MODTOHAFSD — A GUI based JAVA code for gravity analysis of strike limited sedimentary basins by means of growing bodies with exponential density contrast–depth variation: A space domain approach

Based on the principles of modeling and inversion, two interpretation methods are developed in the space domain along with a GUI based JAVA code, MODTOHAFSD, to analyze the gravity anomalies of strike limited sedimentary basins using a prescribed exponential density contrast-depth function. A stack of vertical prisms all having equal widths, but each one possesses its own limited strike length and thickness, describes the structure of a sedimentary basin above the basement complex. The thicknesses of prisms represent the depths to the basement and are the unknown parameters to be estimated from the observed gravity anomalies. Forward modeling is realized in the space domain using a combination of analytical and numerical approaches. The algorithm estimates the initial depths of a sedimentary basin and improves them, iteratively, based on the differences between the observed and modeled gravity anomalies within the specified convergence criteria. The present code, works on Model-View-Controller (MVC) pattern, reads the Bouguer gravity anomalies, constructs/modifies regional gravity background in an interactive approach, estimates residual gravity anomalies and performs automatic modeling or inversion based on user specification for basement topography. Besides generating output in both ASCII and graphical forms, the code displays (i) the changes in the depth structure, (ii) nature of fit between the observed and modeled gravity anomalies, (iii) changes in misfit, and (iv) variation of density contrast with iteration in animated forms. The code is used to analyze both synthetic and real field gravity anomalies. The proposed technique yielded information that is consistent with the assumed parameters in case of synthetic structure and with available drilling depths in case of field example. The advantage of the code is that it can be used to analyze the gravity anomalies of sedimentary basins even when the profile along which the interpretation is intended fails to bisect the strike length.