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Magnetic Interpretation Methods

Interactive demonstrations for Geomagnetic Geophysics

1. Simple Depth Rules (Half-Width)

Anomaly width contains depth information, but the coefficient depends on source geometry and magnetization.

First-pass estimate only

Concept

  • Sharp anomaly = Shallow source.
  • Broad anomaly = Deep source.
Shallow Deep

Current Depth: 5.0 m

2. Peters' Half-Slope Method

A graphical method specifically for dykes using the anomaly slope.

Depth ≈ d / 1.6

Steps to Calculate:

  1. Draw a tangent at the point of maximum slope (inflection point).
  2. Construct a line with exactly half the slope of the tangent.
  3. Find where this "half-slope" line is tangent to the anomaly curve at two points (one high, one low).
  4. Measure the horizontal distance 'd' between these two points.
  5. Apply the formula: Z = d / 1.6

The factor 1.6 is empirical and best suited to thin, steeply dipping, strike-extended sources; treat the result as approximate depth to the top.

3. Reduction to the Pole (RTP)

Correcting the latitude effect to center anomalies over their sources.

Filter: Lat → 90° (Pole)

Problem & Solution

Problem: At mid-latitudes, induction causes dipoles. The peak is shifted away from the actual source.

Solution (RTP): A mathematical filter simulates measuring the data at the magnetic pole.

Ideal induced-only result: anomalies become more symmetric and centered.

RTP can be unstable at low magnetic inclination and can misplace sources when remanent magnetization is important.

Raw (Asymmetric) RTP (Symmetric)

Status: Raw Data

Source