A Methodology for Filtering and Inversion of Gravity Data: An Example of Application to the Determination of the Moho Undulation in Morocco

Abstract

In this paper, we perform a comprehensive explanation of the geophysical inversion of gravity data, as well as, how it can be used to determine the Moho undulation and the crustal structure. This inversion problem and the necessary assumptions to solve it will be described in this paper joint to the methodology used to in- vert gravity data (gravity anomalies). In addition, the application of this method to the determination of the Moho undulation will be performed computing the Moho undulation in the Moroccan area, as an example. Before the inversion, it is necessary the removing of the gravity effects for shallow and very deep structures, to obtain the deep gravity anomaly field that is associated to the deep structure and Moho undulation. These effects will be removed by a filtering process of the gravity anomaly field and by subtraction of the gravity anomalies corresponding to the very deep structure. The results presented in this paper will show that the inversion of gravity data is a powerful tool, to research the structure of the crust and the upper mantle. By means of this inversion process, the principal structural features beneath of Morocco area will be revealed.