Application of singularity index mapping technique to gravity/magnetic data analysis in southeastern Yunnan mineral district, China

The fractal/multifractal based singularity index mapping technique efficient in characterizing singular physical or chemical properties is applied for the analysis of gravity and aeromagnetic data in southeastern Yunnan mineral district, China. As follow-up after the introduction of singularity theory to geochemical and geological mapping scenarios, this study extends its application to delineate geophysical potential fields. Based on low gravity and low magnetic properties of granitic intrusions in the study area, singularity mapping technique is used as a high-pass filter to emphasize the geophysical anomalies caused by granitic intrusions in support of future mineral exploration. Comparing with the traditionally used band-pass filtering method, it is shown that the new technique provides an improved and simplified approach in geophysical data analysis with the advantage of scale independence.

► Application of the singularity theory to geophysical fields is introduced.
► A fractal/multifractal-based geophysical exploration model is constructed.
► A new filter with the advantage of scale independence is suggested.