climatic environment and the complex topography.Satellite altimetric gravity data can be a supplement and plays a key role in bathymetry modeling over these regions.The Synthetic Aperture Radar(SAR)altimeters in the missions like CryoSat-2 and Sentinel-3A/3B can relieve waveform contamination that existed in conventional altimeters and provide data with improved accuracy and spatial resolution.In this study,we investigate the potential application of SAR altimetric gravity data in enhancing coastal bathymetry,where the effects on local bathymetry modeling introduced from SAR altimetry data are quantified and evaluated.Furthermore,we study the effects on bathymetry modeling by using different scale factor calculation approaches,where a partition-wise scheme is implemented.The numerical experiment over the South Sandwich Islands near Antarctica suggests that using SARbased altimetric gravity data improves local coastal bathymetry modeling,compared with the model calculated without SAR altimetry data by a magnitude of 3:55 m within 10 km of offshore areas.Moreover,by using the partition-wise scheme for scale factor calculation,the quality of the coastal bathymetry model is improved by 7.34 m compared with the result derived from the traditional method.These results indicate the superiority of using SAR altimetry data in coastal bathymetry inversion.

Extrapolated Tikhonov method and inversion of 3D density images of gravity data

Tikhonov regularization（TR） method has played a very important role in the gravity data and magnetic data process. In this paper, the Tikhonov regularization method with respect to the inversion of gravity data is discussed. and the extrapolated TR method（EXTR） is introduced to improve the fitting error. Furthermore, the effect of the parameters in the EXTR method on the fitting error, number of iterations, and inversion results are discussed in details. The computation results using a synthetic model with the same and different densities indicated that. compared with the TR method, the EXTR method not only achieves the a priori fitting error level set by the interpreter but also increases the fitting precision, although it increases the computation time and number of iterations. And the EXTR inversion results are more compact than the TR inversion results, which are more divergent. The range of the inversion data is closer to the default range of the model parameters, and the model features and default model density distribution agree well.

Interpretation of the west segment of the coastal fault zone in the coastal region of South China based on the gravity data

By systemic processing, comprehensive analysis, and interpretation of gravity data, we confirmed the existence of the west segment of the coastal fault zone(west of Yangjiang to Beibu Bay) in the coastal region of South China. This showed an apparent high gravity gradient in the NEE direction, and worse linearity and less compactness than that in the Pearl River month. This also revealed a relatively large curvature and a complicated gravity structure. In the finding images processed by the gravity data system, each fault was well reflected and primarily characterized by isolines or thick black stripes with a cutting depth greater than 30 km. Though mutually cut by NW-trending and NE-trending faults, the apparent NEE stripe-shaped structure of the west segment of the coastal fault zone remained unchanged,with good continuity and an activity strength higher than that of NW and NE-trending faults. Moreover,we determined that the west segment of the coastal fault zone is the major seismogenic structure responsible for strong earthquakes in the coastal region in the border area of Guangdong, Guangxi, and Hainan.

3D inversion of borehole gravity data using cokriging

Borehole gravity has been used in mineral exploration recently with the advent of slim-hole gravimeters. It is logical to perform inversion to utilize the information in the newly acquired data. The inversions were carried out by using cokriging,which is a geostatistical method of estimation that minimizes the error variance by applying cross-correlation between several variables. In this study the estimated densities are derived by using boreholes gravity and known densities along the borehole. This method does not need iterative process and computes efficiently. The selection of examples demonstrates that this method has the ability to include physical property from borehole measurements in the inversion. The synthetic examples demonstrate the density variation along a borehole can be well determined without depth constraints in the inversion. The resolution of the recovered model can be further improved by including the densities along the borehole for inversion. However,this capability decreases dramatically with the increasing of distance between the anomalous body and the borehole.

External calibration of GOCE data using regional terrestrial gravity data

This paper reports on a study of the methodology of external calibration of GOCE data, using regional terrestrial-gravity data. Three regions around the world are selected in the numerical experiments. The result indicates that this calibration method is feasible. The effect is best with an accuracy of scale factor at 10 -2 level, in Australia, where the area is smooth and the gravity data points are dense. The accuracy is one order of magnitude lower in both Canada, where the area is smooth but the data points are sparse, and Norway, where the area is rather tough and the data points are sparse.

