Multi-Elevations Upward Continuation Method to Depth Detection of the Main Crustal Layers in Western Desert of Iraq

Abstract

The upward continuation technique was applied to the gravity and RTP magnetic data to obtain the residual anomalies maps in the western part of Iraq. Twelve upward elevation residual gravity maps and another twelve upward elevation residual RTP magnetic were determined using the same twelve upward continuation elevations. The applied upward elevations range from 1000 to 55000 m. The total range of the residual anomalies maps (Color Bar range) of gravity and RTP magnetic were plotted against the upward elevations. Five segments and four intersection points were obtained for the gravity and magnetic data. The trace of these intersection points on the upward elevation axis approximately indicate the following values 4.4-5, 12.8-13.5, 27-24, and 39-39.6 km. These values may indicate the depth of the following layer boundaries, the Burj Formation ( Mid-Cambrian), basement, mid layer in the basement rocks, and the Moho depth. The authors believe it is possible to apply the upward continuation to find the main layers which show abrupt change in the physical properties