A least-squares variance analysis method for shape and depth estimation from gravity data

We have developed a simple method to estimate the shape (shape factor) and the depth of a buried structure simultaneously from modified first moving average residual anomalies (second moving average residuals) obtained from gravity data using filters of successively greater window lengths. The method is based on computing the variance of the depths determined from all second moving average residual anomaly profiles using the least-squares method for each shape factor. The minimum variance is used as a criterion for determining the correct shape and depth of the buried structure. When the correct shape factor is used, the variance of the depths is always less than the variances computed using wrong shape factors. The method is applied to synthetic data with and without random errors, complex regional anomalies and interference from neighbouring structures, and tested on a field example from the USA.