Geophysical Modeling with Satellite Gravity Data: Eigen-6C4 vs. GGM Plus

Satellite data sets are an asset in global gravity collections;their characteristics vary in coverage and resolution. New collections appear often, and the user must adapt fast to their characteristics. Their use in geophysical modeling is rapidly increasing;with this in mind we compare two of the most densely populated sets: EIGEN-6C4 and GGMplus. We characterize them in terms of their frequency histograms, Free Air anomalies, power spectrum, and simple Bouguer anomalies. The nature of the digital elevation models used for data reduction is discussed. We conclude that the GGMplus data set offers a better spatial resolution. To evaluate their effect in geophysical modelling, we chose an inland region with a prominent volcanic structure in which we perform 3D inversions of the respective Bouguer anomalies, obtaining density variations that in principle can be associated with the geologic materials and the structure of the volcanic edifice. Model results are analyzed along sections of the inverted data;we conclude that the GGMplus data set offers higher resolution in the cases analyzed.

Forest aboveground biomass estimates in a tropical rainforest in Madagascar: new insights from the use of wood specific gravity data

To generate carbon credits under the Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and forest Degradation program（REDD＋）, accurate estimates of forest carbon stocks are needed. Carbon accounting efforts have focused on carbon stocks in aboveground biomass（AGB）.Although wood specific gravity（WSG） is known to be an important variable in AGB estimates, there is currently a lack of data on WSG for Malagasy tree species. This study aimed to determine whether estimates of carbon stocks calculated from literature-based WSG values differed from those based on WSG values measured on wood core samples. Carbon stocks in forest biomass were assessed using two WSG data sets：（i） values measured from 303 wood core samples extracted in the study area,（ii） values derived from international databases. Results suggested that there is difference between the field and literaturebased WSG at the 0.05 level. The latter data set was on average 16 % higher than the former. However, carbon stocks calculated from the two data sets did not differ significantly at the 0.05 level. Such findings could be attributed to the form of the allometric equation used which gives more weight to tree diameter and tree height than to WSG. The choice of dataset should depend on the level of accuracy（Tier II or III） desired by REDD＋. As higher levels of accuracy are rewarded by higher prices, speciesspecific WSG data would be highly desirable.

A method for extracting the preseismic gravity anomalies over the Tibetan Plateau based on the maximum shear strain using GRACE data

The occurrence of earthquakes is closely related to the crustal geotectonic movement and the migration of mass,which consequently cause changes in gravity.The Gravity Recovery And Climate Experiment(GRACE)satellite data can be used to detect gravity changes associated with large earthquakes.However,previous GRACE satellite-based seismic gravity-change studies have focused more on coseismic gravity changes than on preseismic gravity changes.Moreover,the noise of the north–south stripe in GRACE data is difficult to eliminate,thereby resulting in the loss of some gravity information related to tectonic activities.To explore the preseismic gravity anomalies in a more refined way,we first propose a method of characterizing gravity variation based on the maximum shear strain of gravity,inspired by the concept of crustal strain.The offset index method is then adopted to describe the gravity anomalies,and the spatial and temporal characteristics of gravity anomalies before earthquakes are analyzed at the scales of the fault zone and plate,respectively.In this work,experiments are carried out on the Tibetan Plateau and its surrounding areas,and the following findings are obtained:First,from the observation scale of the fault zone,we detect the occurrence of large-area gravity anomalies near the epicenter,oftentimes about half a year before an earthquake,and these anomalies were distributed along the fault zone.Second,from the observation scale of the plate,we find that when an earthquake occurred on the Tibetan Plateau,a large number of gravity anomalies also occurred at the boundary of the Tibetan Plateau and the Indian Plate.Moreover,the aforementioned experiments confirm that the proposed method can successfully capture the preseismic gravity anomalies of large earthquakes with a magnitude of less than 8,which suggests a new idea for the application of gravity satellite data to earthquake research.

Structural features in the mid-southern section of the Kyushu–Palau Ridge based on satellite altimetry gravity anomaly

The Kyushu–Palau Ridge(KPR),an anti-S-shaped submarine highland at the center of the Philippine Sea Plate(PSP),is considered the residual arc of the Izu–Bonin–Mariana Island Arc,which retains key information about the cessation of the Western Philippine Basin(WPB)expansion and the Parece Vela Basin(PVB)breakup.Herein,using the new generation of satellite altimetry gravity data,high-precision seafloor topography data,and newly acquired ship-borne gravity data,the topographic and gravity characteristics of the KPR mid-southern section and adjacent region are depicted.The distribution characteristics of the faults were delineated using the normalized vertical derivative–total horizontal derivative method(NVDR-THDR)and the minimum curvature potential field separation method.The Moho depth and crustal thickness were inverted using the rapid inversion method for a double-interface model with depth constraints.Based on these results,the crust structure features in the KPR mid-southern section,and the“triangular”structure geological significance where the KPR and Central Basin Rift(CBR)of the WPB intersect are interpreted.The KPR crustal thickness is approximately 6–16 km,with a distinct discontinuity that is slightly thicker than the normal oceanic crust.The KPR mid-southern section crust structure was divided into four segments(S1–S4)from north to south,formed by the CBR eastward extension joint action and clockwise rotation of the PVB expansion axis and the Mindanao fault zone blocking effect.

