Airborne gravity gradiometry - Data processing and interpretation

Abstract

This paper discusses some processing techniques (all codes were implemented with open source software) developed for airborne gravity gradient systems, aiming at outlining geological features by applying mathematical formulations based on the potential field properties and its breakdown into gradiometric tensors. These techniques were applied to both synthetic and real data. These techniques applied to synthetic data allow working in a controlled environment, understanding the different processing results and establishing a comparative parameter. These methodologies were applied to a survey area of the Quadrilátero Ferŕi{dotless}fero to map iron ore targets, resulting in a set of very helpful and important information for geological mapping activities and a priori information for inversion geophysical models. © 2013 Sociedade Brasileira de Geofísica.