A grid implementation of the SLUTH algorithm for visualizing the depth and structural index of magnetic sources

Abstract

The SLUTH method requires first-order derivatives at two or more different heights above the ground and can estimate the location and depth of source bodies from magnetic data. Results of this method are independent of a specific model type and can be used to estimate the most appropriate model (structural index). This paper presents a grid implementation of the SLUTH method to visualize both depth and structural index from magnetic anomaly data. The implementation uses the Geosoft GX programming language. The method has been tested using theoretical magnetic gridded data and of two methods have been used for estimating depth; the estimate from the width of the imaged feature gives an underestimate and the estimate from the rate of fall off of the field with height gives an overestimate. The practical utility of the algorithm is demonstrated using field data from the Saskatoon area of Canada.