Fast 3D joint inversion of gravity and magnetic data based on cross gradient constraint

The gravity and magnetic data can be adopted to interpret the internal structure of the Earth.To improve the calculation efficiency during the inversion process and the accuracy and reliability of the reconstructed physical property models,the triple strategy is adopted in this paper to develop a fast cross-gradient joint inversion for gravity and magnetic data.The cross-gradient constraint contains solving the gradients of the physical property models and performing the cross-product calculation of their gradients.The sparse matrices are first obtained by calculating the gradients of the physical property models derived from the first-order finite difference.Then,the triple method is applied to optimize the storages and the calculations related to the gradients of the physical property models.Therefore,the storage compression amount of the calculations related to the gradients of the physical property models and the cross-gradient constraint are reduced to one-fold of the number of grid cells at least,and the compression ratio increases with the increase of the number of grid cells.The test results from the synthetic data and field data prove that the structural coupling is achieved by using the fast cross-gradient joint inversion method to effectively reduce the multiplicity of solutions and improve the computing efficiency.

Joint inversion of gravity and vertical gradient data based on modified structural similarity index for the structural and petrophysical consistency constraint

Joint inversion is one of the most effective methods for reducing non-uniqueness for geophysical inversion.The current joint inversion methods can be divided into the structural consistency constraint and petrophysical consistency constraint methods,which are mutually independent.Currently,there is a need for joint inversion methods that can comprehensively consider the structural consistency constraints and petrophysical consistency constraints.This paper develops the structural similarity index(SSIM)as a new structural and petrophysical consistency constraint for the joint inversion of gravity and vertical gradient data.The SSIM constraint is in the form of a fraction,which may have analytical singularities.Therefore,converting the fractional form to the subtractive form can solve the problem of analytic singularity and finally form a modified structural consistency index of the joint inversion,which enhances the stability of the SSIM constraint applied to the joint inversion.Compared to the reconstructed results from the cross-gradient inversion,the proposed method presents good performance and stability.The SSIM algorithm is a new joint inversion method for petrophysical and structural constraints.It can promote the consistency of the recovered models from the distribution and the structure of the physical property values.Then,applications to synthetic data illustrate that the algorithm proposed in this paper can well process the synthetic data and acquire good reconstructed results.

Joint inversion of gravity and magnetic data for a two-layer model

Based on the synchronous joint gravity and magnetic inversion of single interface by Pilkington and the need of revealing Cenozoic and crystalline basement thickness in the new round of oil-gas exploration, we propose a joint gravity and magnetic inversion methodfor two-layer models by concentrating on the relationship between the change of thicknessI and position of the middle layer and anomaly and discuss the effects of the key parameters. Model tests and application to field data show the validity of this method.

Lineament Characterization and Their Tectonic Significance Using Gravity Data and Field Studies in the Al-Jufr Area,Southeastern Jordan Plateau

Lineaments in the southeastern Jordan plateau are mapped using gravity data and field studies in order to understand the tectonic origin of these lineaments, especially in relation to the Dead Sea transform （DST） and the Red Sea opening. Four sets trending E-W, NW-SE, NE-SW, and N-S are identified in gravity data. Field studies generally reveal similar orientations. Field and gravity studies indicate that most of the lineaments are extensional features that correspond to normal faults. Most of these were subsequently reactivated into strike-slip shear fractures. The NW-SE and N-S lineaments represent dilatational fractures. The N-S trending lineaments are the oldest. The E-W lineaments form conjugate shear fractures and are younger than the N-S lineaments. These conjugate shear fractures are also older than other set of conjugate shear fractures oriented NE-SW. The evolution of all these fractures is attributed to the DST and the Red Sea spreading. Kinematic and dynamic analysis of the two, older and younger, pairs of conjugate strike-slip fractures revealed, respectively, broadly NW-SE and N-S oriented transpressional stress with corresponding transtensional stress oriented NE-SW and E-W.

3D density inversion of gravity gradiometry data with a multilevel hybrid parallel algorithm

The density inversion of gravity gradiometry data has attracted considerable attention;however,in large datasets,the multiplicity and low depth resolution as well as efficiency are constrained by time and computer memory requirements.To solve these problems,we improve the reweighting focusing inversion and probability tomography inversion with joint multiple tensors and prior information constraints,and assess the inversion results,computing efficiency,and dataset size.A Message Passing Interface(MPI)-Open Multi-Processing(OpenMP)-Computed Unified Device Architecture(CUDA)multilevel hybrid parallel inversion,named Hybrinv for short,is proposed.Using model and real data from the Vinton Dome,we confirm that Hybrinv can be used to compute the density distribution.For data size of 100×100×20,the hybrid parallel algorithm is fast and based on the run time and scalability we infer that it can be used to process the large-scale data.

