Application of linear inverse theory to borehole gravity data

Conference · Sun Sep 01 00:00:00 EDT 1991

OSTI ID:6143100

Burkhard, N R

Traditional borehole gravity interpretations are based upon an earth model which assumes horizontal, laterally infinite, uniformly thick, and constant density layers. I apply discrete stabilized linear inverse theory to determine the density distribution directly from borehole gravity observations that have been corrected for drift, tide, and terrain. The stabilization is the result of including a priori data about the free-air gradient and the density structure in the inversion process. The discrete generalized linear inverse approach enables one to solve for a density distribution using all of the borehole gravity data. Moreover, the data need not be free-air corrected. An important feature of the approach is that density estimates are not required to be density averages between adjacent borehole gravity observations as in the traditional method. This approach further permits the explicit incorporation of independent density information from gamma-gamma logging tools or laboratory core measurements. Finally, explicit linear constraints upon the density and/or free-air gradient can also be handled. The non-uniqueness of the density structure determined by the inversion process is represented in a resolution matrix. 12 refs., 11 figs.

• Research Organization: Lawrence Livermore National Lab., CA (United States)
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE; USDOE, Washington, DC (United States)
• DOE Contract Number: W-7405-ENG-48
• OSTI ID: 6143100
• Report Number(s): UCRL-JC-106782; CONF-9109114-5; ON: DE92002172
• Resource Relation: Conference: 6. symposium on containment of underground nuclear explosions, Reno, NV (United States), 24-26 Sep 1991
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

45 MILITARY TECHNOLOGY, WEAPONRY, AND NATIONAL DEFENSE
58 GEOSCIENCES
DENSITY
CALCULATION METHODS
EARTH CRUST
BOREHOLES
DRILL CORES
GAMMA LOGGING
GRAVITATION
CAVITIES
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
RADIOACTIVITY LOGGING
WELL LOGGING
450201* - Military Technology
Weaponry
& National Defense- Nuclear Explosions & Explosives- Containment
580000 - Geosciences