New discrimination techniques for Euler deconvolution

Abstract Euler deconvolution has come into wide use as an aid to interpreting profile or gridded magnetic survey data. It provides automatic estimates of source location and depth. In doing this, it uses a structural index (SI) to characterise families of source types. Euler deconvolution can be usefully applied to gravity data. For simple bodies, the gravity SI is one less than the magnetic SI. For more complex bodies (including the contact case), the Euler method is at best an approximation. Extended Euler provides better-constrained solutions for both gravity and magnetic bodies. Seven alternative formulations on the extended Euler equations are presented. A parametric model study for extended Euler reveals the ability to calculate depths, SI, strike and error estimates. The computed SI values from model studies are compared to equivalent examples from field data across known geological structures. New discrimination techniques for isolating geological bodies of interest are proposed and applied. The computed SI is used to discriminate magnetic signatures arising from known kimberlites. In another study, the discrimination is used to classify major fault contacts. The advent of new formulations of Euler equations offers scope to further refine discrimination strategies.