3D inversion modeling of joint gravity and magnetic data based on a sinusoidal correlation constraint

Joint inversion based on a correlation constraint utilizes a linear correlation function as a structural constraint.The linear correlation function contains a denominator,which may result in a singularity as the objective function is optimized,leading to an unstable inversion calculation.To improve the robustness of this calculation,this paper proposes a new method in which a sinusoidal correlation function is employed as the structural constraint for joint inversion instead of the conventional linear correlation function.This structural constraint does not contain a denominator,thereby preventing a singularity.Compared with the joint inversion method based on a cross-gradient constraint,the joint inversion method based on a sinusoidal correlation constraint exhibits good performance.An application to actual data demonstrates that this method can process real data.

Water storage changes in North America retrieved from GRACE gravity and GPS data

As global warming continues,the monitoring of changes in terrestrial water storage becomes increasingly important since it plays a critical role in understanding global change and water resource management.In North America as elsewhere in the world,changes in water resources strongly impact agriculture and animal husbandry.From a combination of Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment（GRACE） gravity and Global Positioning System（GPS） data,it is recently found that water storage from August,2002 to March,2011 recovered after the extreme Canadian Prairies drought between 1999 and 2005.In this paper,we use GRACE monthly gravity data of Release 5 to track the water storage change from August,2002 to June,2014.In Canadian Prairies and the Great Lakes areas,the total water storage is found to have increased during the last decade by a rate of 73.8 ± 14.5 Gt/a,which is larger than that found in the previous study due to the longer time span of GRACE observations used and the reduction of the leakage error.We also find a long term decrease of water storage at a rate of-12.0 ± 4.2 Gt/a in Ungava Peninsula,possibly due to permafrost degradation and less snow accumulation during the winter in the region.In addition,the effect of total mass gain in the surveyed area,on present-day sea level,amounts to-0.18 mm/a,and thus should be taken into account in studies of global sea level change.

Gravity distribution characteristics and their relationship with the distribution of earthquakes and tectonic units in the Northe South seismic belt, China

The Northe South Seismic Belt(NSSB) is a Chinese tectonic boundary with a very complex structure, showing a sharp change in several geophysical field characteristics. To study these characteristics and their relationship with the distribution of earthquakes and faults in the study area, we first analyze the spatial gravity anomaly to achieve the Bouguer gravity anomaly(EGM2008 BGA) and the regional gravity survey Bouguer gravity anomaly.Next, we ascertain the Moho depth and crustal thickness of the study area using interface inversion with the control points derived from the seismic and magnetotelluric sounding profiles achieved in recent years. In this paper, we summarize the relief, trend, Moho gradient, and crustal nature, in addition to their relationship with the distribution of earthquakes and faults in the study area. The findings show that earthquakes with magnitudes greater than Ms7.0 are mainly distributed in the Moho Bouguer anomaly variation belt and faults. The results of the study are important for future research on tectonic characteristics, geological and geophysical surveys, and seismicity patterns.

Magnetic and Gravity Investigations of Lisan Peninsula-Dead Sea(Jordan)

The Lisan Peninsula is located within the Dead Sea basin which represents the plate boundary between African and Arabian plates . This basin constitutes a good example of a pull - apart basin because of its large dimensions , its structural simplicity and its active subsidence . The gravity data reveal that the Dead Sea basin can be divided into segments, each of them about 30 km long in N -S direction , where the Lisan Peninsula represents the deepest one (9 km thick Pleistocene sediments ), overlying about 6 km thick Mesozoic sediments . In addition . 20 km of extension was predicted along the Dead Sea basin , which indicates that the Dead Sea basin should be about 3.3 Ma in age . Furthermore . the Precambrian basement under the Lisan area is characterized by high susceptibility contrast that is related to continuous tectonic activity in the region .

Gravity Field Imaging by Continued Fraction Downward Continuation: A Case Study of the Nechako Basin(Canada)

Interpretation of gravity data plays an important role in the study of geologic structure and resource exploration in the deep part of the earth,like the lower crust,the upper mantle(Lüet al.,2013,2019).The gravity anomaly reflects the lateral resolution of the underground mass distribution.

Application of wavelet packet in gravity anomaly processing

Based on the advantages of the wavelet to separate regional field and local anomalies in MATLAB environment,a high-precision regional-residual separation was finally realized. Analytical continuation and trend surface analysis are conventional methods for gravity anomaly separation. But the wavelet packet analysis in analyzing gravity data can make the gravity anomaly to be computed at a higher precision. In this paper,wavelet packet method is used to process gravity anomaly data obtained in Laos,and the separation result is good. Daubechies wavelet series has a higher precision in the wavelet packet.