Interference potential

In potential theory , the influence of an irregularity to be determined ( disruptive body ) on a physical force field is referred to as interference potential . ${\ displaystyle \ mathbf {T}}$

Most important is the calculation of interference potentials in the terrestrial magnetic field and in the earth's gravity field . In the latter case, the following applies to a measuring point :

{\ displaystyle \ mathbf {T} (\ mathbf {p}) = \ mathbf {W} (\ mathbf {p}) - \ mathbf {U} (\ mathbf {p})}

With

{\ displaystyle \ mathbf {T}}

: Symbol for the interference potential in geodetic and geophysical specialist literature

${\ displaystyle \ mathbf {W}}$ (or also ): Total potential or potential energy of the force field at the measuring point, in principle all the masses in the considered 3D space contribute to this. ${\ displaystyle \ mathbf {V}}$

{\ displaystyle \ mathbf {U}}

: Normal potential (see below)

{\ displaystyle \ mathbf {p}}

: Position vector with which all three potentials usually change.

In general, the potential itself can not be used to locate and later analyze the disruptive body , but only its measurable functionals , e.g. B. Gradients or solder disturbances .

Starting from a regular distribution of the charges or the masses in the vicinity of the measuring points can a normal field (corresponding defined) and the measurement (corresponding to are compared). The difference (corresponding ) is called the magnetic or gravity anomaly . It can be approximated to the determined deviations through model calculations, in that the disruptive body is quantitatively determined in the trial-and-error process through targeted changes in the assumed potential sources, which is also called inversion of the disruptive potential. ${\ displaystyle \ mathbf {U}}$ ${\ displaystyle \ mathbf {W}}$ ${\ displaystyle \ mathbf {T}}$

Such model variations are in the gravitational field z. B.

the rock density in a sedimentary basin
the mass distribution in the course of a geological fault ,
the parameters of the magnetization in a serpentine - deposit .

However, the inversion of a potential is usually not clear ( inversion problem in potential theory ) and requires additional data (e.g. about rocks) or additional measurement methods.

Interference potential

See also