ES416A: Exploration geophysics [2023-2024-II]

Assignment # 1 (Submit in Hard copy to TA at WL219)

Due date and time: 13/02/2024 (Tuesday, 5PM), Total Marks: 20
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Show all the workings for full marks.

1. What is the radius of the smallest spherical void (e.g., chamber in a cave) that can be
detected by a gravity survey for which the Bouguer gravity values have an accuracy of
0.05 mGal? Assume the voids are formed in limestone (density 2.7 gm/cm3) and that
void centres are never closer to the surface than 100m. In another situation, if the survey
has vertical locations measured to a precision of 0.1 m, then will it be possible to detect
that void? [3+2]

2. Using the normal gravity formula (theoretical gravity value) given as

( )
g th = 978031.85 1 + 0.005278895sin 2  + 0.000023462sin 4  mGal (where, λ is
latitude in degree), derive an expression for gravity change in mGal/km (mGal per
kilometre) for northward displacement. At which latitude this change will be
maximum? [5]

3.
a. If the potential energy is due to a dipole (as shown in the
𝜇
figure beside) is 𝑊(𝑟) = 0 2 𝑚 ⃗⃗ . 𝑟̂ ; where 𝑚
⃗⃗ = dipole
4𝜋𝑟
moment. Using polar coordinate system (r, θ), (r is the
radius, θ the colatitude) and assuming axial dipole for Earth
magnetic field (i.e., imaginary bar magnet along Earth’s
rotation axis), derive an expression for the total field
strength[𝐹(𝑟, 𝜃)]. [5]
b. Differentiate F (r, θ) (which you have derived at 3a
above) with respect to r and calculate the change in F
that will result in an increase of elevation of 1 m at
Kanpur (magnetic latitude ~ 26.5˚). Express your answer
in nTm-1. [The dipole moment m = 7.94×1022 Am2] [5]

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