Magnetics: Anomalies

Anomaly Analysis of Simple Magnetic Bodies

Part 1.
In lecture, we discussed how total field magnetic anomaly profiles can have complex forms which
depend on: latitude of observation; geometry of the subsurface source of the anomalous magnetic field;
and orientation of the profile. The mid-latitude location of Albuquerque yields magnetic anomaly
profiles which are skewed. It is important that you understand the basic origin of these general
features for the geometry of magnetic anomalies.

a. First, you will need to find the magnetic field properties in Albuquerque. Go so the web site
(http://www.ngdc.noaa.gov/geomag-web/?model=igrf#igrfwmm) where NOAA logs the magnetic
field properties over time. You can enter a lat/long, zip code, or city on the site, and look up the
magnetic field properties at that location. Use UNM's zip code (87131). The elevation is
approximately 5300 ft. Look up todays magnetic field information (be sure to note the units!),
record it below and use it for the next part.

Declination __8.8055 degrees__ Inclination _62.1634 degrees__

Total Field Intensity ___49,491.1 nT___________

b. For the purposes of this exercise, we assume that the profile is parallel to the declination.
Sketch arrows indicating the orientation of the ambient geomagnetic field vector inclination above
the cross section of a buried, round body with anomalously strong induced magnetization that is
illustrated in the figure on the next page.

c. Use the figure of a dipolar magnetic field to represent the anomalous field of the subsurface
body. Orient the magnetic dipole parallel to the regional magnetic field direction (Note: this
assumes F for the body is induced, not remnant). Sketch the field you would observe at ground
level above the body due only to the anomalous field. Use arrows of the appropriate length and
orientation to do this.

d. Sketch the profile of total field magnetic anomaly (resulting from the interaction of the
anomalous field with the regional magnetic field in Albuquerque. Remember that where an
anomalous field has a component parallel to the regional field, the resulting total field magnetic
anomaly will be positive; where the anomalous field has a component antiparallel to the regional
field, the resulting total field magnetic anomaly will be negative. Make sure your total field
anomaly has appropriate relative amplitudes for peaks and troughs. (2pts)

e. Stop and Think (no need to write anything): Is the magnetic high directly above the magnetic
body?

f. If we were looking at a map of magnetic anomalies in the Albuquerque area and saw a strong,
isolated magnetic high on the map, in which compass direction would you expect the actual
magnetic body to be located? In which direction would you expect the magnetic low(s)
associated with the body edges to be, relative to the high? (2pts)
The actual magnetic body would be located to the northeast of the high. The magnetic low
will be located to the northeast of the high, near the edge of the buried sphere.
g. In the examples weve done so far, we have been sketching magnetic anomalies for bodies with
a strong induced magnetism (Fi). In the next profile, orient the dipolar magnetic field such that it
represents a strong remanent magnetism (Fr) rather than a strong Fi . Assume the remanent
magnetism is perfectly antiparallel to the present field, in other words, that the magnetic body has
not been folded, tilted, or in any other way deformed after it acquired the remnant magnetism.
Draw in the ground-level field due to the magnetic body and then sketch the profile of total field
magnetic anomaly (resulting from the interaction of the anomalous field with the regional
magnetic field in Albuquerque. (2 pts)

h. Take a look at how the total field anomaly from part g compares with the anomaly in part d. It
is tempting, when looking at a magnetic anomaly map, to associate magnetic highs with rocks that
have induced magnetization and lows with the edges of those bodies. In many cases, this may be a
good assumption to use. Consider the case where you know your field area contained basalts with a
strong remnant magnetization in the reversed direction. How would this alter your map
interpretation strategy? (2pts)
In the case of buried bodies with strong remnant magnetism, the magnetic high would be
located at the edge of the body, to the northeast. We would also look for lows, which would be
located south of the body.
Part 2.
Compare the magnetic anomaly curves that result from various blocks below (magnetized by magnetic
induction). Describe why the curves differ. What do you think the magnetic inclination of the Earth's
magnetic field is at this location? (2 pts)

The curves differ because of the depth to burial in the top figures. The deeper cubes induced
field will be lower in magnitude and the field lines will be more spread out, causing a broader
anomaly curve. In the bottom figures, the orientation of the bodies creates the different
curves. The inclination in these figures is ~75 degrees.